HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.c. Snowplow Policy for TrailsD0SEM0U T EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Work Session: December 15, 2010
AGENDA ITEM: Snowplow Policy for Trails
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AGENDA SECTION:
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PREPARED BY: Andrew J. Brotzler, P.E., City Enginee
AGENDA NO.
Dwight Johnson, City Administratorpo
ATTACHMENTS: Snowplowing Policy; 2010 -2011 Trail and
Sidewalk Plow Map; City Code 4 -4 -1
APPROVED BY:
Snow Removal on Sidewalks
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RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion
BACKGROUND
The City maintains a policy for snowplowing of both streets and more recently trails and sidewalks. The
current snowplowing policy includes the trails and sidewalks that the City will plow (1' and 2nd priority on
attached map).
Recently an inquiry was made regarding the feasibility of plowing trails in Innisfree Park located in the
Evermoor development. Based on this inquiry, staff reviewed a number of trails located in parks that the
City may consider plowing. From this review, the trails highlighted on the attached map as 3`d priority are
park trails that staff is proposing to plow when time and conditions permit. As a 3`d priority, it could be
several days to a week after a snowfall event when staff will be available to plow these trails. As several of
these trails were not designed and constructed to be maintained in the winter time, in the event that the
trails become to snow packed or icy, it may not be safe and feasible for crews to continue plowing. Staff's
intent at this time is that as time and conditions allow, we will strive to plow and maintain these park trails
as a 3`d priority to support and promote year around access to the overall trail system.
Should Council support this proposal, it is recommended that an update to the City's snowplowing policy
be adopted at a future meeting to define the scope and practice to be undertaken for the plowing of these
trails. Additionally, the proposed update to the policy clarifies the timing for when 1s`, 2nd and 3`d priority
trails and sidewalks will be plowed.
Another proposed update to the City snowplowing policy is the procedure for the removal of snow from
the downtown area. Based on requirements and recommendations from MnDOT related to traffic control
operations during snow removal on TH 3, the attached procedural language is proposed to be added to the
snowplowing policy as well.
Finally, there have been some recent inquiries about the City's enforcement policy for snow removal on
trails and sidewalks where abutting property owners are responsible for clearing walks. The Council may
wish to review the ordinance and consider any possible changes. The current regulation requires snow to
be removed within 24 hours. The only enforcement mechanism provided in the ordinance is that the City
can remove the snow and bill the property owner. Staff indicates that this provision has not been used.
GAPublic Works \Snow Plowing \211101215 CWS Memo snowplow polity- Trails.docx
Some other options include changing the 24 hour requirement, providing for a citation system, or limiting
the scope of the ordinance to only certain defined areas of high importance instead of the entire City.
SUMMARY
Staff is requesting Council input and direction on the proposed expansion of trail plowing in the City
parks, the policy changes, and the enforcement of snow removal regulations for sidewalks and trails.
4 -4 -1
CHAPTER 4
SNOW REMOVAL ON SIDEWALKS
SECTION:
4 -4 -1:
Snow Removal
4- 4 -1 -1:
Violation
4 -4 -2:
Notice
4- 4 -2 -1:
Service Of Notice
4 -4 -3:
Nuisance
4- 4 -3 -1:
Assessment Of Costs
4 -4 -4:
Penalty
4 -4 -2 -1
4 -4 -1: SNOW REMOVAL: Removal of snow and ice from trails and
sidewalks in the city shall be the responsibility of the abutting
property owners or occupants. Those specifically listed as corridors and
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identified by published notice shall be maintained by the city. Snow and ice
shall be removed within twenty four (24) hours after the snow or ice has
accumulated. (Ord. XI1.13, 11 -17 -1992)
4- 4 -1 -1: VIOLATION: It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit
snow from private property upon any public street or public
right of way within the city. (Ord. 4, 12 -4 -1984)
4 -4 -2: NOTICE: If the snow and ice are not removed as required in
section 4 -4 -1 of this chapter, the city may serve upon the
owner or occupant a notice ordering removal of the snow and ice within
twenty four (24) hours. (Ord. 4, 12 -4 -1984)
4- 4 -2 -1: SERVICE OF NOTICE: Service of notice may be
accomplished by personal service upon the owner or
occupant, or by leaving such notice with a person of suitable age and
discretion on the premises. (Ord. 4, 12 -4 -1984)
July 2005
City of Rosemount
4 -4 -3
4 -4 -4
4 -4 -3: NUISANCE: Snow and ice which is allowed to remain on trails
and sidewalks within the city for a longer period of time than
twenty four (24) hours after the same falls, gathers or accumulates is
hereby declared to be a nuisance, and the city may remove the snow and
ice and charge the cost of the removal against the abutting property. (Ord.
