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~ASE # q CONSIDER REVISION OF SNOW REMOVAL AND ICE CONTROL POLICY By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: It is good practice to periodically review and update City policies. A written snow and ice control policy serves multiple purposes. It describes the level of service which can be expected by the public and can be used to help employees and public officials answer questions relative to snow and ice control issues. While a written policy cannot guarantee against lawsuits, it can help to reduce the City's exposure from tort litigation. Attached is a copy of our current Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy which was adopted in May 1996. In 1996/97, the City was divided into seven major plow routes and five cul-de-sac routes. For the upcoming 1997/98 snow season, it is anticipated that an additional cul-de-sac plowing route will be added as a result of additional cul-de-sacs being added to the street system and the inability to accomplish a typical snow removal operation within eight hours. It is anticipated that an outside contractor will be utilized for this additional operation since the Public Works Department has no extra plow units. Copies of the 1997/98 routes will be available at the October Road and Bridge meeting. This year, Staff will be utilizing a Snow Removal Operation Report form to document the Public Works Department activities for each storm event. It is anticipated copies will be forwarded to Council on a monthly basis. The Council may wish to consider whether it wishes to increase the level of service with regard to snow and ice control. One method in which service could be increased would be to add an additional unit to work the main roads during the storm from the period when the Public Works crew leaves in the late afternoon until they return to begin the full-scale snow removal operation. One unit, equipped with a cell phone for emergencies, could patrol the arterial and collector streets with the additional benefit of keeping arterial and collector streets passable during the storm. A second consideration for improved service would consist of initiating the practice of utilizing straight salt on selected arterial and streets for snow and ice control. This would contrast with our current practice of utilizing a 1:10 salt/sand mixture. The Public Works Supervisor will be attending a snow plowing policy workshop on Wednesday, September 3. In addition to the issues presented above, we anticipate there may be more options for improved service and additional background on those options presented above. Committee Action: Review and make recommendations for amendment to the Snow and Ice Control Policy. Reviewed by: City Engineer City Administrator Administrative Services Manager Public Works Supervisor RB: 9/9/97