Editor's note: The following comes from Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi. It was posted here on the town website Thursday, Feb. 20. It has been edited for style.
Update to Community Re: Winter Season Storms
February 20, 2014
1. We've had 20 major snow and ice storms this winter season (December 2013 through February 2014 YTD) with two times the amount of snowfall (from 30" to over 60" of snow).
2. The town has had to spend $1.2 million thus far to cover our storm-related expenses (for salt, sand, other supplies and needed equipment - spreaders, etc. repairs to trucks, overtime and outside contractors to assist on the smaller roads in town). We have been able to pay in cash without any borrowing or bonding. Other towns in the region have been faced with having to borrow. We have saved funds in our highway accounts for these types of emergencies.
3. All of our employees, especially in the DES/highway division and in my office, do our best to get back to our residents' phone calls and e-mails as quickly as we can to assist them with their particular problem, concern or issue. We have 40,000 people in Cortlandt and 70 miles of roads and 688 town roads, so we thank you for your patience and cooperation as we take care of your issues.
4. I have been speaking directly to our outside contractors to find out what problems they have experienced in snow removal in this very difficult winter season to see how improvements can be made. Most of our issues and e-mails have come from residents living on the secondary and smaller roads that are serviced for the most part by these contractors (14-percent of our roads).
5. Now our crews are faced with addressing the rainstorms and the melting of snow, which will result in flooding in various sections of town. We are doing our best to clean out drains to help with drainage and the flow of the water runoff.
6. We ask for your assistance in helping the town and the fire departments in cleaning around fire hydrants near your home or business and to do the same, if possible, in clearing sidewalks in front of your home or businesses as well. Our crews have been out on the weekends clearing, but your assistance is appreciated.
7. We continue to send the Code Red calls to give you updated and important information related to the storms, including sanitation changes to the pick-up schedule.
8. Also, please do not shovel your driveway snow into the roads.
Once again we thank you for your cooperation as we get through this most difficult winter season in many years.
Linda D. Puglisi
Supervisor
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