11.2 SR 08-07-2023�,
Elk s �-
River
Request for Action
To Item Number
Ma ror and Cinr Council 11.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Work Session Au ust 7, 2023 ustin Femrite P.E., Public Works Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Snow and Ice Control Polic�r Cal Pormer, Ci r Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Discuss Sno`v and Ice Control PolicyT update.
Background/Discussion
It has been several yTears since the Snow and Ice Control PolicyT `vas last reviewed. Attached is a proposed policyT
that includes staff recommended updates. The most impactful changes surround mailbox reimbursement and
private improvements in the right of `vay. In addition to the staff suggested policyT changes, �ve desire to learn
about any changes in service level the Council desires to reflect in the policyT.
Additionally, we are requesting the Council consider amendments to the Employee Handbook to include a
provision, similar to a policyT Elk River Municipal Utilities has for their field managers, that compensates (through
additional vacation time) our exempt public works managers, who are accountable to monitor weather, receive
calls, diagnose issues, Yespond to location and/or direct the Yesponse of personnel to complete snow control tasks
on behalf of the Cityr at night, on weekends and holidays.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Meet changing needs - Agile
Attachments
Marked-up Snow and Ice Control Policy
"Clean" cop�T of proposed PolicyT
Sidewalk Plow Map
The Elk River Vision
A 2a�elcolning co�nlnunity 2a�ith T evolutiona� y and spizzted T esou� cefulness, exceptional
se�vice, and coln�nunity engagelnent that encou�ages and ins�iz•es pTo�pe�zty.
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Update�l• January 2023
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now & Ice Control Pol
rward
The �purpose of snow�ice control is to provide for the safety and mobility of the public during
periods of heavy snowfall, sr�accumulation and icy conditions. Planned levels of seivice and existing
capab�lities of the �city must be caiefully corselated with �operational costs e€ egexatiei3�and �e
exnected benefits . It is the responsibility of the Public Works �errDepaitrnent
to provide a level of snow and ice contiol consistent with the City of F1k River's approved level of seivice
and coxxesgonding funding.
Th is policy provides for the planned and orderly control of
snow�ice on city-maintained streets, alleys, walks, parkinglots and some trails duringperiods of inclement
weather. Operauons aie perforcned and coordinated by Streets and Pazks personnel, with assistance from
other divisions as needed. -A planned, coordinated approach is essential to ensure effecuve and efficient
response to snow and ice condirions. -Unplanned, reactive responses to localized conditions conflict with
and inhibit an effecuve approach to citywide snow�ice events.
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This policy is also a siui�uiary of procedures and policies of the 6city as they relate to snow and ice control �--------- Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, Line spacing: single,
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Snow control �is �hazazdous, tiring, and stressful-jab, �often not be fully undexstood �--------- Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, Line spacing: single,
by the public. Operarions aze perforcned �-�enfrequentl� at night and often require crews to work No widow/orphan control
azduous houxs, on weekends, and holidays.
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control
The entire coininunitv'�'-b'`�'�-; ---' =-' -�� has a role in �es�e�ile-��keepi� Elk River safe for winter
travel. -The Ecity assumes �the responsibility for contiol of snow and ice on city-maintained streets,
alleys, walks, parkin� lots and trails, while property owners aze responsible for private stieets, parking lots,
alle s, and sidewalks abuttin their ro er Reasonable ice and snow control is necess -�:.-
v g P P tY� a�' =� -—�
-`'-- -'----- ----=�`-=---' to ensure all transportation pathways funcuon as �well as possible
under �even the most extreme weather condiuons for routine travel and emer�ency seivices. The
�city will provide such control in as safe and cost_ effective manner as pracucal, keepin� in mind safety,
budget, personnel, and envitonmental concems. 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 ECity of Elk River.
Decision to Begin Operations
The �-'-'=-���'--'-sStieet and Park Superintendent or designee(s� will decide when to begin snow and�or ice
contiol operauons. The criteria for that decision will include:
■ Reasonable threat of inclement weather predicted to occur witliiu 24 �istr�shours.
