"Totally unacceptable:" Public Works Committee discusses snow removal & potholes

NOW: “Totally unacceptable:“ Public Works Committee discusses snow removal & potholes
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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee Public Works Committee met Wednesday at City Hall to address several issues, including snow and ice removal.

This has been a difficult winter, not just for Milwaukeeans, but also the Department of Public Works. They have been trying to keep up with the brutal weather conditions, in the midst of having staffing problems and equipment issues.

City leaders like Alderman Robert Bauman are frustrated that DPW hasn't finished cleaning up the snow. 

"No other plan than warm weather is totally unacceptable in my mind," Bauman said. 

During the meeting, Alderman Robert Bauman wanted to know why DPW stopped using front end loaders to get rid of the snow. 

"It's a staffing issue and a contracting issue which is a very expensive operation," said Laura Daniels, DPW director of operations. 

Moving forward, DPW said it will look into getting front end loaders out on the roads to address the piles. 

"Part of it is reaching out to the privates. I can't predict exactly what kind of response we are going to get," said Jeff Polenske, commissioner of public workers. 

They also discussed developing a reserve force of retired drivers and supervisors to add resources for future snow removal operations. 

"I think that it has some good possibilities and I think we are going to pursue that," said 

Other items on the agenda include fixing potholes throughout the city, the winter parking extension and lead service lines. The committee also asked DPW to give them pothole updates, if you see a pothole, report it here

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