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Snow & Ice Control
Paving the Way
The Public Works Department provides snow and ice control for the city's 152-lane miles of streets and 93 cul-de-sacs. Snow and ice control is considered emergency work, which must be accomplished for public safety and the well being of the community.
Because of the potential hazard to the motoring public and high incidence of overtime involved in this program, careful planning and preparation is done prior to the snow and ice season. Our goal is to make all streets, courts and cul-de-sacs safe and accessible for vehicles properly equipped for winter driving conditions during and after a storm.
We will attempt to clear all primary routes to bare pavement, and maintain a clear bare driving track on either side of the center line on secondary streets within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall, and courts and cul-de-sacs within 18 hours of the end of a snowfall. During and after a storm some streets may be snow packed and snow can be expected to accumulate adjacent to the traveled portion of a road to the extent that a motorist's sight distance may be greatly reduced or impaired.
Street Salting
If weather conditions require that only a salting operation is necessary, this task will be performed on all streets, courts, and cul-de-sacs, with a goal of six hours, depending on the time of day and the conditions encountered. If the storm dictates that a complete plowing operation is required, Public Works will perform this task on all primary and secondary routes with a goal of 12 hours after the end of the storm. Courts and cul-de-sacs have a goal of 18 hours to completely clear after the storm has ended. It should be noted that plowing occurs on a continuing basis regardless of how long the storm may last. Therefore, all residents can expect snow removal crews to be working in their neighborhoods at least once every 12 hours during normal conditions.
How Can I Avoid Getting Plowed In?
Public Works receives many calls about snow being plowed into driveways. Although the city’s plows often leave snow across driveway entrances, the plows try to keep it to a minimum. This snow removal is the responsibility of the residents.
Damaged Mailbox Policy
Read the Installation and Maintenance of Your Mailbox flier for more information about requirements, damage, and other important tips regarding your mailbox.
The Public Works Department provides snow and ice control for the city's 152-lane miles of streets and 93 cul-de-sacs. Snow and ice control is considered emergency work, which must be accomplished for public safety and the well being of the community.
We will attempt to clear all primary routes to bare pavement, and maintain a clear bare driving track on either side of the center line on secondary streets within 12 hours of the end of a snowfall, and courts and cul-de-sacs within 18 hours of the end of a snowfall. During and after a storm some streets may be snow packed and snow can be expected to accumulate adjacent to the traveled portion of a road to the extent that a motorist's sight distance may be greatly reduced or impaired.
Street Salting
If weather conditions require that only a salting operation is necessary, this task will be performed on all streets, courts, and cul-de-sacs, with a goal of six hours, depending on the time of day and the conditions encountered. If the storm dictates that a complete plowing operation is required, Public Works will perform this task on all primary and secondary routes with a goal of 12 hours after the end of the storm. Courts and cul-de-sacs have a goal of 18 hours to completely clear after the storm has ended. It should be noted that plowing occurs on a continuing basis regardless of how long the storm may last. Therefore, all residents can expect snow removal crews to be working in their neighborhoods at least once every 12 hours during normal conditions.
How Can I Avoid Getting Plowed In?
Public Works receives many calls about snow being plowed into driveways. Although the city’s plows often leave snow across driveway entrances, the plows try to keep it to a minimum. This snow removal is the responsibility of the residents.
Putting snow from driveways into the city streets is illegal and creates a hazard for drivers and a liability for the responsible party. When clearing your driveway apron, it’s best to pile snow past the driveway in the direction of travel.
A common request related to this is asking that the driver turn or lift the plow blade at driveways. Since our main goal is to open the primary roads as soon as possible, lifting of blades at each driveway would slow down the snow removal operation significantly and leave snow on the road that may in turn be a hazard.Damaged Mailbox Policy
Read the Installation and Maintenance of Your Mailbox flier for more information about requirements, damage, and other important tips regarding your mailbox.