Memo- Snow Emergency Policy ReviewMemorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Director
Copy: Steven C. Mielke, City Manager
Earl Johnson, Police Chief
Date: July 10, 1998
Subject: Snow Emergency Policy Review
Public Works Department
The city tows on average about 260 illegally parked vehicles each snow season. This
is very frustrating for all involved. City Council would like to reduce the number of
vehicles towed each year and requested a review of current snow emergency policy
and a discussion of potential alternatives. The attached Snow Emergency Policy
Review report includes a description of our current policy and procedures, eight
alternatives with advantages and disadvantages listed for each and a staff
recommendation. The report includes the following attachments: 1997/98 Snow
Season plowing schedule, Snow and Ice Control Policies and Procedures, City Code
1305.31, map showing numbers of vehicles tows by grid areas and information
regarding St. Louis Park's permit system.
The attached report was discussed with Police Dept personnel and there was general
agreement with the contents of the report and the staff recommendation. Chief Earl
Johnson and/or Capt Jim Liddy will attend the Council Worksession.
Staff looks forward to discussing existing and alternative snow emergency policies and
procedures with City Council.
STAFF REPORT
SNOW EMERGENCY POLICY REVIEW
CURRENT OPERATIONS:
Advantages of current operations:
- 1 -
July 14, 1998
Currently, a snow emergency is declared whenever the city receives 2+ inches of
snow. Public Works notifies the Police Dept dispatcher of the snow emergency
as early as possible, usually between 3 pm and 7 pm. The Police Dept then: 1)
updates the "SNOW LINE" (939 -1399) to inform residents of the emergency, 2)
notifies WCCO AM radio and TV to request public notification, 3) notifies the Fire
Dept that personnel will be needed beginning at 10 pm to tag vehicles parked on
city streets, and 4) calls the cities contracted towing service to begin towing
operations at 10 —11 pm, pending status of vehicle tagging.
The Public Works crew reports at 2:00 am to begin snow plowing operations.
The typical operation includes 13 14 personnel, 5 large plow trucks, 1 motor
grader, 2 front end loaders with plows and wings, and 5 or 6 pickup trucks with
plows. Each large plow truck, loader or grader and operator is assigned to its
respective designated plow route, there are 6 plow routes. One truck and
operator is assigned to alley plowing and the pickup trucks plow downtown
parking lots. City -wide plowing is usually completed by 10 am 11 am. Most
personnel work 8 or 9 hours during the first day of operations following a snow
emergency. There is very little use of overtime. More detail of current operations
are contained in the attached Public Works policy and 1997/98 snow season
plowing schedules.
All main routes and most residential streets are plowed curb to curb by the
time residents are leaving for work (7 - 9 am). Residents, in general,
appreciate and expect this level of service and many would not be pleased if
plowing were not done until later in the day.
There is very little second day cleanup work. This is essential as in Hopkins
the second day is needed to pick up and haul snow from the downtown
streets and parking lots.
Plows are on the streets plowing snow before it is packed down by traffic.
This results in a higher quality job and less use of sand/salt.
We are able to complete downtown area plowing by 5:00 am.
• Parking lots are also plowed early.
Maximum flexibility to adjust operations if there are equipment problems or
personnel shortage because all operators report at 2:00 am.
Balance of day (11 am — 3 pm) is available to respond to problems /complaints
and maintain/repair equipment in preparation for next days snow removal
operations.
There are no special considerations or exceptions for certain areas of the city
- all residents are treated equally regarding city snow emergencies.
We can plow safer and more efficiently in the early morning hours with few
cars parked on the street. This is especially true for the loaders, grader and
plow trucks with both front plows and wing (side) plows.
Fire Dept personnel are readily available for tagging illegally parked vehicles
because the work is done in the late evening vs. during the work day.
Problems with current operations:
Residents must remove vehicles from the streets prior to leaving for work and
with no more than 4 — 8 hours notice.
Residents must be knowledgeable of snow emergency policy or call SNOW
LINE - public notification via TV or radio is not assured.
Negative public relations because there are many vehicles tagged and towed
during each snow emergency. This is coupled with the fact that some
residents don't feel that a 2 "+ snowfall constitutes an emergency.
There are no reasonable policy provisions to deal with the areas where it is
difficult to find off - street parking.
