HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL SNOW REMOVAL REMINDERS! 

The Public Works Department is committed to keeping our streets as safe as possible within staffing and budget parameters. Staff begins plowing when snowfall reaches 2 inches or when roadway conditions warrant a response by Public Works. Equipment dispatch is dependent upon timing and intensity, weather forecast, personnel, equipment availability, and street priority classification. Trials and sidewalks within arterial and collector streets and school walking zones are the City's main priority to plow within a 24-hour period. 

There are a number of things residents can do to minimize plowing-related problems for themselves and to help City crews do the most effective job possible. Here are some City guidelines and winter tips. 

Keep Snow and Objects off the Roadway
Snowplow drivers would like to remind citizens not to push snow from driveways onto the street.  Any snow left on the road or side of the road can freeze and create a hazard for snowplow drivers and equipment if they catch the frozen ridge with their plow.

Minnesota Statutes prohibit plowing, shoveling, blowing, or depositing snow on a public street.  The violation is a misdemeanor.  In addition, the property owner and/or person dumping the snow could be liable for damages.  Also just a reminder to keep garbage and recycling cans, as well as basketball hoops and other objects from the roadway.  These items should be kept in the driveway and should not extend into the street making it difficult to remove snow effectively.

Mail/Paper Boxes 
Damage to a mailbox is a risk that snowplow operators face during their winter plowing requirements. The city will conduct a review of each mailbox damage claim to determine, whether the City has any legal responsibility for the damage and if so, repair, replace or provide reimbursement for the mailbox.  Please keep the area around your mailbox clear of snow. This will enable the postal carries to deliver your mail without delay. 

Sidewalks
The City will plow some of the sidewalks and public lots in the city. The City does not provide ice control on public sidewalks. 

Trash and Recycling Containers 
Please place trash and recycling containers in your driveway for collection. If snowplow operators have to stop and get out of the truck to move them off the right of way, it increases the time and costs of snow removal. 

Around Fire Hydrants 
The City will maintain snow clearance necessary for the successful operation of fire hydrants within public right of way: however, no person shall deposit or cause to be deposited any snow and/or ice on or against a fire hydrant. 

Parking 
Parking is prohibited on any city street between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am beginning November 1st until April 1st. This applies to all weather conditions. All vehicles should refrain from parking on City streets after a snowfall until the streets are cleared.

Winter Driving
For your safety as well as others', allow ample room between your vehicle and snow removal equipment. Do not pass until the plow has reached a safe clear area and never pass on the right side of the snowplow. Always assume that intersections, curves, bridges, and hills are slippery and drive according to road conditions. 

Snowbanks and Winter Fun
Please discourage children from sliding from snowbanks or building forts in snowbanks close to streets. Children playing on or near the road are a concern for snowplow operations. Many times, operators are unable to see a child behind a snowbank or parked cars. 

Know When to Use Salt
If it is 15 degrees or below, most salt doesn't work. When it is cold, sand is a good alternative. When the ice has melted, sweep up the remaining salt and sand from your driveway. You can use it again and help reduce the amount flowing into storm drains and into the water system. 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as crews work to clear snow safely and effectively from our City streets and trails. Depending on the timing and severity of the snow event, it may take hours or days to clean all of the snow.  Be safe while clearing and driving on snow and ice this winter!