Another winter is upon us and the city of Hailey is keeping our streets plowed. I have read the latest spate of letters published in the paper. Unfortunately, they have been mostly negative about the plowing. Here's a positive one.
I have lived in Hailey for the past 20 years. Prior to that, I spent 43 winters in Alaska.
Based on my experience in snow country, I would like to state that the Hailey snow removal crew does a great job. One thing I look for is whether the streets are plowed when it gets slushy. Usually the slush turns to solid ice the next day. I have seen that the crews not only are diligent in plowing the slush, but will work into the night to get it done before it freezes.
I know there is some misunderstanding about where the city right of way ends and private property begins. Also basic budgeting has an impact on the plowing. Additionally, I know that the city is not obligated to remove the ice berm that forms at driveways as a result of the plowing, but I do appreciate it when they make an effort to remove them. Actually, this is the only place that I have seen a municipality try to remove ice berms when time and budget allows.
In conclusion, it's easy to complain in the winter about a host of things, but the city of Hailey's plow crew isn't one of them.
Bob Walker
Hailey