■ Storcn condiuons that wazrant pre-tieatrnent with salt or brine sek�err;soluuon.
■ Snow accumulation or as road conditions warsant�dtifting, icing, etc.�-,�
.
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■ Time of �snowfall.
■ Forecasted tem�eratures �ost snow event.
Use of Sa1t and Sand
The c6ity may use salt salt brine, sand, or a miYture thereof when there is hazaidous ice or other condiuons
that warsant their use. Application will follow the same priorities followed for snow and ice control set forth
in the "Snow and Ice Contiol Prioriues" section. The �city is concemed about the effect of such chemicals
on the envitonment and will limit their use for that reason. Applicauon of sand�salt will be limited on lower
volume streets. The "�-��������'�-�-�Street and Park Superintendent or designee(s� shall detem7ine when
conditions warsant the application of sand and/or salt, and what mixture is appropriate for the conditions.
Snow Removal
Snow removal operauons shall be perforcned on streets, alleys, walks, park�iglots and trails maintained by
the c6ity. -Snow removal priority and scheduling shall be based on needs and conditions; and shall be
detezmined by the �trHlie F�lsrl�sStreet and Park Superintendent or designee(s�.
Method of Snow Removal
Snow will be plowed in a manner ��minimizi�e traffic obstructions. The center of the roadway will
be plowed first The discharge shall go onto the boulevaid aiea of the street and minimi7e or reduce snow
stack upon walkways, where pracucal.
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 visib�lity, or damaged equipment
GeneraIly, operauons shall continue until all roads aie passable. Widenin� and clean-up operations may
continue iuiinediately or on the following re�larlv scheduled �yc�orkdav depending upon conditions
and circumstances. �x€e�=The safetv of the plow operators and the public is essential. Therefore, snow
operations may be suspended temporaz�ly to allow personnel adequate time for rest There
may be instances when this is not possible depending on storcn condiuons and other circumstances.
Operations may also be suspended during periods of limited visib�lity. Any decision to suspend operations
shall be made by the �-'-'=-�m�'--'-sStreet and Park Superintendent or designee(s) and shall be based on the
conditions of the storcn. The c6ity will still provide access for emergency fi�e, police, ��medical and utlitv
seivices during a major snow or ice storm.
and Ice Control Priorities
City streets aie classified �ase�ea� stieet function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfaie of the
cominunity. Streets �aie prioriuzed to cleai major travel routes first��ki�allowsi� full
access for public safety vehicles
h-volume stieets that must be cleai to provide access for
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emergency, fire, police, and medical seivices.
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—All othex streets that connect ma�ox sections of the city_
�Thitd priority streets aie lower volume residential streets.
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e s. �T'-�--"- �`: ^"--- --- -----='---' �T�elowestprioritv. �vP�He-fllowed r
and residential streets
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Downtown snow removal �includingpa.rkinglots� cominences between 2:00 am. and 6:00 a.m. depending �--------- Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, Line spacing: single,
on the severity of the� event Downtown businesses are responsible for removing snow from the front No widow/orphan control
of their establishsnents witliiu 24 hours after the snowfall.
Sidewalks, Trails, City Operated Facilities, and Outdoar Ice Rinks
The City Counc�l designates sidewalks and tiails that aie plowed by the city. Clearing of non-designated city
sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner.
City sidewalks, trails, city operated fac�lities and city outdoor ice rinks aie classified based on traffic, �use
---�" -- and the importance to the welfaie of the coininunity. -These faciliues aie prioritized to cleat
school sR€e-routes =���and public facilities fi�st -This allows for safety to the public and employees o
city operated facilities as well as to pedestrians in high traffic corridors.
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■ � � c_c_ n_._._..._ c_�__i , mu__:._ �� �
Puoritv 1- Sc oo Routes an Downtown Si ew s.� Si ew s �- '' Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Space Before: 0 pt,
and trails `'--` ------`'-- -'----' ---- to school campuses and downtown businesses shall be cleated to Line spacing: single, No widow/orphan control
provide safe pedestrian access_
■ Prioritv 2_ Ci -� o erated Fac�lities. '' : ''' � Prioritized based on traffic Formatted: Underline
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volume and scheduled o�erations . Order of precedence
�: Public Safety Campuses, City Hall, Public Works Facility, c� :__ n���_���
Eerr�e� �libxary, , , , lbiquox �stoxes, and xental
faciliues.
