Snowplowing, rules update, contribute online

Tonight’s blog is a bit of a catch-all. First, today’s Board meeting went rather well, I thought. We talked about snowplowing and the Board Rules: both of which were somewhat contentious items last week.

Snowplowing

I met with Public Works Director Peter Rei and County Administrator Craig Pedro last night so today the Board’s discussion was very productive. While nothing is likely to make everyone happy, the agreement revealed at the Board meeting today goes great strides toward improving the snowplowing situation up the hill. Here’s what we agreed to:

1. The Department is operating with limited resources, but will do their best to provide timely and quality services in District 3.
2. The county’s present priority system for road clearing will remain in effect.
3. Some cars may be parked alongside the road even during snow removal operations. Staff will attempt to call and/or visit residents in “problem areas” whose cars are at risk to be towed and only those cars with a bright pink notice attached to them will be towed. Residents will be encouraged to use common sense and courtesy in parking in the right of way.
4. There have been personnel issues in previous years that have not allowed the Department to provide the level of services residents expect. Those issues have been resolved and management believes things are back on track.
5. The county will investigate mounting GPS units on snowplows so that dispatch can advise residents of plowing progress and monitor drivers’ locations.
6. A snowplowing advisory committee will be formed to both provide constructive input to Public Works and help disseminate info to communities on snowplowing issues. Homeowners associations in District 3 communities will be approached to be represented on the advisory committee, and
7. Public Works staff will treat residents with respect and strive to provide good customer service.
8. Teri will encourage residents to contact the Department of Public Works so that they have a record of all comlaints.

Board Rules

The Board completed another round of discussion on the proposed Board Rules. Supervisors agreed that an ad hoc committee comprised of Supervisors Dick Pland and Teri Murrison would meet with staff to refine the proposed rules and satisfy the intent  and concerns expressed by supervisors (and staff) during the meeting. The ad hoc committee will meet with County Counsel and the County Administrator and bring the revised rules back in early March for consideration by the full Board.

Online donations now possible

Finally, good news for those who have been waiting to contribute to Teri’s campaign until we had online donation capability: it’s here!

Click on Teri’s campaign sign to make a secure donation online.

If you prefer to mail in a donation, please make your check payable to Teri Murrison for Supervisor and mail it to:

For by-mail  donations of $100 or more, please provide your name, address, phone number, occupation, and employer’s name to comply with elections law. Unfortunately, donations are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Thanks for whatever help you can give!