Vehicles are parked on the streets after the tagging and towing operations are
completed but before the plows have arrived. This results in plow grounds
and disgruntled residents who did have vehicles towed earlier.
In some residential areas, plowing may not start until 7+ hours after the
tagging /towing operation.
SNOW EMERGENCY AND PARKING ALTERNATIVES
Alternative 1:
No Parking 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. on residential streets when snow
exceeds two (2) inches until the street is plowed curb to curb. This alternative
would restrict residential parking during the hours when most individuals are at
work or have had an opportunity to move their vehicle to a location off the public
right of way. Main routes would be signed as snow emergency routes with no
parking allowed whenever snow exceeded two inches until the street is plowed
curb to curb. The sequence of events for tagging and towing of violators could
be as follows. Tagging of illegally parked vehicles would begin at 6 :00 a.m.,
towing would not begin until 8:00 a.m. Tagging and towing of snow emergency
routes would be similar to current procedure to allow plow trucks clear access
during the early morning hours.
Advantages of Alternative 1:
-2-
Residents who chose to park in the street are given the opportunity to move
the vehicle by 8:00 a.m. rather than during the evening hours.
Many streets will be cleared of vehicles by this time as owners will have left
for work.
Improved safety for operators as residential streets would be plowed during
daylight hours.
Streets would be substantially cleared of vehicles resulting in continued high
quality curb -to -curb plowing.
The amount of vehicle tows should be reduced.
There could be backup equipment available in case of breakdown as all
equipment would not be out at the same time.
Disadvantages of Alternative 1:
Residential areas would not be plowed early in the morning. Residents would
be required to drive through unplowed local streets until they got to a main
route.
Snow plowing quality would be reduced as snow on residential streets would
be packed down from traffic.
It may be difficult to get Fire Dept or Police Dept personnel to tag vehicles at
6:00 a.m. — 8 :00 a.m.
It may be more difficult to get adequate tow truck response as our request
would be competing with tow truck demand for accident responses during the
morning rush hour.
Plowing will be more difficult, slower, and stressful as operators with plows
and wings will encounter more traffic.
Less flexibility during snow operations as there would be split shifts. An early
shift arriving at 2 :00 a.m. to plow downtown, main routes and parking lots and
a later shift to plow residential areas.
Residential plow truck operators would be required to be back at work the
following day at 1 :00 — 2:00 a.m. for downtown area snow removal
operations.
New city entrance snow emergency signage would be required as well as
snow emergency route signs.
Alternative 2:
Same as current operations except authorize odd/even parking system in certain
problem areas when snow exceeds two inches until street is plowed curb to curb.
In reviewing the number of tows by area it is clear that grid area 41 is
consistently a problem area If we were able to objectively determine that streets
in certain areas have unique hardships which make it unreasonable to expect
compliance with the current policy, the odd/even exception would b - authorized.
Under this alternative residents along a street which met some objective criteria
-3
would be allowed to park on one side of the street during a snow emergency and
would be required to move to the other side on the following day.
Advantages of Alternative 2:
The number of tows should be reduced by offering some on- street parking on
"problem streets ".
At least one side of the street would be free of parked vehicles during
plowing.
Disadvantages of Alternative 2:
Less stringent snow emergency rules for some (streets where odd/even
parking is allowed) will lead to resentment from other city residents.
Confusion may exist on the odd /even streets regarding where to park and
when one must have their car moved.
Second day cleanup will be difficult due to the compaction of snow and the
typical temperature reduction following most snow storm events.
Some driveways will be plowed in the second day following a storm.
Difficulty in setting criteria to authorize odd /even parking.
Alternative 3:
This alternative is somewhat similar to alternative 3 except instead of authorizing
odd/even parking on "problem streets ", we would delay tagging, towing and
plowing on "problem streets" until 9 :00 a.m.
Advantages of Alternative 3:
The number of tows may be reduced by delaying action on "problem streets ".
Street will be cleared of parked vehicles and allow plowing from curb to curb.
Disadvantages of Alternative 3:
Different snow emergency rules for some (streets where tagging /towing is
delayed) will lead to resentment from other city residents.
Would require an additional tagging operation by Police /Fire personnel at 8 —
9 a.m.
Tow trucks may not be as readily available due to morning traffic accident
needs.
