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An open letter to Sandpoint City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton:

After the severe snow storm of Feb. 11-12, we had our plowing service clear the driveway only to see a city plow come by afterward and leave a berm that was side and dep enough to keep us from getting out without another plowing. It was also placed a couple of feet away from the end of the drivway, so that to remove it, part of the street would have to be plowed by us as well.

We are retirees, my husband is disabled and we are unable to do our own snow shoveling. A neighbor was kind enough to shovel the berm out of the way so that in case of emergency, we would be able to get out.

But to our surprise, the snowplow cam by later and bermed us in again.

Now I’m learning this is actually city policy: after an eight-inch snowfall, one quick sweep through “Priority 3” streets, without equipment gates that prevent berms, followed at a later time for a second sweep.

This is an unacceptable policy. Sloppy, inconsiderate plowing is worse than no plowing at all and creates cost and/or phyiscal hardship for residents, especially those who are not young or healthy enough to do their own snow shoveling.

Please revise this policy immediately. Sandpoint residents certainly pay enough taxes to at least be able to expect propert snow plowing.

KATHY BEARD

Sandpoint