City of Wahkon – Snow Removal Policy

 

1. Introduction

The City of Wahkon believes it is in the best interest of the residents for the City to assume basic responsibility for control of snow and ice on city streets. Reasonable ice and snow control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. The City will provide such control in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and environmental concerns. The City will use city employees, equipment and/or private contractors to provide this service.

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2. When will the city start snow and/or ice control operations?

The Street Commissioner will decide when to begin snow and/or ice control operations. The criteria for that decision are:

A. Snow accumulation of two inches (2”) or more;
B. Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel;
C. Icy conditions which seriously affect travel;
D. Significant thawing of snow upon the streets that when temperatures drop to freezing will seriously affect travel by producing ruts;
E. Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of streets;

Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited personnel and equipment. Consequently snowplowing operations will not generally be conducted for snowfall of less than two inches (2’).

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3. How will snow be plowed?

Snow will be plowed in a manner as to minimize any traffic obstructions. The center of the roadway will be plowed first. The snow shall then be pushed from left to right. The discharge shall go onto the boulevard area of the street. In times of extreme snowfall, streets will not always be immediately or completely cleared of snow.

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4. Snow Removal

The Street Commissioner will determine when snow will be removed by truck from the area. Such snow removal will occur in areas where there is no room on the boulevard for snow storage and in areas where accumulated piles of snow create a hazardous condition. Snow removal operations will not commence until other snowplowing operations have been completed. Snow removal operations may also be delayed depending on weather conditions, personnel, and budget availability. The snow will be removed and hauled to a snow storage area. The snow storage area will be located so as to minimize environmental problems.

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5. Priorities and Schedule for Which Streets will be Plowed

The City has classified city streets based on street function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the community. Street priority is as follows:

A. First priority streets are “Snowplow Routes.” Such streets have a high volume of traffic, connect major sections of the city, provide access for emergency fire, police, and medical services and/or streets where such emergency personnel reside, to ensure immediate response should they be called to duty.
B. Second priority streets provide access to schools and commercial businesses.
C. Third priority streets are low volume residential streets.
D. Fourth priority areas are alleys and city parking lots.

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6. Weather Conditions

Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not endanger the safety of city employees, equipment, and/or private contractors. Factors that may delay snow and ice control operations include; severe cold, significant winds, and limited visibility.

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7. Use of Sand, Salt and Other Chemicals

The City will use sand, salt, and other chemicals when there are hazardous ice or slippery conditions. The City is concerned about the effect of such chemicals on the environment and will limit its use for that reason.

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ADOPTED by the Wahkon City Council this 12th day of March 2001.

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John William (Bill) Thompson, Mayor

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Karrie Roeschlein, City Clerk/Treasurer