Difficulty in setting criteria to authorize delayed tagging /towing.
Alternative 4:
Retain current policy but increase the snow emergency snowfall amount from 2+
inches to 3+ inches.
-4-
Advantages of Alternative 4:
Less snow emergencies each season may mean less vehicle tows.
More residents will know that there will be a snow emergency called due to
the greater amount of snow accumulation. This may mean better compliance
with parking restriction.
Relatively simple & inexpensive to change existing snow emergency signage.
Disadvantages of Alternative 4:
Streets won't be plowed as well as there will be more plowing while vehicles
are parked on the streets (less than 3" snowfalls) meaning packed snow, ruts,
ridges, etc. This situation (plowing while vehicles are parked on street) will
also result in an increased likelihood of plow equipment accidents.
Greater use of sand/salt or straight salt due to packed, glazed snow & ice.
Use of straight salt would require a salt storage facility.
Increased calls from residents for street cleanup.
Alternative 5:
Retain current program but allow parking permits to be issued that allow on-
street parking during snow emergencies to any resident that can prove that off-
street parking is not available. Each permit would be issued for an identified
vehicle and would have to be displayed in the vehicle. The City Council would
establish an appropriate fee for these permits by resolution. The fee would be
intended to recover city administrative cost associated with the permit program
plus the extra costs incurred in plowing around and cleaning up after those
vehicles parked on the streets. The City of St. Louis Park began a permit parking
program last snow season - see attached permit application form and sample
permit.
Advantages of Alternative 5:
Accommodates residents with legitimate hardship due to lack of available off -
street parking & should reduce number of tows.
Recovers additional city costs by imposing a fee.
Allows continued early morning plowing with entire crew.
Disadvantages of Alternative 5:
Snow plowing quality will decrease as plow operators must plow around
permitted cars that are parked on- street during snow emergencies.
There will be greater need for second or third day plowing to clean up areas
where permitted cars were parked.
-5-
Some driveways would be plowed in a second time as plows returned to clear
sections of streets.
Alternative 6:
Similar to Alternative 5 except in addition to authorizing parking permits, City
Council would exempt certain streets from a snow emergency parking restriction.
The exempted streets would be those without off- street parking.
Advantages of Alternative 6:
Same as those listed under Alternative 5.
Disadvantages of Alternative 6:
Same as those listed under Alternative 5.
Alternative 7:
City -wide odd /even parking restriction when snow has exceeded two inches and
until the street is plowed curb to curb. This method of control alternates on- street
parking relevant to the calendar day. On even numbered days no parking is
allowed on even numbered sides of the street, and on odd days no parking is
allowed on the odd numbered side of the street.
Advantages of Alternative 7:
At least one side of the roadway would be free of parked vehicles during the
plowing operation.
On- street parking would be available during snow emergencies — there would
be far fewer illegally parked vehicles to tow off the streets.
Disadvantages of Alternative 7:
The amount of second day plowing would be extensive. There would not be
enough personnel or equipment to accomplish this work as the second day is
spent windrowing and hauling snow from Mainstreet and other downtown
areas.
Second or third day plowing would be difficult due to compacted snow.
City-wide plowing from curb to curb would take two - three days to complete.
Alternative 8:
No parking on any city street from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. from Nov 15 - Apr 15.
-6
Advantages of Alternative 8:
Eliminates confusion of whether residents can park on the city street.
Easily enforced.
Forces residents, apartment building owners & managers, to find solutions to
off- street parking problem.
End result should be less snow emergency vehicle tows.
Disadvantages of Alternative 8:
May be considered a "heavy handed" approach to on- street parking problem.
Implementation may require a period of heavy enforcement, vehicle tagging
and towing.
Would require extensive public input, education, and work with problem area
residents prior to implementation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff believes that any alternative to current operations will result in an overall
decrease in the quality of snow plowing. We in Public Works are proud of the
quality snow plowing service we provide. We believe that the vast majority of
residents have no difficulty understanding or complying with our long- standing
policy. However, we understand that the current level of service that we provide
also comes at a cost. That cost is the hardship experienced by too many
residents each snow emergency when their vehicle /s are towed from the streets
because they were illegally parked. This appears to be a disappointing and
frustrating consequence of our current system.
