To prevent another snowstorm mishap, which left many in the neighborhood dealing with icy streets, snow filled driveways and clogged storm drains this past winter, Seattle City Council President Richard Conlin, council member Jan Drago, and Mayor Greg Nickels have hired an independent consultant to manage a plan to improve the city's response to snow emergencies.

The decision for a more detailed and thorough work plan is the result of the completion of a city council staff report summarizing additional actions the transportation department can take to implement a more systematic plan for managing the city’s response to severe snow and other emergencies.

The reports have also recommended that the city develop clear policies and procedures for prioritizing, responding to, and documenting plowing, shoveling, de-icing, and other needs; implementing everyday practices in using the Incident "command system" structure to actively manage and make strategic and policy changes as needed during emergency operations; and conduct a comprehensive review of Seattle Transportation’s Winter Strorm Response Plan to plans from other jurisdictions and evaluate the department’s overall preparedness for future emergencies and disasters.

“I appreciate the review and agree that an outside consultant can help improve (the transportation department's) work plan,” said Nickels. “Our mutual goal is to ensure better response in weather emergencies, and that we have the skills and equipment to make that happen.”

The hired consultant will work with the transportation department to address the issues raised in the council’s report. They will also continue to examine corrective actions identified in the department's "after action report," identify areas that may need improvements and develop and assist it in implementing a work plan.