by Kristin Casale

Associate Editor

Stow -- While city officials want to continue a free snow plowing program for senior citizens, they said the service needs to be re-evaluated.

The program, which began this winter, allows residents older than 65 or those with disabilities to have their driveways plowed at no charge when at least 4 inches of snow are forecast to fall.

Approximately 360 people receive the service. The city allocated $32,000 for the program in this year's budget.

Stow Service Director Dano Koehler, who was unavailable for comment by press time, is expected to present information to Council during the next few weeks regarding how much money is left in the program budget and whether more funds would be required for next year.

Reiheld Roofing and Snowplowing will be paid for its services as needed.

Council President Janet D'Antonio said while she wants the program to continue, she believes the service would benefit from a few changes.

"I think it's a great idea for people who can't get out and do it," she said, "but I think we need to reassess the program and reassess the expectations, because I think they have been unclear."

D'Antonio noted there has been confusion among residents regarding how quickly their driveways will be plowed.

"It takes eight hours to go through the city," street department Superintendent Charlie Riedel said, explaining the entire community should be plowed within eight hours after a storm.

D'Antonio said she wants that information made clear in the information sent to residents.

Riedel said the service department will survey program participants in May or June to determine what changes need to be made.

Councilmember Ron Alexander said he wants the program to continue next year.

"I've gotten, with one exception, great feedback from residents," he said.

Alexander said a resident told Council earlier this winter about a plow shoveling snow in front of her walkway, but that issue was handled.

Bryn Mawr Drive resident Nina Slavens said she had a problem with the program March 10.

She claimed the snowplow driver "plowed a foot of snow against my garage door [and] 3 feet of snow against a pine tree in the front yard. They tore up my front lawn with huge, deep tire marks and left my driveway in a deplorable condition."

Riedel said any damage done to residents' driveways will be covered by the contractor, and if participants have problems with the company, the city will try to mediate the situations.

He noted most damage cannot be corrected until spring has advanced.

For more information about the program, call the city service department at 330-689-2829.

E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3917