HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Packet 06-11-2002 SpecialAgenda
City of Plymouth
Special City Council Meeting
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
5:30 p.m.
Public Safety Training Room
1. Call to Order
2. Discuss snowplowing
3. Discuss creating a Downtown Council
4. Schedule future study sessions
5. Adjourn
l_Mem.docN:\PwiEngineering\GeGeneral\MEMOS\DANN002\Sno~iowing_CC_6_l
five snowplowing contractors are
indicated on attachment 4. Also, a majority of the city cul-de-sacs are plowed by the Leuer Farms ’
contractor, except for the areas plowed by the other four plowing contractors, and the specific city routes
as indicated in attachment 3 where City crews plow both the route and the cul-de-sacs, i.e., route 9, route
11, and route 13.
The snowplowing route map also indicates several city streets marked in red. These streets include all the
City’s major streets as well as areas of steep grades, and the more heavily used streets within
1979),
2.Map of snowplowing routes, October 2001,
3.An explanation of the City’s 18 snow routes entitled Snow Route Plans,
4.A list of the contract plowing companies entitled 2001-2002 Snowplowing Contractors,
5.A chronology of the snow events during the 2001-2002 winter season,
6.A tabulation of the amount of sand hauled and costs for the 2001-2002 winter season,
7.A tabulation of the amount of salt hauled and costs for the 2001-2002 winter season.
The map of the snowplowing routes has evolved over several years as the City has grown and new streets
are added to the city. The current map contains 18 geographical areas which conceptually could be
plowed in approximately the same amount of time.As you will notice on this map, the northcentral
portion of the city does not have a defined route number as it is a contract plowed area done by the City ’s
largest contract snowplow company, Leuer Farms.The eight person plowing route map was laid out with
a similar concept, i.e., each area should take approximately the same amount of time to finish. While not
shown on either of these route maps, the areas plowed by the City ’s
SNOWPLOWTNG PROGRAM
ACTION REQUESTED: Review the information provided on the City ’s snowplowing program which
will be discussed in greater detail at the study session.
DISCUSSION: Please find attached the following information concerning the City ’s snowplowing
program:
1.The City’s policy on sanding and the removal of ice and snow from City maintained
street system (Resolution 97-69, January 22,
11,2002
TO:
FROM:
D. Johnson, City Manager
L. Faulkner, P.E. Director of Public Works
SUBJECT:CITY
5,2002 for the City Council Meeting of June
Agenda Number:
DATE: June
dotl_Mem \PwiEngineering\General\MEMOS~~~OO2~no~lowing_CC_6_l
callout after a major storm event at the end of the storm, but it is often
difficult to predict when the storm will end, i.e., this past winter proved particularly problematic in this
regard.In longer term on and off storms, citizens often complain that their street has not been plowed
when, in fact, it probably has been, but additional snow has subsequently accumulated. Another typical
complaint is received when our “red” priority routes are plowed before the rest of the neighborhood which
is done at a later time. Then, depending on the amount of additional snow received, the “red” priority
routes may be plowed a second time along with the rest of the neighborhood streets.
Another complaint often received is that other cities are doing a faster job than the City of Plymouth.
This may be true in adjacent cities such as New Hope and Crystal where the number of cul-de-sacs is
significantly less than those in Plymouth.Also, the Parks Maintenance Division employees have a
priority to plow the City’s trail system in response to citizen requests creating complaints from the driving
public. Another complaint that has been received from residents is that their neighborhood street is
always the last street to be plowed.”This comment is mostly accurate in that the city routes are typically
plowed in the same manner starting and ending at the same place. This has proven to be the most efficient
and least confusing system for the city routes, particularly when major roadways are involved, as these
major routes need to be plowed before rush hour traffic begins.
