Understandably, the two winter storms that pummelled the area in the past couple weeks dominated the efforts of several Great Bend city departments, City Administrator Howard Partington said. But, he praised the team effort that kept the streets cleared and doors open.
“I want to thank all of the City employees who have worked so hard during the two recent blizzards,” he told the City Council Monday night. “We remained open for business to support our employees in the field who worked so hard in many areas. Thanks to all who were out there on the front lines keeping our citizens and visitors in mind.”
The Street Section of the Public Works Department reported that so far the two snow storms had required about 739.5 hours regular time and 284.5 hours overtime, and 760 equipment hours. Those crews burned through 60 tons of sand and salt mixture , 969 of gallons of diesel and 602 gallons of gasoline.
Stepping in to help, the Water Section reported it racked up 39 hours regular time and 23 hours overtime with snow removal. Its employees assisted the Street Section with salting and sanding, and driving trucks hauling snow.
There was also 68 hours of snow removal needed at the Water Treatment Plant and lift stations. The city sanitarian had eight hours regular time and three hours overtime related to snow removal.
Partington said it is difficult to put a cost on the storms. But with labor, equipment and materials, the pricetag could be around $30,000 to $40,000.
In another storm related note, City Engineer Rob Winiecke said the on-going work along Kansas Avenue is progressing a bit slower than anticipated due to recent snowfall. Placement of concrete was scheduled to resume Monday.
The snow-related information came as part of Partington’s regular update on city activities. Other highlights included:
Public Works
• Clark well company is working on the number 12 (South Coolidge) water well.
• Working on flood control fence at the south Washington entrance.
Fire/EMS/Inspection
• Hosted Advance Cardiac Live Support class at station Number 1.
• Attended Barton County Chiefs meeting.
 Police
• Officer Logan Hall started his 14 weeks of training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
• Officer Jefferson Davis, Community Coordinator Christina Hayes, and Community Bank President Steve Sell explained the America’s Promise Graduation Award being applied for at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce board meeting.
• March 1 – D.A.R.E. bowling party with Park School.
Engineering
• Received the 2012 Annual Inspection Report from the United States Army Corps of Engineers regarding the City’s flood control levee system. Comments in this year’s report are fewer than they have been in the past and are reflective of the City’s increased maintenance efforts.
Administration
• Hayes is working with the Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Pageant committee. Pageant is set for 7 p.m . Saturday at Great Bend High School auditorium.
• Hayes is working with Big Bend Bike Rally committee to tie in additional events to the weekends in September.
• June Jaunt planning is in full swing. Hayes is recruiting businesses to participate in Business Olympics, sponsorships, and working on activities and calendar of events to ensure a full weekend May 31, June 1 and June 2.
• Approached by Ottaway Carnivals to bring a carnival to town the weekend following the Farm and Ranch Show, coordinator will meet this week to ensure proper location and amenities. Carnival will pay city to come set up from April 11 to 14.
• Mayor Allison and Partington continue to meet with Barton Community College Board of Trustees Chairman Mike Johnson and BCC President Carl Heilman regarding the E3 Project, a joint effort to better utilize the Great Bend Convention Center. They are working to reach out to possible partners.