New York City Council
Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
Jan 22, 2025
·
10:00 AM
52 min
Summary
A hearing on the Department of Sanitation (DSNY)'s snow preparedness for the 2025 winter season.
Discussions focused on:
- Recent snow removal efforts
- New technologies like Blade Runner 2.0 tracking system
- Specialized bike lane clearing vehicles
- The concept of "snow equity" for citywide service
- Salt and brine inventory management
- Sidewalk clearing enforcement
- Collaboration with other agencies.
Council members expressed general satisfaction with recent efforts while raising concerns about specific issues like enforcement and assistance for seniors.
Features testimony from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY).
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Shaun Abreu's opening remarks for the DSNY snow preparedness hearing
Council Member Shaun Abreu, chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, opens the oversight hearing on the Department of Sanitation's snow preparedness for the 2025 winter season. …
0:00:12
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3 min
Introduction and recognition of sanitation worker
Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan opens the testimony with greetings and recognition of a sanitation worker named Ahmad Ladson. He introduces himself and his team members from the Department of Sanitation. …
0:03:43
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30 sec
Overview of recent snow events and DSNY response
Commissioner Lojan provides an overview of the Department of Sanitation's response to recent snow events in New York City. He highlights the scale of operations and resources deployed to manage …
0:04:14
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35 sec
Preparation and innovation in snow removal strategies
Commissioner Lojan emphasizes the Department's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in snow removal strategies. He highlights the balance between tried-and-true methods and new approaches. - Year-round planning process including …
0:04:50
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40 sec
Staffing and collection during snow events
Commissioner Lojan discusses improvements in staffing and collection services during snow events. He highlights how increased staffing has led to better service parity between snow removal and regular trash collection. …
0:05:30
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25 sec
Implementation of Blade Runner 2.0 tracking system
Commissioner Lojan introduces the Blade Runner 2.0 system, a new technology for tracking and managing snow removal operations. This system enhances the department's ability to respond effectively to snow events. …
0:05:56
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28 sec
Introduction of the snow equity initiative
Commissioner Lojan introduces the concept of 'snow equity', a new approach to ensure equal snow removal service across all city streets. This initiative represents a significant change in how the …
0:06:24
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37 sec
Overview of snow removal equipment and fleet
Commissioner Lojan provides an overview of the Department of Sanitation's snow removal equipment and fleet. He emphasizes the substantial resources available for snow fighting operations. - Over 700 salt spreaders …
0:07:02
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15 sec
Vehicle maintenance challenges and staffing solutions
Commissioner Lojan addresses the challenges in maintaining the department's snow fighting fleet and the steps taken to ensure adequate staffing for vehicle maintenance. He highlights recent successes and ongoing efforts …
0:07:18
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50 sec
Readiness for future snow events
Commissioner Lojan affirms the Department of Sanitation's readiness for future snow events. He emphasizes the training and experience of the department's workforce and their collaboration with other city agencies. - …
0:08:09
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21 sec
DSNY's position on Intro 355
Commissioner Lojan discusses the Department of Sanitation's position on Intro 355, which would require DSNY to post emergency and resiliency plans on a dedicated web page. The department opposes this …
0:08:30
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24 sec
DSNY's perspective on Intro 534 and sidewalk snow removal
Commissioner Lojan addresses Intro 534, which proposes increased penalties for certain businesses failing to remove snow from sidewalks. He discusses the department's role in enforcing sidewalk clearing rules and their …
0:08:55
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41 sec
Council member congratulates new DSNY Acting Commissioner
Council Member Shaun Abreu congratulates the new DSNY Acting Commissioner, Javier Lojan, on his appointment. He expresses confidence in Lojan's leadership based on his years of experience with New York's …
0:09:37
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30 sec
Insights from previous snow seasons and adjustments to snow plowing routes
DSNY Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan discusses the department's process for reviewing and improving snow removal operations based on insights from previous seasons. He emphasizes the year-round nature of snow preparation …
0:10:07
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131 sec
Metrics for estimating supplies and stockpiles for winter season
Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's approach to maintaining supplies and stockpiles for the winter season. The department focuses on maximizing capacity rather than forecasting for small events. - DSNY maintains …
0:12:18
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42 sec
Pre-positioning of salt spreaders before snow events
Acting Commissioner Lojan describes DSNY's process for pre-positioning salt spreaders before snow events. The department aims to place equipment strategically while considering various factors. - DSNY tries to position spreaders …
0:13:00
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143 sec
Budget for snow operations, salt, calcium, and brine
DSNY officials provide information about the department's budget for snow operations, including salt, calcium, and brine. The budget is managed as a combined total for all materials. - The approximate …
0:15:23
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40 sec
Salt and brine usage during average snow events
Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's salt usage during snow events and the factors that influence the amount used. He also discusses how quickly supplies are replenished after use. - DSNY …
0:16:04
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116 sec
Expenditures on road salt and calcium chloride brine in recent fiscal years
Acting Commissioner Lojan provides detailed figures on DSNY's expenditures for road salt and calcium chloride brine over the past three fiscal years. - Road salt expenditures: - FY 24: $10 …
0:18:01
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39 sec
Current inventory of salt and brine
Acting Commissioner Lojan provides information on DSNY's current inventory of salt, calcium chloride, and brine. The department maintains near-capacity levels of these materials. - Salt inventory: About 300,000 tons (close …
0:18:41
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23 sec
Process for procuring road salt and calcium brine contracts
Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's process for procuring road salt and calcium brine. The department maintains established contracts with multiple vendors to ensure a steady supply. - DSNY has established …
0:19:04
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39 sec
Alternatives to chloride-based road deicing chemicals
