WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) — It should be a few months before the snow flies across our region, but snow removal was on the minds of Watertown’s Public Works, Finance and Safety Committee Monday.

They discussed the merits of using snowgates  this winter.

They’re re designed to prevent a big ridge of snow from forming across the width of the end of driveways when snowplows come by.

Watertown has three of them, and used them in parts of the city last winter.

But because of equipment costs associated with using them, and the rate at which they slow down the snow removal process, the committee was nearly unanimous in support of doing away with them completely this winter.

Councilman Don Roby shared his thoughts.

The committee voted 8-1 to eliminate the use of snowgates in Watertown this upcoming winter.