Winter 2025 Updates from Sanford DPW

DPW plows ready for the next storm

Photo: Lisa Blanchette

By Lisa Blanchette

Old Man Winter has been showing his face here in Southern Maine in the form of snow, sleet, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures. If you’re as old as I am (and I’m not telling you how old that is!) you may remember this as normal for winters in this part of the country. I dare say we’re a bit out of practice for this type of weather, so I thought I’d pay a visit to our local Department of Public Works and get some information to share with our readers.

The Public Works Department, under the supervision of Matt Hill, maintains approximately 185 miles of roads throughout Sanford and Springvale (there are also about 50 miles serviced by contract). The city is also responsible for the sanding/salting of all our roads.

When asked about staffing, Matt was pleased to report that after successfully completing 18 months of labor negotiations, he felt his department is now in a better position to offer wages more in alignment with those offered in the metropolitan areas like Portland than they have been in the past. To that end, he was able to share that once the two new hires’ in-process are completed, there will be only one vacancy in the department. Having a fully- staffed department is key to being able to serve our community.

Even though we have had several storms in February, because of the mild early winter Matt has no concerns regarding the 24/25 snow removal budget or availability of supplies.

We all know this scenario or one like it. Snow falls and a homeowner snow blows/shovels/plows their driveway; then DPW plows and the homeowner is furious because the driveway needs to be redone! I asked Matt what the most important thing he wanted to convey to residents regarding this issue and his answer was, “It isn’t personal, and it is stressful.” There are things residents can do to minimize plowing-related problems and help the city crews do the most effective job possible.

This web page is designed to provide information to help, and you can also use it to sign up for automated parking ban alerts https://www.sanfordmaine.org/departments/winter_policies.php.

Some of the information you will find here is about winter parking, winter rubbish pick up, plowings/sanding/salting/ and snow removal and the stages of the snow removal process. If you do not have access to a computer or printer stop by the DPW and ask for a copy.

During the last storm, over 100 cars had to be moved or towed because they didn’t comply with the parking ban. This creates issues for plowing and safety. Please remember, there is no overnight parking in Sanford/Springvale from November 15 to April 1. Please remove your car from the street as soon as you are aware of a storm warning.

Here is another helpful document created by DPW.

Sanford/Springvale – Snow Removal Reminders

This has reminders about mailboxes, driveways, sidewalks, fire hydrants, winter driving, using salt vs. sand, overnight snow removal, and other topics of interest. Again, if you do not have access to a computer or printer stop by the DPW and ask for a copy.

There have been stories of residents feeling disrespected by plow drivers as the snow is redeposited back into their driveways. This is a highly tense situation and should not be personal, but if you ever feel you have been disrespected by a city employee you should, of course, report it. Every employee is held accountable for their actions.

Don’t forget you can get sand at the DPW on School Street. Just bring your own 5-gallon pails and a shovel to scoop it up with. Residents are allowed two 5-gallon pails per storm. Stop by Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.