Portland residents and property owners, as Winter Storm Gail approaches the Northeast today I wanted to go over a few Winter Storm items as this storm is quite large and most likely will produce 12 plus inches of accumulated snow.
One the Borough finds it harder every year to contract for snow removal of our Borough streets. The reasons given from contractors for this is that it is a small job (6 miles of road surface), we have older streets which are narrow in some areas and probably the biggest reason is the cost for a contractor to secure liability insurance to plow and treat public streets. The Council decided to order and purchase a heavy duty truck with snow removal equipment over the 2020 summer. Unfortunately that truck is delayed in its up-fitting of “winter gear” and the reason being given to the Borough at this time is back logs due to COVID-19. In order for the Borough to get through this large storm system we were able to secure snow removal services and equipment from some businesses that the Borough has done business with over the years and could spare equipment and man power. We ask ALL our residents to please have some patience through this storm. The guys have plowed before but not Portland. They are unfamiliar with every little side street, every curb edge and areas that they are allowed to push snow. You may find you might need to help out and clear a little bit more around your on street parking area or the edges of your driveway. The Borough was spoiled for many years when Sherm LaBarre and his charges cleared the streets. If you were not aware Portland was the envy of most municipalities because of how well he cleared our streets.
Secondly keeping streets clear of vehicles during the storm will greatly help aide in snow removal and treating the streets. We ask that anyone who normally parks along any Borough street to PLEASE find alternate parking ahead of time, this way you are not having to move your vehicle once the storm start or plowing commences. There are various Borough lots, the Baptist Church has allowed parking during storms in their lot and Portland Fire Dept has traditionally allowed parking in the upper end of their Hall Lot located on State Street. If you park in an alternate location just please be aware that at some point that parking area will also need to be cleared so after the storm ends and your normal on street parking area appears to be clear and the streets are plowed remove your vehicle from that alternate location.
Here is a link to Ordinance #219 regarding sidewalks during winter storms.
Remember if there is a fire hydrant located near your property to PLEASE help to keep it clear. 3 feet around each hydrant. We all hope to never have the need for one, but should you ever you do not want the fire department to show up and spend precious time having to clear the hydrant before connecting the hose to put out your fire.
The Borough Office will be CLOSED Wednesday Dec 16 and Thursday Dec 17. The Office will reopen on Dec. 18.
Again I just simply ask everyone to have some patience this first storm. The streets will be cleared, it may just take a little more time. Be neighborly and lend a hand to an elderly or disabled neighbor if you are able as this will be a lot of snow. Once the storm ends do not forget to clear your sidewalks if you have them. In our small Borough we have a lot of residents that walk.
Be careful and stay safe.
Stephanie Steele, Council President
