If any of you have considered writing the City Public Works Department to offer your thoughts about their piss poor snow removal job, don’t bother. I’ve done it for you.

Here’s me:

From: Me

Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 6:30 PM

To: Public Works

Subject: Ruts

Hi,

Not sure if I’m barking up the wrong tree, but I’d like to add myself to the chorus of citizens angry about streets that resemble a polar Beirut.

Twice in one day I nearly slid into a parked car because of the ice ruts. In both cases, I was driving the speed limit when a person swung open a car door and I was forced to swerve to the left. Because of the deep rutt, I slid out of control coming way too close to a parked car.

I’m sure you’ve received more than your share of after the fact prescriptions, but here’s mine…

Instead of offering hollow promises about a pending “plow armada,” The City should have told side street residents that they need to band together and shovel their own streets. This message might have been communicated when the snow was still light and fluffy. The fact that it’s a month since the first storm hit and driving central Denver’s side streets is almost as dangerous as when it fell is embarrassing.

Barring a mass distribution of mechanized ice picks or a freak heat wave, I don’t see the situation getting better soon. Don’t suppose I can send you the bill for new shock absorbers?

Bummer.

Sincerely,
John

The city responds:

From: Public Works Administration

Date: Monday, January 22, 2007 1:40 PM

To: me

Subject: Ruts

Thank you for contacting Public Works with your concerns regarding the snow and ice removal from city streets. The Department of Public Works has deployed its full contingency of snow removal equipment and our crews continue working to deal with this challenge. In addition, the city has rented extra equipment and has contracted with private snow removal crews to assist the department with this task.

Several different areas of the city are having the snow and ice removed simultaneously by distributing the combined crews throughout the city. The information you provided will be used as Public Works continues prioritizing snow removal throughout the city.

A timeline for completion of this task is still uncertain. Each street poses unique conditions and each time it snows, crews are redirected from removing ice build up to keeping the City’s main arterials clear. Everyone is encouraged to drive according to the street conditions, keeping speeds down and using extra caution in watching for other vehicles and pedestrians.

Your patience during this extensive task is appreciated.

Denver Public Works

My Follow Up:

From: Me

Sent: Monday, January 22, 2007 10:27 PM

To: Public Works

Subject: Ruts

Thank you for taking the time to cut and paste that response. And you even hit send!

No wonder my street is like driving in the Outback.

John

No follow up…