If it is deemed necessary to change our operations in an attempt to decrease the
number of vehicles towed during a snow emergency, staff recommends
alternative 4, i.e., increase the snowfall amount from 2+ inches to 3+ inches.
1995
GRID Total
SNOWBIRD IMPOUNDS BY GRID
1996 1997 1998
GRID Total GRID Total GRID Total
00016000 11 00016000 21 00016000 1
00020000 11 00020000 23 00020000 47 00020000 25
00021000 11 00021000 23 00021000 76 00021000 25
00030000 17' 00030000 21 00022000 8 00022000 3
00031000 15 00031000 20 00030000 32 00030000 11
00032000 11 00032000 5 00031000 19 00031000 2
00033000 14 00033000 17 00032000 5. 00032000 3
00040000 6 00040000 13 00033000 36 00033000 12
00041000 65 00041000 72 00040000 20 00034000 2
00052000 1 00052000 6 00041000 104- 00040000 7
00060000 1 00054000 2 00050000 3 00041000 59
00061000 1 00060000 4 00052000 18 00052000 4
00062000 2 00062000 6 00054000 3 00054000 6
00063000 23 00063000 29 00060000 5 00060000 1
00063100 2 00063100 8 00062000 3 00061000 6
00063000 44 00062000 6
Total: 180 Total: 260 00063100 2 00063000 10
a v-e". 4- I = 2, g I.
Total: 446 Total: 183
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MI N1ET
THE CITY OF
HOPKINS , MINNESOTA
HENNEPIN C UNTV
SOC
SCALE
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CITY OF HOPKINS PUBLIC WORKS
1997/98 SNOW SEASON - PLOWING
PERSONNEL/EQUIPMENT/AREAS - ALL 2:00 AM. START TIMES
NOTE: CONDITIONAL START TIME CHANGES MAY BE REQUIRED
41 1 1 ERSONNEL EQUIP. LOCATION
STREETS/PW/PARKING LOTS - HEAVY EOUIPMENT
GUSTAFSON 526 GRADER KATHERLNE CURREN LOT,RED ROUTE (N. OF CTY. RD 3
SLOAN- BACKUP PARK RIDGE, INCLUDES SIDEWALKS 3),
PW,PARK & RIDE,STH AVE. S. LOT, 4800, YELLOW ROUTE
LENZ 321 LOADER
MEADOWS-BACKUP PLOW /WING
SLOAN 320 LOADER
STALLMAN- BACKUP PLOW /WING
STREETS /ALLEYS TRUCKS
KLATT 310
• HNSO N
511
STALLMAN 312
MOILENAN 313
MEADOWS 315
MCGEHEE
306 OR 311
PW,PAVILION,RED ROUTE (S. OF CTY. RD. 3) VALLEY
AREA & PARKING LOTS (9TH AVE. S. &
WESTBROOKE WY.,8TH ST:S. LOTS),ALLEY E. OF 6TH
AVE. S., INCLUDES AREA SIDEWALKS, HARLEY HOPKINS
AREA, (EAST END & N. OF CTY. RD. 3 ST. STUBS)
INTERLACHEN /COTTAGEVILLE (HIAWATHA,
CAMBRIDGE), CAMBRIDGE SIDEWALK, PRESIDENTS
AREA, - SAND ROUTE AREA
HOBBY ACRES /SAND RED ROUTE N. OF CTY. R.D.
3/YELLOW ROUTE/SAND ROUTE AREA
2ND ST. N./WEST PARK RD./21 ST AVE. N. (SAND)
N. OF HWY
DRILLANFJHOBBY ACRES. 1 -TON ASSIST REQUIRED FOR
WEBSTER PL., WILSHIRE WLK., AND HILL ST. (PRIOR
TO/DURING PLOW OPERATIONS) SAND ROUTE AREA
WEST END YELLOW ROUTE/AS SIST 321
RED ROUTE (S. OF CTY. RD. 3), VALLEY/HARLEY
HOPKINS AREAS (EAST END & N. OF CTY. RD. 3 ST.
