HomeMy WebLinkAbout#27 Staff Report- Snow and Ice PolicySTAFF REPORT
DATE: 11/15/2016
REGULAR
ITEM # 27
MOTION
TO: Mayor and City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Rob Weldon, Public Works Director
AGENDA ITEM: Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy
REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
An effective tool for any city to have is a policy that relates to snow and ice control practices. Such
policies are effective for all city staff and residents in such a way as detailed information is available in
writing that outlines how and why the city will safely carry out winter weather operations.
Many cities in the metro area and in Washington County have snow removal policies in place, and have
for years. The policy being brought forward is structured from a draft provided by the League of
Minnesota Cities and is encouraged by LMC to have in place.
With the continued addition of streets requiring snow removal in Lake Elmo this policy will help Public
Works establish priorities, staffing, and efficiencies on how to safely handle snow and ice during the
winter months.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the City adopt a Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy? What should be included in the policy?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
With the adoption of the proposed policy several items of topic that occur each winter related to snow
plowing will have a definitive answer as to what is being done, why it is being done and how it is carried
out.
Within the policy items such as; Plowing Priorities, Movement of Snow, Starting Times and Property
Damage will be addressed. Also, safety issues such as operations during extreme weather events and
parking after a 2” or greater snowfall are outlined in an effort to increase safety for plow operators and
while avoiding unnecessary equipment damage, provide information to and educate residents on plowing
operations.
City Council Meeting November 15, 2016 Regular Agenda Item #27
Page 2
Cities such as Oakdale, Mahtomedi, Oak Park Heights, Stillwater, Hugo and Bayport all have similar
policies, or at a minimum, an ordinance that addresses and prohibits on street parking during winter
months to ensure streets can be plowed in a safe and efficient manner.
Once adoption of the policy takes place, city staff will be able to refer to the policy in the event of
questions and/or concerns from residents. All answers to questions regarding snow and ice removal shall
be uniform based on the information in the policy and could be answered by staff at City Hall or Public
Works. Additionally, the policy can be made available to residents through the city website and social
media for viewing.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
OPTIONS:
• Approve Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy
• Amend and then Approve the Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy
• Deny Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy
• Table Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
“Move to approve the Snowplowing and Ice Control Policy”