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Public works details intensive storm response; warns of overtime and material costs
Summary
Public works staff mobilized 106 employees and roughly 90 pieces of heavy equipment during the recent storm, used about 1,150 tons of material, and moved approximately 20,000 cubic yards of snow; the department cautioned the council that overtime and material expenses could strain the budget.
Antonio, a public works official, delivered a detailed account of the city's response to the recent multi-inch storm, describing equipment, personnel, material use and follow-up enforcement actions.
He said the city used about 1,150 tons of material (roughly 175 truckloads), deployed approximately 90 pieces of heavy equipment and mobilized some 106 employees, including highway, parks, forestry, public buildings, vehicle maintenance and utilities staff. "It's about a 106 employees, and we take every piece of equipment we have that runs, and we put it out there to fight the storm," Antonio said, summarizing the all-hands response.
Antonio described multiple equipment failures during the event, including four large plow trucks out of service and freezing diesel pumps that required outside assistance to resume fueling operations. He said crews focused on opening schools and maintaining emergency access, and that, to date, crews had moved about 20,000 cubic yards of snow from intersections, sight lines and sidewalks. He also listed enforcement steps taken for sidewalk noncompliance: roughly 120 verbal warnings, 86 written warnings and 38 citations to date for sidewalk violations.
On supplies, Antonio said Danbury is well stocked at present and noted the city built what he called the "largest snow barn in the entire East Coast," but he cautioned supplies are being used and that overtime and material costs are still being tallied; he told council staff expected to have a clearer accounting by Monday and that he may return to ask the council for budget help.
Dr. Carvalho also told the council the city extended its cold-weather response through Feb. 10 and listed warming centers (41 New Street and 90 Elm Street), daytime warming at the war memorial and the library, and an overflow shelter at night; she provided a contact number for assistance (203-797-4625).
Chief Thode and council members commended fire and volunteer crews for clearing hydrants and urged residents to help keep hydrants accessible.