STUBS), SAND ROUTE AREA
ALL ALLEYS, RR ROW 7TH & 8TH; 306 (LIGHT
SNOWFALL), 311 (HEAVY SNOWFALL)- (ALSO SANDING
AS REQUIRED)
SANDING
Y SANDING SHALL COVER ALL MAIN ROUTES (RED) AND HILL AREAS, THROUGH
OWNING OPERATIONS. THIS WILL REQUIRE SOME UNITS TO TEMPORARILY PULL OUT OF
ROUTE SEQUENCE TO SAND PRIOR TO RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THROUGH ROUTE PLOWING,
L4WII�G,
SANDING TO BE COMPLETED IN THESE AREAS, ADDITIONAL SANDING MAY BE REQUIRED IN
DOWNTOWN ALLEYS AND PARKING LOTS. ALL SANDING OPERATIONS IO
UPON WEATHER RELATED CONDITIONS, NS ARE DEPENDENT
ERSONNEL
1997/98 SNOW SEASON - rLV
PERSONNEL/EQUIPMENT /AREAS - ALL 2:00 A.M. START TI ES
NOTE: CONDITIONAL START TIME CHANGES MAY BE REQUIRED
EQUIP. LOCATION
ARKING RAMP/PARKING LOTS
H JFFMAN 4x4 # PARKING RAMP,PLAZA LOT,LOT 300 (INCLUDING 9TH
SHOBERG 4x4 # AVE. TAP LOT), LOT 200, LOT 100
*UNIT 324 TO ASSIST IN LOT 700, ONLY TO PLOW OPEN
CURB AREAS UPON COMPLETION OF RAMP PLOWING.
* 4x4 TO ASSIST PLOWING OF ALL CITY HALL & FIRE
DEPT. AREAS PRIOR TO RAMP PLOWING.
* RAM? REQUIRES AS MUCH SNOW AS POSSIBLE TO BE
DUMPED OVER EDGE AT DESIGNATED AREAS DURING
SNOW REMOVAL,
* NORTH SIDE OF MAINSTREET
ANDERSON 4x4 # * (1) 4x4 TO ASSIST 4312 IN CUL -DE -SAC AREAS
EH ILLER 4x4 # (WEBSTER PL., WILSHIRE WLK., HILL ST.)
PART -TIMER 4x4 # LOT 500 & (BOSTON SUB), LOT 600, LOT 700, SNYDERS
LOT, * MAETZOLD LOT REQUIRES IIVEMEDIATE
ENTRANCE/EXIT /CIRCLE PLOWING ALLOWING TRAFFIC
FLOW, REST OF MAETZOLD LOT TO BE PLOWED UPON
COMPLETION OF OTHER LOTS WITH EITHER 4x4S OR
OTHER EQUIPMENT/TRUCKS.
NOTE: 4x4 DRIVERS MAY ROTATE TO AREAS AS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE PLOWLNG IN AN
EFFICIENT MANNER.
PARKS 4x4S MUST BE RETURNED ASAP UPON COMPLETION OF PLOWLNG OPERATIONS.
PUBLIC WORKS
MECHANIC 324/4x4 ALL BUILDINGS /AREAS AS REQUIRED (PENDING SHOP
OPERATIONS)
REMOVAL SEOUENCE
PERSONNEL EOUIP. TIME
GUSTAFSON 326 GRADER 1:00 A.M.
SLOAN- BACKUP
SLOAN 320 LOADER/PLOW/WING 1:00 A.M.
STALLMAN- BACKUP
LENZ 321 LOADER/BLOWER 2:00 *AM.
MEADOWS- BACKUP
KLATT 310 2:00 A.M.
JOHNSON 311 2:00 A.M.
STALLMAN 312 2:00 AM.
MOILANEN 313 2:00 AM
MEADOWS 315 2:00 A.M.
BACKUP DRIVERS: FEGER, ANDERSON, EHMILLER
PARKING RAMP
ANDERSON 324
FEGER 305
EOMILLER 306
PT 308
NOTE: EQUIPMENT/TRUCK OPERATIONS CAN VARY AMONG PERSONNEL.
• NOTE: 1) HAUL TO WINDROWS FIRST.
• 2) DUMP OVER SIDE WHENEVER POSSIBLE AT DESIGNATED LOACTIONS.
:s-
CITY OF HOPKINS PUBLIC WORKS
1997/98 SNOW SEASON - REMOVAL
PERSONNEL/EQUIPMENT/AREAS
NOTE: CONDITIONAL START TIMES MAY VARY
HEAVY EQUIPMENT - GRADER, LOADER/PLOW /WING - 1:00 A.M.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT - LOADER/BLOWER 2:00 A.M.
