As I write this, another snowstorm is bearing down on our fair city. As usual, our dedicated city departments will be hard at it, clearing the snow on our 166 miles of roads so you can go about your day with the least amount of disruption. Yes, I said that right, 166 MILES of roads in Marshalltown.

16 hour days and nights are not uncommon. It takes teamwork between departments plus dedication per snowfall to make it all work. I contacted Heather Thomas, our City Engineer, for some details.

This is from Heather.

Public Works has a variety of larger equipment that we use to plow snow from motor graders, pick-up plows, end loaders with blowers, track skid loaders, and the most common being our dump truck with front and wing blades. Our 12 dump trucks with blades are what most see out in the residential and snow route areas; they weigh about 11.4 Tons when not loaded with rock salt (sodium chloride). Loading them with the deicing rock salt adds about another 7 Tons bringing them to approximately 18.4 Tons.

Snow & Ice Control is really a team effort that includes both the public and city staff. Property owners are responsible for snow removal from sidewalks to aid in pedestrian travel while the city focus’ efforts on vehicular travel. We know that every time the city plows routes to improve vehicular traffic, a ridge is left at sidewalks and driveways, potentially adding the need for an additional pass from the property owner. As far as city staff go, the Public Works Street Division with the Public Works Sewer Division take the lead and heaviest snow effort lift on streets and municipal parking lots; the Parks Department takes the lead on park properties, sidewalks along city owned property, and trails; Public Works Water Pollution Control Division takes the lead at the WPC, Compost, Sewer, and Parks Complex as well as lift stations; and Public Works staff in Electrical, Facility, and Engineering Divisions are also out helping with removing snow from city properties and sidewalks along bridges. It is also pretty common that staff within the Police Department, Fire Department, the Library, and Public Works Transit Division to grab a shovel to aid in the handwork needed to clear their individual locations.

Now, imagine having to make the call of when to start operations and what type of clearing on shifting weather forecasts and possibly another snow in just a few days. Heather and Street Superintendent Rick Legg do an excellent job.

A few things that you can do to help. Give them some room, it’s not easy maneuvering an 18 ton truck around! Also, if you possibly can, get your vehicle off the street to allow for faster, cleaner snow removal on your street.

If you get the chance, give them a “thumbs up” if you see them, they have sure earned it!

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Mike Ladehoff is the mayor of Marshalltown.