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Dardenne Prairie struggles with new snow‑removal contract; city to relocate salt storage
Summary
After contracting Scharf Construction for snow removal, officials reported missed subdivisions, long travel times because salt was stored in St. Peters, and plans to locate salt storage locally; staff will meet the contractor to set expectations.
Dardenne Prairie officials told the Board of Aldermen that the city's new contract with Scharf Construction for snow removal produced mixed results during the first two events and that the city will take steps to improve performance.
City Administrator Kathy said the city left county snow‑removal service, solicited bids and contracted with Scharf Construction. She said Scharf's salt storage is currently in St. Peters, which increased travel time, and that staff plan to locate salt storage in Dardenne Prairie to improve response. Kathy said staff have a Friday meeting scheduled with Scharf to discuss expectations after the company missed service in several subdivisions during early storms.
Board members and residents reported differing experiences: some subdivisions had limited complaints while others were reportedly missed or saw limited salting. Kathy said the city should be the entity dispatching the contractor but that Scharf "took the initiative on Saturday to dispatch themselves" without informing staff; Scharf later faced traffic delays and accidents en route. The board discussed pretreating roads; Kathy confirmed pretreatment is possible.
Kathy praised city staff and volunteers for tracking gaps in service and said Joe logged many hours managing the response. The city will pursue closer oversight of the contract and move salt storage to reduce response times.
Next steps: staff will meet with Scharf to clarify expectations, pursue local salt storage, and report back to the board on corrections and performance targets.
