Coplay's public works personnel are poised to maintain their reputation as one of the best in keeping the borough's streets and alleys safe and open to vehicular traffic when snow or ice covers the macadam surfaces.

The crew, headed by Public Works Supervisor Dan Pavelko, has received thanks over the past winters for doing a good job of clearing the streets so motorists can travel to and from their destination, whether it is to work, to visit family or shop at the market.

If there are complaints, they originate from a few residents who say they have just shoveled their sidewalks and, in some cases, their driveway. So, when the plow comes down their street, it pushes the snow back onto their shoveled areas.

The only alternative – having plows arrive later – would create a greater problem for more people.

There is no question some residents are quick to remove the snow from their sidewalks, even when snow is still falling. It may be better just to wait until the plows finish the road in front of your residence.

The borough provides an ample time period for the public to clear snow from their walks. Even then, all that is required is a 3-foot width of clean walks.

One suggestion floating around involves residents moving their cars, pickup trucks and SUVs to the other side of the street to parking their vehicles in their garages or in back of their homes so the plows can get close to the curb. Residents can then return later to move the vehicles to the side which was cleaned.

The crews, which often work around the clock, first move the snow from areas such as at the fire station, police station, churches and Chestnut and Second streets.

What is frustrating to borough personnel is that some residents use their snow blowers and shovels and blow or throw the snow back into the plowed street. This is a big "no-no."

The public works fleet of small and big trucks, an ample supply of salt and brine is prepared to tackle the task ahead.

On another front, public works personnel over the next three weeks will be removing the discarded Christmas trees, which families are already putting out with their refuse.