XI1.16, 1 -16 -1996)
4- 4 -3 -1: ASSESSMENT OF COSTS: Following such snow and ice
removal, the cost of removal shall be set from time to time by
city council resolution. In accordance with Minnesota statutes, section
429.101, the city council shall assess the cost against the abutting property
owner. (Ord. XII.16, 1 -16 -1996)
4 -4 -4: PENALTY: Any person who violates section 4 -4 -1 -1 of this
chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished as
described in title 1, chapter 4 of this code. (Ord. XII.21, 6 -15 -2004)
July 2005
City of Rosemount
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
POLICY TITLE:
EFFECTIVE DATE
POLICY NUMBER:
PROPOSED BY:
DATE APPROVED
BY COUNCIL:
DATE AMENDED
BY COUNCIL:
PURPOSE
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
OCTOBER 15, 1996
P -2
PUBLIC WORKS
OCTOBER 15, 1996
DECEMBER 21AU&UST 4, 2010
The purpose of this policy is to define and outline snow and ice control objectives and procedures
as established by the City of Rosemount.
The City of Rosemount believes that it is in the best interest of the residents for the City to assume
basic responsibility for control of snow and ice on City streets. Reasonable ice and snow control is
necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The City will attempt to provide such control
in a safe and cost - effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and environmental
concerns. The City will use City employees, City -owned or rented equipment, and/or private
contractors to provide this service.
This policy supersedes any and all previously written or unwritten policies of the City regarding .
snow and ice removal.
PROCEDURE
Starting snow or ice control operations
The Public Works Supervisor will decide when to begin snow or ice control operations. The criteria
for that decision are:
A. Snow accumulation of two (2) inches or more as measured in the City of Rosemount
B. Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel
C. Icy conditions which seriously affect travel
D. Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of streets
Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited personnel and
equipment. Consequently, full snowplowing operations will not generally be conducted for
snowfalls of less than two (2) inches.
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How snow will be plowed
Snow will be plowed in a manner so as to minimize any traffic obstructions. The center of the
roadway will be plowed first. The snow shall then be pushed from left to right. The discharge shall
go onto the boulevard area of the street. In times of extreme snowfall, the process of clearing the
streets of snow may be delayed, and it may not be reasonably possible to completely clear the streets
of snow.
Generally, 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. Due to safety concerns for the plow operators and the public, operations may be
suspended after 10 -12 hours to allow personnel adequate time for rest.
Snow removal
The Public Works Supervisor will determine when snow will be removed b-from an area.
Such snow removal will occur in areas where there is no longer adequate room on the boulevard for
snow storage, or and in areas where accumulated piles of snow create a hazardous condition. Snow
removal operations will not commence until other snowplowing operations have been completed.
Snow removal operations may also be delayed depending on weather conditions, personnel and
budget availability. The snow will be removed and hauled to a snow storage area.
Downtown snow removal shall typically be scheduled by the Public Works Supervisor during the
overnight hours to reduce the impact on traffic. Downtown snow removal shall occur along the
following segments:
• Trunk Ughwav 3 between 143`d Street West and Lower 147`h Street West
• 145`h Street West between Cameo Avenue and Brazil Avenue
• Cameo Avenue between 144`h Street West and 145' Street West
• Burma Avenue between 145`h Street West and Lower 147`t` Street West
• 146`h Street West between Trunk Highway 3 and Burma Avenue
The procedure for downtown snow removal shall consist of the following:
• Snow will be pushed off the boulevard and into the nearest dri ving lane
• A road grader and loaders will windrow dine up� the snow in the driving lane
• An industrial snowblower will blow the windrowed snow into dump trucks to be hauled
away from the area
Priority streets and scheduling
The City classifies streets based on their function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of
the community. Those streets classified as "priority plow routes" will be plowed fast. These are
high volume streets which connect major sections of the City and provide access for emergency
services. A list and map of "priority plow routes" is included in the Public Works Quality Standards.
This list is reviewed annually and updated as development occurs.
The second priority streets are those streets providing access to schools and commercial businesses.