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING THE CITY ’S SNOWPLOWING PROGRAM:
As with any type of maintenance activity, more people and more equipment would provide for a quicker
response and completion time. Another option might be a shift in emphasis from plowing the City ’s trail
system to assisting with the plowing of cul-de-sacs.The City’s trail users would likely protest this shift in
emphasis. Also, the City’s primary contract plower, Leuer Farms, has indicated concerns with a lessening
of their contract areas.Due to their location within the city of Plymouth, we are able to receive good
service at a good price from this contractor and it is desirous to maintain our longstanding contractual
relationship. The City could employ an outside consultant to analyze our snowplowing program, i.e., the
University of Minnesota at Morris has this capability.
Another suggestion is to make more definite attempts at educating our residents about our snowplowing
efforts, and request their cooperation in concert with our efforts, i.e., don’t push snow from driveways into
a plowed street, try not to drive except when necessary during storm events (during a significant snowfall
event this past winter the Plymouth theater parking lot was observed to be nearly full). Any additional
traffic on the road tends to compact the snow making it more difficult to remove.With the advent of more
N
12 hours after a storm event is finished, all city streets should have
been plowed at least one time.
Ideally, we would like to start a full
five snowplowing
contractors. Typically, within 10
callout would include 22 employees from the Street,
Sewer/Water Division, three Parks Maintenance Employees, as well as the City ’s
callout” which occurs when the city receives
between two to two and a half inches of snow. A full
SUBJECT:CITY SNOWPLOWING PROGRAM
Page 2
neighborhoods. These “red” streets receive priority and are the first streets to be plowed within the city,
after the main thoroughfares have been plowed. An attempt has been made to include a “red” street
within approximately two to three blocks of every city resident, although you will certainly find many
exceptions. Adding more “red” streets would increase the amount of time necessary to plow the City ’s
priority streets.
Typically, the entire city is only plowed when there is a “full
dotI_Mem \Pw\Engineering\General\~M0S~~~2002\Sno~l~~ing_CC_6_1
21/2 inches of snow has fallen in order to provide for a full
city-wide plowing, City crews typically plow city-wide after a minimum of a 2 inch snowfall. Therefore,
it is recommended that this policy be officially changed to 2 inches.
Daniel L. Faulkner, P.E.
Director of Public Works
attachments:
Resolution 97-69, January 22, 1979
Map of snowplowing routes, October 200 1
An explanation of the City’s 18 snow routes entitled Snow Route Plans
A list of the contract plowing companies entitled 200 l-2002 Snowplowing Contractors
A chronology of the snow events during the 2001-2002 winter season
A tabulation of the amount of sand hauled and costs for the 2001-2002 winter season
A tabulation of the amount of salt hauled and costs for the 2001-2002 winter season
N
SUVs, people are tending to drive during any type of weather which makes snow removal more
problematic.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: While it is the City ’s written policy that vehicles are
not allowed to park on city streets if at least
SUBJECT:CITY SNOWPLOWING PROGRAM
Page 3
and more
tirrns under contract to the City. The routes are
periodically revised to correspond with budgetary, equipment and personnel
resources available. Within each route, the major streets are defined as well as
areas of steep grades that require extra care. Equipment is assigned for the control
of ice and snow. The start of ice and snow control operations for any storm is
dependent upon immediate and anticipated conditions. The most critical time
periods are weekday morning and evening rush-hours. When feasible, the City
will attempt to remove ice and snow from city maintained major streets prior to
these rush hour periods. Normally major streets and hazardous areas are done
first. Once the priority areas have been plowed and opened, the remaining streets
in the residential, commercial and industrial areas will be plowed and sanded.
Under severe conditions or where weather patterns suggest additional ice and
snow, street may not be plowed “full width” and residential areas may be delayed.
Normally within 24 hours after the city maintained street system is opened, the
street maintenance division will proceed with the final plowing and clearing of
residual ice and snow.
