Storm Clean-Up

I want to thank our Public Works department for the excellent job they've done keeping the roads safe and cleaning up after the last two winter storms. You may have seen the Des Moines Register article earlier in the week discussing the cost of these storms--about $125,000 so far to plow and de-ice, clean up tree damage, and pay employees overtime.

What I am thankful for in these conditions, however, is the progressive nature of the City's Public Works department. For the past few years they have been experimenting with blending chemical deicers for snow and ice control on the streets. The goal was to find an effective solution to allow salt brine to work at lower pavement temperatures (salt brine can only be used down to about 15 degree Fahrenheit). In the past, we have had to use more expensive chlorides when the temperature drops below that threshold, ranging in price from .$55 to .75 per gallon. We produce our own salt brine at the City and it only costs us approximately $.04 per gallon. As you can see, the more we can use salt brine, the better!

Our Public Works employees decided to develop a precision blending system that could precisely blend various types of deicer chemicals and allow us to use salt brine even in colder temperatures. Due to hard work and inventiveness, this "experiment" was successful, and the City of West Des Moines now has a state of the art blending system which is receiving national attention. We even had visitors from Sweden come to take a look at it! The employees involved in developing this blending system used specialized tools from their own homes and confronted every challenge with a solution. It is anticipated this system will save the City several thousands of dollars in the next few years since we will be able to utilize the more economical salt brine during cold weather events.

Fortunately, our roads are so well maintained during the year that they have not incurred as much damage as they might otherwise during these rough conditions. Anyone who does want to report a pothole or other damage can call our Public Works Department at 222-3480, or report the damage through the help desk on the city’s Web site, http://www.wdm-ia.com/. Our goal is to repair anything the City is responsible for within 24 hours of a complaint.

I'd like to end with this comment we received from a citizen on our Online Service Desk regarding the storm clean-up:

"I wish to thank the public works department for the removal of tree branches from my property today. I certainly appreciate the service. Keep up the great effort! I know Mother Nature has made the last couple of weeks difficult for your department. Keep up the good work. You do a terrific job for us. Thanks again, John Mathis"