MANSFIELD — Stephanie Zader said a $25,000 donation from Domino’s will have an impact on Mansfield’s streets even after she is out of office.
An At-large member of Mansfield City Council, Zader has said she won’t seek another term when her seat is up for election next year.
But her successful launch to land the award from the national pizza chain in its “Plowing for Pizza” contest will buy two new snowplow blades the city can use for the next several winters.
Zader, who has been an advocate for improved city snowplowing efforts during her time on council, said she got the idea when a friend saw Domino’s touting the contest on social media.
The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based company in early December offered $500,000 across 20 U.S. communities.
“At Domino’s, we’ve made delivery cars with warming ovens built in, paved roads to get your pizza home hot and in perfect condition, and offered pizza insurance for when anything goes awry,” Joe Jordan, Domino’s president of U.S. and global services told the Detroit Free Press.
“To us, nothing should stand in the way of getting a delicious pizza, including snowy, cold weather. So yes — you heard it right: a pizza company is actually helping to plow roads, he told the newspaper.
Residents could submit one entry per email address. Zader nominated Mansfield and encouraged others to do the same.
“Why wouldn’t I think it’s a great idea?” Zader asked Friday. “It’s free money for our city.
“I have a put a huge emphasis during my time in office in getting our snowplowing in order. Anything I can do to help is an added bonus.”
“I talked to (street department operations supervisor) Steve Brown. We haven’t had a lot of snow this winter. But a snowplow blade lasts more than one winter. We would get at least five winters out of a blade. So that $25,000 will make five years worth of difference,” Zader said.
“In my opinion, it’s a great investment and a needed one.”
Mayor Jodie Perry, who praised Zader for her efforts, said the city planned to use the funds to purchase two new snowplow blades for about $11,000 each.
“Stephanie led the charge on it,” the mayor said.
“The money has to be spent this year, which should not be a problem,” Perry said. “They were pretty expansive on how it could be spent.
“But there is always a need for equipment. So we thought that was a good idea.”
City Council is expected to vote Tuesday to accept the award, which could then be received in two or three weeks.
Communities selected for snow plowing grants also receive a winter-themed Domino’s Plowing for Pizza kit that includes winter hats, scarves, a snow measuring stick and sign, vehicle magnets, and $200 in Domino’s gift cards.
(Below is a PDF showing the Domino’s “Plowing for Pizza” agreement with the City of Mansfield.)
