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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,February 25,2013 Page 28 mary concern in seeking this discussion, from a public safety perspective. In his discussion with Police Chief Mathwig, Councilmember Willmus noted that he was not concerned; and from a Fire Department perspective, their only concern was if they were unable to navigate routes that were plugged due to traffic stack- ing. Councilmember Willmus opined that a city-wide dry pavement policy was not practical;however,he was seeking a practice where and when possible to shift focus to heavily traveled areas and key intersections to reduce impacts in those areas. Mayor Roe clarified that this would impact only those roadways under the City's jurisdiction, not those under other jurisdictions (e.g. Ramsey County and/or State of MN). Mr. Schwartz advised that such a distinction and practice was possible; however, he noted that when such conditions occurred, it was hard to get back on track from a time perspective. Mr. Schwartz admitted that in that event, there was no question that dangerous conditions were evident; and noted that the Police and Fire Departments and all staff were helping move people through intersections. Mr. Schwartz noted that many areas of concern were on County roads; however, from an operational standpoint and at City Council direction, staff could focus on those identified intersections and roadways by changing their operational policy to step up resources as directed. Mayor Roe noted that this would require apparatus being pulled off minor roads and shifted to those intersections. Councilmember Willmus noted the shift in the last few years to reduce use of road salt due to increased environmental awareness; however, he noted the need to trade-off public safety concerns when major intersections needed that focus. Mr. Schwartz noted that more extreme conditions were being found over the last few years, such as more winter rain events, creating additional challenges. Councilmember Laliberte questioned what could be done about sidewalks, since trails and pathways were so important to residents. Mr. Schwartz admitted that rain events were hard to address on pathways, as once plowed with snow piled on either side, the rain flows through the snow and col- lects on that plowed area, acting as a reservoir and making movement difficult. Once the ice is there, Mr. Schwartz noted that it became difficult to address with- out creating significant chemical impacts for adjacent lawns. Parks and Recreation Director Lonnie Brokke came forward and concurred with Mr. Schwartz; and too responsibility for pathway conditions, with a total of sev- enty(70) miles total, and forty(40) off-road miles. Mr. Brokke reviewed the typ- ical process for clearing pathways several hours after City/County street plows,