Snow and Ice

Snow and Ice Procedures

The city’s snow plow plan varies depending upon the amount of snow that falls. If less than 2 inches falls, only major streets in the city system are plowed. Ice control is performed at stop signs, hills, bridges and curves and the entire system. If more than 2 inches of snow falls, all city streets are plowed curb-to-curb. Plowing all streets, including the removal of snow from cul-de-sacs, requires 8 to 10 hours.

Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy

The City adopted the attached Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy (PDF) to define and provide reasonable snow plowing and ice control services on City roads for routine travel and emergency services and to provide such services in a safe and cost effective manner while balancing personnel resources and environmental concerns.

• Parking - Parking on all city streets and municipal parking lots is prohibited from 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. all year. Parking on all city streets is prohibited at any time when there is 2" or more of snow until the streets are cleared. Please refrain from parking on city streets whenever snow or ice conditions may require plowing.
• Shovel Fire Hydrants - The Fire Department asks residents to shovel out fire hydrants near their homes. Keeping hydrants clear of snow can substantially reduce the time it takes firefighters to put out a fire.
• Mail and Other Services - Keep your mailbox clear of snow to ensure mail delivery. If it snows on collection day, keep garbage cans and recycling bins away from the end of the driveway.
• Clearing Driveways - Do not shovel, plow or blow snow into the street. Blowing snow in the street makes it more difficult to clear streets (especially cul-de-sacs).
• Sidewalks and Trails - Property owners are responsible for keeping public sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow. The city maintains select sidewalks (PDF). Pedestrians should always use caution on plowed sidewalks and trails, as there may be slippery patches

Damage from Snowplows

• Mailboxes - Occasionally, snow plowing will result in damage to mailboxes. The City will repair the damage or replace a mailbox on a city road, only if the mailbox and its supporting posts are properly located behind the curb line or along the edge of the street and if damage is the result of actual contact by the snow plow. A standard design mail box will be used for replacements (the City will not replace decorative mail boxes). Property owners who install decorative materials in the right-of-way do so at their own risk. The City will not assume responsibility for damages that are caused by mailboxes that protrude into the street or are damaged simply by snow pressure or snow rolling off the plow or wing.
• Lawns - Lawns damaged by the City equipment will be restored in the spring.
• Complaints - To file a complaint, please contact the Public Works Department during normal business hours.