News photo by Josh Jambor Pictured is the brush pile at Bay View Park in Alpena on Thursday. Because of the recent flooding in the area several spring cleanup tasks have been temporarily delayed.

ALPENA – This month’s flooding delayed some tasks performed by the City of Alpena Department of Public Works (DPW). One of those delayed tasks was the start of brush pickup within the city.

City of Alpena City Engineer Steve Shultz explained crews were busy addressing damages caused by the flooding and working on preventative measures.

“It delayed DPW from getting started on brush pickup,” Shultz said. “We were supposed to start on the 13th, but we did not because we were busy unplugging culverts, filling sandbags and checking on flooding.”

“As a result, we were unable to begin the brush pickup until this week,” Shultz added.

Shultz said he expects DPW crews to finish brush pickup by “the first part of May.”

Brush pickup was not the only task that had to be delayed because priorities shifted due to flooding concerns. Shultz explained that by this time of year DPW crews are starting to prepare local parks to open.

“Because of the delay the brush pickup takes us longer, so the flowers don’t get planted as soon, it all trickles down into our spring work,” Shultz said. “We are going to make our best effort to make sure everything is done on time.”

“No closures are anticipated, only delays,” Shultz added.

Due to the delays, Shultz said some DPW workers may have to work extra hours to get areas cleaned up and tasks back on their regular schedule.

“Some staff may work weekends to get the parks cleaned up and ready to mow on our normal schedule,” Shultz said.

Shultz explained that initial assessments have revealed no extraordinary amount of damage caused by flooding in the city of Alpena; however, the city is still looking into any and all damage on a case-by-case basis.

“We are evaluating some things around town to see if there are any long-term effects from the flooding,” Shultz said. “So far, we are in pretty good shape, but I don’t think it’s ever really done. We continue to take calls and review locations.”

City Manager Rachel Smolinski issued a statement on Monday thanking the DPW staff for their work in response to the flooding in the area.

“Our DPW staff work tirelessly–often in difficult, exhausting, and rapidly changing conditions–to fill and distribute sandbags to residents and businesses across the community and beyond,” Smolinski said. “Your dedication, long hours, and commitment to protecting property and public safety made a meaningful difference for so many during a time of uncertainty.”

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.