MU student association voices concerns after early snowfall

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri Student Association approved a resolution Thursday for University Operations to start winter weather preparations a month earlier.

MSA passed the senate imperative resolution 59-06 addressing hazardous winter weather conditions on a vote of 33-0-2. "A Resolution of Imperative Action to Support Students Regarding Hazardous Weather Conditions on Campus," was in response to an early snowfall Monday.

In a letter to students, MSA said students raised concerns that facility workers hadn't adequately addressed the snow on campus. MU spokesman Christian Basi said the university will start preparing for snow and ice in mid-October instead of mid-November. Basi said the university will now use blue ice melt on wintry conditions after students were concerned that sidewalks weren't treated.

The letter said MSA leaders and University Operations employees met to clarify the following information:

• MU Operations will now begin their winter weather preparations in mid-October as opposed to mid-November.
• MU Operations will include accessibility concerns and updates in their weather report.
• We learned that MU Operations was previously using ice melt that started off as white, and turned clear as it melted the ice. MU Operations will use blue ice melt that retains its color as it treats the winter conditions. This will allow students to track if any sidewalks are not being treated.
• We learned that MU Operations treated sidewalks anywhere from 6-24 times each day.
• When asked if every building every building on campus has an accessible route inside, the Vice Chancellor of Operations assured us it is their priority to have all ramps and central sidewalks treated to ensure at least one accessible path inside every building.

MSA said it will continue to have meetings with operations to make sure the plans are followed.