By Carol P. Bartold     

Nov. 4, 2015:  What will a strong El Niño weather pattern mean for winter in Bronxville? Officials at village hall are staying abreast of developing weather conditions and making preparations now for winter. 

"We continue to follow guidance distributed by the National Weather Service," said Village Administrator Jim Palmer. He added that he and Victor Lema, DPW general foreman, participate in the continuing Westchester County weather discussion "so we can be prepared for whatever the winter will bring." 

Even in the face of unknown future weather conditions, however, the village is in the midst of preparations that will help deal with inclement winter weather as effectively as possible. 

The village has budgeted $115,000 for dealing with snow this winter. Most of that budget involves labor costs and overtime wages. After last year's snow removal work used up the $55,000 budgeted for overtime, the trustees increased the amount earmarked for overtime to $60,000 for this year. 

Salt purchases account for the second-largest snow removal expense. According to Palmer, the village has ordered 1,200 tons of salt. He noted that 800 tons were used in last year's snow removal efforts and feels that the current order will allow the village to have enough salt on hand next year to begin the snow removal season. 

On the equipment front, the village has purchased a skid steer loader, which is an engine-powered, four-wheel, rigid-frame machine with lift arms. A wide range of tools and attachments can be fitted to the lift arms. Palmer explained that the purchase is a cost-effective alternative to renting the machine, used to remove snow from tight spaces, such as portions of the Garden Avenue parking lot. 

The Snow Dragon snowmelter, purchased several years ago from the City of Yonkers, is tuned up and ready for the season. 

Palmer urges residents to maintain their sidewalks and keep them safe for pedestrians. He also reminds property owners that any snow removal contractors they employ are prohibited from plowing snow onto a public right-of-way. "It is illegal. It makes the job of the DPW that much harder and slows their progress," he said. 

While the village continues its search for a DPW supervisor with the required educational and professional background, Palmer and Lema continue to share management responsibilities. "We communicate at the start and end of every workday," Palmer said. "I also like to be hands-on, and this has allowed me to understand the needs of the community and department." 

Palmer reminds everyone to sign up for village alerts to receive the most current news, such as emergency parking regulations or notices, during winter weather situations.

Pictured here (L to R):  Kenneth Reed, Mario Sgobbo, and Johnny Gizzo of the Bronxville DPW.

Photo by A. Warner