Borough urges public to keep sidewalks, hydrants clear
SHENANDOAH – Shenandoah Borough Council is urging residents to keep sidewalks passable and fire hydrants accessible in snowfall events.
Council President Gordon Slater and Mayor Andrew Szczyglak spoke on the subject at Monday’s council meeting, held in a hybrid fashion — council members could attend in person or via Zoom, though public attendance was limited to Zoom.
“I think the borough did really well, considering the personnel we did have and do have at this time,” Slater said of the borough streets department’s performance during the recent snowstorms. “Can some things be improved? Yeah, there’s always room for improvement, but I think they’ve been out their busting their backs getting garbage taken care of and plowing and things of that nature.”
“But we also need the public’s help also. These paths are not wide enough for people to be walking,” Slater said. “They’re supposed to be about 24″ wide for people to be able to walk by.”
Slater emphasized that residents do not have to clear their entire sidewalk, just a 24″ path. Clearing a path is required by borough ordinance.
“There’s no where to put it,” Slater said.
Slater also asked residents to be mindful of their neighborhood’s fire hydrants.
“God forbid, if there’s a fire down that area (where fire hydrant is), and it’s not dug out, it’s going to be hard for the fire department to get in and fight that fire,” Slater said. “Please, dig out that fire hydrant.”
Szczyglak also asked residents to refrain from putting tall snow piles on corners.
“I know it’s difficult when we get two feet of snow and there’s nowhere to put it, but please, residents, refrain from putting piles of snow on the corner so high you can’t see pulling out on corners,” Szczyglak said.
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