The third priority streets are low volume residential streets. The lowest priority areas are alleys, City
parking lots, sidewalks, trails, ice rinks, wells and lift stations.
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Snow removal around fire hydrants will be performed when necessary when personnel and
equipment are available.
Work schedule for snowplow operators
Snowplow operators will be expected to work 8 -hour shifts. In severe snow emergencies, operators
will occasionally have to work in excess of 8 -hour shifts. Operators are allowed a 15- minute break
after 2 hours, with a 30- minute meal break after 4 hours. After a 12 -hour day, the operators will be
replaced if additional qualified personnel are available.
Weather conditions
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, ice and limited visibility.
Use of sand, salt and other chemicals
The City will use sand, salt or other chemicals when conditions are hazardous or slippery, keeping in
mind the cost and the effect of such chemicals on the environment.
Sidewalks and trails
The City will clear snow from only those sidewalks and trails listed in the Public Works Quality
Standards. This list is reviewed annually and updated as development occurs.
The City will only maintain these designated sidewalks and trails after the streets have been plowed
Sidewalks and trails are identified as first priod1y (school routes), second priority, and third priority
Under heavy snowfall conditions which interfere with sidewalk and trail snowplowing, the Public
Works Department may suspend sidewalk and trail snowplowing operations.
According to City ordinance, snow removal from all remaining sidewalks and trails is the
responsibility of the adjacent homeowner. If notice has been sent to the property owner and snow
has not been removed, the City may remove the snow and ice and charge the cost of the removal
through all means available against the adjacent property. The fee to cover this cost is set per the
City Fee Resolution. The City reserves the right to charge extra costs in extraordinary situations.
Right -of -way
The intent of the right -of -way is to provide room for snow storage, public and private utilities,
sidewalks, street lights, signage and other City uses. However certain private improvements such as
mailboxes are required within this area. Other private improvements are not required.
Page 3 of 4
GAPublic Works \Snow Plowing \Snowplowing Policy - December 2010.doc x
a. Mailbox
Mailboxes and posts should be constructed sturdily enough to withstand snow rolling off a plow or
wing.
The City will bear the cost to repair a damaged mailbox only if it is a result of City equipment
actually hitting the mailbox. In the case of direct impact, the City will make temporary repairs to
mailboxes to accommodate mail delivery until permanent repairs can be made. Damage resulting
from snow rolling off the plow is the responsibility of the property owner.
All replacement mailboxes and posts shall be a standard size non - decorative type. All costs over and
above replacement of this standard type are the responsibility of the mailbox owner. Mailboxes
must be installed in such a manner as to provide access by Post Office personnel or other parcel
carriers, and to allow for Public Works equipment to maintain the streets. A drawing showing the
proper details for mailbox placement is attached as EXHIBIT A.
b. Boulevard sod
The City shall record the location of sod damage caused by contact with the City snowplow for
review by Public Works staff in the spring when the extent of the damage can be verified.
Frequently, the damage looks more severe immediately after occurring than it does when the snow
has melted in the spring. If the sod needs repair as determined by Public Works staff, Public Works
staff shall either sod or seed the damaged area, including new topsoil if necessary. The City will bear
the cost of these repairs.
c. Irrigation. Lighting. Trees, Fences, Etc.
The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground irrigation systems, private lighting
systems, trees, shrubs, rocks, fences or similar landscaping installed in City - controlled right -of -way
or easements.
d. Solid Waste (Garbagej & Recycling Bins
The City will assume no responsibility for damage to solid waste (garbage) or recycling containers.
Solid waste (garbage) and recycling containers awaiting pickup should be at least 4 feet behind the
curb.
Parking restrictions
City Code, Chapter 8, Section 8 -2 -2 prohibits on- street parking during a snow emergency. A snow
emergency is declared when a 2 -inch or more snowfall occurs, and continues until that street has
been plowed curb -to -curb. This code also prohibits on -street parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. daily
from November 1" through April 1s' each year.
Page 4 of 4
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2010 - 2011 Trail and Sidewalk Plow Map 0 800 3.200
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December 2090 SPIRIT OF PRIDE AND PROGRESS
File: T:\GIS \City \Maps \Departmental Maps \Public_Works \Plowing\2011 \Tn it and Sidewalk Plow Map- publi —cl, Nov 02, 2010 4.07.34 PM, Copyright City of Rosemount