Winter is Here

Press release from the Town of Essex:

ESSEX, CT — Posted on: December 15, 2020 - 10:42am

Winter is Here
To all Town of Essex Residents,

It is the primary goal of the Public Works Department to make the town roads passable during
storm events, minimize the hazards caused by slippery road conditions, and help restore safe
traveling conditions throughout the town as soon as possible after each winter storm. This
often involves drivers working long hours in hazardous driving conditions to ensure our safety
on the roadways. We ask for your cooperation and patience during these times in order to have
a safe season for all.

Residents should keep in mind that snowplows are designed to remove snow from the roadway
to the edge of the road. It is likely that the plow will leave behind a windrow of snow in front of
driveways. Residents are responsible for removing this snow.

The Town is now using rock salt with an organic based performance enhancer (OBPE) in the
form of sugar cane molasses. This pre-mixed liquid treatment melts snow and ice faster than
untreated salt, works in temperatures as low as 0°F and is a natural corrosion inhibitor.

PRIVATE PLOWING - Depositing of any snow from private driveways into the public streets
is prohibited. This practice is dangerous and impedes the Town’s snow removal process. This
includes piles pushed across the street and the windrows that are created in the street.
Homeowners are responsible for the actions of their contractors.

MAILBOX DAMAGE– During the winter season it is inevitable that some mailboxes will fall
victim to winter’s forces. Residents are advised of the importance of proper placement and
anchoring of mailboxes and support posts to prevent damage from snow removal operations.
Mailboxes should be securely fastened to a sturdy post, which is sufficiently anchored in the
ground to resist the impact of plowed snow. If a mailbox or post is pushed over or damaged as a result of snow or slush coming off a snowplow it is considered a winter hazard. The Town will not replace the mailbox or post.

If it is determined a mailbox is struck by a Town snow plow, not the snow coming off the plow,
the Town will reimburse the owner for a basic support post and a basic mailbox up to seventy-five dollars ($75.00). Payment will not include costs other than materials and will not cover the
cost of decorative wood or metal posts or decorative mailboxes. The Town will do its best to assist residents with the replacement of mailboxes deemed to have been struck by a Town snow plow as time and circumstances allow.

The First Selectman or his designated representative is authorized to use reasonable discretion
in resolving disputes involving unusual circumstances. Residents are responsible for keeping their mailboxes clear for mail to be delivered.

TRASH CANS and recycling bins should never be placed in the road. If a plow truck hits them
because they are in the road, the Town will not be held responsible for replacing them.

ANY AND ALL PLANTINGS within the Town’s right of way are not the Town’s responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of removal of snow from roads.

ANY AND ALL fences, walls, etc. within the Town’s right of way are not the Town’s
responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of removal of snow
from roads.

INVISIBLE DOG FENCE LINES within the Town’s right of way are not the Town’s
responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of removal of snow
from roads.

ANY SORT OF SPRINKLER HEADS, ETC. within the Town’s right of way are not the Town’s
responsibility if they are damaged during snow plowing or any other kind of removal of snow
from roads.

The Town will not be held responsible for any damage that is in the Town owned portion of
your property.

Questions and concerns during snow and ice storms should be directed to the Department of
Public Works at 860-767-0715. After hours calls may be directed to voicemail and will be
checked periodically. All emergency calls should be made to Emergency Services at 911.

Sincerely, Essex Public Works Departmen

winter_notice_2020.pdf109.37 KB

This press release was produced by the Town of Essex.The views expressed here are the author’s own.