Public Works

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL

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The Public Works Department is responsible for plowing snow on City streets and some trails to provide safe travel for emergency vehicles and residents. 

Snow-plowing plowing procedures

Streets will be plowed to provide safe travel as soon as possible - during and after a snow event. The center of the roadway will be plowed first, then passes will be made in each direction.  Snow plowing results in snow being placed at the end of driveways and it is best to wait until the entire street is plowed before you clean the driveway. 

Cul-de-sacs will be plowed with a single pass in order to open up all routes as soon as possible.  Crews will return to clean the enture cul-de-sac when all streets have been cleared.

Snow-plowing operations will generally continue until all roads are passable.  Widening and cleanup operations may continue the same day or will resume the next day depending upon the conditions.  Operators will begin work at approximately 3 a.m. after a snow event and will continue until all streets have been plowed.

Property damage

Snow plowing operations can cause property damage under the best of conditions and care of the operators.  The most common incidents are sod and mailbox damage.

Mailbox damage - In the spring, Public Works will repair mailboxes that are damaged by a plow.  Damage resulting from the snow that rolls off of a plow or wing is the responsibility of the resident.  Mailboxes should be inspected each year by the homeowner to ensure that they are secured and maintained to withstand the plowing season.  Drivers make every attempt to clear snow as close as possible to the mailboxes, but residents are responsible for the final cleaning to ensure mail service.

The United States Postal Service provides tips on how to avoid mailbox damage:  www.usps.com/manage/know-mailbox-guidelines.htm

Sod damage - In the spring, Public Works will repair sod damage caused by plows.

Irrigation or other private improvements in the right-of-way are not the responsibility of the City to repair. This area is used for snow storage. Private improvements should be placed outside of the right-of-way.

Driveways  - One of the most frequent issues with snow removal operations is snow that is deposited in driveways.  Snow that accumulates on the street and is pushed by the plows will seek the path of least resistance.  Because driveways are open, snow will be deposited into these areas.  Drivers do everything they can to minimize the amount of snow that is placed in driveways.

Do not shovel or blow snow from driveways back into the street.

Sidewalks and trails

The City plows many trails throughout the community each winter.  The trails that are cleared are chosen based upon use and connectivity to public facilities.  Trails are a second priority during a snow event but will generally be cleared within 48 hours after a snowfall.  Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks that front or side their property.