Borough hires streets supervisor after struggle with winter weather
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - A Shenandoah snow plow clears Oak Street on March 14, 2017.
SHENANDOAH – The borough has a new public works supervisor to handle the Streets Department after difficulties handling last weekend’s snowfall.
Council voted 5-1 at Monday’s meeting to hire Brian Oliver for the non-union post at $28/hr. Councilman Michael Whitecavage voted no, citing background concerns.
The hire, Borough Manager Mike Cadau says, is to help make sure “we are doing everything that we are required to do.”
“If you noticed, we had some issues this past weekend where the plows weren’t out,” Cadau said. “I apologize for that. That has been rectified.”
He said the borough is down to one operating plow truck. Council approved buying a used plow for $42,000.
He also said that, last weekend, the borough had to hire two contractors at $250/hr.
Councilman Joe Gawyrlik said, referring to the snow event, that the borough’s streets department “let us down.”
“I want it to be known to the public that we’re trying our best to do snow removal and get the equipment ready, but if the borough workers let us down, it’s pretty gosh darn hard,” Gawyrlik said. “We’re going to implement a plan and get these things straightened out.”
Council Vice President Michael “Zeckie” Uholik said the contractors cost $2,000.
“Nobody would answer the phone or come out to plow,” Uholik said. “Hopefully with this new foreman, we’ll get some structure down there [at the borough garage.]”
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