Snow Surprise: More Than Expected Snowfall, But Muskego is Business as Usual

By Wednesday morning, an expected snowfall of 3-5 inches piled up to around 8 inches in a storm that had many scratching their heads. It was the snowfall that seemed to change from the moment it was first forecast and continued to "morph" even as the flakes fell.

WeatherWatch 12 chief meteorologist Mark Baden called it "a humbling storm for all meteorologists in southeast Wisconsin. It was quite a storm; I think the most surprising thing about this storm was the amount of moisture it was able to transport."

Much of Waukesha County fell within a 7-13 inch snowband, but never was under a winter storm warning.

Nevertheless Muskego-Norway schools were in session, and residents took sides debating the wisdom of that.

"The kids are disapointed but roads were really not that bad," said Paul Peardon on Facebook. "A late start may have been the more appropriate call. Nobody wants to make up snow days in June."

However, Kim Bohlman Sprengel disagreed with the decision, calling it "ridiculous. Especially with all the teens that drive to school!! And the teachers that live out of Muskego-Norway School District."

Veolia Plans On Pick Up

Muskego residents who have a scheduled day for garbage pick up on Wednesday can expect regular pickup.

"If we get significant snow and the roads are not plowed, we generally will not go down them," explained Jason Quast, operations manager at Veolia Environmental Services. However, no delays were expected when we called in Wednesday morning.

Trucks are generally out and in service by 7 a.m., Quast said, and they monitor road conditions with driver safety in mind. "If the roads are bad, we will pull drivers off, and if there are any concerns by residents, we urge them to call Veolia and not their city hall."

He said any homes that haven't received pick up should expect it the next day, and that placement of the garbage bins should be the same "as if it were a day in July."

Questions about service can be directed to Veolia at 262-679-0860.

Snow Plow Know-How

In addition, plow drivers for the city have been out in force. Public Works Director for Muskego, Dave Simpson, said the city is responsible for clearing 147 miles of roadway, and that's not including those roadways that the county or state take care of. So, Janesville Road, Racine Avenue and Highways 45 and 36 have their own crews. 

All city streets generally get plowed within three hours of the start of the snow plowing operation, however given the fast and furious start to the event yesterday, motorists in all parts of the city experienced snow-covered and slick roads, with near white-out conditions at times.

In cases where residents feel their mailbox has been damaged due to the snow plowing operation, residents may contact the City of Muskego Public Works Department at 679-4128. Only mailboxes and posts damaged by direct contact with the plow will be repaired or replaced. Damage caused by snow coming off plows will not be repaired. If there is evidence of damage by a plow, the City will
repair or replace the mailbox with a standard mailbox. Custom mailboxes and posts will also be replaced with standard mailboxes and posts.

Muskego's fleet of plows resides with the DPW on Mercury Dr., and their office is open to field your praise or complaints Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Got questions on plowing operations? Call (262) 679-4128. If they don't answer, you may leave a message and they will return your call as soon as possible, or contact City Hall between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at (262) 679-4100. After hours, the Muskego Police Department non-emergency line is your other option, 262-679-4130.

Other Ordinances to Keep in Mind

Firing up the snow blower? City ordinance places a few limits on where you can send those flakes. The ordinance states, "no person shall plow snow on his driveway or sidewalk or road in such a way as to interfere with his neighbor’s customary use and enjoyment of his property. In addition, no person shall put snow by any means onto any public street, roadway, or thoroughfare."

Residents having decorative stone located on the road right-of-ways in front of their properties are also requested to move the stone off of the right-of-way onto their properties. This will help to insure a safe and efficient snow plowing operation this winter season.