9.2. SR 04-15-2019 EOty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 9.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session Aril 15, 2019 Tim Sevcik, Street and Park Superintendent
Item Description Reviewed by
Snow and Ice Control Justin Femrite, Public Works Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Provide input to staff regarding service levels for snow and ice control.
Background/Discussion
The Snow and Ice Control Policy was last reviewed by the Council on February 1, 2016. Continued
growth of the city, emerging environmental concerns and changes in technology have changed our
approach to snow and ice control since the policy was last reviewed. Staff will provide an overview of the
city's snow and ice control procedures and policy.
We are seeking feedback on service level expectations for our street and trail plowing operations and any
desires to adjust levels of service in this area.
Additionally,we are seeking guidance from the Council in regard to snow removal on city sidewalks.
Current direction is for city crews to clear snow from 23-miles of our 52-mile sidewalk network.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
■ Snow and Ice Control Policy
■ Snow Plow Route Map —Streets
■ Snow Plow Route Map —Trails and Sidewalks
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City of
Snow & Ice
Control Policy
12. 18.2017
Snow & Ice Control Policy
Forward
The primary purpose of snow/ice control is to provide for the safety and mobility of the public during
periods of heavy snowfall, snow accumulation and icy conditions. Planned levels of service and existing
capabilities of the City must be carefully correlated with computed costs of operations and the benefits
expected to be achieved. It is the responsibility of the Public Works Division to provide a level of snow and
ice control consistent with the City of Elk River's approved level of service funding.
The City of Elk River's Snow and Ice Control policy provides for the planned and orderly control of
snow/ice on city-maintained streets, alleys,walks,parking lots and some trails during periods of inclement
weather. Operations are performed and coordinated by Street and Park personnel,with assistance from
other divisions as needed. A planned, coordinated approach is essential to ensure effective and efficient
response to snow and ice conditions. Unplanned,reactive responses to localized conditions conflict with
and inhibit an effective approach to citywide snow/ice events.
This policy is also a summary of procedures and policies of the City as they relate to snow and ice control
operations. The Snow and Ice Control Policy is reviewed and updated annually.
Snow control and handling is a hazardous, tiring, and stressful job,which may not be fully understood by
the public. Operations are performed more often at night and often require crews to work arduous hours,
on weekends, and holidays.
We thank those individuals who through their dedication and best effort assist the City of Elk River by
carrying out the details of this policy.
INTRODUCTION
Together,we are all responsible to keep Elk River safe for winter travel. The City assumes basic
responsibility for control of snow and ice on city-maintained streets,alleys,walks,parking lots and trails,
while property owners are responsible for private streets,parking lots, alleys, and sidewalks abutting their
property. Reasonable ice and snow control is necessary so that citizens can use the above maintained
transportation pathways as normally as possible under all but the most extreme weather conditions for
routine travel and emergency services. The City will provide such control in as safe and cost effective
manner as practical, keeping in mind safety,budget,personnel and environmental concerns. The City will
use a combination of city employees, equipment, and may also utilize private contractors if needed.
This policy will be enforced equally throughout the City.
Decision to Begin Operations
The Public Works Superintendent or designee(s) will decide when to begin snow and/or ice control
operations. The criteria for that decision will include:
■ Reasonable threat of inclement weather predicted to occur within 24 hours;
■ Storm conditions that warrant pre-treatment with salt or brine solution;
■ Snow accumulation or as road conditions warrant;
■ Drifting of snow;
■ Icy conditions;
■ Time of snowfall.
Use of Salt and Sand
The City may use salt, salt brine, sand or a mixture thereof when there is hazardous ice or other conditions
that warrant their use. Application will follow the same priorities followed for snow and ice control set forth
in the "Snow and Ice Control Priorities" section. The City is concerned about the effect of such chemicals
on the environment and will limit their use for that reason. Application of sand/salt will be limited on lower
volume streets. The Public Works Superintendent or designee(s) shall determine when conditions warrant
the application of sand and/or salt, and what mixture is appropriate for the conditions.
