ITEM 3.9 Revised ice and snow policy4 MAN
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MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Request for
City Council Action
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
REQUESTOR:
MEETING DATE:
Public Works
Street Operations Manager Lamson
December 9, 2019
PRESENTER(s)
REVIEWED BY:
ITEM #:
Consent
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
3.9
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS:
I THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
X
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
No
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
BACKGROUND/J USTI FI CATI O N
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
policy was approved by the City Council on December 10, 2011. Revisions to the snow and ice control
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
1) To incorporate policy verbiage from the League of Minnesota Cities model policy.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the revised snow and ice control policy.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT?
ISA PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?.
No
No
BACKGROUND/J USTI FI CATI O N
It is important that the City periodically review existing policies. The City's existing snow and ice control
policy was approved by the City Council on December 10, 2011. Revisions to the snow and ice control
policy are being recommended for the following reason:
1) To incorporate policy verbiage from the League of Minnesota Cities model policy.
2) To update procedures within the policy to match current practices.
3) To format the policy to match other recently created or modified City policies.
These policy revisions have been discussed and reviewed at Administrative Sub -Committee meetings from
September through December with the recommendation for the revised policy to be placed on the agenda
for a future City Council meeting.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Draft Revised Snow and Ice Control Policy
• Current Snow and Ice Control Policy
• Resolution 2019-81
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THEMINUTES:
Motion to approve Resolution 2019-81 adopting the revised snow and ice control policy.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
N/A
SNOW j
ADOPTI
1.
POLICY INTRODUCTION
The City of Otsego finds that it is in the best inte f<ents of the City to assume basic
responsibility for control of snow and ice on City stble snow and ice control are
necessary for routine travel and emergency services.attempt to provide such
control in a safe and cost-effective eeping in , budget, personnel and
environmental concerns. The City wil e oyipment to provide this
service. This policy does not relieve th erato s, pedestrians, property
owners, residents and all others that ma u ' ub ets, of their responsibility to act in
a reasonable, prudent a us mann n the prevailing street conditions.
2. WHI
3. LEVELS OF SERVICE
en to begin
inel,
jith
It is the intent of the City to complete plowing operations within 24 hours of the time the
snowfall ceases. Plowing will begin as close as practicable to the time the snowfalls stops;
however, every effort will be made to have priority routes plowed prior to morning or evening
rush hour.
4. PRIORITIES AND SCHEDULE OF PLOWING
The City has classified City streets based on the street function, traffic volume and importance
to the welfare of the community.
• Those streets classified as high volume routes will be plowed first. These high-
volume routes are those that connect major sections of the City and provide access
for emergency fire, police and medical services.
• The second priority streets are those providing access to sch and commercial
businesses.
• The third priority streets are low volume residential st
• The fourth priority are cul-de-sacs, parking lots, tra' d Iks.
During significant and severe storms, the City must be red to move p nel and
equipment to maintain priority routes first. In fulfill' e need to have all p streets safe
and passable, when resources are limited, plowi II other eets may be st ed at any
time so resources can be shifted to priority rout
Unforeseeable circumstances may cause delays in co ng assigned plow routes. Such
circumstances may include weather ns that enda the safety of snowplow operators
and/or safe and effective operation o commut fic, disabled vehicles, poor
visibility conditions, parked cars along ets, a o em gency response vehicles,
equipment breakdowns and personnel s tag us or changes to these priorities will
be made by the Street 0 ' s Manag /her designated representative.
5. WORK SCHEDULE FOR PLOW RATORS
Snowplow oper will be e to wort it assigned shifts. In severe snow emergencies,
operators someti ve s. However, because of budget and safety
concerns, no operato ork more than a 12 -hour shift in any 24-hour period. While work
breaks ante nerally operators will take breaks in accordance with City policy,
pro ' the br o no fere with City services or operations. In addition, operators will
wed sufficie e to meal during any shift which is eight or more hours.
6. TRAM LATIONS
The Ci tsego r nizes that snowplow operators are exempt from traffic regulations set
forth in o tutes, Chapter 169 while actually engaged in work on streets, except for
regulations to driving while impaired and the safety of school children. Pursuant to this
authority, sno low operators engaged in snow removal or ice control on City streets have
discretion to disregard traffic laws set forth in Chapter 169, except for laws relating to impaired
driving and school children safety, when in their judgment, it is safety to disregard such laws.