TRUCKS - 2:00 A.M.
1) KATHERINE CURREN LOT
2) 17TH AVENUE SOUTH
3) MAINSTREET - SHADY OAK TO WASHINGTON
4) AVENUES /STREETS
5) PARKING AREAS
•
1. PURPOSE
2. CITY CODES
3. POLICY
• City of Hopkins
Public Works
Policy Number
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 4 05
1.01 The City of Hopkins 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 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, equipment and/or private contractors to
provide this service.
2.01 Hopkins City Codes 1305.31 and 1305.33 are referenced
and provide the basis for this policy.
3.01 The Hopkins Public Works Department shall endeavor to
maintain the city's street system in a safe and
travelable condition. Snowplowing and sanding
operations will be accomplished by subdividing the
city's transportation system into a number of
snowplowing routes equal to the number of snowplowing
vehicles available.
Within each of the areas, the collector and
thoroughfare streets are defined as well as areas of
steep grades and hazardous alignments that need extra
care. Equipment is assigned to these zones based on
the amount of effort required.
The call out of equipment is dependent upon the time
and severity of the snowfall. The most critical times
are morning and evening rush hour periods. The plan is
designed, it at all feasible, to have the snow removed
from collectors, thoroughfares, and hazardous areas
prior to the beginning of these rush hour periods.
Subsequent to the priorities of the rush hour period,
the remaining streets in residential and commercial
areas are plowed.
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 inches.
4. SNOW EMERGENCIES
4.01 Hopkins City Code prohibits parking on any public
street or parking lot, including the parking ramp,
after a snowfall of two (2) inches or more until the
street has been plowed to the curb or removed from the
street. The depth of the snow is determined by city
monitoring device(s).
4.02 Cars normally parked on the street should be relocated
to a parking area off the street when there is a
snowfall of two (2) inches or more. The city offers
two locations for parking during this time: 1) Lot 300
north of Downtown Park, and 2) Railroad right -of -way
between 9th and 20th Avenues Cars parked on the
street or in a municipal parking lot (other than the
two mentioned above) may ticketed and towed to allow
for efficient snowplowing.
4.03 Snow emergencies may be declared by the Public Works
Department whenever a snow accumulation is two inches
or greater. Snow emergencies declared after 10 p.m.
will result in towing operations beginning at 8 a.m. on
the following day.
4.04 If a snow emergency is declared, the Police Department
will initiate notification procedures and will
coordinate with public works on the removal of
illegally parked vehicles.
4.05 Notification of snow emergencies will be accomplished
in two ways:
1. Police Department will place a recorded message on
the Police Department's "SNOW LINE" detailing
local snow plowing /towing regulations, whether or
not a "snow emergency" has been declared, and
procedures to follow when claiming a vehicle that
has been towed. The snow line may be accessed by
dialing 939 -1399.
2. Police Department will notify WCCO AM radio and
WCCO TV to request public notification of a snow
emergency and to outline the regulations stated in
Section 4.01 and 4.02.
4.06 Coordination of the towing and retrieving of vehicles
shall be the responsibility of the Police Department.
5. PROCEDURE
5.01 How snow will be plowed
Snow will be plowed in a manner so as to minimize any
traffic obstructions. In most situations, 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. When a plow
goes on a bridge, the driver shall slow down so that
snow does not go over the bridge if possible In times
of extreme snowfall, streets will not always
immediately be able to be completely cleared of snow.
5.02 Snow Removal
The Public Works Department 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 The snow storage area will be located so as to
minimize environmental problems.
5.03 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 having high
priority 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.
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 area are alleys and city parking
lots.
As mentioned in the policy statement, the snowplowing
and sanding operations will be accomplished by
subdividing the city's transportation system into a
number of snowplowing routes equal to the number of
snowplowing vehicles available.
5.04 Work schedule for snowplow operators
Snowplow operators will be expected to work eight -hour
shifts. In severe snow emergencies, operators
sometimes have to work in excess of eight -hour shifts.
However, because of budget and safety concerns, the
city will try not to work operators more than 12 hours
in any 24 -hour period.
