SPRINGFIELD – Department of Public Works Superintendent Chris Cignoli told the City Council’s subcommittee on Maintenance and Development on Feb. 16 the city’s snow removal budget has not yet been depleted and he was “in general” happy with the performance of the plowing crews for the last two storms.

The last two snowstorms cost the city $275,000 and $235,000 respectively, Cignoli said.

He said that, so far, the city has experienced “a very average winter in terms of costs.”

Cignoli said his department worked with the police who “aggressively ticketed and towed” cars that were not in compliance with the parking ban. Particular efforts were made along the main arteries in the city along with the streets in Indian Orchard and Forest Park. He said that more than 1,000 tickets were issued and 200 vehicles were towed.

Cignoli added that over the weekend of Feb. 18 and 19 cars that were still on streets covered with snow were being treated as abandoned vehicles and would be towed. Each car had received a notice of the planned action.

“There were significant amount of problems with people plowing into the street,” Cignoli added. He noted that all is needed for a ticket and a fine is the evidence of a property owners moving snow either into the street or another person’s property.

Council President Orlando Ramos asked Cignoli what should residents do if they believe their street has not been adequately plowed. Cignoli replied it takes the DPW and its contractors between 8 to 12 hours to reach all of the residential streets. After the plows have cleared the streets, an inspector assigned to the area is supposed to double check the job. If residents are not pleased with the results, they should call the city’s 311 number and report a complaint.

City Councilor and state Rep. Bud Williams said he received complaints from constituents they could not get through to the 311 operators or reach an answering service and did not get a call back.

City Councilor Adam Gomez suggested the city work with property owners with parking lots in neighborhoods to provide off-street parking for residents who don’t have driveways or parking areas in order to clear streets and make snow removal more efficient.