2012-09-12 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. Use of sand, salt, and other chemicals The City has determined that sand as a means of controlling icy road conditions is more expensive than use of salt (sodium chloride) alone and that except in extremely cold conditions, use of salt alone is more effective in establishing safe streets. Sand remaining on the road is very costly to pick up and dispose of and while on the road may actually impede traction and increase stopping distances. Sand can clog storm sewers, ditches and ponds. As such, salt is the preferred material to control icing of roads, and sand will generally not be used. Streets may be pretreated with salt -brine before a weather event. The City recognizes that winter deicing materials, especially chlorides, can have a detrimental affect on the environment due to the possibility of them remaining in ponds and lakes increasing concentration over time. As such, the City determines that the use of these materials should be managed carefully in order to use just enough material to provide safe streets. It should not be expected that the city will have bare pavements, but rather the goal will be to have bare pavements approaching intersections and in school zones. Material should be placed on the crown of road on residential streets, allowing traffic to carry it to curbside. Ice control materials applied along major roads may be placed for total lane width coverage. Materials should not be applied during plowing operations until the final pass except for intersections, stop signs, major roads, and school zones. In residential areas, materials should be applied approximately one hundred (100) feet before each intersection with a stop sign, depending upon the conditions present at each particular location. Distances on major roads may double, depending on posted speeds, number of lanes and other circumstances. 9. Sidewalks and Trails Sidewalk and trail snow removal will be completed during non - overtime hours whenever possible. The criteria for implementing sidewalk and trail snow removal operations are as follows: • Snow accumulation of three inches or more • Drifting of snow that causes problems for pedestrian travel • Additional snowfall of three inches or more is not expected within 48 hours of normal commencement Level of Service City owned sidewalks and trails shall be cleared of snow to a width of 60 ", one time following a snow event of three inches or more. Traction control materials, such as sand, C: \Documents and Settings \tbender\Desktop \Snowplowing Policy 2012 v3.doc 3 29