City Begins Clean-up Efforts Following Weekend Storm

Following severe winds gusting over 50 miles-per-hour on Saturday, Town officials will begin implementing clean-up operations this week, focusing on the removal of debris from downed tree's. Crews will re-visit those scenes that they were dispatched to throughout the Town during Saturday's storm. There, they will perform a more thorough clean-up, as Saturday's objective was only to remove hazards and continue the delivery of services. Clean-up is expected to take the entire week. Crews will focus on the clean-up of public spaces first, with attention to streets, alleys and parks. Once those area's on Town property are cleaned up, crews will begin moving throughout the community to collect debris that has not yet been collected and is too large for residents to remove themselves. 

At this time the Town is still working on plans for a community-wide clean-up similar to the efforts each spring and fall. When plans are finalized with the Public Works Department, citizens will be updated with instructions and a schedule. "Clean-up operations aren't usually something our Public Crews take on in January," said Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey. "A community-wide clean-up requires us to get equipment ready and have crews available that would otherwise be taking care of other needs."

While preparations are made for clean-up, the Town would like to remind residents and property owners of the following:

• If your roof was damaged, your roofing contractor will need to apply for a roofing permit when repairs are made. Permit applications are available at Town Hall or online.
• Fence replacement also requires a permit if the fence is 6 feet tall. Fences less than 6 feet tall do not need a permit. 

Damage to Town owned facilities and infrastructure has been limited to a non-critical nature. Tree replacements will be necessary long-term, and the flag pole at Town Hall will be replaced due to wind damage. The roof of Town Hall also suffered minor damage, including antenna's. There is no word yet as to how much private property damage has been sustained by the winds. 

Crews from NorthWestern Energy worked around the clock to restore power to the community. As of 9:30 Saturday night, approximately 175 households were without power. Crews were able to restore a majority of the power near midnight Saturday.

Residents are encouraged to contact Town Hall if the have questions. Business hours are Monday - Friday 8am-5pm. 

###