Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/18/2006

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Motion by Councilmember Olson, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to recommend to City Council approval of CIl' Project 04-BLDG-005. Further discussion: Chairperson Elvig directed staff to provide information regarding the funding source when this case is considered by the Council for ratification. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Olson and Cook. Voting No: None. Case #2: Summary for 2005 - 2006 Snow Removal Season Public Works Supervisor Riemer provided a brief review of the 2005-2006 snow removal season. He reported the snow removal season consisted of 6 major plowing events and 16 minor events. Major events consist of calling in a full crew, plus part time staff. Minor events normally consist of sanding intersections, plowing/sanding main routes, drift control, etc.... The first full scale plowing operation was on December 14, 2005. This winter a motor grader was leased to help with the snowplowing operation. This was due to the loss of the older motor grader due to mechanical failure last year. This year there was also the addition of a "sidewalk machine" with a V-plow and blower and the small truck fleet was updated with two new pickups with plows. For the up coming year there will be the addition of the Public Works Department's first tandem dump truck. This truck will have the capability to do "pre-wetting" of material which staff hopes to incorporate into the program in the 2007-2008 season. The use of pre- wetting should allow fora 20%-30% decrease in salt usage on trucks fitted with the equipment. Mr. Riemer reviewed general statistics regarding the plowing operation. Public Works Supervisor Riemer indicated the RTC saw a minor increase in snow removal maintenance this winter. The roadways took about 2 hours to clear and the sidewalks about 30 minutes. The large snow blower was used once to clear snow away from the Coborn's and NAU areas. Sidewalk maintenance is another area that is expanding quickly. The school walking area is currently plowed on the same priority as the streets, with the rest of the sidewalks done 1-2 days after the streets are cleared. Demand is increasing to accomplish system wide clearing of sidewalks at the same priority level as the streets. With the addition of the new "sidewalk machine" staff was able to clear sidewalks and trails at a much quicker pace than before. Staff will be working to prioritize the sidewalk/trail system in the off season to take advantage of this new equipment. Mr. Riemer stated 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 this request for service will continue to rise. Another area staff would like to bring to the Committees attention is the large truck fleet. The number of large plow trucks has not grown in size since the 4t" truck was added in 1992. This will need to be addressed in the next couple of years because of the growth the City is undergoing at this time. The goal of staff is to have all streets plowed in 8 hours and all cul-de-sacs within 10 hours fora 2-4 inch snowfall. This time limit is beginning to be exceeded because of the additional infrastructure. Chairperson Elvig stressed the need to keep an eye on the build-out of roads to be certain there is adequate equipment to keep up with the snowfalls. He suggested this topic be included on a fall agenda. Public Works Committee /April 18, 2006 Page 3 of 10