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CR 92-12 Snow Removal Policies .. ..... - ---- ,/- ........ ~-~- ( '\ January 7, 1992 \ 1 Y, 0 :m: .y '? OPK\~ Council Report: 92-12 SNOW REMOVAL POLICIES Proposed Action. Staff recommends the following motion: "Move to direct staff to continue using the current snow removal procedures". Overview. The Halloween blizzard, and the 18" snowfall on November 30th, generated some comments with respect to the city's snow removal procedures on Mainstreet. The comments that were received were mainly questioning why it took so long to remove snow from the Mainstreet sidewalks. Staff felt that the comments received on this issue warranted Council to review the city's snow removal procedures. Primary Issues to Consider o o o What are the city's current snow removal procedures? How could the procedures be changed? What effect would changes in snow removal have on the city? Supportinq Information o Background o Analysis of Issues o staff Recommendation d.A~ Lee GUst~blic Works Director - ~ --." ..-- ~ .. November 30th Snow Storm: The 18" snowfall that occurred on this date resulted in overflowing snowbanks from the Halloween blizzard and the smaller snowfalls that occurred previously. The first priority for this snow removal consisted of making passes with the big snow blower down the curb lines of the major streets in the downtown area. This was necessary to reduce some of the traffic hazards and to re-establish the on-street parking spaces. This procedure took approximately two days and on the third day crews began removing snow from the Mainstreet sidewalks. Analysis of Issues o What are the city's current snow removal procedures? Generally the second day after a normal snowfall crews will begin to remove snow on the Mainstreet sidewalks. However, certain conditions, such as safety hazards, have a higher priority in snow removal operations and will therefore be resolved prior to removing snow on the Mainstreet sidewalks. The street Superintendent reviews the conditions after each snowfall to determine if changes in snow removal operations need to take place. o How could the procedures be changed? Basically, anything. Mainstreet priorities the procedures could be changed to almost Council could direct staff to have the snow on sidewalks removed first, and disregard other or problems that may have developed. o What effect would changes in snow removal have on the city? Changes such as the example traffic movement, on-street available funding, and labor. mentioned parking affect areas, above may in other Council Report: 92-l2 Page 3 staff Recommendation staff recommends that Council authorize staff to continue using our current snow removal procedures. This would consist of attempting to remove snow on the Mainstreet sidewalks the day after the initial plowing unless other conditions warrant a change in removal operations.