Snow And Ice Control Program

We all know how unpredictable the weather can be in our area. We have experienced winters (normally December, January and February) with no snow accumulation, to winters such as we’ve had in the past that deposited heavy snow accumulation. 

With a population of over 4500 and 80 plus lane-miles of streets, the City is continually striving to provide an acceptable level of snow and ice control. 

NORMAL SNOW CONDITIONS 

Our fleet of snow fighting equipment is readied before the ice and snow seasons each year. Combined with a crew of trained equipment operators, the City will keep major streets passable. 

The City has established procedures and policies for addressing snow plowing and sanding of the streets. The procedures and policies are set on a priority basis, which set predetermined routes as follows: 

First Priority: All main streets and main intersections considered to be the highest priorities to keep open the main streets and roadway systems connecting the fire station, police station, emergency medical services, and schools. 

Second Priority: Other streets and selected areas such as steep hills and other problem areas identified by the public works department and/or police department. 

Third Priority: Residential Streets 

CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Snow can be beautiful, but it also can create hazards. When residents fail to clear their sidewalks, the result can be a treacherous ice patch. We need your help in protecting pedestrians from possible injury. 

Residents are responsible to maintain their sidewalks and driveways adjacent to their property. Please pile snow on your yard, not in the street. If your sidewalk is icy, you may correct the hazard by applying a heavy coat of sand. 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SNOW REMOVAL 

Q: Can’t the City remove the snow they put in my driveway and sidewalks? 

A: Our primary duty is to open and keep open the main roadway system. Considering the large number of driveways and amount of sidewalks in the City, it is too costly and time consuming, and would require additional City staff and equipment to perform this service. 

Q: Why not plow to the center? 

A: Plowing snow and piling it to the center of a street causes a hazardous situation. Traffic flow is restricted by eliminating a portion of a lane and this practice can also create sight obstructions for low vehicles. The freeze-thaw cycle creates daily problems when the melting snow freezes on the road surface every evening. 

Q: Can I park my car on the street? 

A: Yes, on those streets where parking is normally allowed. However, having to maneuver a snowplow in and out between parked vehicles can not only be dangerous, but also nerve-wracking for our drivers and is not an efficient way to plow the snow. One must be aware that if a car is parked on the side of the street, we could plow your car in with a snow bank. 

Q: Why are residential streets seldom plowed? 

A: With over 80 lane miles of streets to maintain, with limited equipment and staff, it is usually not possible to plow all of the streets. We make every effort to get to the lower priority streets when conditions allow.