Preparing for Winter Weather: A Look at Dover's Snow Removal Operations

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with John Storer, Community Services Director, and Brian Landry, Public Works Supervisor, about winter preparations and challenges in snow removal. The conversation covers the extensive planning and preparation undertaken by the team before snowfall, including equipment readiness and crew briefing. They discuss the types of equipment used, like wing plow trucks, loaders, and sidewalk tractors, emphasizing the all-hands-on-deck approach during plowing events.

Storer and Landry detail the difficulties in handling different types of snow, especially wet snow, and the slow pace of clearing sidewalks in such conditions. They address the high expectations of Dover citizens and the logistical challenges they face, such as staffing shortages and equipment breakdowns. The discussion also includes how residents can stay informed about parking bans during storms.

Moreover, they discuss environmental concerns, particularly regarding the use of salt for de-icing roads. Efforts to reduce salt usage through brining equipment and more efficient application methods are mentioned. They also touch on the importance of community participation in clearing hydrants and catch basins post-storm.

In "This Week in Dover History," Mike Gillis discusses an event from 1924, where eight women employees from the Dover office of Twin State Gas and Electric attended a company meeting in Berlin, New Hampshire.