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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL JOINT WORK SESSION – JANUARY 19, 2016 7 Acting Public Works Director Anderson estimated that the back of the existing house was 20 feet closer to the street than the sewer line was. He reported that the City would want a 10-foot easement on either side of the sewer line. Mayor Grant stated that at this point, he was not in favor of moving the sewer line. Councilmember Holmes agreed that she did not see the need to move the sewer line as this would become a burden to the City. She encouraged Mr. Nelson to speak with staff to see how the existing home could be expanded. She understood that the sewer on this property has been a concern for the past 20 years. She encouraged Mr. Nelson to consider reaching a compromise that does not include moving the sanitary sewer lines. Mr. Nelson thanked the Council for their time and feedback regarding this situation. E. Snow Plowing, Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that 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. Acting Public Works Director Anderson explained that Public Works plows 30 miles of public streets, 12.6 miles of trails, four parking lots, three hockey and three pleasure rinks, as well as driveways at 11 lift stations and two 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. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated that the current policy is sometimes thought of as having a trigger of requiring two inches of snow to have fallen before the City considers 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. There are 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 other communities are doing. Staff communicates 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. Some of the changes that have taken place in our procedures since the policy was adopted are as follows: 1. Shift in the use of sand/salt mixture to 100% salt with brine activation. 2. Reduction in volume of ice control materials in exchange for more plowing. 3. Addition of salt brine pretreatment prior to a snow event. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that additional challenges when it comes to snow and ice control are: