Posted by Bob on January 13, 2011 under Daily Blogs | 
4 Comments to Read
Naugatuck Schools will again be closed on Friday, January 13, 2011. Significant accumulations of snow still exist in many neighborhoods that will present safety hazards for buses, walkers and at bus stops. The long weekend will provide extra time to address numerous existing problem areas. While forecasts say otherwise, some warmer weather would not hurt either.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
We continue to receive phone calls and emails regarding various areas of the Borough which require additional plowing. Unfortunately we will not be able to respond to non-emergency situations from this time (approximately 5:00 PM) until Friday (1/14/2011) morning. Almost all of our Public Works employees have been responding to Storm Benedict for a good portion of the past thirty six (36) hours. In the interests of their individual safety and that of the Borough at large, we will provide our employees a well-earned time of rest before resuming activities in the morning (1/14/2011).
We have added to our capacity by engaging private contractors to address the removal of significant accumulations of snow in high-traffic areas of our Downtown. It is planned that a good portion of the commercial district along Maple Street should be cleared by the morning (1/14/2011).
Please continue to send any areas requiring attention to me by email ( bob@bobmezzo.com ); or call the Department of Public Works directly ( 203-720-7072) in the morning (1/14/2011). Please be understanding that we generally prioritize requests to respond to particular concerns in the following, respective order: (i) immediate emergencies; (ii) potential safety issues; (iii) plowing concerns; and (iv) any other matters that we have the responsibility, capacity and/or resources to address.
As always, anyone experiencing an emergency situation should call 911.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Despite the cancellation of Naugatuck Schools today (1/13/2011), tonight’s regular meeting of the Board of Education will take place as scheduled at Maple Hill Elementary School, 1350 Maple Hill Road, Naugatuck, CT 06770. The public portion of the meeting begins at 7:00 PM. The agenda can be viewed here.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Storm Benedict has indefinitely delayed our Public Works Department’s plans to collect Christmas trees. Given the fact that most trees, like mine, are currently buried and many not visible, we will need to wait until there is significant melting before trees are collected. Originally, Christmas tree collection was to begin this past Monday, January 10, 2011. Unfortunately the amount of snow will make it impossible to collect every tree, and sending crews to collect only those trees that are easily accessible is an inefficient allocation of resources. Once snow accumulations begins to recede, we will provide adequate notice of the new collection schedule. Anyone wishing to dispose of their tree prior to curbside collection may bring the tree to the Recycling Center located at 246 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT 06770; on Thursday’s and Saturday’s from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 203-720-7071, for more information.
Posted by Bob on January 12, 2011 under Daily Blogs | 5 Comments to Read
Schools will be closed throughout the Naugatuck School District on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Snow banks are extremely high in almost every neighborhood in the Borough, and would make bus and pedestrian difficult, dangerous and, in some cases, impossible.
While we will undoubtedly face some logistical issues given the size of snow accumulation, trash and recycling collection will resume tomorrow, Thursday, January 13, 2011. Delaying collection another day would make it virtually impossible to collect from the whole Borough this week. The new schedule as previously announced remains as follows:
Clearing roads continues to be a problem throughout the Borough. Numerous roads currently allow for only one car to pass at a time. The Borough has approximately twelve (12) small plow trucks and three (3) large plow trucks. Most of the private contractors have small trucks as well. Unfortunately the smaller plow trucks have become virtually ineffective given the size of the snow banks throughout Naugatuck. We have engaged a couple private contractors with larger plows to assist and are continuing our attempts to contact additional vendors. The state of emergency declaration has given us to the flexibility to seek additional assistance outside the normal bidding process. This has been done in consultation with our Comptroller.
I would like to personally thank each and every member of our Public Works Department for all their hard work and dedication throughout this storm. As stated before, there is no perfect science to respond to this much snow. The tireless effort of our employees, however, has made this storm much less of a danger than it could be. Their efforts continue in the field as I type. There are currently no major injuries to report at this time (7:15 PM).