■ Prioritv 3- Txails. Sidewalks. Park Parkin� Lots:�3� _ _ —on� Formatted: Underline
�e= --�- ---_`-- `- --'---'-school routes ---' ---'-'-'-'-----'----- designated �for
snow removal and parkin� lots supporting park fac�lities.
■ Prioritv 4_ ce Rinks. '' : T-- -�--�' -�--�-- --- `The lowest riori and will be cleaied of snow and Formatted: Underline
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resurfaced once all other snow removal operauons aie complete, generally on day two following a
snowfall.
Driveways
It is unlawfid to deposit snow on public roadways per Minnesota Highway Traffic Regularions:_;
State Statute 960.2795 Subd �5�: Misdemeanors: It shall be unla�arful to obstruct any j�ubhc street or highzvay or to dej�osit
any snozv or ice thereon; and, 969.42 Subd �9�: Lattering: No j�erson shall thro�a, dz�osit, j�lace, or dumj� uj�on any street or
highzvay any sno�a, ice, etc.
Residents and contracted snow removal comganies observed doing such activities aie subject to a citauon
according to the s�tatute.�
Minimal Levels of Service
The following aie �the minimum levels of service which can be anucipated. The c6ity will attempt
to achieve better results where possible.
Streets
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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. ��The intention a€�ke-�is to keep these routes open to tiaffic dur�ng a storcn;
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� witliiu 24 hours after the
snowfall subsides.
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• All remainingpublic streets shall be open to traffic (one lane� witl�in 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 Outdoar Ice Rinks
■ Snow removal and�or sanding operations shall begin when snow accumulation or icing occurs on
Priority 1 and Priority 2 sidewalks, tiails, and �city_ operated faciliues; and shall continue
periodically throughout the duration of the snowfall. �S�The intention e€�kie-�is to keep these
faciliues open to pedestrian and vehiculai traffic during a storcn; however, it may not be possible to
keep them snow or ice free.
■ All Priority 1 and Priority 2 sidewalks, tiails, and Ecity-_operated facilities shall be open to tiaffic
within 24 hours after the snowfall subsides.
• All Priority 3 sidewalks and trails shall be open to pedestrian traffic witl�in 48 hours after the
snowfall subsides.
■ All Priority 4 outdoor ice rinks shall be cleaied of snow and resurfaced as muipower and equipment
aze available, generally witliiu 48 hours after snowfall subsides. Priority for outdoor ice rinks shall be
the Handke Pit, SnecTrum Rink, �,�i T'--sz—a���then designated neighborhood ice rinks.
■ Should a subsequent snowfall occur witl�in the minimum times of service listed, that snowfall shall
become the snowfall referred to in this policy.
tems in the Public Right of W
Mailboxes
The city does not assume liability for mailboxes damage� caused on1,Lv snow windtows. -The �ci ,t�
assume liab�litp for mailbox dama�e if the �-'-'=-�m�'--'-sStreet and
Park Superintendent or their designee detem7ines that a plow unit made direct contact.
Residents must inforcn the citv of mailbox damage witliiu 48 hours after the com�letion of the snow event.
Staff shall invesugate each complaint and detersnine if the mailbox was hitby city equipment If so, the
cEitv will install a temporary mailbox �e-� until the �ro�ertv owner installs a�ercnanent
renlacement or 4-months has �assed whichever comes first�
The citp will reimburse up to $�5150 � , to replace the mailbox,
purchase and installauon of the mailbox is the res�onsib�litv of the �ro�ertv owner.
