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STAFF REPORT <br />DATE: 5/12/26 <br />WORKSHOP DISCUSSION  <br />TO: Mayor and Councilmembers <br />FROM: Peter Tholen, Public Works Director <br />AGENDA ITEM: Snow Removal on City and County trails in The Right of Way <br />CORE STRATEGIES: <br />☒ Vibrant, inclusive, connected community <br />☐ Responsive, transparent, adaptive governance <br />☐ Managed Growth <br />☒ Efficient, reliable, innovative services <br />☐ Balanced Finances now and future <br />☐ Resilient Infrastructure <br />BACKGROUND: During the May 6, 2025, Council meeting, the Council considered whether the city <br />should provide snow removal on county trails within the county right-of-way, as well as on city trails <br />within the City’s right-of-way. Public Works staff currently remove snow from select sidewalk segments <br />throughout the City where the property abuts City-owned land. In many areas, sidewalks are located <br />on one side of the street, with an asphalt trail on the opposite side. Along county roadways, there is <br />typically only an asphalt trail. <br />ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL: Should the City Council consider snow removal for both city trails within the <br />right-of-way and county trails within the county’s right-of-way. <br />PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Providing snow removal on county trails would require varying levels <br />of staff time depending on the season. Early-season snow events are estimated to require <br />approximately 1–2 man-hours per event, while late-season snow events may require 3–4 man-hours <br />due to increased snow accumulation and compaction. There is also potential for incidental impacts <br />associated with trail plowing operations. These include possible damage to adjacent residential <br />driveways and turf areas, which could result in additional maintenance and repair costs. If snow <br />removal were expanded to include city trails, the city may need to purchase additional equipment. This <br />could include a Bobcat Toolcat with a snowblower, with an estimated capital cost of approximately <br />$95,000. Ongoing operational impacts should also be considered, including annual costs associated <br />with repairing lawn damage (e.g., labor, black dirt, and seed). <br />FISCAL IMPACT: <br />Snow removal on county trails early season 1– 2 manhours <br />Snow removal on county trails late season 3 – 4 manhours <br />Damage to residential driveways <br />Additional equipment if city and county trails required snow removal, Bobcat Toolcat at $95,000