Ashtabula city council speaks on LHS partial roof collapse and unprecedented snowstorm
Dec. 12—ASHTABULA — City council recognized Ashtabula Area City Schools faculty following the recent partial roof collapse at Lakeside High School during the beginning of their Monday night meeting.
"I want to give a shoutout to [AACS] Superintendent Lisa Newsome and all of the staff," City Manager Jim Timonere said. "How they have responded to this, how they have taken immediate action to only be remote for a short time here before break and then having the students back to in-person learning. I think it's extremely important for our district and for our kids. They have our full support."
A resolution declaring a state of emergency due to extreme weather conditions in the city was approved by council.
"Our guys came in at 2:30 a.m. on Friday before the snow started falling," Timonere said. "We looked outside and it was somewhat falling, but looked slick. We started mobilizing the guys to get some salt done. When we first go out we do hills, bridges and overpasses.
"Those are the areas that tend to freeze up first. We were probably rolling by 3:30, 4 o'clock in the morning. By 8 a.m., I think we had two feet of snow. It just crippled us right from the get-go."
Timonere said the city declared a state of emergency Saturday morning.
"I have to thank my colleagues in Conneaut and Geneva," he said. "Mr. Nick Sanford and Mr. Joseph Varckette. We were on the phone early Saturday through most of the day. We were organizing calls with our departments and with the county EMA."
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) helped in assisting the city, Conneaut and Geneva with around 12 plows.
"ODOT has been absolutely wonderful with us," Timonere said. "Without their help, we would still be digging out. There is no question. Without the help of Koski Construction, Capp Steel [Erectors, Inc.] and UIC [Union Industrial Contractors], all of whom I called and immediately responded."
Council President John Roskovics said the amount of snow the area received last week was unprecedented.
Ashtabula Fire Department Captain Steve Chase said as snow accumulation extends response times, it becomes even more critical to maintain clear access to and from your home or business.
"The ability for individuals and families to evacuate in the event of a hazardous situation is paramount," Chase said in a press release. "With the volume of snow received last week, exits from homes and emergency exits from businesses were quickly obstructed, impeding the ability to safely leave or access these spaces.
"Another concern is access to fire hydrants. While we encourage capable individuals to clear snow from around fire hydrants in their vicinity, the excessive snowfall last week made this particularly challenging.
"What can be more easily addressed is ensuring that snow is not deposited around hydrants when clearing your property. Homeowners and private snow removal contractors should refrain from piling snow near hydrants, which can hinder firefighters' access in an emergency."
Timonere said residents should stay home when the Ashtabula County Sheriff declares a level-three snow emergency.
Chase said the level-three snow emergency means roadways are closed to non-emergency personnel.
"By staying off the roads, you help ensure safer and faster emergency responses and allow crews to efficiently clear snow and keep roadways accessible," he said in the release.
