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Privatized snow removal in Cottonwood Heights put to test

Posted at 11:49 AM, Dec 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-03 13:54:35-05

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah -- Many people woke up to a winter wonderland Tuesday morning in Utah.

FOX 13's Scott McKane visited Cottonwood Heights to see how the city is dealing with the snow in the foothills.

Cottonwood Heights is the first city in Utah to privatize its public works force. The city hired a company called Terracare in November.

Tuesday's storm was the first big test for the company, as they responded to the sizable winter storm. The community reviews appeared to be decent, with room for improvement.

City officials said Terracare plows were out as early as 2 a.m., and they appeared to have all the main roads in Cottonwood Heights covered. But there was some issues with side streets and secondary roads getting a slower response.

Overall, Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvin Cullimore said he's pleased with Terracare's performance.

"We had some learning curves that we got to get through," Cullimore said. "Some of the secondary routes didn't get plowed as quickly as we would've liked, but I think for a first time it was about a C-- about average."

Cullimore said he expects that C grade to go up to an A grade as the winter storms continue.