MAYOR'S ORDERS: SLOW DOWN WHEN IT SNOWS!
Yesterday, Mayor Daley and Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Michael Picardi warned Chicago motorists to drive slower when it snows and expect to wait longer to get side streets plowed as the city seeks to cut costs associated with snow removal.
Monday's snowstorm cost taxpayers nearly $500,000, despite the city's best efforts to control costs. The city used a lighter spread of salt on side streets and limited overtime by pulling trucks off side streets at 3 p.m. Thanks to a two-year contract the city entered into last year, salt cost only $41 per ton, which is considerably less than the $100 per ton price tag most municipalities are facing. Nevertheless, the budget is tight and Commissioner Picardi stressed lower expectations, reminding Chicago residents that a high standard of snow removal comes at a very high cost.
Drive slowly when conditions are bad, and remember to factor in longer travel times for your commute. Arrive alive!
