After major storm Vienna to redirect crews to clear school sidewalks, council says

Public Works Director Brad Baer described an extended snow‑removal operation after a major storm, saying crews worked long shifts to clear primary and secondary roads and have shifted to sidewalks where practical. He said Maple Avenue was about 25% complete and Nutley Street work would begin next.

Council members expressed urgent safety concerns for students walking to schools on uncleared sidewalks. Council member Mancos (Baldwin) and others highlighted specific routes—Park Street near Cunningham Park Elementary, Vienna Elementary and other school walking routes—where children may be forced to walk in the street during a two‑hour school delay.

Town Manager Mercury Payton and Director Baer agreed to redeploy efforts starting tomorrow to prioritize sidewalks that serve school routes, while maintaining some presence on major arterials. Baer said doing so will slow progress on Maple and Nutley but agreed the council’s majority direction would be followed.

Baer described the scale of the operation and equipment used—skid steers, Bobcats and front‑end loaders—and noted work is slow because compacted snow and ice require heavier equipment. He said crews will also coordinate with crossing guards and, where appropriate, police for traffic control in the near term.

Council members urged outreach and volunteer assistance where feasible; staff said they can contact on‑call contractors and that the town has rented additional equipment when available. No new funding vote occurred; staff will adjust operational priorities immediately under manager direction.