Frequently Asked Questions

Public works utilizes over 20 pieces of equipment during the winter for snow removal. When the snow starts to fall our salt trucks are the first to respond.

If less than 2 or 3 inches fall the salt trucks alone are used for snow removal and control. We use 3000 to 4000 tons of salt every year to help keep the streets safe.

Public Works distributes salt on all major streets and feeder streets. The rest of the streets receive salt at intersections, stop signs, curves and hills.

When approximately 2-3 inches of snow has fallen the remainder of the snow equipment is called out and put into service. The Village does not have enough equipment to make sure every street is kept clear of snow during the duration of the storm though through careful planning and with dedicated staff, snow operations will continue until every street has been cleared. We have 1 sidewalk plow which is used to clear sidewalks around schools and along Deerfield and Waukegan Roads.

Shovel as much of the snow from your driveway as possible to the right side as you look out to the street. Snow on the left side could be pushed back into the driveway by Public Works snow plows. Be a good neighbor, if you have a plow service make sure they know where to push the snow so it won't end up in your neighbor's yard or driveway.

Public works repairs snow plow damage with black dirt and seed. This is generally performed in early spring when the threat of snow is less likely. Contact Public Works if damage was caused by Village plows. After dirt and seed is put down, homeowner is responsible for maintenance.

Mailboxes are the responsibility of homeowners to maintain in good condition and in the right location. A mailbox knocked down in a snow storm it is almost always from the weight of the snow and not from the plow making contact with it. Make sure your support posts are not rotting or rusting away and that they are securely fastened.