Council asks mayor, youth works and schools to revisit teen shoveling program for seniors

Councilors Hass and Garrino Sawaya asked the mayor, Youth Works and the school department to revisit a teen shoveling program pairing students with seniors and disabled residents who cannot maintain properties during winter storms.

Councilor Hass said the program addresses a recurring need for seniors: "There are some nights when I'm walking my dog after a storm...and you'll see it's iced over. The stairs look icy," she said, describing the hazards for isolated residents. Councilor Garrino Sawaya recounted past programs (JROTC, Snow Angels) and suggested partnering with class advisers or guidance counselors, local organizations such as Roca, and using modest stipends from Parks & Rec funds to pay students or offer community-service hours.

Council President Zambuto warned that funding must be secured before launching the program and said finance and Youth Works would need to provide written confirmation of available funds. The council asked staff to pursue a plan and return with funding options and a recommended point person to implement the program.