CC_Minutes_2013_0225 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,February 25,2013 Page 27 c. Snow and Ice Policy Level of Service Discussion Public Works Director Duane Schwartz provided a summary presentation on snow and ice service levels to-date in this season, as detailed in the RCA dated February 25, 2013. Mr. Schwartz reviewed various ice control materials, equip- ment, and new technologies over the last ten (10) years. Mr. Schwartz reviewed impacts of any potential increased level of service for snow and ice operations; including increased staff hours and materials for anti- icing applications, additional equipment to apply anti-icing material, significantly higher material use and cost, additional environmental impacts, and additional administrative and supervisory costs. Due to environmental concerns, Mr. Schwartz noted that future restrictions of watershed districts would probably dic- tate the annual amount of materials available for use by jurisdictions. Mr. Schwartz advised that the City's snow and ice control budget has remained flat or diminished, with applicable adjustments for materials price increases, over the last ten (10) years. If a "bare pavement" policy was implemented, represent- ing a higher level of service, it would increase the budgetary needs substantially, estimated at approximately a 30%-35% increase annually, or approximately$59- $55,000 annual budget implications, as well as potential impacts on other pro- grams.. Mr. Schwartz noted that the average total cost over the last six (6) years for snow and ice removal is $170,000. Councilmember McGehee noted specific areas of town adjacent to the Metropoli- tan Council's stormwater system that may require more specialized treatment oth- er than salt where runoff goes directly into a lake or wetland. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff was open to City Council directive; however, im- pacts would be realized for additional equipment, purchase and application of multiple products, and additional storage of those materials. Mr. Schwartz ad- vised that the City currently uses different materials on different routes; however, non-salt-based materials were significantly higher in cost. Councilmember McGehee observed that she had received more concerns from residents this winter on pathway safety versus streets. Councilmember Laliberte referenced complaints on NextDoor.com on roads and pathways. Councilmember Willmus thanked Mr. Schwartz for the job done by crews; and overall felt they did a good job, and recognized that the December events were each challenging. Councilmember Willmus advised that the feedback he'd re- ceived from residents was based on follow-up after the events and their inability to navigate major intersections due to traffic stacking; and noted this was his pri-