PEABODY — City officials examined snow removal operations during the April 9 Public Services Committee meeting, as department leaders detailed the scope of work and challenges faced during a difficult winter season.
Assistant Director of Public Services Kevin Kelly outlined how the City manages snow across approximately 400 lane miles of roadway, in addition to schools, municipal buildings, and other facilities.
He said operations rely on both City crews and private contractors, with resources deployed across multiple zones to address changing conditions.
Kelly described a system that depends heavily on coordination and flexibility, noting that conditions can vary significantly from one part of the city to another.
“We could be plowing at West Peabody, and you could be swimming downtown. It’s the strangest thing,” he said.
He said the department deploys a mix of equipment and personnel during storms, including City-operated sanders and contracted plow vehicles. Even at full staffing levels, resources can be stretched thin, particularly during prolonged events.
Staffing shortages and contractor availability remain ongoing concerns. Kelly said fewer private contractors have been participating in recent years due to economic and industry changes.
“It’s been very hard to find (personnel). We’ve lost a lot of people because for several years we didn’t have a lot of snow, so people were like, ‘I’m not doing this anymore,’” he said.
Councilors raised questions about contractor pay and recruitment, including whether Peabody’s rates remain competitive with those of surrounding communities.
“I just wanted to see if we could do some sort of surrounding town comparison to make sure we’re staying relatively competitive,” Councilor-at-Large Jaclyn Corriveau said.
Kelly said the department does review surrounding rates, though timing can affect comparisons year to year.
Sidewalk clearing was another key topic. The City is responsible for dozens of miles of sidewalks, but officials said those efforts often follow road clearing because of limited manpower.
“It’s tough for us to just go right out and do sidewalks instantly. It usually has to be the next day,” Kelly said.
Councilors also asked about improving operations in dense neighborhoods and ensuring new contractors understand local road conditions.
“Is there a way to communicate best practices to someone new coming on that may not be aware?” Ward 2 Councilor Wendy Lattof asked.
Kelly said expectations are outlined in contractor materials and reinforced through preseason meetings.
Parking bans and public cooperation were also discussed as factors affecting operations. Kelly said vehicles left on streets and other obstacles can significantly slow progress.
“The park car thing goes the entire time. Doesn’t matter if you tow them all or don’t, they’re everywhere,” Kelly said.
Lattof raised additional questions about downtown parking during snow emergencies and the impact on businesses, asking whether enforcement could be staggered in some areas.
Kelly said coordination with police allows for some flexibility, but vehicles must eventually be removed to allow plows to operate safely.
Lattof also highlighted the demands placed on crews during extended storms.
“All are working 24/7 for days on end,” she said.
Following the Committee meeting, Ward 5 Councilor Dave Gamache delivered a report during the City Council session, describing the discussion as largely informational and focused on improving communication ahead of future winters.
“The only thing I could suggest to the councilors… is to try to set something up with DPW, probably in November, to make sure that the hot spots are still on file,” he said.
Gamache described the meeting as productive and noted that it helped identify ways to improve coordination between councilors and public works staff.
“That was a constructive meeting,” he added.
Despite the challenges discussed, councilors broadly praised the department’s efforts during the winter and emphasized the importance of continued planning and communication.
Public Services is expected to continue reviewing policies and procedures ahead of the next snow season, including contractor rates, sidewalk responsibilities, and operational improvements.