Snow Removal
Snow removal operations shall be performed on streets, alleys,walks,parking lots and trails maintained by
the City. Snow removal priority and scheduling shall be based on needs and conditions,and shall be
determined by the Public Works Superintendent or designee(s).
Method of Snow Removal
Snow will be plowed in a manner so as to minimize traffic obstructions. The center of the roadway will be
plowed first. The discharge shall go onto the boulevard area of the street and minimize or reduce snow
stack upon walkways,where practical.
Weather Conditions/Suspension of Operations
Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not endanger the
safety of city employees and equipment. Factors that may delay snow and ice control operations include
severe cold, significant winds, limited visibility, or damaged equipment.
Generally, operations shall continue until all roads are passable. Widening and clean-up operations may
continue immediately or on the following work day depending upon conditions and circumstances. Safety of
the plow operators and the public is essential. Therefore, snow plowing/removal operations may be
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suspended temporarily to allow personnel adequate time for rest. There may be instances when this is not
possible depending on storm conditions and other circumstances. Operations may also be suspended during
periods of limited visibility. Any decision to suspend operations shall be made by the Public Works
Superintendent or designee(s) and shall be based on the conditions of the storm.
Snow and Ice Control Priorities
City streets are classified based on street function,traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the
community. Streets within the City are prioritized to clear major travel routes first. This allows public safety
vehicles access to most parts of the City.
1. Main Arterials (Priority 1): High-volume streets that must be clear to provide access for
emergency, fire,police, and medical services.
2. Secondary Arterials (Priority 2): All other streets that connect major sections of the city.
3. Residential Streets (Priority 3):Third priority streets are lower volume residential streets.
4. Cul de sacs (Priority 4):
5. Alleys (Priority 5): Alleys are considered the lowest priority and will be plowed once arterials
and residential streets have been cleared.
Downtown snow removal (including parking lots) commences between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. depending
on the severity of the snow event. Downtown businesses are responsible for removing snow from the front
of their establishments within 24 hours after the snowfall.
Sidewalks, Trails, City Operated Facilities, and Outdoor Ice Rinks
The City Council designates sidewalks and trails that are plowed by the city. Clearing of non-designated city
sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner.
City sidewalks, trails, city operated facilities and city outdoor ice rinks are classified based on traffic and use
as well as the importance to the welfare of the community. These facilities are prioritized to clear routes-to-
school and public facilities first. This allows for safety to the public and employees of city operated facilities
as well as to pedestrians in high traffic corridors.
1. Safe Routes to School (Priority 1): Sidewalks and trails that must be cleared near school
campuses to provide pedestrian access
2. City Operated Facilities (Priority 2): These facilities are prioritized based on traffic volume as
well as the time of day the facility is open. Order of precedence for these facilities is: Public
Safety Campuses, City Hall, Public Works Facility, Senior Activities Center,Library,Boys and
Girls Club,Lions Park Center, Ice Arena,Liquor Stores, and rental facilities.
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3. Trails, Sidewalks, Park Parking Lots (Priority 3): Sidewalks and trails which are not part of the
safe-routes-to-schools and which have been designated by the city for snow removal and
parking lots supporting park facilities.
4. Ice Rinks (Priority 4): Ice rinks are the lowest priority and will be cleared of snow and
resurfaced once all other snow removal operations are complete,generally on day two
following a snowfall.
Driveways
It is unlawful to deposit snow on public roadways per Minnesota Highway Traffic Regulations;
State Statute 160.2715 Subd(5):Misdemeanors:It shall be unlaavful to obstruct any public street or bigbway or to
deposit any snow or ice thereon;and, 169.42 Subd(1):Littering:No person shall throw, deposit,place, or dump
upon any street or bigbway any snow, ice, etc.
Residents observed doing such activities are subject to a citation and fine.
