Minutes - Council - 06/08/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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plowing operation was Oll November 26, 2003 compared to February 3''d of the previous year. Overall the snow removal fleet is in good shape. The 1992 plow truck was replaced with a 2004 model. A new piece of equipment for the sidewalk/trail maintenance fleet was added which includes a broom and snow blower attachments. Also purchased was a large snow blower that attaches to the fi'ont end loader. This will mainly be used for the snow removal operation in Ralnscy Town Center where the snow will have to be loaded in trucks and hauled away, rather than plowcd to tile side of the road. It is estimated that a goal of an 8-hour completion time for main routes and 9-10 hours on cul-de-sac routes will be met. He explained continued development and growth in the City will place more demand on staff and equipment. Sidewalk maintenance is another area that is expanding quickly. Staff currently plows the school walking area on the same priority as the City streets, with the rest of the sidewalks done one to two days after the streets arc cleared. Demand is starting to increase to accomplish system wide clearing of sidewalks as soon as possible. Public demand that the skating rinks be cleared the day of the storm is also increasing. With the City's population growing and the increased use of the park facilities tiffs request for service will continue to rise. Councihncmber Zimmerman reported the consensus of the Public Works Committee was to make a list of issues/ideas for snow removal in Town Center. Staff should also contact other cities, one being Maple Grove with regard to Arbor Lakes, to find out their policies, ideas and issttes with regard to snow removal and bring that information back. An entire Public Works Committee meeting should be dedicated to this discussion. It was determined that a plan needs to be in place prior to the Town Center being built, and it was asked that the Police Chief also be included in this discussion. Assistant Public Work Director Olson indicated it is anticipated this will be on the agenda of the July Public Works Committee meeting. Mayor Gamcc asked if the committee reviewed the part close to the rinks and the pump house. He noted there are a few complaints this year. Councilmember Cook commented the number of complaints was drastically reduced compared to other years with similar snowfalls. Public Works has been doing a good job of getting the snow removed. Mayor Gamec commended staff for a job well done with the plowing, and Mr. Kapler for the follow up with the complaints the City has had. Two of the people Mr. Kapler talked to contactcd him and thought it was very nice that someone came out and saw them on the site. Councilmember Cook reported the complaints this last year were 15, and back in 2001 with similar snow ttmre were 90 complaints. This is a drastic reduction in calls and complaints. Councihnember Elvig indicated in regards to Town Center and snow removal, the City does not have experience in a downtown area. It is a little ominous to think about how they remove snow in suctn a condensed area, and there will have to be a lot of study. City Council/June 8, 2004 Page 12 of 23