The proactive response to Storm Benedict by Governor Malloy and state officials continues to be exceptional. We will continue to work with state and/or federal authorities in the coming days to investigate if their are any options available for assistance and/or reimbursement in the aftermath of the storm.
Given that many streets have limited passage at best, we are continuing to ask residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Please feel free to email me directly ( bob@bobmezzo.com ) with any specific concerns or problem areas; or contact the Public Works garage at 203-720-7072.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | 3 Comments to Read
Public Works crews continue to respond to Storm Benedict and its aftermath. We are aware that certain neighborhoods are still in need of plowing, and are attempting to respond as quickly as possible. Please feel free to email any information regarding streets in need of plowing to bob@bobmezzo.com.
We recently declared a local state of emergency in Naugatuck. Despite significant snowfall approaching twenty four (24″) inches, there is no current threat to public safety. The declaration of emergency was made as a result of the difficult challenge to clear public roads and move large amounts of snow to provide safe vehicular and pedestrian passage in high traffic areas now and in the days to follow. Such a declaration was made in consultation with Naugatuck’s Emergency Management personnel and will allow the Borough to (i) investigate state assistance which may be available; and (ii) engage contractors to assist in our efforts. A partial activation of Naugatuck Emergency Operations Center (“EOC”) is triggered by the declaration. While we had an unscheduled emergency management meeting earlier this afternoon, further EOC activities will likely be made remotely by applicable personnel.
The parking ban will remain in effect through Thursday, January 13, 2011. We again urge all residents to avoid travel if at all possible. This not only keeps residents safe, but allows our Public Works and Public Safety personnel to better respond to the storm.
We are also aware of many private driveways that have been impacted by heavy snow blocks as a result of plowing. There is very little that can be done to completely avoid this occurrence. Our plow drivers are instructed to minimize the effects of plowing near driveways, but the only alternative to completely avoid packing snow along driveways is to avoid plowing all together. We greatly appreciate all those good Naugatuck citizens who have been and will continue to assist their neighbors having difficulty clearing their respective driveways. If there are any volunteers who have the ability to assist residents in this endeavor, please contact town hall (203-720-7009) or email me directly ( bob@bobmezzo.com ).
While it appears the snow has stopped, significant work remains in the aftermath of the storm. We greatly appreciate the collective cooperation and patience of all our residents and business owners. A few of us will remain at town hall for a short time this afternoon. Please feel free to call our office directly at 203-720-7009, or email me later this afternoon or this evening at bob@bobmezzo.com. Emergency calls should continue to be directed to 911 as usual.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Our office, in conjunction with local Emergency Management officials, has declared a state of emergency as a result of significant snowfall and the challenges associated with clearing roads and preserving public safety. This declaration will allow Naugatuck to expand its options in response to Storm Benedict. Further information will be provided.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | Read the First Comment
Snowfall has been significant in Naugatuck with accumulation at approximately eighteen (18″) inches as of 10:45 AM. Our Public Works crews have been attempting to clear roads to the best of our abilities, but there are certain safety concerns, space limitations and equipment malfunctions that have created obstacles. Current equipment problems are effecting the following areas:
Road conditions remain extremely dangerous. Please avoid travel if at all possible. We will continue to provide updates throughout the day. Town Hall is officially closed, but we have certain staff members available in the building. Please call the mayor’s office directly at 203-720-7009, for routine calls. As always, please call 911 if experiencing an emergency.
Posted by Bob on January 11, 2011 under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
Winter Storm Benedict has entered Connecticut bringing heavy snowfall which is expected to accumulate in significant amounts statewide. Being prepared can help minimize the impact of such storms and protect public safety. The Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross has issued safety tips on their website ( www.ctredcross.org ) that can be viewed here.
Posted by Bob on under Daily Blogs | Be the First to Comment
We have just received notice that Naugatuck Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 12, 2011, in preparation for the predicated snow storm.
Loading ...