Public Works crews prepared for first snowstorm

The unseasonably warm weather we continue to see in the Ozarks may give the impression that a snowstorm may not hit the Rolla area any time soon, but we still need to be prepared for possible hazardous weather conditions that affect both road and driving conditions for everyone.

You can be assured that the City’s Public Works Director, Steve Hargis, and the City’s snow removal crews are well informed of impending storms through Accuweather reports, and have prepared their fleet of snow removal trucks and salt spreaders.

Although it’s always hard to predict how much snow the City will receive this winter, the Public Works Department is none-the-less up to the challenge of clearing the snow from the City’s 100 miles of streets, municipal parking lots and the many City facilities located around town such as Rolla City Hall, the Rolla Police Department, the two Rolla Fire and Rescue Stations, The Centre, Rolla Recycling Center, Vehicle Maintenance, Sanitation, Rolla Animal Shelter, Street and Traffic buildings, etc.

The main thoroughfares throughout town such as 10^th Street, Forum Drive, Pine Street, Salem Avenue, Soest Road, Pinetree, etc. are first roads to be plowed, followed by the many side streets throughout town. Please be patient and be assured that the street that you live on in the City will be plowed as soon as conceivably possible, and that the Street crew works 24 hours a day to ensure the snow is removed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As we begin the first weeks of a new year, I would also like to suggest that you ‘go green’ by recycling boxes, wrapping paper and Christmas trees. The Rolla Recycling Center accepts most types of wrapping paper and boxes!  Recycle your boxes and paper in your blue bin at the curb on your scheduled day, or bring it by the Recycling Center anytime.  For more information call the Recycling Center at 364-6693.

Christmas trees can be dropped off at the compost site located at the north end of McCutchen Drive just past the Rolla Recycling Center at 2141 Old St. James Road. This site is open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. –to 11a.m. All garland, tinsel, ornaments, stands and plastic bags must be removed from the trees. Trees will be chipped to produce mulch.

In closing, I’d like to reminder everyone that filing for the City of Rolla’s 2012 General Municipal Election, which will be held on April 3, 2012, continues through Jan. 17. The positions open for election this year include: one Council Representative for all six wards (two-year term), Municipal Judge (two-year term), and City Attorney (Prosecuting Attorney), which is also a two-year term.

Persons wishing to file their candidacy for any of the above-listed positions may do so during normal business hours (Monday through Friday) between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., thru Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in the Rolla City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (901 North Elm Street). Municipal candidates are not charged a filing fee. For more information, please contact Carol Daniels, City Clerk, at (573) 426-6942 or at cdaniels@rollacity.org.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!