Carson City Public Works braces for storm

Carson City government is as prepared as possible for wind and the storm, whether it brings rain or snow, according to Public Works Director Darren Schulz.

Schulz told members of the city’s Regional Transportation Commission at an evening meeting Wednesday his full crew is abreast of the situation regarding prospects for the storm, has cleared storm drains of limbs, leaves and other debris, and is going to swing into action whatever comes.

“We’re very aware of it,” he said. “We’ve been ramping up. We spent time today trying to clean as much as we can. The advantage we have on our side is the majority of the leaves fell a couple of weeks ago.”

Schulz said everyone at his department will chip in on 12 hour shifts, if necessary, after the wind event early today and the rain or snow to follow as the day moves on and precipitation moves in.

“We’re prepared to have 40 if needed,” he said of his crew. While Public Works employees labor outside, however, Schulz urged others to avoid that if possible. “Stay indoors if you can,” he said.

The commission in other action unanimously authorized Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger to execute a cooperative agreement involving the RTC and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to proceed with flashing yellow turn light indicators and other work at two intersections for safety purposes at a cost of about $150,000 each.

Federal funding for the most part will do the major intersection changes, which include the turn lights, software, American With Disabilities Act improvements and related changes at both North Carson Street and Winnie Lane and at North Roop and East Robinson streets.

The RTC also heard a report on an assessment regarding Carson City roadway maintenance problems, which Pittenger said would help with priorities on how and where to spend funds.

Earlier, the Carson Area Metropolitan Organization — a similar board for Carson City, northern Douglas County and eastern Lyon County — also met to hear a report and take action. The report was on an American With Disabilities Act transition plan.

Action included authorizing CAMPO to work with the NDOT and other metro transport organizations on a unified transportation plan. NDOT and the four metro planning organizations will pay $4,000 each to have Tahoe Transportation District develop the Nevada Unified Transportation Plan for them, and also intend to generate discussion on transport issues before the 2015 Legislature.