2010-04-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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counties through the permitting process already in place and through maintaining utility easements in a corridor to avoid conflicts. 6. Pathway Ice Control Discussion Mr. Schwartz apologized that no staff from the City's Parks and Recreation Department was available for tonight's meeting, but advised that he had discussed this issue with them, including their current practices and challenges. Mr. Schwartz noted that this past season was unusual, with the timing of a major ice storm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, current overtime restrictions, and inability to remove of slush before a major drop in temperature. Mr. Schwartz noted that, when such a unique event happens early in the season, it is unfortunate that it has ramifications for the remainder of the season. Mr. Schwartz further reviewed the challenge for pathway ice control as it related to resources and chemicals, as well as environmental issues associated with it, since excessive sale use did extensive turf damage requiring replacement, and even the use of sand resulted in that going into the storm sewers, becoming a contaminant itself and creating additional clean up costs. Mr. Schwartz advised that the City's current policy is to salt and sand when notified of an extremely hazardous situation, with some routine ice control on hills and areas in parks with steeper trails; however, noted that even that ice control had been impacted by recent cutbacks and budget issues with reduced overtime mandates. Chair DeBenedet noted that as more pathways were constructed, it would become more of an issue; and with these additional amenities for citizens, there was a higher maintenance cost. Chair DeBenedet noted that this year was exceptional, and even with melting due to warmer weather, the pathways became hazardous from the thaw/refreeze cycle, even with sanding practices, and the sand becoming encased within the ice and no longer useful. Member Vanderwall noted that the original construction location of a pathway is an important consideration, whether on the south side of the road or not, and opined that the best use of solar should be taken advantage of. Member Vanderwall further opined that the long-term maintenance of pathways and sidewalks were not just a city responsibility, but should be a consideration of residents as well, as part of their civic investment and causing less government expense in the future and ultimate lower taxes. Member Vanderwall expressed interest in the City initiating a community dialogue on personal responsibility of sidewalks and/or pathways adjacent to their property; and that perhaps an applicable policy or ordinance requiring their attention was indicated. Discussion included the City's priority system for clearing sidewalks to schools and other high-traffic areas, with Mr. Schwartz advising that it was the City's intent to get through everything within atwenty-four-hour period, depending on the amount of snowfall, usage and subsequent weather conditions.