III.PROCEDURES
The Superintendent of Public Works and Street Supervisor with the assistance of
the Plymouth Police Department, citizen and employee input will identify
particular street problem areas which may vary from storm to storm and season to
season. Public Work Maintenance employees are then notified in accordance with
the Public Works Department schedule for emergency calls and the removal of ice
and snow will commence.
STREET SYSTEM
Resolution 2002-l 95
April 23, 2002
Supersedes Resolution 97-69, dated January 22, 1997; Resolution
92-30; dated January 6, 1992)
I.GENERAL
The City of Plymouth annually budgets funds for the removal of ice and snow
from the city maintained street system. It is the policy of the City to remove ice
and snow in order to provide for the passage of emergency vehicles and safe
travel for the greatest number of vehicles in a cost effective manner and within the
constraints created by funding, equipment and personnel. The City makes a
reasonable effort to ascertain future weather conditions through contractual
weather reports.
II. POLICY
Each year the Public Works Department, Street Maintenance Division, prepares a
map of the City showing the city maintained street system. The City is divided
into routes in which ice control and snow removal will be performed by City
employees and private
POLICY ON SANDING AND THE REMOVAL OF ICE AND SNOW FROM CITY
MAINTAINED
In those instances in which the U.S. Postal Service does not provide door to door
delivery, it is necessary for property owners to install mailboxes on city owned
right-of-way immediately adjacent to the street curb. While the installation of
mailboxes on City owned right-of-way is permitted, the mailbox owner assumes
all risk of damage except where a mailbox is damaged through contact by snow
removal vehicles.If a mailbox is damaged due to direct contact by a snow
removal vehicle, the City, at its option, will repair or replace at a cost not to
exceed $100.
If a mailbox is damaged due to indirect contact, including the force of snow
generated by the snow removal vehicle, the City will assume no responsibility.
However, the City will make a $50 payment to the property owner and they will
assume all responsibility for repairs.
VI UTILITY STRUCTURES
Except as otherwise provided in any license or franchise agreement, the City will
only be responsible for damage to utility pedestals and transformers within the
right-of-way resulting from direct contact by City snow and ice removal
equipment. City liability shall be limited to actual costs to repair the damages as
documented by invoices submitted to the City by the utility.
VII LANDSCAPING
Landscaping, including nursery and inanimate materials that are installed or
encroach on City owned right-of-way are permitted but the owner assumes all risk
of damage. The City will assume no responsibility for damages incurred as the
result of snow removal and ice control activities except that the City, at its option,
will repair or replace sod only on City owned right-of-way that is removed as the
result of plowing activities.
VIII LAWN SPRINKLING AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS
The City will assume no responsibility for damage to exterior lighting systems
and similar landscaping installed in City owned right-of-way.The City will
reimburse the property owner $35 per sprinkler head for damage to underground
sprinkling systems resulting from direct contact with City snow removal
equipment.
IX SNOW STORAGE
Ongoing snow and ice control efforts require the use of City owned right-of-ways
and easements for storage of plowed snow. Depending upon the volume of snow,
storage within right-of-way could create sight obstruction at intersections, because
ln the event of equipment failure, extreme snowfall or other unanticipated events
including the necessity of resting snowplow crews, deviation from these standards
may be appropriate.
V.MAILBOXES
IV.EXCEPTIONS
it is impossible financially and practically to remove all snow from intersection
comers.
X RESPONSIBILITY
The Superintendent of Public Works and Street Supervisor with the assistance of
the Police Department, will monitor the street conditions to determine the timing
and number of crews and independent contractors necessary to clear the city
maintained public street system.
XI. UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES
The City Manager or his or her designee is authorized to depart from this policy
to settle unusual claims when circumstances warrant, as determined by the City
Manager. These unusual situations shall be handled in a manner similar to the
way other claims against the City are handled.
Cul-
de-sacs are plowed by others. When Route 12 is complete, sand in the contractor ’s area,
starting north of County Road 9, and west of Hwy. 494 (Berkshire Lane), sand this area
Work together plowing main roads as marked on the maps. When
the mains are done, move into the single truck mode and finish plowing and sanding.