5.05 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 and limited visibility.
5.06 Use of sand, salt and other chemicals
The city will use sand, salt, and other chemicals when
there are hazardous ice or slippery conditions. The
city is concerned about the effect of such chemicals on
the environment and will limit its use for that reason.
6. SIDEWALKS
6.01 Sidewalks - Hopkins City Code requires an owner or the
occupant of any property adjacent to a public sidewalk
to remove snow or ice within 12 hours of its deposit.
If this is not done, the city may remove the snow or
ice and bill the property owner. Compliance with this
ordinance requirement will help ensure the safety of
all.
7. REFUSE CONTAINERS
7.01 Hopkins legislative policies require that refuse
containers be accessible for pick -up and placed off
street or alley to allow snow removal. This container
may have to be placed in the driveway to meet both of
these requirements. It is the responsibility of the
resident to see that the container is not in the way of
the snowplow and is also in a spot accessible to the
garbage truck. Whenever possible, the Public Works
Department will attempt to plow the refuse pick -up
route early.
8. MAILBOXES
8.01 Mailboxes damaged during snow removal will not be
replaced by the city, unless there is physical evidence
that the snow removal vehicle actually hit the mailbox.
If, due to snow build -up on the boulevards, mailboxes
are tipped or knocked over from the weight of the snow,
it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to
repair or replace the mailbox. If the city is
responsible, the mailbox will be replaced with
comparable quality items. Residents are responsible
for keeping the mailbox cleared for Post Office
deliveries.
9. FIRE HYDRANTS
8.01 Fire hydrants are critical to minimize the potential
losses involved in any fire. The Public Works and Fire
Departments attempt to clear access to hydrants as
quickly as possible after a storm.
Residents are encouraged to assist the city by clearing
hydrants near their property. If possible, they should
be cleared five feet on each side to allow Fire
Department access.
10. SAFETY
10.1 Minnesota statute and Hopkins City Code prohibit
plowing, shoveling, blowing, or placing snow onto
public roadways and boulevards. Placing snow on a
public roadway can subject a person to civil liability
if a road hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut,
or bump occurs and causes a traffic accident.
Hopkins City Code (Rev. 1989), 1305.27
1305.27. Parking by entrances of certain buildings. No person shall stop, park, or
leave standing any vehicle on any street or highway in the city in front of the
entrance to, or exit from, any theater, dance hall, church, hospital, school, or any
hotel having 25 or more rooms, for the full width of such entrance or exit during the
hours that such buildings are in use by the public. After initial approval by the
council, the owner of any such building used for said purposes shall cause to be
placed at such entrance or exit, one hour before such building is opened to public
use, proper, adequate an visible signs subject to the approval of the chief of police,
giving notice to the public of their hours of use of such building. The signs shall
be removed when such use by the building ceases
1305.29 Parking in alleys. No person shall park a vehicle or-permit it to stand,
whether attended or unattended, upon any alley within the city, provided that this
shall not prohibit the parking of such vehicles for less than a period of one hour
along any such alley for the purpose of having access to any property abutting thereon
for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise or other material when such access
cannot conveniently be secured upon the property itself.
1305.31. Snow removal parking restrictions. No person shall park or leave standing
any vehicle on any public thoroughfare in the city after a snowfall of two inches or
more in depth until after the snow from such thoroughfare has been removed or plowed
to the curb or other thoroughfare boundaries. Any vehicle left standing or parked
under such conditions may be removed as hereinafter provided.
1305.33. Removal of vehicle for street maintenance. Whenever the director of public
works or any of his assistants shall find it necessary for purposes of facilitating
any public thoroughfare construction or maintenance operations such as the removal of
snow, ice; street wastes, or other construction or repairs, to remove any vehicle
standing on any such public thoroughfare, such works director is hereby authorized to
move such vehicle as hereinafter provided. (Amended, Ord. No 89 -630, Sec. 1)
1305.35. Removal. Any vehicle or other obstruction left parked or standing on any
thoroughfare in the city in violation of this subsection may be removed by or under
the direction of any police officer or other authorized city employee. When a vehicle
or other obstruction is removed by the city, the expense thereof shall be charged
against the owner or operator thereof. No such removal shall prevent prosecution
against the owner or operator, or either of them for a violation of this Section.
