Highway/Forestry Department
The Highway/Forestry Department is the public works department for the Village of Chenequa. The title has been split as a better way to define the two different types of work. This department consists of only two full-time employees; in addition, several part-time employees are used during snow removal operations.
The wooded hills and tree-lined roads are two of the features that set Chenequa apart from other communities. When the Village was formed, steps were taken to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Among the first positions filled was that of a Village Forester, and an ordinance was passed to protect the vegetation along the roads.
Today the Village has two Foresters who are responsible for the maintenance and continuing development of the “Greenbelt” along the public roads. These serve as a naturalized barrier between the residences and the highway, ensuring privacy and preserving the rural aesthetics. The oldest Greenbelts planted in the 1930’s contain mature trees and have melted into the natural landscape. But each year more trees and shrubs (many are grown in our own four acre nursery) must be planted to replace old and diseased trees and to screen both present and future developments.
The Village has been recognized for its commitment to community forestry programming and has received the TREE CITY USA AWARD since 1985. This award is presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation, and is given each year only to those municipalities which promote urban forestry.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
SNOW PLOWING AND SANDING
The private drives are plowed and sanded on an orderly basis after snow/ice storms to PROVIDE ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND POLICE PATROL. If your daily activities require an open road at a certain hour or if additional plowing and cleanup are needed, please contact a local snow removal contractor. Snow removal operations are initiated at the discretion of the Highway Department personnel. Road conditions and the weather forecast determine when and how to begin. Property owners are required to sign and return the Snowplow Liability Card along with one dollar per drive in order to receive the service. In addition, certain requirements must be met to aid in snow removal and prevent damage to equipment. Roads and driveways not in compliance cannot be plowed. Eight hours or more are required to plow and sand all Village roads and driveways using four vehicles.
THE REQUIREMENTS ARE:
1. Mark the edge of the drive and any obstacles that become hidden under a blanket of snow with reflectors or stakes. Plow widths vary from 8’ – 10’. All drives need to be marked to allow passage of the plow.
2. Trim brush and trees from the edge of your drive as well as overhead. Make enough room not only for the larger snowplows, but also to provide space to push back expanding snow banks.
3. Eliminate grading hazards such as pot holes, rutted or worn out road base.
4. Park cars in areas that won’t hamper snow removal operations.
Many of the drives (old and new) were designed with our winter weather as an “after thought”. A truck cannot maneuver in a small area as well as a car, especially with a plow attached. Remember that snow plow limitations often mean results that fall short of resident expectations.
The Village Highway/Forestry Department uses a 14% salt – 86% sand mix when sanding slippery roads. The sand mix is temporary aid to traction and does little to melt packed snow/ice. Due to the expense and limited storage facilities, the sand/salt mix is applied only to the hills, turns and intersections.
You can assist yourself if you place sand barrels in strategic locations. Plastic garbage cans with covers work best and will be filled with a sand/salt mix upon request for your winter driving convenience.
Daily plowing and sanding update information at 367-4681, ext. 3151.