17 & R t. 12
cul-
de-sacs working south to north. Sanding will be done by driver from Route 7.
Rt.
I#!:$$Plow all main roads as marked on the maps first, then plow secondaries and .~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
8 and 10.
cul-de-
sacs. Sanding will be done by drivers from Routes
Plow all main roads as marked on the maps, then plow secondaries and9
26fh Avenue working north.
Rt.
8 is complete, sand in Route 9,
starting at
The cul-de-sacs are done by others. When Route
Merrimac. When plowing and sanding is complete in Route 7, that driver will sand
Route 11.
Rt. 8
Lute Line Trails, east of Hwy 101. Move to Route 9 working north from Co. Rd. 6
and
cul-
de-sacs are done by others. When Route 10 is complete, sand Kingswood Farm areas south
of the
Work in tandem plowing the mains as marked on the maps. When the
mains are done, move into the single truck mode and finish plowing and sanding. The
R t. 107
cul-
de-sacs are done by others. When Route 5 is done, sand everything west of Niagara, south
of Hwy 55 in
Route 16.
Rt.
Work in tandem plowing the mains as marked on the maps. When the
mains are done, move into the single truck mode and finish plowing and sanding. The
5 & R t. 4
cul-
de-sacs are done by others. When Route 6 is complete, sand north of County Road 6,
between Hwy 494 and Hwy 55 in Route 16. Route 3 can sand in Route 16 between Hwy 494
and Niagara, Country Road 6 and Hwy 55.
Rt.
Work in tandem plowing the mains as marked on the map. When the
mains are done, move into the single truck mode and finish plowing and sanding. The
R t. 63
jj ?ork in tandem plowing the main roads as marked on the map. When
mains are done, move into the single truck mode. The cul-de-sac will be done by others.
When plowing and sanding is done in Route 2, sand in the contractors area. Start north of
Co. Rd. 9 between Larch and Hwy. 494. Route 18 driver will sand in Route 13 working
north to south.
Rt.
G & .&~~~~ .cJ$ j
c&de-sacs are done by others. When plowing and sanding is complete in
Route 1, move to Route 13 and sand south to north. Route 2 can help sand in the
contractor ’s area starting north of County Road 9, between Larch and Hwy 494.
TheRt. 1
SnowRoutePlans: WordMaint/PubWks/Streets/Snow
16fh Avenue attempting to use County Road 6.
Note To All Involved In Snow Removal
This Plan Is Not Cut In Stone, And Is Subject To
Change. Please Follow It As Much As Possible. If
You Have Any Ideas Or Changes, That Will Better
This Operation, Bring Them To The Supervisor ’s
And We Will See If They Can Be Implemented
16fh Avenue, the snow pile there can be a
vision problem for people on
Remember to be aware of the fire
hydrants and mail boxes. Do your best not to pile snow onto or in front of these. Do not
pile snow as to create vision problems. This must be paid highest attention to bv who ever
plows Fire Station II. Do not push snow towards
Plow all the main roads as marked on the maps, then plow the secondaries. The
cul-de-sacs and sanding will be done by others.
East, Center, West and Cul-de-sac Routes
Pineview Lane,
north of Schmidt Lake Road.
Rt. 16
Pineview Lane, north of Schmidt Lake Road. Route 15 will sand west of
Work together plowing main roads as marked on the maps. When the
mains are done, move into single truck mode and finish plowing and sanding. The cul-de-
sacs are done by others. When Route 14 is complete, sand in the contractor ’s areas, east of
15 & Rt14
Plow all main roads as marked on the maps, then plow secondaries and cul-de-
sacs. Sanding will be done by the driver from
Route 1.
Rt.
13
Rd. 9 and plow Berkshire Lane into the cul-de-sac of Berkshire Ct.
