8.1. SR 01-06-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I?EI~ 8.1. qty of MEMORANDUM iver FROM: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator Phil Hals, Street/Park Supt.~_ ~ DATE: December 31, 1996 SUBJECT: Review of Snow Plowing Procedure during Heavy Snowfalls Even though a storm like the one of December 15, 1996, may only happen once a year, the lessons we learned brought forward two major issues that need to be addressed. The first is to have units working during the storm on priority routes and to be available for ambulance, fire or police emergencies. The second issue is the 10 to 12 hour delay some people face because they are on the end of plow routes. Pat Klaers and I have discussed many different scenarios and will be prepared to discuss options with the Council on January 6, 1997. The addition of the mechanic position will give us one more person to draw from, and I do feel it is important to have the regular drivers rested and ready to plow near the end of the storm. The most likely scenario will be to have the new mechanic and I plow during the night to keep priority routes open until the full crew comes on line. This is cost effective and realistic. The issue of plowing in other jurisdictions needs to be addressed if City plows are to lead the ambulance or fire trucks into Otsego, Hassen, Big Lake Twsp. or Ramsey. Also, the issue of plowing private driveways in the case of an ambulance call should also be considered. I would like to explore options of contract plowers to assist both with the "during storm" plowing as well as the 10 to 12 hour delay experienced by people on the end of plow routes. I would suggest a cautious approach to either of these issues so that we can totally evaluate costs versus services offered and not let one heavy snowfall set our procedures. kkelkriverksyskshrdockcouncil\snwplgph.doc 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425