Acting Commissioner Lojan discusses DSNY's stance on alternatives to chloride-based road deicing chemicals. The department has considered alternatives but finds them impractical due to cost and effectiveness concerns. - DSNY …
0:19:43
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52 sec
Management of surplus salt or brine at the end of snow season
DSNY officials explain how surplus salt and brine are managed at the end of the snow season and how this affects budgeting for subsequent years. - Surplus salt is kept …
0:20:35
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74 sec
Environmental considerations for road salt application
Acting Commissioner Lojan addresses questions about environmental impact studies of road salt and considerations for applying salt near sensitive areas. - DSNY has not conducted or considered environmental impact studies …
0:21:49
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71 sec
Snow plowing routes for bike lanes and specialized equipment
DSNY officials discuss the department's approach to clearing snow from bike lanes, including the use of specialized equipment and dedicated routes. - DSNY uses All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) specifically for …
0:23:00
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134 sec
Use of emergency hired equipment contracts for snow removal
Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's use of different types of equipment contracts for snow removal and discusses the last time emergency contracts were activated. - DSNY has two types of …
0:25:17
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105 sec
Snow removal techniques for the Brooklyn promenade and other special locations
Acting Commissioner Lojan discusses the unique snow removal approach for the Brooklyn promenade on the BQE and mentions other locations with special snow removal techniques. - The Brooklyn promenade (BQE …
0:27:02
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65 sec
Use of snow melters and management of melted snow
Acting Commissioner Lojan and other DSNY officials explain the department's use of snow melters, including when they are deployed and how the melted snow is managed. - Snow is piled …
0:28:09
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98 sec
DSNY staffing for sidewalk snow removal enforcement
Council Member Shaun Abreu inquires about the Department of Sanitation's staffing for sidewalk snow removal enforcement. Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan explains that DSNY doesn't allocate specific personnel for this task …
0:30:06
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83 sec
Snow removal violation statistics for recent snow seasons
Council Member Shaun Abreu inquires about the statistics of violations issued for failure to remove snow from pedestrian walkways. Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan provides detailed information on the number of …
0:31:29
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109 sec
Use of skid steer loaders for clearing pedestrian walkways
Council Member Shaun Abreu inquires about the sufficiency of DSNY's 102 skid steer loaders for clearing pedestrian walkways during snow events. Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan explains that skid steers are …
0:33:29
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56 sec
Council member congratulates DSNY on recent snow removal efforts
Council Member Chris Banks congratulates the acting commissioner of the Department of Sanitation on the successful snow removal during a recent storm. He expresses particular satisfaction with the work done …
0:34:56
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19 sec
DSNY collaboration with other agencies for snow removal
Council Member Banks inquires about collaborations between the Department of Sanitation and other city agencies, particularly NYCHA, in fulfilling snow removal responsibilities. Acting Commissioner Lojan explains the multi-agency coordination process …
0:35:16
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63 sec
Snow removal in NYCHA and RADPAC developments
Council Member Banks inquires about snow removal responsibilities and enforcement in NYCHA properties, particularly RAD PACT converted developments. Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's approach to addressing snow removal issues in …
0:36:19
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40 sec
Reporting mechanisms for residents regarding snow removal
Council Member Banks inquires about mechanisms for residents to report snow removal issues, particularly concerning NYCHA properties. Acting Commissioner Lojan explains the available reporting options. - Residents can report snow …
0:37:00
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22 sec
Support for local businesses during winter storms
Council Member Banks inquires about plans to support local businesses in the 42nd district during winter storms, particularly regarding snow removal. Deputy Commissioner Goodman explains DSNY's approach to business and …
0:37:23
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69 sec
DSNY training and preparation for major snowfalls
Council Member Banks inquires about DSNY's preparation and training for major snowfalls. Acting Commissioner Lojan explains the department's annual training procedures. - DSNY conducts annual in-service training starting in September …
0:38:32
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40 sec
Resource deployment in the 42nd Council District for snow removal
Council Member Banks requests specific information on personnel and resources deployed for snow removal in the 42nd Council District. Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's staffing approach and promises to provide …
0:39:12
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63 sec
Salt allocation and distribution across NYC
Council Member Banks inquires about salt allocation and distribution for each council district. Acting Commissioner Lojan explains DSNY's salt storage and distribution system. - DSNY maintains 42 salt storage locations …
0:40:15
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37 sec
Status of salt warehouse in Council Member Banks' district
Council Member Banks inquires about the status of a salt warehouse in his district, specifically on Loring Avenue. Acting Commissioner Lojan provides information on potential reasons for changes in salt …
0:40:52
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55 sec
Council Member Zhuang inquires about religious accommodations for snow removal and garbage collection
Council Member Susan Zhuang raises concerns about religious accommodations for snow removal and garbage collection, particularly for communities observing Shabbat. DSNY officials explain their policies on enforcing snow removal and …
0:41:54
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160 sec
Council Member Sandy Nurse inquires about the Targeted Neighborhood Task Force program and requests area cleaning
Council Member Sandy Nurse asks Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan about the status of a program addressing "no man's land" areas with green spaces. Lojan confirms the program, known as the …
0:44:38
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139 sec
Council Member Carr praises DSNY's snow removal efforts and leadership
Council Member David M. Carr congratulates the new DSNY Acting Commissioner and commends the department's recent snow removal operations. He expresses appreciation for the strong working relationship between his office …
0:47:04
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32 sec
Council member inquires about snow removal assistance for seniors
Council Member Inna Vernikov raises concerns about the difficulties seniors face in removing snow from sidewalks, asking about potential exemptions or assistance programs. DSNY officials acknowledge the challenge but note …
0:47:45
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65 sec