(“Snowmare” scenes: December 23 video by WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli)
Just a few hours ago, we had the chance to join neighborhood-preparedness advocate Cindi Barker of Morgan Junction in an impromptu City Hall conversation with City Council President Richard Conlin regarding Snowmare ’08, particularly the communications challenges and shortcomings. But we also talked about an incredible example of communication that worked: During the conversation, we were able to show him a few examples of how WSB’ers shared information with each other (in comments following coverage like this), when detailed, official information was difficult or impossible to find. Previously, Councilmember Conlin had told WSB yesterday that hearings and reviews were in the works, and we promised you we’d share the detailed list of those events as soon as it was available. It just hit the inbox; read on:

In response to citizen and Council concerns regarding the impact of the recent snowstorm on transportation, road-clearing efforts and garbage collection, the Seattle City Council will conduct a series of meetings to review the City’s performance. In these meetings, the Council will review the City’s snow management policies, procedures, and equipment to identify immediate action and resource needs for improving the City’s response to future storms.

… Meetings will take place as follow:

Monday, January 5 at 9:30 a.m. – Council Briefings: An overview from Office of Emergency Management and Seattle Department of Transportation on the Storm Response, including information from the Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Police Department.

Tuesday, January 6 at 9:30 a.m. – Joint Meeting of the Transportation and Environment, Emergency Management, and Utilities Committees: Briefing and Discussion with Seattle Department of Transportation, Human Services Department, Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle City Light, Office of Emergency Management and King County Metro Transit. Time will be available for public comment.

Monday, January 12 at 9:30 a.m. – Council Briefings: Identification of immediate steps that can be taken for improved storm response.

Friday, February 20 at 9:30 a.m. – Joint Meeting of the Transportation and Environment, Emergency Management, and Utilities Committees: Establish a detailed Action Plan for improved response. Time will be available for public comment.

Councilmember Conlin also told us that NOW is the best time for your feedback, while the memories, ideas, and concerns are still fresh. To e-mail or otherwise contact councilmembers now, seattle.gov/council will point you in every possible direction; Conlin’s info is here; Transportation Committee chair Jan Drago‘s info is here; EEMU Committee info here; Transportation Committee here; mayoral contact info is here.