01-19-16-Joint WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 1 of 2 DATE: January 19, 2016 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Susan Iverson, Acting City Administrator FROM: John Anderson, Acting Public Works Director SUBJECT: Snow Plowing, Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy Requested Action Provide feedback to Public Works on the level of service provided relative to snowplowing and ice control on City streets, trails, walks, and parking lots. Background/Discussion The City Council approved the current Snow Plowing, Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy in 2006. Since nearly ten (10) years have elapsed since last adopted, it is appropriate to check in with the City Council to determine if the policy and implementation are providing the level of service that the Council is looking to provide to residents. Public Works plows 30 miles of public streets, 12.6 miles of trails, 4 parking lots, 3 hockey and 3 pleasure rinks, as well as driveways at 11 lift stations and 2 water towers. The plow routes include three street routes, and one trail and walk route. Each street route is plowed by one large truck, and a small truck plows cul-de-sacs and narrow streets. Trails and walks are usually plowed by either pickup trucks or toolcats. The current policy is sometimes thought of as having a trigger of requiring two inches to have fallen before we consider plowing the streets. The reference to two inches of snowfall is one factor used in the decision process as to when to begin snow plowing, but it is not the test as to whether or not to plow. We weigh a number of factors when it comes to making decisions regarding snow plowing which include the following: accumulation, weather forecast, timing to morning and evening commutes, and what others communities are doing. We communicate with other agencies and municipalities leading up to and during a snow event to stay informed about how our neighbors are responding to a snow event. AGENDA ITEM – 1E MEMORANDUM