Minimal Levels of Service
The following are minimum levels of service which can be anticipated. The City will attempt to achieve
better results where possible.
Streets
■ Snow removal and/or sanding operations shall begin when snow accumulation or icing occurs on
Priority 1 and Priority 2 streets, and shall continue periodically throughout the duration of the
snowfall. It is the intention of the City to keep these routes open to traffic during a storm;however,
it may not be possible to keep them snow or ice free.
■ All priority 1 and priority 2 streets shall be open to traffic (two lanes) within 24 hours after the
snowfall subsides.
■ All remaining public streets shall be open to traffic (one lane) within 36 hours after the snowfall
subsides.
■ All public alleys and cul-de-sacs shall be opened and made passable within 48 hours after the
snowfall subsides.
Sidewalks, Trails, City Operated Facilities, and Outdoor Ice Rinks
■ Snow removal and/or sanding operations shall begin when snow accumulation or icing occurs on
Priority 1 and Priority 2 sidewalks, trails, and City operated facilities; and shall continue periodically
throughout the duration of the snowfall. It is the intention of the City to keep these facilities open
to pedestrian and vehicular traffic during a storm;however,it may not be possible to keep them
snow or ice free.
■ All Priority 1 and Priority 2 sidewalks, trails, and City operated facilities shall be open to traffic
within 24 hours after the snowfall subsides.
■ All Priority 3 sidewalks and trails shall be open to pedestrian traffic within 48 hours after the
snowfall subsides.
■ All Priority 4 outdoor ice rinks shall be cleared of snow and resurfaced as manpower and equipment
are available,generally within 48 hours after snowfall subsides.
■ Should a subsequent snowfall occur within the minimum times of service listed, that snowfall shall
become the snowfall referred to in this policy.
Items in the Public Right of Way
Mailboxes
The city does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during snowplowing operations unless the Public
Works Superintendent or their designee determines that a plow unit made direct contact.
Staff shall investigate each complaint and determine if the mailbox was hit by city equipment. If so,a
temporary mailbox will be installed until a replacement is erected in the spring.
The city will replace mailboxes damaged from direct contact with city equipment with the `swing-away' style
mailbox conforming to the U.S. Postal Service specifications. If a resident does not want the swing-away
style, they will be reimbursed up to $75 (receipt required), to replace the mailbox with a style of their choice.
Installation is the responsibility of the property owner. Mailbox structures in the public right-of-way should
be constructed of break-away materials. Incidents involving cluster mailboxes will be determined on a case
by case basis.
Trash Containers
Trash and recycling containers shall be placed behind the curb so it is clear of passing snowplows and
resulting windows. Do not place trash and recycling containers in the street. The city is not responsible for
damage to trash/recycling containers placed in the street.
Lawn Sprinklers/Invisible Pet Fences
The city is not responsible for damage to underground lawn sprinklers or invisible pet fences located within
the public right-of-way. Homeowners are responsible to protect such systems from damage or to relocate
sprinkler heads and fences within their property boundary.
Sod Damage
Sod damaged by city equipment will be repaired the following spring either by city crews using black dirt
and seed; or by the property owner if they elect to do the repair using commercial sod. The city will
reimburse the property owner for the sod purchased but not for labor costs. Reimbursement much be
approved by the Public Works Superintendent or their designee prior to the corrective work or sod
purchase.