The privileges granted herein to operators of snow removal and ice control vehicles shall apply
only if the vehicle is equipped with one lighted lamp displaying a flashing, oscillating or rotating
amber light placed in a position on the vehicle as to be visible from 360 degrees.
7. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not
endanger the safety of snowplow operators and equipment. Factors that may delay snow and
ice control operations include: severe cold, significant winds and limited visibility.
8. USE OF SAND, SALT AND OTHER CHEMICALS
The City of Otsego will use sand, salt and other chemicals where there azardous ice or
slippery conditions. The City is concerned about the effects of such icaIs on the
environment and will limit its use for that reason.
9. MAILBOXES AND OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE
Damage to a mailbox or other property along the stree -of-way isNritowplow
operators face during their winter plowing requirem . The City will iew of each
damage claim to determine whether the City has egal resp sibilitage and, if
so, to replace or provide reimbursement for the age. Cl will be reviewed by the Street
Operations Manager or his/her representative. Da s of be allowed if it is deemed that
City equipment did not make contact with mailboxes er property. Mailboxes and their
supports must also be able to meet t 's ordinance rds, as well as the state and
federal requirements for mailbox size structur e allowed a claim. Mailboxes
not meeting these requirements will n e all M.
10. DEVIATION FROM POLICY
The Street Operations his/her esentative may deviate from this policy when in
his or her judgmen in the b interest e City or necessary because of budget needs or
other circumsta
11. TRAIL SNOW REMOVAL
The Cit . e sn d ice control measures on certain park trails throughout the
win rails t owe e designated on the City of Otsego Winter Trail and Sidewalk
Plowing will ne o 'gnated trails during a street snowplowing event or on regular
ays (Monday t gh Friday). Trail plowing will begin either during or on the first work
da a snow even two or more inches or when drifting snow blocks pedestrian trails.
Trails y stude walk to school will be completed to allow students safe access prior to
school o w er possible. The plowing of trails will typically be done in the following
priority, ho ere may be changes in the priority due to the type of snow, depth of snow
or timing of sn event.
1. Trails used by students to walk to/from school
2. Trails adjacent to City streets
3. Interior park trails
It is the City's goal to get the trail plowing completed in two working days after the snow event.
Things such as equipment breakdowns, size of storm or difficult conditions may extend this time
frame.
12. PARKING LOT SNOW REMOVAL
Snow plowing in municipal parking lots will begin when two (2) inches of snow has accumulated
or when vehicular movement becomes difficult. Not all parking lots will be maintained.
Applicable parking lots include: City Hall, Prairie Center, Prairie Park, Beaudry Park, Norin
Landing and School Knoll Park.
13. USE OF SALT OR TRACTION MATERIAL IN PARKING LOTS AND TRAILS
The City is concerned about the effect of salt, materials for traction goemicals on the
environment and will limit their use in parking lots for that r^hs
e, it is the policy of
the City to utilize salt, materials for traction or a chemical mo that provides for
reasonable safe driving conditions in parking lots. The app Iii pes of materials is
not always intended to provide bare pavement duringt
ition, the
desired results of these materials can vary with diffe peratures.
The application of salt on trails is not a general 'cedinththe winter months can be unpredictable, therefor wear traction cleats when walking during the winter
14. CITY SIDEWALKS
All City owned sidewalks will be plowe
15. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
Complaints will be re
his/her representa '
appropriate sup
manner as resour
16. POLICY HIS
This i
of Otsego. Conditions during
ided that pedestrians always
the snowfall ceases.
d contacted by the Street Operations Manager or
requiring service will be transferred to the
y complaints will be handled in an expeditious
version of the Snow and Ice Control Policy. Previously:
.0, 2011
cember 9, 2019
CITY OF OTSEGO
SNOW PLOWING AND ICE CONTROL POLICY
GUIDELINES FOR COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Snow removal and/or ice control operations will begin under the direction of the
Maintenance Supervisor or designated representative. Operations will begin when two
inches or more of snow has fallen. Plowing will begin as close as practicable to the time
the snowfall ceases, however, every effort will be made to have main routes plowed and
sanded prior to morning or afternoon rush hour. For storms of unusually long duration,
main routes will be plowed and sanded when accumulation of ice or snow on roads
becomes hazardous for driving. Because of different storm situations and severity levels,
starting times may vary.
