Snow Removal

Snow removal and plowing of Wexford’s streets is a very expensive undertaking. A single plowing of 2 inches and spreading of salt or sand can be around $400-$600. Heavier snow can be $1,200 and more. If snow needs to be removed and piled somewhere else it can cost $10,000-$20,000 for just one snow fall. This happened between December 2009 and January 2010 and cost the community $26,000 and forced the Board of Trustees to pass on a special assessment of over $90 to each owner to cover the costs which were not budgeted for. This does not include any additional services such as the shoveling of common area sidewalks which would cost $50-$75 per hour per worker with a 3 hour minimum per worker. For four people to shovel snow for three hours would cost us at least $800 each time it snows on top of the plowing costs. Wexford and every other HOA does not have enough money to cover these kinds of costs.

In order to reduce or eliminate the need to contract for such services we need everyone to do their part and not only remove any snow from sidewalks on their property but to also remove snow from any adjacent sidewalks. If Owners, Residents, and Tenants do not do their part the Board of Trustees will have no choice but to contract for additional services which will have to be passed on to the residents in the form of a Special Assessment.

If ice or two or more inches of snow are forecasted the Board of Trustees or the Management Company may ask the contracted snow plowing company to pre-treat the streets. Once two inches have fallen the Board of Trustees or the Management Company will ask the contracted snow plowing company to begin plowing and to continue as each additional two inches falls. We are not the only community that a snow plow company may service so we may need to wait our turn as a community for the operator to arrive. There may also be equipment failures that can delay the arrival of snow plow services. Please be patient in any event.

DO NOT get upset with any snow plow operator and yell or curse at them or throw anything at them or they will leave and you will be held responsible for not having your street plowed. Wexford does not have the amount of money needed to have snow moved and piled in other areas. If everyone wishes to pay at least an additional $100 to have snow removed then we can contract for this higher level of service.

The streets of Wexford do not have many places to push snow to and out of necessity a snow plow will leave a pile across the end of most parking spaces and driveways. Although it is a lot of work everyone will need to shovel this snow and pile it on their property in their front yards. Please do not shovel this snow back into the street or into visitor spaces as it defeats the purpose of clearing the streets and can impact the ability of others to safely drive through the community.

For everyone’s safety owners, residents and tenants are asked to clear snow from their sidewalks and any adjacent sidewalks to their property within 24 hours of the snow fall ending. Anyone who has seen much snow fall will tell you that you may need to shovel both during and after the snow falls in order to keep from being overwhelmed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Everyone should be prepared for snow and purchase at least one snow shovel. Bigger may not be better so pick a shovel that you can use and only lift half of what the shovel can hold.

  2. Purchase some sand and ice melt to use it on slippery porches, walkways and sidewalks. All you need is a thin scattering of ice melt to keep it that way. If you’re scattering by hand, throw the salt, pellets or granules low along the ground so they bounce and roll into a uniform layer.

  3. Salt can damage concrete causing it to chip, flake, or break up and is not good for adjoining grass areas. Try and use environmentally friendly chemicals and follow the directions.

  4. Stretch and warm up both before and after shoveling. Treat shoveling snow the same as any exercise routine. This will help prevent injury and lessen muscle pain.

  5. Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself.

  6. Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

  7. Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.

  8. It’s easier to remove snow in thin layers than wait until all the snow is down to have at it. If it looks like the area is going to get dumped on, try to get out there and shovel it in several passes as it falls and afterward.

  9. Push the snow as you shovel. It’s easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.

  10. Separate the hands on the shovel. Create space between your hands, you can increase your leverage on the shovel to make it easier.

  11. Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and “sitting” into the movement, you’ll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.

  12. Take rest breaks and be sure to stay hydrated. You may not realize how much you are actually exerting when you shovel snow. Drink before you get thirsty to avoid dehydration and rest to stay strong and refreshed.

  13. Team up. Shoveling with a friend or neighbor is inherently more enjoyable than shoveling on your own. Plus, it’s quicker to get the job done with two or three sets of hands and if you get into trouble there is someone there to come to your assistance.

  14. Be a good neighbor. Everyone is encouraged to think about neighbors and friends who do not or may not have the ability to shovel snow and assist them if at all possible. Please help those who are handicapped, over the age of sixty-five, or otherwise physically incapable of shoveling snow.

  15. Don’t Forget Your Shrubs While Snow Shoveling. While on the subject of plants, keep an eye out for shrub branches that are groaning under the burden of excessive snow. To prevent such branches from snapping, gently brush the snow off them.

This is also a great opportunity for children to earn some extra money by shoveling snow. It is hard work but if they charge a fair and reasonable price they can earn over $100 and help your neighbors at the same time