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98-8603r 61 RESOLUTION NO. 8603 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SNOWIICE MAINTENANCE POLICY WHEREAS, a Snow/Ice Maintenance Policy has been developed and recommended by City staff, and; WHEREAS, adoption of said policy has been determined to be in the best interest of the City of Richfield. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Richfield that said Snow/Ice Maintenance Policy (Appendix A) is hereby approved and adopted. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 24th day of August, 1998. ATTEST: '~I!~ Thomas P. Ferber, City Clerk Resolution No. 8603 Appendix A CITY OF RICHFIELD SNOWPLOWING POLICY 1. Introduction The City of Richfield believes that 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. 2. When The City Will Start Snow or Ice Control Operations The Street Supervisor will decide when to begin snow or ice control operations. The criteria for that decision are: . Snow accumulation of 2 inches or more; . Drifting of snow that causes problems for travel; . Icy conditions which seriously affect travel; and . 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 a snowfall of less than 2 inches. 3. How The Snow Will Be Plowed Snow will be plowed in a manner so 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. When a plow goes on a bridge, the driver shall slow down so that snow does not go over the bridge if possible. In times of extreme snowfall, streets will not be able to be completely cleared of snow immediately. 4. Snow Removal From Boulevards The Street Supervisor 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. 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. Resolution No. 8603 Appendix A Page 2 5. Priorities and Schedule for Street Plowing The City has classified city streets based on the street function, traffic volume, and importance to the welfare of the community. Those streets classified as "Main Arterial Roads" will be plowed first. These are high-volume routes which connect major sections of the City and provide access for emergency fire, police and medical services. The second priority streets are those streets providing access to schools and commercial businesses. The third priority streets are low-volume residential streets. The fourth priority areas are alleys, City parking lots, sidewalks, and park paths. 6. Work Schedule for Snowplow Operators Snowplow operators are expected to work eight-hour shifts. In severe snow emergencies, operators sometimes have to work in excess of eight-hour shifts. Operators are allowed a fifteen minute break every two hours with a half-hour meal break after four hours. After a twelve-hour day, the operators will be replaced if additional qualified personnel are available. 7. Weather Conditions Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not endanger the safety of city employees and equipment. Factors that may delay snow and ice control operations include; severe cold, significant winds and limited visibility. 8. 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. 9. Sidewalks The City will maintain City-owned sidewalks in the City. A map of the sidewalks is attached. As there is a limited number of personnel available, the City will only maintain these sidewalks after the streets, alleys and city parking lots have been plowed. Park paths and skating rinks are the lowest priority.