Gurnee mayor pushes for another salt storage facility,

Gurnee wants to ensure it never again lacks in essentials for snow removal, such as road salt and equipment.

Officials are considering constructing a second salt dome on Gurnee's west side to create more storage capacity. Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said the dome might cost $250,000 to build, but it would be worthwhile.

"I'm going to fight really hard," Kovarik said Tuesday. "We might have to take money out of reserves to do it."

Trustee David Ohanian said he's interested in discussing the second salt dome. He said any unused salt from a light winter wouldn't be wasted.

Kovarik and other village officials said they were pleased with the removal of the snow from Monday night into Tuesday morning. About 5 inches of snow fell at the National Weather Service's Grayslake measuring site, the closest one to Gurnee.

But it was the village's inability to get rid of about 14 inches of snow in a timely manner Feb. 6 that's driving the talk about how to improve operations, Kovarik said. Dwindling road salt supplies and mechanical problems with three snowplows combined to trigger the woes, Kovarik said.

"We're very good at removing snow at 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches and up to 6 inches," she said.

Last week, the mayor issued a letter apologizing for the snow-packed streets that resulted from the fierce Feb. 6 storm, which created bumpy conditions for drivers.

Kovarik said that in addition to a second salt dome, the village will look into having access to backup trucks and extra manpower to replace tired public works drivers.

Gurnee village board members are expected to discuss the financial aspects of the proposed improvements when discussions on next year's budget start in March.

Enough salt is on hand for at least four major snowstorms, Gurnee officials said. The village board last week gave special approval for a maximum of an additional $250,000 to be spent on salt.

Kovarik said some public works employees she has met were discouraged about not having enough tools to properly get rid of the heavy snow Feb. 6.

Trustee Jeanne Balmes, speaking at a meeting last week, said village employees deserve credit for their efforts this winter. She said she lives near public works headquarters and has had a close-up look at the hustle by that department.

"I know these guys have been out early and working late into the night," Balmes said.