Rt.
when plowing Cheshire Lane cross over Co.-
working north and east. When Route 17 is complete, sand the contractor ’s area north of
Hwy 55, west of Vicksburg Lane.
contractors\2001-2002contractordetails.doc\\alpha2\ntdiskl\maint\pubwks\streets\snow\snow
II
Sugar Ridge, Sugar Hill Townhome/cul-de-sacs,
Westridge Manor Homes and Courtyards at French
Creek, Cimarron East Townhomes and Walnut Grove Pond
Townhomes
Sun Court
Pintail Villa’s, Ashburne
41St Ave. cul-de-sac
Kingswood Farm addition and Cimarron Ponds Addition
Parkers Lake N, Sun Court,
Rockford Glen including
cul-
de-sacs the contractor plows are set into 17 routes.
1 piece of equipment in each. The
GroundsCare
Divided the main area they are responsible for plowing
into 3 routes with
2001-2002
SNOW PLOWING CONTRACTORS
Leuer Farms
The Rose Companies
Greenwav Lawn Maintenance
Premier Outdoor Service
I-02sno-season.docl\On:haint\pubwks\streets\snow\snowev-
3”- 4”Heavy wet snow Temp 28 andFalling6:OOpm@
4:OOpm to sand bridge decks Temp 32
1 call out
@3:OOpm 2 men7&-i Light snow Started
out@lO:OOpm 1”-3” Heavy wet snow Temp 29 Wind NE 9
Dec.
27-28lWed.Full call
12:OOam 4”-6” Heavy wet snow Temp 31 Wind NE 14
Nov.
@27/Tues.Full call out
30/4”-6” Heavy wet snow
Nov.
8@7:OOam snow off and on all day
Wind NE 15-20 Gusting to
men@4:00am26Mon.Snow started 4:OOam 3
2001-2002 SNOW SEASON
Nov.
lo-25untothe40. Wind Eastgoing:
2”- 4” Temp thru the
nieht 34
11:3Oam, Heavy wet snow
at3:3Oam,
approx. 9:OOam snow was melting fast and crew changed over to moving
downed trees off streets until
10:3Opm, replaced with 1 person until 6 routes were assigned
6:OOpm, 7:OOpm called 1 person in until
10:OOpm Temp 23 NW wind
10-15
Snow mixed with rain started approx.
@
7:OOam, sent crews home, 6 routes were filled by other depts. 2 ”-4” heavy
snow ended approx. 10:OOam Full call out
Sun
Snow started approx. 3:OOam Tuesday, finished plowing from the night before
at
27-28lSat.
2-3/Tues.&
Wed.
April
lO:OOpm, 4”-6” heavy
wet snow Temn 28 Wind NE 5-10
April
@12:00-3:OOpm, 4 routes 3:00 -8:OOpm Full call out
lO:OOam, 8 routes
Tues.
1-2/Mon.&Snow started approx. 8:OOam Monday assigned 6 routes at
day)
April
8”-12”, Temp 23, winds
NE 20-30 plowed City two times, finished approx. 1 :OOpm Friday (30 hour
7:00pm, snowed heavy through the night, @
12:OOpm Full
Fri.call out
lO:OOam, assigned 8 routes at1SnowstartedThrusdayapprox. S/Thur.14- 1Mar.
1-
175,223.41ITOTALS4124.81
I_ -I
19/02& 03/18
1303112
03/8,11/02
f1~ I $16.302.55 $39 .88408 .7902/27/02 ~_.
8,265.09_i-_
7,425.84
194.6r02/05/02
02/22102 $39,
i5,941.23j -___
409.86I-
399.73 $39.8802/11/02I
future special meetings if desired. Calendars are attached to assist in scheduling.
