The official responsible for keeping Evanston’s streets clear of ice and snow during the winter months told the City Council last night that four of the last five years have seen above average snow totals here, and he is planning for another big snow year next winter.
Assistant Public Works Director James Maiworm noted that last season started easily enough, with 2.8 inches in November and only a trace in December.
But then came January with 13.9 inches and a budget-busting February with 32.8 inches, followed by March with 7.5.
“Four of the past five snow seasons have been above average,” he said, “and I think next year will be above average, too.”
The city budgets about $1 million a year for snow removal, but it spends whatever it takes, based upon what Mother Nature throws at us.
Maiworm said he expects his budget request for 2016 to include funds for more sidewalk snow-clearing equipment and better signage that is more picturesque and less wordy, including signs that deal with street-sweeping in the spring and summer months.