City needs to look at new ways to combat winter storms

To the Editor:

The recent two snowstorms have been a true picture of how inconsiderate most of the Brazil residents have become and how the city with its minimal snow plow service has failed.

My wife and I are both 70, so I consider age no excuse for taking clean up action. Not only have we removed the snow from our sidewalk, but the parking spaces in front of the residence. I watch people walking in the street, endangering themselves and causing a hazardous situation for drivers. Watching the post office employees negotiate the icy/snow covered steps and walkways is a disservice to them and yet, the residents expect mail delivery.

I come from a city where an ordinance was passed that snow removal is required by 10 a.m. of a snow day. If the resident fails to complete the removal task, the city completes the clean up and a bill is forwarded for the work. A second offense results in a hefty fine. Depending on the date of the snowfall, an even/odd number parking on streets takes affect to allow plows to effectively remove snow from roadways and parking spaces.

Why can't Brazil take a positive approach to this situation? In Brazil, these same residents most probably don't have sufficient on any liability insurance should someone injure themselves on slick/snow covered sidewalks/steps?

Additionally, the city administration/council could spend more time focusing on the safety of residents and effectively executing emergency plans in the city of Brazil. During this winter period, we have experienced not only the snow issue, but the emergency water situations.

What is the plan for replacing/repairing the city water tower and/or the water pipes/valves to support an efficient grid? I watch in amazement at the band aid approach to the hemorrhaging system. It hasn't happened overnight, it has been years in the making and still no action.

Why does it takes thousands of dollars for a study, when we have so-called experts running the water company who should know and be able to plan what to do? A business that knowingly runs at a loss and doesn't take action needs some open city government action now.

Perhaps the news could focus on what the one-, two-, three-, five- and 10-year plans have for sustaining a profitable operation? Repair/replacement of the system, improved testing of water sample time, and getting the news out to the city populace.

John Capicik,

Brazil