(Amended, Ord. No. 89 -630, Sec. 2)
1305.37. Operation and parking of vehicles on private parking lots. No person shall
operate a motor vehicle on any private parking lots within this city at a speed
greater than is safe and reasonable under the conditions of traffic then existing
therein, and in no event at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour. Parking of vehicles
on such lots shall conform to any stalls or positions for parking designated on the
surface of the parking area and no vehicle shall be parked or allowed to stand in any
area of such parking lot which has been designated or is used for a lane for moving
traffic so as to interfere with the movement of traffic thereon. The council may
authorize the chief of police or engineer to post signs at any entrances to a private
parking lot from a public street, which shall designate one -way traffic for entrance
or exit, and the driver of any vehicle entering or leaving any such lot shall comply
with any one -way signs so posted.
CITY OF
ST. LOUIS
PARK
Public Works Department - 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Snow Emergency Parking Permit Information
Although St. Louis Park's snow emergency ordinance restricts daytime parking after a snowfall, permits for
on- street parking are granted under special circumstances. If you have any questions, call 924 -2555.
The Ordinance
Whenever it snows two or more inches, no parking is allowed from 8 a.m, to 5 p.m. until the street has been
Mowed to the curb. This is a daytime snow emergency only no permit is needed for nighttime parking. In
addition, no permit is needed to park on the street after it has been plowed to the curb or whenever there is no
esh snowfall.
Permit Criteria
Any vehicle displaying a City - issued permit may park on the street during a snow emergency. (Please be aware
that permit holders will be plowed in when snowplows pass by.) To qualify for a parking permit (good only for
the 1997 -1998 snow season), households must meet one of these criterion:
1. The household has NO garage or driveway (no fee for permit /limit two permits per household), OR
2. The household has more vehicles than its garage and driveway can accommodate MOO fee per permit /limit
two permits per household).
St Louis Park, MN 55
Home Telephone Number:
Name:
Address:
Permit Rules
1. No more than two permits per address.
2. The permit must be hung from the vehicle's rearview mirror whenever it is parked on an unplowed street
during daytime hours.
The permit is valid only in front of the permit holder's address. (Vehicles parked in front of a neighbor's
house or other addresses are subject to the same ticketing and towing penalties as non - permit holders.)
How to Apply
Fill out the application below. If you have a garage or driveway, enclose a check made out to the "City of St.
Louis Park" for the number of permits you are applying for. (If you don't have a garage or driveway, no fee is
required.) Mail your application and check (if applicable) to the City in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.
After receiving your application, the street superintendent will drive to your home to determine if your parking
situation meets permit criterion. If your application is accepted, your permit will be mailed to you., If your
application is denied, your check will be returned.
Clip and Mail
City of St. Louis Park
19974998 Winter Parking Permit Application
Number of Permits Applying for: 1 or
Number of Vehicles in your Household:
Signature of Applicant:
Date of Application: , Amount Enclosed: $
For Office Use Only
Permit Type: 1 or 2
Permit Number:
Permit Fee Paid: $
Date Issued:
Issued By:
Reviewed By: _
January 23, 1998
«FirstName» «LastName»
«Address l»
«City», «State» «PostalCode»
Re: Permit authorization
Dear Resident:
After reviewing your application for a winter parking permit, we determined that your property
meets the criteria for a parking permit for the 1997 -1998 snow removal season. Please find
enclosed your parking permit. You may use this permit in any of your household's vehicles.
To avoid a parking ticket and towing, please make sure that:
1. Your permit is hung from your vehicle's rearview mirror whenever it is parked on an
unplowed street during daytime hours.
2. You park only in front of your home. Do not park in front of a neighbor's home or any other
location during a snow emergency. Your permit is valid only for your own address. Vehicles
with permits that are parked in front of other addresses are subject to the same ticketing and
towing penalties as non - permit holders.
3. This permit does not allow for continuous, unrestricted parking, (i.e. an inoperable vehicle).
Vehicles with permits must be moved every 12 hours in accordance with Ordinance No. 10-
303 "General Parking Restrictions ". No vehicle may remain on a City street in excess of 12
consecutive hours.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call me at 924 -2563.
Sincerely,
Greg Knutsen
Superintendent of Streets
City of St. Louis Park