The Department of Public Works says it often receives the same questions and/or complaints every year once snow clearing operations get underway. Those calls have been documented and thoroughly answered in a "Snowplowing and Snow Removal Procedures" brochure available from the DPW office. Here are the top five entries and their corresponding answers.

• Can I push snow from my property onto the sidewalk or street? No. A town bylaw restricts this act. Additionally, such action may bring liability if an accident should occur. This also increases the town's costs for snow operations.
• Do some streets receive priority during a snow storm? Yes. Major roadways and hills are a top priority.
• Does the town really need a parking ban? Yes. Snowplowing and removal are difficult; parked cars on the roadways not only increase the number of hazards, but also the time it takes to remove the snow.
• Do sidewalks receive the same priority as streets? No. The roads are always plowed first. Only certain sidewalks are plowed when the storm has ended.
• Why is snow pushed into my driveway? The situation is unavoidable. The plows remove the snow from curb to curb for maximum clearance of the roadway. This provides for maximum drainage and public safety.

You can stop by the Public Works office at Town Hall to pick up a copy of the brochure, which contains lots more useful information about snow plowing operations in town, or call the DPW at 978-777-0001 ext. 3011.