snow removal

Public Works identified possible future work on sidewalk snow-shoveling rules and snow-plowing practices.

The committee reviewed proposed sidewalk snow-and-ice rule changes, including clearer clearing deadlines, proactive enforcement, city billing by sidewalk length when crews must clear a walk, and added penalties for repeat violations. The committee forwarded the proposal to City Council.

Staff said city attorneys advised against rewriting all sidewalk snow-clearing ordinance language because of a conflict with state law. A possible charge of about $1 per foot of sidewalk cleared was discussed.

Public Works reviewed plowing priorities by storm size, including pre-storm brining and focusing on main roads first during smaller storms. Staff also described rounding corners more to reduce snow buildup at intersections.

City Council adopted Ordinance 25-227 on an 8-0 vote. Sidewalks and corner ramps must be cleared within a reasonable time, presumed to be 24 hours after snowfall ends; the city may recover its clearing costs and impose escalating penalties for repeat violations.

Staff described possible 2026 budget effects including less overtime, fewer part-time hours for plowing and leaf collection, an end to Snow Watch, and reduced spending on salt, sand, patching and other winter supplies.

The committee discussed how the 24-hour sidewalk-clearing standard applies when snowfalls occur back-to-back. Staff said complaints are logged and sent to Public Works, but crews cannot immediately pursue sidewalk complaints during heavy snow operations.

Staff described plowing staffing and equipment limits, saying a full plow ideally needs 12 workers, or 14 with windrow cleanup. A Sunday plow was completed with eight workers, and a loader had a possible $50,000 engine replacement.

Staff reported about 500 tons of salt on hand, with 100 tons still due from the spring order and an option for another 100 tons. Delivered salt brine cost about $1.18 per gallon, lower than the prior winter.

Staff reported 91 private sidewalk snow-clearing complaints during the season, including repeat locations.

Staff reported the March 14-17 storm dropped 21.5 inches, required extended plowing and cleanup, caused equipment damage and used heavy fuel. An early review found the storm used about 80% of the annual snow-and-ice overtime budget.

Staff listed storm-related repairs including a ToolCat snowblower attachment module and tie rod, a haul-truck rear differential, and other minor repairs.

The committee considered a request to push snow to the center of the 4300 block of Mishicot Road for later pickup. It kept current plowing practices, citing the five-foot terrace between the sidewalk and curb there.

Public Works reported difficulty staffing all 11 to 13 snowplow routes, with one part-time plow driver available. The department plans to recruit seasonal drivers in September and consider internal backup staffing.