Ramsey Resident - 2004 - January/February

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3 CITY POLICY ON SNOW REMOVAL, ICE CONTROL The control of snow and ice through quicl( and effective snowplowing ensures safe transportation for citizens, emergency vehicles, and the ongoing commercial activity in Ramsey. Due to the significant amount of public dollars spent on these services, it is the city's goal to manage and operate winter road maintenance in an efficient and cost- effective manner. Because timing is critical for snow and ice control, the City's goal is to achieve roads clear of snow in a reasonable time period. This is always dependent upon the type and amount of snow. The City cannot guarantee bare, dry pavement after each snowfall, or that streets will be totally free of ice or other driving hazards common to Minnesota winter conditions. Snowplowing begins after the accumulation of two inches of snow. It tal(es City crews approximately eight hours to clear streets after a "normal" snowfall of two to four inches. During major snow accumulations, emergency plowing operations usually begin about 2:00 a.m. In those situations, lead personnel will begin plowing as soon as possible so that primary arterial roadways are passable by morning "rush hours". The City is divided into seven routes. Major collector streets are plowed first. Other streets are plowed in an order determined by the driver for the quickest and most practical way to open all roads. Cul-de-sacs and short, dead-end streets are divided into five routes and are plowed with different plows, adding speed and efficiency to the operation. Ice control consists of distributing a salt or salt/sand mixture when and where the Police and Public Works departments deem necessary. The City sands all main intersections, dangerous curves, and steep grades as needed to control traffic. Because temperature determines the effectiveness of a salt/sand mixture, sanding will not be done on extremely cold days except in emergency situations. Some of the main intersections along State and County roads are sanded as they are plowed. Others are sanded after all roads are cleared of snow, because the sand is needed for wieght on the trucl(s. During ice storms when no plowing is occurring, intersections along the State and County roads are sanded first and all others are sanded immediately thereafter. ATTENTION: MUNICIPAL UTILITY CUSTOMERS The 2003 Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges was adopted by the Ramsey City Council at their regular City Council meeting on November 25,2003. Service Sewer Rates: Residential (per qtr) Commercial (per qtr) 2003 Rate 2004 Rate 60.50 60.50 +2.67/1000 gal. in excess of 20,000 gallons 60.50 60.50 +2.67/1000 gal. in excess of 20,000 gallons Water Rates: Minimum (per qtr) Per 1,000 gallons in excess Of 15,000 gallons Curbside Recycling (per qtr) No Change for 2002 22.95 24.15 1.53 1.61 5.34 5.64 1.29 Priority Street Lighting (per qtr) 1.29 Storm Water Fee (per qtr) No Change for 2002 Residential Commercial 6.30 25.20/REU 6.30 25.20/REU These rates tal(e effect with the first quarter of 2004 and will show on the billing you should receive in April 2004 (billing services are provided through Connexus Energy.) BOULEVARD STAKING POLICY ;~ City of Ramsey policy prohibits the use of metal fence posts and other non-breakaway materials in the public right of way. City staff will remove materials that pose a threat to public safety or interfere with maintenance operations. Wooden lath are available in limited quantities at City Hall for use in marl(ing the boulevard for snow removal purposes. Small fiberglass poles and aluminum poles with reflectors may also be used, but will be the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain. The purpose of the policy is to remove stal(ing from the public right of way that causes an unnecessary threat to public safety and which hinders snow removal operations. I've learned. . . That just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.