Damage to streets noted
By:Alec Moore
Last week’s blizzard came with a hefty price tag, according to cost estimates discussed at Monday’s Borough Council meeting.
The 24-hour snowfall that dumped roughly 2 feet of snow across central New Jersey regions cost the borough approximately $35,000.
"Unfortunately this was something we had no control over," said Councilman Martin Wierzba, who serves as the Borough Council’s liaison to the Department of Public Works. "Our Public Works Department did a great job keeping our streets clear, but unfortunately with this much snow, we had to go all out to keep our roads clear and that’s something we have to pay for."
The bulk of the borough’s total snow cleanup costs is overtime pay for snowplow operators.
"We’re looking at about $25,000 in overtime," said Mr. Wierzba.
The remaining $10,000 balance was divided evenly between contractors hired to assist with the snow clearing efforts, for approximately $5,000, and toward the cost of salt and other materials used, for an additional roughly $5,000.
Borough officials could not provide exact figures on how much the borough budgeted for snow removal from its 2002 budget, but are certain that cleaning up after the blizzard surpasses significantly whatever amount had been budgeted.
The combination of the blizzard and the heavy rains that followed several days later enlarged existing potholes along some of the main roads in Lost Valley including Huff Avenue and Boezel Avenue making driving difficult.
Mayor Angelo Corradino said the road conditions in the valley were inexcusable. The Public Works Department expects to begin filling in the potholes immediately.

