HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.k. Revision to Snowplowing PolicyCITY OF ROSEMOUNT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2001
AGENDA ITEM: REVISION TO SNOWPLOWING POLICY
AGENDA SECTION:
CONSENT
PREPARED BY: PAULA GRAFF,
RESOURCES COORDINATOR
AGEND
.. 6 K
HUMAN
ATTACHMENTS: SNOWPLOWING
APPROVED BY:
" V
Minor revisions to the snowplowing policy have been made to reflect the recent changes of the parking
ordinance (number 12) and to also update Snow Plow and Sidewalk Corridor plowing routes (Exhibits A and
B). The revised policy is attached for Council review.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: MOTION TO AUTHORIZE REVISIONS TO THE CITY OF
ROSEMOUNT SNOWPLOWING POLICY.
COUNCIL ACTION:
N
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
PUBLIC WORKS
POLICY NO. M -1
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
1.
Introduction/Purpose
Adopted by City Council
on 10 -15 -96
Revised on 12 =04 -01
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 its 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.
When Will City Start Snow or Ice Control Operations?
The Public Works Superintendent determines when snow or ice control operations will
begin. The criteria for that decision. are:
3.
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 snowplowing operations will not generally be conducted for
snowfall of less than two (2) inches.
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 terminated after 10 -12 hours to allow personnel adequate time for rest.
T
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
4. Snow Removal
The Public Works Superintendent will determine when snow will be removed by truck from
an area. Such snow removal will occur in areas where there is no room on the boulevard for
snow storage 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.
5. Priorities and Schedule for Which Streets will be Plowed
The City has classified City streets based on the street function, traffic volume, and
importance to the welfare of the community. Those streets classified as "Snow Plow
Routes" will be plowed first. These are high volume streets, which connect major sections of
the City and provide access for emergency fire, police and medical services. Exhibit "A"
lists the "Snow Plow Routes ".
The second priority streets are those streets providing access to schools and commercial
businesses. The third priority streets are low volume residential streets. The fourth priority
areas are alleys and City parking lots.
Snow removal around fire hydrants will be performed when personnel and equipment are
available and will follow the same priorities as explained above.
6. Work Schedule for Snowplow Operators
Snowplow operators will be expected to work eight (8) hour shifts. In severe snow
emergencies, operators may have to work in excess of eight (8) hour shifts. Operators will
take a 15- minute break over two (2) hours with a half -hour meal break after four (4) hours.
After a 12 -hour work period, the operators will be replaced if additional qualified personnel
are available.
7. 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.
8. Use of Sand, Salt and Other Chemicals
The City will use sand, salt and other chemicals when there is hazardous ice or slippery
conditions. The City is concerned about the cost and the effect of such chemicals on the
environment and may limit its use for that reason.
9. Sidewalks /Trails
The City will maintain some of the sidewalks /trails in the City as listed on Exhibit `B ". As
there is a limited number of personnel available, the City will only maintain these sidewalks
after the streets have been plowed.
V
W
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
Under heavy snowfall conditions that interfere with sidewalk snowplowing, the Public
Works Department may discontinue sidewalk snowplowing.
According to City Ordinance (Chapter 4) snow removal from sidewalks and trails is the
responsibility of the adjacent homeowner. If notice has been sent to owner /occupant 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 flat fee rate to cover
this cost is set per the Fee Resolution. The City reserves the right to charge extra costs in
extraordinary situations.
10. Right -of -Way Use
The intent of the right -of -way is to provide room for snow storage, public and private
utilities, sidewalks, streetlights, signage and other City uses. However certain private
improvements such as mailboxes are required within this area. Other private improvements
are not required.
a. Mailboxes
Mailboxes and posts should be constructed sturdily enough to withstand snow rolling off a
plow or wing.
The City will bear the cost of the repair of a damaged mailbox only if it is a result of City
equipment actually hitting the mailbox. Damage resulting from snow is the responsibility of
the property owner /resident. The City will make temporary repairs to mailboxes for mail
delivery if City plows actually hit a mailbox. When weather and time permits, the Public
Works Department will complete the repairs.
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 "C ".
b. Boulevard Sod
The City shall, when it receives a complaint, record the location of alleged damage to sod
caused by contact with the City snowplow for review by the Public Works Department in the
spring when the extent of the alleged 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 the Public Works Department, the Public Works
Department shall either sod or seed the damaged area. New topsoil may be placed if deemed
necessary. The costs of the repair are borne by the City.
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.
3
r
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
12. Seasonal Parking Restrictions
According to Rosemount City Code 8 -2 -2 C No person shall park a vehicle or permit it to
stand upon any public street, highway or alley or permit the same to stand on a street,
highway, or alley during the following times:
a. At any time after a snowfall, wind or other weather condition has resulted in an
accumulation of snow of two inches (2 ") or more in depth on the public street,
highway or alley until the street, highway or alley is plowed curb to curb.
b. Between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. between November 1 and April l of
each calendar year.
This ordinance is designed to protect public safety. Strict enforcement begins November 1
and ends April 1. Violators will be issued citations and may also be subject to towing and
impoundment at the owner's expense.
F
Z
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
EXHIBIT "A"
SNOW PLOW ROUTES
Connemara Trail
Diamond Path
Shannon Parkway
Shannon Parkway
McAndrews Road
160th Street
Dodd Boulevard
Delft Avenue
Chippendale Avenue
Delft Avenue
Dodd Boulevard
Upper 148th Street
Upper 148th Street
Diamond Path
Delft Avenue
145th Street West
Diamond Path
CSAH 42
Chili Avenue
145th Street West
School Property
Chippendale Avenue
145th Street West
160th Street West
Cameo Avenue
145th Street West
143rd Street West
143rd Street West
School Property
TH 3
155th Street West
Shannon Parkway
Chippendale Avenue
Biscayne Avenue
Birch Street
CSAH 42
151 st Street West
Chippendale Avenue
Canada Avenue
Canada Avenue
CSAH 42
TH 3
Carousel Way
Chippendale Avenue
151 st Street West
Evermoor Parkway
Diamond Path
Shannon Parkway
5
r
SNOWPLOWING POLICY
EXHIBIT "B"
SIDEWALK CORRIDOR ROUTES PLOWED BY THE CITY
2OUTE
Shannon Parkway
FR`U1�I
160th Street
TO
County Road 38
(McAndrews Road)
Dodd Boulevard
Chippendale Avenue
Delft Avenue
CSAH 42
Diamond Path
TH 3 (South Robert Trail)
145th Street West
Diamond Path
Chianti Avenue
Chippendale Avenue
160th Street
145th Street
Chili Avenue
145th Street
143rd Street
Canada Avenue
147th Street
145th Street
Connemara Trail
Diamond Path
Copper Court
Biscayne Avenue
CSAH 42
Birch Street
.1