While giving his first State of the City address Thursday night, Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney deviated from his 11-page speech only once.
Before giving the crowd of more than 75 in council chambers an update on streets and public improvements, Muldowney, 56, said: "My wife told me I should ad lib a little bit. So, God bless you, Ron. And you too, Dan."
He was referring to Councilman Ronald J. Moser, who heads up the city's streets and public improvements department, and the challenge Moser and city officials, including Superintendent of Streets Daniel E. Kelly, will face as a result of the wicked winter.
"Dan Kelly and the men that work in this department have the skills and determination to help our residents brave the worst of weather," Muldowney said.
Snow storms and chilly temperatures have brutalized the city's 48 miles of streets.
"From Jan. 1 to Feb. 19, 900 tons of rock salt and 300 tons of anti-skid materials were used on the streets," the mayor said.
While the city budgeted $75,000 in state liquid fuels funds for road resurfacing this year, the mayor and Moser believe more will be needed to repair the numerous potholes.
City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said the city used $75,000 in state liquid fuels funding for road resurfacing in 2013, and that's what's budgeted for 2014.
"In 2014, the street department will seek out practical, cost effective ways to meet the challenges facing our community," Muldowney said in his speech.
It's been a difficult year for the city road crew for other reasons.
On Feb. 6, one of the city's 14 plow trucks, a 2004 Ford F550 4X4 Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel pick-up, caught fire while in use. It was destroyed.
On Feb. 12, Ralph F. Luckenbill, 60, of Pottsville, one of the city's 14 full-time street workers, died at Schuylkill Medical Center-East Norwegian Street, Pottsville.
Muldowney asked the crowd for a moment of silence for Luckenbill before giving his State of the City speech.
Muldowney gave updates on all city departments, and stressed the need for a regional police force.
"In 2014, we will continue to work diligently to strengthen our police department and will continue to explore the feasibility to developing a regional approach to law enforcement," the mayor said in his speech.
The city police force is made up of 22 full-time officers, including the new police chief, Richard F. Wojciechowsky, who was sworn in Dec. 31, according to Muldowney.
In 2013, the city police investigated 10,418 incidents.
"This is an increase of 570 from 2012. This does not include several hundred incidents that did not require a police tracking incident. The department also investigated 118 reportable vehicles accidents and 380 non-reportable vehicle accidents. The department clearance rate was 86 percent, a rate that is significantly higher than other law enforcement entities," the mayor said.
Muldowney, a Democrat, was elected in November and took office in January.