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Background: CONSIDER REVISION OF SNOW REMOVAL AND ICE CONTROL POLICY By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer CASE # 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 litigations. The City currently has two separate policies, one for snow removal and the other for sanding of City streets, which have been in place since the 1980's. The issue of reviewing the policy and practices were discussed at the February 13, 1996 Road and Bridge Committee meeting. At that meeting, it was the consensus that the policy should be reviewed further, that arterial and collector streets should be identified, and that our public relations efforts with regard to our policies be improved. Attached to this case is a proposed policy combining the existing policies into a single Snow and Ice Control Policy. While this policy is generally a rewording of the existing policies, there are some modifications. The proposed policy: states a goal of having arterial streets passable by the morning rush period. acknowledges that the type of storm may cause a deviation from the general procedures stated in the Policy. identifies areas of citizen responsibility. formalizes the damage repair policy on replacing mail boxes, and addresses the issue of damage caused to other encroachments in the boulevard. adds City responsibility for snow removal around fire hydrants. identifies 911 as the appropriate vehicle for emergency plowing requests. This policy should be reviewed by the Committee. Also, at the meeting, we will have a map identifying those streets which are considered to be arterial and collector streets which are scheduled for priority plowing. Following the revision of our policy, Sue Matthews will be working on a series of materials which will be used in an annual public education program for our citizens. Council Action: Review draft policy. Reviewed by: City Engineer R&B: 04/09/96 /jmt Copies also distributed to: City Administrator Administrative Services Manager Public Works Supervisor Police Chief Fire Chief City Attorney