. . Quster mailboxes mav be reimbursed at a
rate of $150 per mailbox up to a maximum of $500 whichever is the lesser amount Mailbox structures in
the public vght-of-way sketd�shall be constructed of break-away materials and be installed according to the
U.S. Postal Seivice construction standaids which can be found at
htt�s / /wc�v.us�s.com/manage/inailboxes.htrn.
_�____ _�_:
Trash Containers
Trash and recycling containers shall be placed behind the curb s-masto ensure thev ate cleai of passing
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snowplows and resulting windrows. Do not place trash and recycling containers in the street as this �revents
nlow trucks from clearin�nublic r�ght-of-wav curb to curb and mav result in road hazaids to motorists. The
city is not responsible fox�ned�ver or damaged�e tiash� or recycling containers .
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 coininercial sod. The city will
�nrovide the property owner €e�with the sod required to cover
the damaged aiea. The �ro�ertp owner is res�onsible for installauon and maintenance of the sod to ensure
establishment -Rec�uests for sod damage re�air must be received bv the cit,Lv Mav 1�` or no more than 30-
da�s after the last �lowable snow event of the season, whichever comes fi�st.
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Landsca�ing� Irrigation Svstems and Fences B�e
The citv is not liable for dunage to �rivatelv installed landsca�in�, irvgation systems or fencing�visible or
buried� within the �ublic right-of-way. -Percnanent features� such as boulders, retainin,g walls•
rock or wood mulch, edgin�, li�hting, vegetation, fences, etc. �laced within the �ublic r�ght-of-wav mav be
damaged during snow �lowing onerations including hauling of snow from boulevaids.- Landsca�in� witl�in
the public vght-of-wa�r mao be a hazazd to motorists experiencing a lane departure event -Addiuonall�,
landscapin� within the vght-of-wav is a hazaid to citv staff and eq�inment when pushing back o�hanlin4
snow ftom boulevaids as these items mav become buried under the snow makuig them difficult to identifv
onditions Which Mav Imaact Policv 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, reiilling 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,
Snow Plowing Procedures
The Public Works �i�isierrDe�artment shall maintain a snow and ice control procedures muival.
(�+�IejSnow and Ice Control Policv
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Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
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Snow & Ice Control Policy
Forward
The purpose of snow/ice control is to provide for the safety and mobility of the public during periods of
heavy snowfall, accumulation and icy conditions. Planned levels of service and existing capabilities of the
city must be carefully correlated with operational costs and expected benefits. It is the responsibility of the
Public Works Department to provide a level of snow and ice control consistent with the City of Elk River's
approved level of service and corresponding funding.
This 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 Streets and Parks 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.
Snow control is hazardous, tiring, and stressful, often not be fully understood by the public. Operations are
performed frequently at night and often require crews to work arduous hours, on weekends, and holidays.
Introduction
The entire community has a role in keepin� Elk River safe for winter traveL The city assumes the
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 to ensure all transportation pathways function as
well as possible under even 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 of Elk River.
Poi��y
Decision to Begin Operations
The Street and Park Superintendent or desi�nee(s) will decide when to be�in 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, icing, etc.).
■ Time of snowfall.
■ Forecasted temperatures post snow event.
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 Street and Park Superintendent or desi�nee(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 Street and Park Superintendent or designee(s).
Method of Snow Removal
Snow will be plowed in a manner minimizing 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 re�ularly scheduled workday depending upon conditions and
circumstances. The safety of the plow operators and the public is essentiaL Therefore, snow operations may
be 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 Street and Park
Superintendent or designee(s) and shall be based on the conditions of the storm. The city will still provide
access for emergency fire, police, medical and utility services during a major snow or ice storm.
Snow and Ice Control Priorities
City streets are classified by street function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the community.
Streets are prioritized to clear major travel routes first, allowing full access for public safety vehicles.
■ Priority 1- Main Arterials. High-volume streets that must be clear to provide access for emergency,
fire, police, and medical services.
■ Priority 2- Secondary Arterials. All other streets that connect major sections of the city.
■ Priority 3- Residential Streets. Third priority streets are lower volume residential streets.
