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PW CASE # 2 <br /> <br /> WINTER TRAIL MAINTENANCE <br />By: Grant Riemer, Public Works Supervisor <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />In the past several years, the Public Works Department has received requests to clear parts of our <br />trail system to allow for winter use. A map of the trails that the Public Works Department feels <br />would provide service to the greatest number of residents will be presented at the meeting. <br /> <br />Staff is proposing to accomplish this task in-house, using our equipment and personnel. This is <br />our first season of incorporating trail plowing into our operation, so we will be experimenting <br />with different methods and equipment. This year at Public Works, we have added to our snow <br />removal fleet, a 67" snow blower for our skidsteer, and an additional 1-ton truck. Both pieces of <br />equipment would be used in winter trail maintenance. <br /> <br />The trails would receive low priority in our overall snow removal program. Streets and <br />municipal parking lots would receive first priority, followed by skating finks, and then trails. <br />Trails would not receive attention until 1-2 days following the storm, depending on the amount <br />of clean up required on the streets. This time frame coincides with surrounding communities. <br /> <br />The reason staff is recommending performing this task in-house instead of contracting with a <br />private party is two-fold. The first area of concern would be flexibility. Drifting snow will be a <br />continual problem and will need to be addressed almost daily on some trails. To call a contractor <br />back every time this occurs would not be economical. City staff, throughout the day, can easily <br />address this problem. Another issue would be quality of work. Most trails border private <br />residences and require extra caution to avoid damage to sod and landscaping. Most contractors <br />are concerned with getting done quickly and moving on to the next job. As the Public Works <br />Department would be responsible for repairs no matter who plows, we feel, as a group we would <br />be more conscientious. <br /> <br />Committee Action: <br /> <br />Based on discussion. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />Public Works Supervisor <br />Director of Public Works <br />City Engineer <br />Parks/Utilities Supervisor <br /> <br />PW: 09/21/99 <br /> <br />G:luserslGRiemerIPW Case Hinter Trail Maintenance. doc <br /> <br /> <br />