Time for snow and ice!

The Street Division of the Batavia Public Works Department is responsible for ensuring that all city streets and facilities are safe and accessible during the winter season. Snow removal and ice control are provided for 115 miles of streets, 168 cul-de-sacs, two city cemeteries, 14 city-owned parking lots, and sidewalks in several locations of the downtown area. Please drive with caution during the winter season and adjust your speed accordingly since hazardous conditions may exist due to snow, wind, and freezing temperatures.

Snow and ice control is considered emergency work in that pavement must be cleared any time of the day or night. Such factors as the rate and accumulation of snowfall, moisture content, temperature, time of day, wind direction, velocity, and duration are all taken into consideration in our approach to responding to each individual snowstorm.

During snowfall events, the City of Batavia spreads deicing salt on primary streets. After a snowfall has ended, secondary streets are plowed and deicers are applied mainly to intersections, hills, and curves. In most cases, salt will be applied continuously to secondary streets; however, the application rate of salt to secondary streets will be less and, depending on the events, may not be done. Occasionally, salt may be applied prior to a snow event to prevent icy conditions. In addition, the city puts additives into the salt to accelerate the melting process.

Best efforts will be made to clear all primary streets to bare pavement during the snowstorm. Secondary streets will be plowed following the end of a snowfall after primary streets are cleared. Depending upon variable conditions, some streets may remain snow packed after plowing operations have been completed. Courts and cul-de-sacs will be plowed after primary and secondary streets are completed if snow accumulation is greater than 2". Cul-de-sacs can take up to eight times longer to plow than a through street of a similar size. They are generally done during the day after the snow has stopped.

Our crews will make best efforts to plow aisles of city-owned public parking lots during and after a storm to maintain access to the parking lots during business hours. The major clearing of these lots is performed during the early morning hours.

The City of Batavia plows most streets within the city limits; however, there are several roads that are the responsibility of other government agencies. Kane County-maintained roadways include Kirk Rd., Randall Rd., Fabyan Parkway, and Main St. (west of Randall Rd.).

Please follow these regulations and guidelines to make your streets safer for travel during the winter season:

• Street Regulations: Snowplows are designed to unload snow to the side, forming a windrow along the curb or edge of pavement. We understand that this leaves a windrow through driveways, but this process is the most efficient way to remove snow from our streets. Please do your part to help keep our town free of hazardous conditions. It is very important not to shovel, blow, or plow snow/ice onto the street at any time. This could create an unsafe driving surface. Property owners should notify their snow removal contractors that snow is not be deposited on the public roadway, meaning it cannot be plowed across the street.
• Parking Prohibited: Residents should be advised that parking is not allowed on any street during or after a snowfall in which there is an accumulation of 2" or more of snow. This prohibition is in effect until 24 hours after the end of the snowfall or until the street is plowed and all snow is removed, whichever occurs first.
• Sidewalk/Driveway Snow Removal: Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways is the responsibility of residents and property owners. The City of Batavia appeals to citizens to clear sidewalks, especially for children walking to school. You should be advised that the Good Samaritan Law prevents individuals from being sued for performing an act or service with the intent of helping people.
• Mailboxes: Best efforts are made to plow as close to the curb as possible; however, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to remove snow away from their mailbox for curbside delivery. The City of Batavia is not responsible for repairing mailboxes damaged by snowplows if the face of the mailbox is less than 6" behind the back of curb or road edge and a height less than 42" above the road. It is the responsibility of individual homeowners to install and maintain their mailboxes properly. Properly installed mailboxes damaged by City of Batavia snow removal equipment will be repaired or replaced with a standard-type mailbox and post for a cost not to exceed $50 each.
• Refuse Collection: If an accumulating snow occurs on your refuse collection day or the night before, please remember to place garbage cans and recycling bins away from the curbs or edge of road during the snow plow operation.
• Parkways: Occasionally, parkway damage may occur during the plowing process. It will be repaired in the spring when pulverized dirt is available. Please notify the Street Division to have your address placed on a restoration list.
• Plowing Equipment: Allow plenty of space when following snow removal vehicles, as they must back up frequently. Do not attempt to pass a snowplow that is engaged in removal activities.

City of Batavia approves ordinance banning Synthetic Marijuana

On November 21, 2011, the Batavia City Council enacted an ordinance banning the sale, possession, or use of synthetic marijuana. Other nearby communities, such as Aurora, North Aurora, and Saint Charles, have also enacted similar ordinances. The City Council voted on the ordinance 12-0 (2 Aldermen were absent) in favor of the new ordinance after much careful thought and deliberation.

The Batavia Police Department had noted numerous incidents in the past year that involved synthetic drugs. Police encountered citizens that were disoriented after smoking synthetic cannabinoids, some of which required transportation to the local emergency room. Some individuals were reported to have become violent, with one individual resisting arrest and striking a police officer. Juveniles as young as 12 have been discovered to be in possession of these now prohibited items.

The items that are now banned are referred to as synthetic alternative drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, and synthetic psychedelics/hallucinogens. These items include synthetic marijuana products such as “Red Magic”, “K2”, “Karma” and “Purple Magic.” The synthetic marijuana products would typically be sold in a small clear plastic jar and the contents closely resembled marijuana in varying colors and scents. The substances would typically be a real type of incense or potpourri with a synthetic cannabinoid added. Several Batavia retailers sold the items until the passing of this ordinance.

The penalties for persons violating the sale or delivery prohibitions of this new ordinance range from a fine of between $750 to $1,000 per incident and may include between one (1) and six (6) months incarceration in a penal institution. Individuals under the age of 17 may be required to complete between 100 and 200 hours of community service.

Persons found to be in possession of or using the banned substances will face a fine of between $500 and $1,000 and may face between 50 and 100 hours of community service. Persons over the age of 17 may also be subject to between one (1) and thirty (30) days incarceration in a penal institution. The Police Department has begun notification to retailers located in Batavia, and will be enforcing this new ordinance.

Article by Detective Gary La Barbera