■ Priority 4 - Cul-de-sacs. (Priority 4)
■ Priority 5— A11e,��s. The lowest priority. Plowed after arterials and residential streets are cleared.
Downtown snow removal (includin� parkin� lots) commences between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. dependin�
on the severity of the 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-desi�nated 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, use and
the importance to the welfare of the community. These facilities are prioritized to clear school routes 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.
■ Priority 1- School Routes and Downtown Sidewalks. Sidewalks and trails to school campuses and
downtown businesses shall be cleared to provide safe pedestrian access.
■ Priority 2— Ci ,T-o�erated Facilities. Prioritized based on traffic volume and scheduled operations.
Order of precedence: Public Safety Campuses, City Hall, Public Works Facility, library, liquor
stores, and rental facilities.
■ Priority 3- Trails, Sidewalks, Park Parkin� Lots. Non-school routes designated for snow removal
and parking lots supporting park facilities.
■ Priority 4- Ice Rinks. 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 9 60.2795 Subd (S�: Misdemeanors: It shall be unlazvful to obstruct any publz�c street or high�aray or to de�osit
any sno�ar or ice thereon; and, 969.42 Subd (9�: L,z�tte�ing. Noperson shall thro�ar, de�osit, place, or dump upon any street or
high�aray any sno�ar, ice, etc.
Residents and contracted snow removal companies observed doing such activities are subject to a citation
according to the statute.
Minimal Levels of Service
The following are the 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 The intention is 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 The intention is 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. Priority for outdoor ice rinks shall be
the Handke Pit, Spectrum Rink, then designated neighborhood ice rinks.
■ 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 mailbox damage caused only by snow windrows. The city will assume
liability for mailbox damage if the Street and Park Superintendent or their designee determines that a plow
unit made direct contact.
Residents must inform the city of mailbox damage within 48 hours after the completion of the snow event.
Staff shall investigate each complaint and determine if the mailbox was hit by city equipment If so, the city
will install a temporary mailbox until the property owner installs a permanent replacement or 4-months has
passed (whichever comes first).
The city will reimburse up to $150 to replace the mailbox; purchase and installation of the mailbox is the
responsibility of the property owner. Cluster mailboxes may be reimbursed at a rate of $150 per mailbox up
to a maximum of $500, whichever is the lesser amount. Mailbox structures in the public right-of-way shall
be constructed of break-away materials and be installed according to the U.S. Postal Service construction
standards which can be found at htt�s://ww��.us�s.com/manage/mailboxes.htm
Trash Containers
Trash and recycling containers shall be placed behind the curb to ensure they are clear of passing
snowplows and resulting windrows. Do not place trash and recycling containers in the street as this prevents
plow trucks from clearing public right-of-way curb to curb and may result in road hazards to motorists. The
city is not responsible for tipped over or damaged trash or recycling containers.
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 provide
the property owner with the sod required to cover the damaged area. The property owner is responsible for
installation and maintenance of the sod to ensure establishment. Requests for sod damage repair must be
received by the city by May 1S` or no more than 30-days after the last plowable snow event of the season,
whichever comes first.
Landscaping, Irrigation Systems and Fences
The city is not liable for damage to privately installed landscaping, irrigation systems or fencing (visible or
buried) within the public right-of-way. Permanent features such as boulders, retaining walls, rock or wood
mulch, edging, lighting, vegetation, fences, etc. placed within the public right-of-way may be damaged during
snow plowing operations including hauling of snow from boulevards. Landscaping within the public right-
of-way may be a hazard to motorists experiencing a lane departure event. Additionally, landscaping within
the right-of-way is a hazard to city staff and equipment when pushing back or hauling snow from
boulevards as these items may become buried under the snow making them difficult to identify.
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, refueling, 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 assi�ned to lower priority, as available.
■ Unforeseen emergencies.
■ Equipment breakdown.
Snow Plowing Procedures
The Public Works Department shall maintain a snow and ice control procedures manual.
Snow and Ice Control Policy
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
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Sidewalk Snow Removal Map
Denizen Cleared Sidewalks
City Cleared Sidewalks
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