City Council News: Aldermen address snow plowing, mayor to name Sosnowski replacement

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Two days after the city’s first snowfall, aldermen were quick to discuss snow removal at the Monday, Dec. 6, meeting of the Rockford City Council.

While the overall plowing efforts last weekend were deemed successful, minor concerns were voiced about how the Public Works Department will be conducting snow removal this year.

Ald. Linda McNeely (D-13) noted that some roads in her ward were not plowed as about 6 inches of snow fell in Rockford from Friday, Dec. 3 to Saturday, Dec. 4.

Ald. Nancy Johnson (D-8) said snow removal crews are working under different conditions this year than in the past. The city’s main roads will receive curb-to-curb service and be plowed thoroughly to expose bare pavement. Others will receive single swipes from plows, which may not result in complete removal of snow.

“That’s kind of different than past experiences,” Johnson said. “So, people are going to have to be aware of that, and not necessarily call us with complaints.”

Johnson said in the Eighth Ward, some plowing is done by contractors, however, their crews are not able to spread salt.

Public Works Director Tim Hanson said trucks were slightly behind last weekend, but did get all roads plowed by Sunday.

Last weekend’s plowing was done in-house, Hanson said, saving the city approximately $100,000.

Mayor Morrissey honors Boylan football team, to replace Ald. Joe Sosnowski

Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) proclaimed December 2010 Boylan Catholic High School Varsity Football Month.

“We congratulate the Boylan High School varsity football team on a tremendous, tremendous 2010 season,” Morrissey, a Boylan alumnus, said.

Boylan rolled past Marmion 48-19 Nov. 27 to claim its first IHSA class 6A state championship.

The mayor has met with candidates seeking to fill the First Ward council seat vacated by Joe Sosnowski (R-1) last month when he resigned to become the representative of Illinois’ 69th District in Springfield.

Morrissey said he will appoint Sosnowski’s replacement by the end of the week. The appointment will last until February, and April elections will determine who will serve the First Ward until 2013.

“I’ve had some very good discussions,” Morissey said. “I want to thank all of the candidates I’ve been interviewing and meeting.”

The Rockford City Council meets in open session every Monday at 6 p.m., on the second floor of City Hall, 425 E. State St., downtown.