LEVELS OF SERVICE
It is the intent of the City to complete plowing, widening, and sanding operations within
24 hours of the time the snowfall ceases. Major blizzards may require additional time.
After a light to normal snowfall, full width plowing and cul-de-sac cleanup will be done
with the first pass. However, after an extremely heavy snowfall, main routes will be
plowed, followed by one pass to open residential streets and cul-de-sacs. While some
isolated cul-de-sacs will be cleared completely with the first pass, most will be "circled"
and plowed completely after all roads are open. By "circling" the truck will make one or
two passes, usually in a clockwise rotation, leaving the bulls of the snow in the center.
This policy is intended to provide safe winter driving conditions appropriate for the type
of travel necessary for city streets. The level of service described may vary depending on
storm conditions and other circumstances.
The City will be divided into main routes, cul-de-sac routes and trail routes. Each main
route will consist of priority roads, which will be plowed and/or sanded first, followed by
a designated area of secondary or residential roads.
The trails and paths servicing Otsego Elementary school will be plowed prior to 7 AM on
school days. All others will be plowed after all streets and cul-de-sac plowing is
complete. When operators are done with their assigned route, they will be assigned to
help complete other routes. During an average snowfall of three inches to six inches, it is
our goal to have streets and cul-de-sacs and trails plowed in eight to twelve hours.
Salt/Sand will be applied during and after plowing operations as needed.
SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS
Operations shall continue until all roads are passable. Widening and clean up operations
may continue immediately or on the following working day depending upon conditions
and circumstances. Safety of the plow operators and the public is important. Therefore,
snow plowing/removal operations may be terminated after 12 hours to allow personnel
adequate time for rest. There may be instances when this is not possible depending on
City of Otsego
Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy
storm conditions and other circumstances. Operations may also be suspended during
periods of limited or zero visibility. Any decision to suspend operations shall be made by
the Maintenance Supervisor or designated representative and shall be based on the
conditions of the storm.
ICE CONTROL AND SALT/SAND APPLICATION
1. First Priority Priority routes, high volume intersections, hills and curves. These
areas will be sanded with the first pass of the plow
2. Second Priority Stop sign intersections, moderate volume intersections
3. Third Priority Residential intersections and streets
The City does not have the equipment or financial resources to sand all streets end to end.
The public must use caution when operating a motor vehicle, especially during winter
months.
Maintenance employees are also on-call 24 hours a day to respond with salt/sand because
of ice or snowfalls of 2 inches or less as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor or
designated representative.
PROPERTY DAMAGE
Snow plowing and ice control operations can cause property damage even under the best
of circumstances and care on the part of the operators. The major types of damage are to
improvements in the City right-of-way which extends approximately 15 feet beyond the
curb location. The intent of the right of way is to provide room for snow storage, utilities,
boulevard trees and other City uses. However, certain private improvements such as
mailboxes are required within this area. Therefore, the City will cooperate with the
property owner in the event of damaged private property. The City may specify when this
damage is the responsibility of the City and when it shall be the responsibility of the
resident.
Mailboxes can be especially vulnerable to damage from snow removal operations. The
City assumes liability for mailboxes damaged during plowing if it is determined that the
plow made direct contact with a mailbox that was properly placed and in the standard
style.
To be properly placed, a mailbox should be installed so its bottom edge is 45" to 47"
above street level, with the post 36" back from the curb or front of the box. That amount
of clearance is needed to keep the plow's wing from hitting the box. If there are any
plastic newspaper tubes attached to the mailbox, they must be above 45" height
requirement.
The box's post should be securely in the ground.
City of Otsego
Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy
If mailboxes are not installed with the clearances mentioned above, the responsibility for
repairing any damage lies with the homeowner, not the City. The City will replace
standard metal mailboxes on 4 x 4 wood posts, but will not replace decorative mailboxes.
