Snow Removal COMMISSION INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
VOL. 15, NO. 36 November 5, 1993
ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFS
1. Snow Removal - "Weather--everybody talks about it, but nobody does
anything about it." Well, that old saying doesn't apply to the members
of the City General Services Department; the front-line troops in
Saiina's battle against the inconveniences and hazards caused by snow
and ice. Each year, they attack the transportation problems thrown at
us by Old Man Winter, and they do it in a systematic and thorough
manner, using the most efficient and cost-effective techniques and
materials.
The city snow removal plan contained in the 41-page operations manual
calls for snowplowing to begin after two or three inches of snow has
accumulated. In coping with both snow and ice, the first responsibility
of the General Services Department is to clear main arterial streets
(like Ohio and Crawford) so emergency vehicles can reach all areas of the
community.
After the snow coordinator decides that these major streets will remain
open to traffic, crews turn their attention to collector streets (like
Quincy and North), those which connect residential streets to arterials.
Snow crews closely watch four way intersections, hills and bridges for
buildups of snow and ice and then spread sand and/or salt according to
conditions. Since these areas hold the greatest threat for accidents
during a storm, they receive extensive attention from the city snow
fighters.
After the arterial and collector streets are judged passable, other
through streets are cleared of snow, as time permits. Normaliy,
residential streets are plowed only in unusual cases. However, when
conditions require it, generally after six or more inches of snow have
accumulated, residential streets are cleared.
CIM - Page
Snow and ice inconveniences all of us. But safety is the prime
consideration of the city's emergency snow and ice removal efforts. One
reminder that cannot be emphasized too much; the less traffic on the
streets during and immediately after a storm, the faster the streets can
be cleared! So, if at all possible, stay home until it's safe to get
about.
During a really heavy storm, employees from many different General
Services divisions are pressed into action to get the city back to normal
just as soon as possible. During severe winter conditions, city "snow
fighters" keep going 24 hours a day. Employees are divided into two
teams, each working twelve hours on, twelve hours off, until city streets
become passable and safe.
Snow removal is an expensive proposition. On the average, clearing a
two inch snow costs $12,000 in equipment, materials and personnel, but
many factors affect the ultimate price tag moisture content, wind
conditions and whether the snow falls on exiting snow and ice. Even
the time of day when the snow falls may play a part in how easy or
difficult its removal will be.
For more than fifteen years, city snow crews have not been stopped by
a storm. While thanks certainly needs to be extended to Mother Nature,
such a record is also a tribute to the preparation and dedication of the
well trained members of General Services.
Every citizen can do three things to help clear our community after a
substantial snow.
Stay off city stx, eets until they have been cleared. Any traffic slows the
snow removal effort. Stranded and stuck vehicles may bring street
clearing to a halt.
Clear your own gutter to allow maximum melt water flow to the nearest
storm-sewel, inlet.
~ CIM - Page 3
Clear your own sidewalks. City ordinance requires property owners to
shovel sidewalks.
These three simple steps help us all return to normal more quickly. That
saves money for every taxpayer.
--from Frank Weinhold
MONDAY'S MEETING
1. Enclosed are other items on the agenda. If any Commissioner has any
questions or cannot attend the meeting, please contact me.
2. Let's begin our study session at 2:30 p.m. An agenda is enclosed.
Dennis M. Kissinger
City Manager