The Catskill Chronicle

OPEN LETTER

Division of Public Works Employees

C/O Commissioner Robert A. Meyer, P.E.

100 North Street

P.O. Box 5012

Monticello, NY 12701

Re: Blizzard of 2010

Dear Public Works Employees:

I am writing in my capacity as County Manager, and on behalf of the Sullivan County Legislature to commend you on the exemplary performance during the last of February 2010. The week started with one foot of snowfall on Tuesday night, and ended with the Blizzard of 2010 with some areas realizing more than 3.5 feet of new snowfall on Thursday and Friday. The National Weather Service early last week had indicated Storm #1 and Storm #2, but I believe that it is safe to label Storm #2 as the Blizzard of 2010.

Sullivan County was placed under a declared State of Emergency during the peak of the Blizzard to allow the County, Towns, and Villages Public Works crews and emergency services crews to deal with the demands of the Blizzard unimpeded by stranded travelers. The Sullivan County Division of Public Works had about 120 employees involved in snow removal during the Blizzard.

The exemplary work performed during extraordinary circumstances is commendable. Please accept my sincere “Thank you” for your dedication and hard work that you have done and continue to do for the citizenry of Sullivan County. The general public should know that you worked about thirty-six (36) hours from Thursday morning until Friday night, ten (10) hours Saturday morning until Saturday night, and another four (4) hours Sunday morning until Sunday afternoon.

While the citizenry were dealing with the snow removal from their own properties, you must be proud of your efforts and the results that all County roads were virtually snow-free by Friday night. This were certainly no small accomplishment, within a seventy-two (72) hour period, the County’s Division of Public Works dealt with two major snow storms that realized more than 4.5 feet in total accumulation, not to mention the five (5) feet snow drifts that the severe wind gusts caused throughout the Blizzard.

Also, it is incumbent upon me to make you aware of numerous compliments that have been received in recognition of your efforts, and the results from this Blizzard. Sullivan County’s Legislators join me in thank you for a great job well done. Frankly, the condition of Sullivan County’s roads by Friday afternoon were second to none in the Hudson Valley! The County Government Offices were reopened this morning, and all County employees found cleared parking lots and walkways to County Buildings.

I have been told by some that this past week’s Blizzard was the worst that they experienced in the last thirty years. Whether that is accurate is irrelevant. The facts are such that you reported for work, worked numerous hours straight, unselfishly, for the citizenry of Sullivan County. I recognize that you are well trained and seasoned for such expectations, but I also recognize that Sullivan County was prepared and responded to the Blizzard like precision clockwork.

In closing, “Thank you” once again for the tremendous exemplary effort that was collectively put forth by each and every one of you.

Regards,

David P. Fanslau, M.G.A., ICMA-CM – County Manager – County of Sullivan

Monticello