01-03-1983 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes January 3, 1983 Page Three 1 The City Administrator indicated that it was the policy to get the streets opened with at least one pass, and that the Street Department would then come back at a later time and widen and remove snow. The City Administrator further indicated that generally, the next day is scheduled for removing snow out of the downtown area. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City was caught with two people short and that with the 16 inch snow storm, it was very difficult to get everything done as it should be scheduled. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the first thing that should be done would be the hiring of a part-time person to be available to come in and help, should such an emergency arise. Mayor Hinkle suggested that City staff look into the possibility of contracting with other townships or an independent contractor for the plowing of the far outlying short streets within the City of Elk River, as it takes a long time for the City's Street Department to get to those streets. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City should have been better prepared with staff and further indicated that in view of the situation and the storm, he is very proud of the way the department got the work done. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt the City has other problems that need to be addressed, specifically, slippery streets. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that School Street spould be a high priority and should be sanded as much as neces- sary to keep the street a safe route. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he felt the City should look at this problem and do more sanding as necessary. The City Administrator indicated that it is the City's policy to hit the high priority areas as much as possible with sanding operations. General discussion was carried on regarding specific intersections requiring sanding and the means of getting that sanding work accomplished. Mr. Lloyd Barthel suggested to the City Council that the City Council consider contracting with an independent contractor for snowrernoval during extreme emer- gencies like the City has just experienced. Councilmember Duitsman indicated that he supported the idea of contracting. Mayor Hinkle indicated that he felt the City could not afford to have equipment and personnel on a permanent basis but that he felt the work could be contracted out on an emergency basis. The City Administrator indicated that he did not feel contracting was the answer. Mr. Don Schumacher indicated that he felt the City should hire part-time people and keep the equipment going even through the week end in order to get the snow out of the downtown area. The City Administrator indicated that .it was the de- cision to stop the snow rernoval operation over the holiday weekend and start again on Monday night. Mr. Schumacher indicated that he did not agree with that decision. Mayor Hinkle indicated that the City has 69 miles of streets and therefore, it is impossible to get them all plowed immediately. Larry Toth indicated that he felt the plowing of the street for the fire de- partment should be a priority of the City. Discussion was carried on regarding the area of the downtown that the Street Department removes the snow from, that is, how far west on Main Street is the snow removed and how far north of the railroad tracks.