(ANGOLA) - Months of frequent snow, ice and subzero temperatures have pushed Angola's city workers to the brink, according to Mayor Dave Martin, who praised crews for keeping essential services running through one of the harshest winters in years.
In his monthly letter to residents, Martin said the winter arrived early in mid-November, forcing the street department to abandon fall yard-waste pickup and shift immediately to plowing and salting operations that have continued nonstop. Salt supplies are now running low as the season drags on.
The city's water department faced dangerous conditions after multiple main breaks during extreme cold, including one on North Wayne Street when temperatures hit zero with wind chills near minus-17. Crews worked in freezing mud and spraying water to maintain safe drinking service.
Wastewater teams repaired lift stations outdoors in severe weather, while parks crews kept parking lots, sidewalks and the city's heavily used bike path cleared of snow and ice.
Firefighters battled several major structure fires in subzero conditions, and police officers spent long hours outside in full winter gear responding to calls.
Martin said city employees across departments are eager for warmer weather after a season he described as especially challenging for those working outdoors.