The City will not repair any damage to grass or seed; will also not repair any damages
from gravel being pushed into yards.
In instances where there is disagreement as to the source of the damage and the
responsibility, the City Administrator and/or City Council shall determine the
responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITY OF RESIDENTS
Snowstorms create numerous problems and inconveniences. The residents will also have
certain responsibilities. These include clearing their own driveways, clearing areas for
trashcans, clearing around mailboxes and newspaper delivery tubes. These areas must be
cleared without depositing any snow into the street. There also should not be any large
piles which obstruct vision of driveways. Trash cans must not be placed on the street
surfaces. The City will not clear private drives.
Snow plowing can cause additional snow to be deposited in driveway approaches and
around roadside obstacles. Operators are instructed to attempt to minimize these
instances; however, it is not practical to eliminate this situation. Residents should be
aware they may have to clear their driveways a second time after their street has been
plowed.
Minnesota Highway Traffic Regulations
160.27 Sub (5) Misdemeanors:
It shall be unlawful to obstruct any highway or to
deposit snow or ice thereon.
169.42 Sub (1)
No person shall throw, deposit, place, or dump upon any
Street or highway, any snow, ice, etc.
GUIDELINES FOR OPERATORS
1. Operators will be required to be on stand-by and able to report to work within one
hour notice from November 1St to March 31St unless arrangements are made with the
Maintenance Supervisor or designated representative.
2. Operators will be responsible for the vehicle they are assigned to. This includes
completing a daily maintenance and equipment check before and after each shift and
reporting all deficiencies to the Maintenance Supervisor. During snowplowing
City of Otsego
Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy
operations any and all downtime or breakdowns will be reported to the Maintenance
Supervisor or designated representative.
3. No snow removal vehicles shall be parked with less than three-quarters of a tank of
fuel.
4. Operators shall not assist stranded vehicles by pushing, pulling or jump-starting with
City equipment. Operators may assist by calling for help, offering sand, or offering a
helping hand.
5. To minimize damage, no equipment will exceed twenty miles per hour in residential
areas.
6. Operators will obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
7. Operators will report all damage to the Maintenance Supervisor or designated
representative at the end of each shift.
8. When plowing and sanding is complete after each storm, salt/sand should be emptied
from all trucks and all equipment should be cleaned and washed.
9. When the operator has completed their assigned route, they will contact the
Maintenance Supervisor and will be assigned to assist with the completion other
routes.
10. Before leaving duty at the end of the shift every effort should be made to contact the
Maintenance Supervisor or designated representative.
11. No plowing of private property or towing of vehicles will be permitted unless it
directly affects traffic. Any questions should be directed to the Maintenance
Supervisor. Every effort will be made not to damage mailboxes and trash containers
or other structures in the right-of-way.
ACCIDENTS DURING SNOW CLEARANCE OPERATION
All accidents during snowplow operation should be reported to the Maintenance
Supervisor. If the accident involves a vehicle or a personal injury, immediately contact
the Sheriff Department and then contact the Maintenance Supervisor. Remain at the scene
until an accident report has been completed. The policies and procedures relating to the
drug and alcohol testing for commercial vehicle drivers shall be implemented in this
situation.
Updated 10/10/11
File: SNOWPOLIII/12
CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO: 2019-81
APPROVING REVISED SNOW AND ICE CONTROL POLICY
WHEREAS, the City previously adopted a snow and ice control policy on December 10, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the City has made certain revisions within the snow and ice control policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has met to discuss and review the revised policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the revised policy shall be in force and effect upon the
date of adoption of this resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO,
MINNESOTA:
1. That the revised Snow and Ice Control Policy as attached hereto is hereby adopted effective
immediately.
2. That the Snow and Ice Control Policy previously adopted on December 10, 2011 is no longer in
force and effect.
ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this 9th day of December, 2019.
MOTION made by Council Member
IN FAVOR:
OPPOSED:
1
ATTEST:
CITY OF OTSEGO
Jessica Stockamp, Mayor
Tami Loff, City Clerk
and SECONDED by Council Member