Committee recommends plow blades
By Bert Lehman
In order for the city to remove ice layers from streets, the Clintonville Streets Committee is recommending the purchase of ice plow blades.
At the Feb. 28 Clintonville Streets Committee meeting, Chairman Jim Supanich told the committee he has received complaints from constituents about the ice ruts on city streets.
“I was under the impression that we had some method of plowing this if we had to,” Supanich said.
He said Clintonville Public Works Director Kray Brown informed him that the city does not have ice plow blades for use on any of its snow removal equipment.
“The item he has is no longer usable on his equipment,” Supanich told the committee.
Although an ice plow blade is seldom needed, Supanich recommended the city purchase one so it has the proper equipment in case it is needed. He said the blades would cost about $4,300.
“My recommendation would be to send this to [the finance committee] and see if they can come up with financing to buy this so we have it on hand,” Supanich said.
Committee member Tammy Strey-Hirt agreed.
“I don’t think we should ever go without the equipment that [Brown] needs,” Strey-Hirt said. “If you don’t have the equipment, you can’t do a good job.”
She added she has also noticed ice ruts on city streets.
Committee member Brandon Braden asked if ice plow blades can damage the streets’ asphalt.
Brown said the blades can cause damage if not used properly. He added that the ice plow blade he is recommending is not as “aggressive” as others on the market.
“I’m familiar with it. What it is, basically, is you have several little teeth that are coming through that will come down,” Brown said. “Basically, it scarifies [ice].”
He added possible problems occur if too much down pressure is applied by the grader. If this occurs, the teeth on the blade can potentially dig into the asphalt.
“That is something that is an operator awareness that you have to really be aware of what you’re doing,” Brown said.
If the city purchases ice plow blades, Brown said the blades last a long time.
The committee agreed to recommend to the city’s finance committee that funds of up to $4,500 be allocated to purchase ice plow blades for the Clintonville Public Works Department.