Check Out Town Wide Winter Preparations in Andover

Christopher Cronin, Director of Municipal Services in Andover. said preparation for the winter is well underway in town.

“The winter weather can be frightening with snow and ice making walking and driving slippery and dangerous,” Cronin wrote. “Municipal Services works diligently throughout the winter to keep our roads safe for the traveling public and our buildings warm for our students, residents, and employees. We hope everyone has a great winter and please remember to keep safe. Enjoy winter!”

All Municipal Services divisions in Andover do prep for the winter:

• Salt sheds are filled and the calcium chloride tanks, and winter equipment is readied to go.
• The mechanics service the spreaders, which are used to apply the salt to the road, by changing chains, lubricating parts, and perform general maintenance to insure they are in good working order when needed. The plows are gone through to make sure they are in good shape, including changing the cutting edges where needed. And then it’s on to the trucks, loaders, and sidewalk machines where the same careful oversight is given.
• The office staff prepared contracts for the plowing of roads and parking lots as well as snow removal from building roofs.
• The Parks Division cuts and fertilizes parks and playing fields so the grass will be healthy in the spring.
• The Cemetery Division must clear leaves and other items insuring that the grounds they care for are attractive for visiting loved ones.
• The Forestry Division cuts back tree branches that may impact snow and ice operations when the heavy snows come.
• The Water and Sewer Divisions attend to their systems, including turning water off where pipes are in need of winterization.
• The Building Maintenance Division also has additional concerns and responsibilities. Snow melt for building walkways and stairs is purchased, the heating systems get complete maintenance service and roofs and windows get additional attention, all to insure that these older buildings are as safe and efficient as possible.

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