Good afternoon. I am taking this time to update you on what has been done with the current and on-going snow removal operations to date.
Since last Saturday the Public Works Department and the Parks and Recreation Department have been working 12 hour shifts (2 x per day), and this will continue until further notice. The city is fully utilizing the assets at its disposal, including 4 large plow trucks, smaller trucks, skid steers, etc. to clear the streets and remove snow. But this is a monumental task. Last weekend we received, what is normally the full amount we receive in a year, in 24 hours. This amount of snow has not fallen in a 24 hour timeframe since 1900…124 years ago. This is an historical weather event and County EMS is assisting us with emergency support agencies.
The team has worked over 500 hours sanding, plowing, and removing snow. This includes spreading 382 tons of salt, using almost 700 gallons of diesel fuel, and have driven almost 2,300 miles in its efforts. The city is responsible for almost 300 miles of streets/parking lots/cul-de-sacs, etc. Most of the effort has been focused on the snow emergency routes, main arteries, EMS support, etc. They have begun side street and residential street clearing operations. They city has hired four separate contractors to assist in these efforts, as well as discussed possible mutual support with Geary County and Fort Riley. All possible options are being reviewed. Truthfully, it is going to take time and a lot of effort until we may have normal driving conditions again.
This weekend we will continue to have contractors as well as city personnel working on the clearing and removal of snow in different parts of the city.
Trash removal is based on access to the streets. They are working to pick us as much as they can.
The City Commissioners have been fully engaged in this operation and lend their full support to the citizens in getting back to normal road conditions.
In an emergency, please call the Fire Department of Police Department.
Thanks for your time and I look forward to getting back to normal operations in Junction City, my new home 😊
KIM D. ZIMMERMAN
City Manager