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Conditions Which May Impact Policy Goals
■ Vehicles disabled in deep snow
■ Weather so severe as to cause crews to be called in from the street,i.e.,whiteout conditions
■ Equipment rendered inadequate by the depths of the snow or drifts,re-fueling, refilling material
spreaders,installing new plow cutting edges, and routine maintenance
■ Illegally parked,parked, or stalled vehicles that restrict or prevent access; those streets,walks and
pathways will be assigned to lower priority,as available
■ Unforeseen emergencies
■ Equipment breakdown
(Title)
Policy History
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2018-2019 MAP OF SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS �1 000
THE CITY WILL BE PLOWING
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Route 4
Route 5
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UPDATED 11.25.15
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City Council Policy ReviewSnow and Ice ControlCity of Elk River
City Council Take feedback on service levels and policy changesDiscuss new technologies, BMPs, and resourcesPolicy review regarding snow and ice controlRecap the past two snow seasons
(if it’s over…)Purpose
City Council Maintenance Costs$17,124 Equipment 15,493 Gallons Fuelovertime1,818 hours of 4,522 Staff Hours1,330 Tons Salt37.9% Route Treated15,585 Miles Driven33 events2018-2017Maintenance
Costs$35,767 Equipment 16,118 Gallons Fuelovertime1,838 hours of 5,122 Staff Hours980 Tons Salt22.8% Route Treated18,300 Miles Driven32 events2019-2018 Season Comparison2019
Snow-20182018 and -2017
City Council operations. snow and/or ice control will decide when to begin or designee(s) Superintendent Street and Park The City Policy
City Council been cleared.and will be plowed once arterials and residential streets have Alleys are considered the lowest priority Alleys (Priority 5): de sacs (Priority 4):Cullower
volume residential streets.Residential Streets (Priority 3): Third priority streets are connect major sections of the city.All other streets that Secondary Arterials (Priority 2):medical
services. be clear to provide access for emergency, fire, police, and volume streets that must -HighArterials (Priority 1):Main Street Maintenance Division Priorities City Policy (cont.)
City Council From the Policy–Service Minimum Level of
City Council completed the following daysacs are plowed concurrently, however often -de-Culhours dependent on timing and duration of the snowfall14 -Snowfall of greater than 4” results
in routes exceeding 12Average route is 10 hours on a snowfall of 4” or less20 centerline miles per plow route-17sac routes-de-8 plow routes and 8 culservice:of To meet minimum
street plowing levels City Policy (cont.)
City Council on day two following a snowfall.all other snow removal operations are complete, generally of snow and resurfaced once Cleared Ice Rinks (Priority 4): and park parking lotsschools,
-to-routes-safeand trails which are not part of the Trails, Sidewalks, Park Parking Lots (Priority 3): Sidewalks day the facility is open. prioritized based on traffic volume as well
as the time of City Operated Facilities (Priority 2): These facilities are campusesschool near Safe Routes to School (Priority 1): Sidewalks and trails Park Maintenance Division Priorities
City Policy (cont.)
City Council From the Policy–Service Minimum Level of
City Council Greater than a 4” snowfall takes up to 96 hours to completeAverage sidewalk snow removal is 48 hours for 4” or lessMachineSidewalk miles of city sidewalk cleared with
1 23 15 hoursthan a 4” snowfall can result in plowing in excess of Greater trail route is 8 hours for a 4” or less snowfall Average routes and 2 shoveling crews3service:of To meet
minimum park maintenance levels City Policy (cont.)
City Council conditions and problem areasDispatch for current road and Sherburne County Communication with ERPD accurate weather developmentCoordination with NWS for permitsystems
when conditions Utilizing pretreatment systemswet -Upgrading fleet with road loadersHLA plows for front end JOMA 6000 rubber/carbide data and GPS informationReal time salt distribution
controllersCalibrated Force America salt Staff TrainingBest Management Practices
City Council event parking restrictionscompliance of snow -Nonin the roadwayGarbage cans placed damage to plowing equipmentContractors piling in ROW causes Plowing Challenges
City Council Inconsistencies in plow route96 hours to clear snow and ice-48miles of sidewalkCurrently 1 Sidewalk Machine for 23 districtszoned after a snowfall within residential
zone districts and within 24 hours hours in commercial and industrial snow and ice during normal business that are not kept free of Sidewalks safety affecting peace and 34(a)(8) Public
nuisances -SEC 46Sidewalk Snow Removal Plowing Challenges (cont.)
City Council Sidewalk snow removal routesDesired policy changesService levelsDiscussion