Pending Study Session Topics
at least 3 Council members have approved the following study items on the list)
I-494 Corridor Commission (Slavik, Black, Hewitt)
11,2002
ACTION REQUESTED: Review the pending study session topics list (shown below) and
establish
6,2002, for Council study session of June
V
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Dwight D. Johnson, City Manager
Laurie Ahrens, Assistant City Manager
Set Future Study Sessions
June
Agenda Number:
61612002
1
30
m od ifi edon
23 24 26
R o t h e r C iv ic C en t e r
27 28 29
C ounc il C ha m be r s
LEAGUEOFM I NNESOTAC I T I ESANNU
COUNC I L , C ound l
C ha m be r s
18 19 20
BOARD, Police Dept.
CONFERENCE ,
only)
212216
Chambers (this meeting
EQC), Councilr-QUALIlY COMMITTEE
6:W PM
ENVIRONMENTAL
I5914
Flag Day
10
I
1
4
DEDICATION, 3635 CO,COUNCIL MEETING:
REVIEW HOUSING
FORUM FINDINGS,
Chambers
I3
COUNC I L , C ouno il
2 3
C ounc il C ha m be r s
7 8
1
COMM I SS I ON
25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30 31 28 29 30 31
T
7 : 00P MHUMAN
Jul2002
SMTWTF S
12345 6
May 2002
SMTWTF S
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 21 22 23 24
1 Thursday Friday Saturday
I
CLEAN-UP DAY,
1 Wednesday
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
June 2002
Sunday Monday Tuesday
6/6/2002
COUNCIL,Counoil offices Closed
7 8
28
July 2002
modified on
City
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
3 4 5 6
INDEPENDENCEDAY
6i612002
r-lCOUNCILMEETING:
BUDGET STUDY
modified on
31
7 :00PM
SPEC IAL
Chambers
Dq
18 19 20 24
COMM ISS ION ,
Counc il Chambe rs
25 26 27 28 29
COUNCIL, Radisson
COUNCIL MEETING,
Council
COUNC IL, Cound l
Chambe rs
15 16 17
MEET ING , Counc il
BOARD, Police
1 7 :00PM
PLANN ING
COMM ISS ION ,
Counc il Chambe rs
11 I2
7:00P MYOUTH
ADVISORY1
I
us1:,r-departfro mC ity
Ha ll
ri!izzE4 :00PMANNUAL
PARK TOUR,
530 PM
NAT IONALN IGHT
OUT
78i-l
rrs
4 5 9 10
Jul2002 Sep 2002
SMTWTF S SMTWTF S
12345 6 123456 7
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
28 29 30 31 29 30
N
Chamb f
HUMA
RIGHTSrCOMMISS ION
Counc il
1 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
231
7:00P M
ITuesdayIMonday
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
August 2002
Sunday
6/6/2002
Ott 2002
SMTWTF S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
modified on
Aug 2002
SMTWTF S
EiiiEEz
26 27
COUNCIL MEETING,
Council Chambers
29 30
COUNCILCouncil
Chambers
24
COUNCIL, Radisson
25
PLY;%JTH
CLEAN-UP
DAY, Public
works
Maintenance
Facility
22 23
7:00 PM YOUTH
ADVISORY
r- l
3:30- 7:OOPM
PLANNING
COMM ISSION,
CouncilChambers
9:00 AM1
Police Dept.
YomK ippurbegins
atsunset
18
BOARD,
15 16 I7 21
7AM-8PM
20
Polls are open
1O:OO AM -5:00
PMAUTUMNrARTSFAIR,
Parkers Lake
Park
MEETING, Council
PR IMARY
ELECT IONDAY
Safeh,
8 9 10 I3 14
BassLakeRoom
ROOfII
BUDGET STUDY
SESSION, Public
C ity
OfficesClosed
RoshHashanah
beginsatsunset7:00PM
SPEC IAL
COUNC IL
MEET ING :
BUDGETSTUDY
SESS ION , Public
SafetyTraining
r-COMM ISSION,
CouncilChambers
LABORDAY
1 2
7:00PM
PLANNING -Council Chambers
6 7
OFFICIAL CITY MEETINGS
September 2002
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
3 4