09.01 Snow Plowing Policy - Laserfiche WebLink

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Two Ford F350 Trucks with Hiniker Plows and one with a sander, are utilized to plow City owned lots, alleys, trails, and properties. They are also integral for support and coordination of outlying areas. A 1996 John Deere 310D 4x4 Tractor Backhoe with loader bucket is utilized to load trucks with salt/sand, clear and load snow piles in the downtown area, and open up areas of ice accumulation and drainage needs. A John Deere 326D Skid Steer with bucket,blower, and broom attachments is utilized to help remove snow and ice from walkways, lots, smaller roads, and trails. This may also be used to move piles and potentially load trucks. A 22' Felling Trailer is essential in the transport of this piece of equipment as many of the City's streets are of great distance apart. Other pieces of power equipment utilized by City Staff include a Cub Cadet Walk Behind Blower and several Stihl Backpack Blowers for the clearing of walkways. 4. When will the CitYstart snow or ice control operations? The Public Works Director will decide when and how to begin snow or ice control operations. Criteria that typically initiates plowing operations include: • Snow accumulation of 3 inches or more. • Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel. • Icy conditions which seriously affect travel. • Timing of a snowfall and when it has the potential to disrupt heavy use of streets. • Significant precipitation after hours and drifting may cause a delay or suspension of a plow event. If possible, Staff time will be optimized and timed to clear main streets prior to heavy traffic periods. Snow and ice control operations are costly and involve the use of limited personnel and equipment. Consequently, snowplowing operations will not generally be conducted for snowfall of less than 3 inches. 5. Suspension of Operations Operations shall continue until all roads are passable. Widening and clean up operations may continue immediately or on the following working day depending upon conditions and circumstances. Safety of the plow operators and the public is important; therefore, snow plowing/removal operations may be terminated after 10-12 hours 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 or zero visibility. Any decision to suspend operations shall be made by the Public Works Director and shall be based on the conditions of the storm. 2