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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION Agenda Section: 5. <br /> Report Number: 92-422WS <br /> ��n��� <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> it <br /> C��° AGENDA SESSION DATE December 7, 1992 Report Date: 12-3-92 <br /> DISPOSITION <br /> • <br /> Item Description: Review of Snow Plowing Policy <br /> Administrator's Review/Recommendation: s Y <br /> - No comments to supplement this report <br /> - Comments attached. <br /> Explanation/Summary (attach supplement sheets as necessary.) <br /> SUMMARY <br /> A number of concerns regarding our snow plowing policy have been <br /> brought to our attention by residents and council members. There <br /> appear to be 4 major issues to discuss. These are the amount of <br /> snowfall at which plowing operations begin, replacement of mail <br /> boxes, blocking of sidewalks and driveways from private snow <br /> clearing operations, and repair of boulevard damage from snow <br /> plowing. <br /> As part of our research into these issues, we contacted a number <br /> of adjacent cities regarding their operations. Arden Hills, New <br /> Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and <br /> Fridley all begin snow plowing after 2 inches of snow have fal- <br /> len. Spring Lake Park begins plowing after 3 inches of snowfall. <br /> The depth of snow is not "cast in stone", judgment of the direc- <br /> tor or' superintendent also comes into play. Should snow fall <br /> occur early in the fall or late in. the spring and temperatures <br /> are such as to melt the snow quickly, then plowing may not occur <br /> if there is no danger to traffic. <br /> Plowing also is a concern for early morning rush hour traffic. <br /> Crews are called out to allow the main streets to be cleared <br /> prior to rush hour when possible. This may dictate beginning <br /> operations prior to the 2 inches of snowfall if the weather <br /> forecast does indicate that the snow .will continue. It should be <br /> noted the our labor agreement with the maintenance workers allows <br /> us to call them into work early without paying overtime unless <br /> the work shift extends beyond 8 hours. <br /> Staff has identified several concerns regarding waiting until 3 <br /> or 4 inches of snow has fallen to begin plowing. The additional <br /> time and amount of snowfall may cause compaction of snow, espe- <br /> cially wet, heavy snowfalls. This results in ruts and icy patches <br /> which contribute to dangerous driving conditions. Clearing of <br /> compacted snow is difficult for our equipment. The greater amount <br /> - continued - <br /> RE( OMMENDATIONz _. � / ` <br /> / .r.46, <br />