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Council praises DPW after 20‑inch storm; officials urge residents to clear sidewalks and fire hydrants
Summary
Commissioner Jacob and council members detailed the city’s snow response after a storm of roughly 20 inches, praising DPW crews for round‑the‑clock work, describing water‑main breaks found in neighboring areas, and urging residents to clear sidewalks and hydrants. The council thanked workers and announced constituent meetings and follow‑up actions.
City officials used their regular reports to describe the response to a severe winter storm and to thank public‑works crews for extended efforts to keep roads and services functioning.
EPW Commissioner Jacob told the council the reservoir was 74% full and gave an account of snow‑removal operations after what he characterized as an ‘‘intense storm’’ that dropped around 20 inches. Jacob said crews and deputy commissioners worked night and day — with some staff out sick — and that the city received mutual aid from neighboring public‑works and DOT crews. "We had obviously 20 inches of of, of snow. It was, an intense storm," he said, adding that crews went out overnight to prevent further disruption.
Jacob also described water‑system issues during the cold spell: crews discovered several small leaks and a major frozen water line outside the city in the town of Weweyonda that contributed to measured loss of water; crews addressed the leaks and continued monitoring distribution. He reiterated that residents are legally required to clear sidewalks and asked those able to shovel to expose fire hydrants to aid emergency response.
Council members from multiple wards—Aldermen Ray, Gomez, Green, Massey and others—joined the public gratitude, relaying constituent thanks and commending DPW and emergency services for quick clearing and targeted assistance to elderly residents. The police chief echoed appreciation and noted that the city’s messaging, towing and parking enforcement steps helped keep streets passable.
Operational notes and next steps: Jacob said the general contractor on the O & W project has mobilized fencing and site clearing but that the snow has slowed some work; he provided a projected completion date for that project in the meeting record. Council members announced upcoming ward constituent meetings and asked staff to continue reporting on storm impacts, repairs and scheduling.
Why it matters: The city’s immediate operational response to severe weather affects public safety, access to services and daily life; officials emphasized both the success of response efforts and the need for resident cooperation on sidewalk and hydrant clearing.
Ending: Council members and department heads said they will continue storm recovery operations and share updates at future meetings.
