LYNN — City councilors sharply criticized the Department of Public Works (DPW) over its handling of recent snowstorms, calling communication “not sufficient” and demanding reforms, including a potential tracking system to improve accountability.
At the meeting, Councilor Fred Hogan likened the situation to coaching. “When we win, we win together, and when we lose, I take it right there,” he said, pointing to his heart, adding, “You are the head coach of the DPW.”
He told DPW Commissioner Andy Hall that “being told ‘you’re on the list’ is not acceptable,” and pressed for a commitment to implement a council-proposed tracking system created by Councilor Cardeliz Paez that would allow real-time updates on plowing requests and completion status.
“Will you commit tonight to put the tracking system in place so that the Council can follow? Our residents deserve better, and we need better tools to do our jobs,” Hogan said.
“Absolutely, 100%,” Hall responded.
Hall updated the Council on the strain caused by back-to-back storms, including 18 inches of snow in late January, additional snowfall throughout February, and another 18 inches beginning this past Sunday.
He detailed the deployment for the most recent storm: eight heavy trucks, multiple light and rental vehicles, 20 DPW employees, three emergency management drivers, 18 “chasers” monitoring contractors, and 196 contract plow operators.
The city has approximately 215 contractors under agreement, though not all report for every storm. The snow and ice budget for the current fiscal year is about $1.7 million, but spending is already approaching double that amount.
After the meeting, Hall emphasized the scale of the Blizzard of 2026 and the ongoing efforts to manage it.
“The Blizzard of 2026 provided significant challenges for the DPW and the outside contractors we employ. We utilized two dozen DPW workers and staff… This was the fifth plowable snow event in less than a month, accounting for more than 50 inches combined, including two storms with an accumulation of 18 inches — in a city of more than 1,300 roadways with 160 miles of pavement contained within 10 square miles. Our DPW crews continue to work around the clock on snow removal,” he said.
“We have heard loud and clear residents’ frustration with snow-removal efforts, and we are always looking to improve our performance. We will work with the City Council to implement a system to better track requests and complaints in real time, attempt to engage additional snow chasers, who check on the progress of outside contractors, and participate in discussions around potentially adjusting parking ban procedures in the future. We appreciate residents’ patience and understanding,” Hall added.
Hogan raised concerns about supervision and fatigue, noting that some drivers reportedly worked up to 36 consecutive hours. “That’s exhausting work,” he said, praising workers.
Councilor Brian LaPierre questioned whether 18 chasers were sufficient to oversee nearly 200 contractors.
Other issues raised included parking ban policies, school lot deadlines, and overnight road conditions.
Residents echoed frustrations. Michelle La Poetica noted that Lynn faces complex challenges but argued the city relies too heavily on outside contractors. “They don’t live here. They don’t walk our sidewalks after the storm, and they don’t check on our elderly residents,” she said.
“They do their job, and they leave.” La Poetica urged officials to “keep the money here” by building a local snow response network, partnering with local businesses, and creating a winter youth employment program to assist elderly residents.
Despena Raftelis, a 27-year resident, described repeated problems on her street, alleging plows left snow blocking her driveway and that some operators appeared inattentive. “They need to do a better job to track them on their plow trucks,” she said, calling for GPS monitoring to ensure routes are completed properly.
Councilors emphasized that improvements in oversight and communication are necessary before the next storm hits, reiterating calls for a formal tracking system and closer coordination between the Council, School Committee, and DPW leadership.
