Milwaukee DPW, city leaders discuss improvements and concerns for upcoming snow season

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee city leaders met Wednesday to discuss the upcoming winter season.

Snow and ice removal is an annual concern and issue for residents and that's why the Department of Public Works says improvements are being made.

This comes following criticism from last winter that DPW failed to adequately remove snow and ice. DPW leaders admitted to having a less experienced staff and equipment issues. 

Now, they say they're more prepared.

"We're doing a lot more training with our new drivers. We have 39 drivers that never plowed before," Milwaukee DPW Director of Operations Laura Daniels said. "We are doing not only classroom, but behind the wheel refresher training."

Daniels says the department is also installing new pavement sensors, anti-icing equipment and making some changes to routes. She's confident going into snow season, despite some city leader's doubts.

"I need a comfort level," 11th District Ald. Mark Borkowski said. "I need to be able to say to constituents or whatever very confidently that we've got our best foot forward." 

Daniels says she believes DPW has enough drivers and equipment for the months ahead. DPW is also making a change to its sidewalk and crosswalk clearing process. Employees will be working around the clock which should cut the clearing time in half.