Snow & Ice Removal

Snow and Ice Control

We all know how unpredictable our weather can be. We have experienced many winters (normally the months of December, January, and February) with no snow accumulation to winters with over 36 inches of measurable snow. With a population of 9,000 and approximately 40 miles of streets, the City strives to provide an acceptable level of snow and ice control.

Normal Snow and Ice Conditions

Plows remove snow from the travel lane when snow depth and estimated accumulation indicate the need to plow. Our fleet of snow fighting equipment consists of a grader, salter, sander and two backhoes which are readied and manned by our crew of trained equipment operators by October 31 each year.

The City’s present snow control policy establishes the degree of snow control to be used on the streets with the following priority:

First Priority: All major arterial streets and arterial intersections considered to be the minimum network which must be kept open to provide a transportation system connecting hospitals, fire stations, police stations and emergency medical services.

College Avenue, SE 12th Street, NE Rose Street, Lamperti Street, SE Meadowbrook Boulevard, Taumarson Road, Whitman Drive, Larch Avenue, 4th Street and “C” Street.

Second Priority: Intersections, topographical difficult streets, and those streets serving public/private schools.
Schools, collectors, hills,

Third Priority: Residential streets.

Emergency Snow Conditions

When winter weather conditions are severe, the City Administrator may declare a snow emergency. Factors such as wind, temperature, current and projected snow accumulations influence this decision. Newspapers and local radio and TV stations are immediately informed in an effort to alert the public.

Equipment operators may work in shifts for a 24 hour per day operation and appreciate courteous and friendly drivers and pedestrians. Please help them help you!

Citizen Responsibilities and Tips:

Snow can be beautiful, but it can also create hazards. When residents fail to clear their sidewalks, the results can be a treacherous ice patch. We need your help in protecting pedestrians from possible injury.

Residents are responsible to maintain their sidewalks adjacent to their property, If your sidewalk is icy, you may correct the hazard by applying a heavy coat of sand.  Give plenty of room to snow plows and sanders- these vehicles make frequent stops, turns, and back-ups frequently. Park cars off the street where possible to avoid being plowed in. This also allows the plow to place the snow next to the curb. Keep the sidewalks in front of your home free from snow and ice.

Please pile the snow on your yard, not in the street. Shovel snow to the right hand side of driveway when facing the street. This will reduce snow being plowed back into your driveway. Clear the entrance to your driveway after the snow plow has plowed your street. Keep a clear path to your mail box. Please help your neighbor(s) with snow removal from their driveway and sidewalk. Your kindness will be greatly appreciated. Some local organizations have volunteers who are willing to assist the elderly or handicapped with snow removal.

Common Questions About Snow Control

Can’t the City remove the snow they put in my driveway and sidewalk? When you consider the large number of driveways and amount of sidewalks in the City, it is too costly and time consuming to use additional people and equipment to perform this service. Our primary duty is to open and keep open the main roadway system.

Can I park my car on the street? Sure, but to help our operators perform their plowing duties in a safe and efficient manner, we ask that residents park elsewhere when snow begins to accumulate. Vehicles will only be towed when a snow emergency is declared on those designated streets where parking is normally allowed.
Having to maneuver a snowplow in and out between parked vehicles is not only dangerous, but also nerve-wracking for our drivers. We cannot do an efficient job with parked vehicles on the street. Also, your car may get plowed in with a snow bank.

You towed my car! Where is it? When the City has your vehicle towed, you can the Police Department at 525-7778 to find out who has your vehicle.

Why are residential streets seldom plowed? With over 40 miles of streets to maintain, limited equipment and staff, it is usually not possible to plow all of the streets. We make every effort to get to lower priority streets when conditions allow.