Agenda Date: 10/28/2025
Subject:
Title
Overview of Public Works Snow & Ice Control Plan
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Scott Schlecht, Streets Operations Manager |
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Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works and Utilities |
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Presentations: |
Scott Schlecht, Streets Operations Manager |
PURPOSE:
Overview of Public Works Snow and Ice Control Plan, setting clear expectations for service levels and plowing methods, and metrics from the previous winter season.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Safe Community: Snow and ice control reduces accumulated snow on city streets promoting safe use by the community and emergency services.
Robust and Resilient Economy: Providing safe travel throughout the community on key corridors ensures that community members can access local businesses during winter weather events.
High-Quality Governance: Routine review of operational plans ensures that programs are meeting community needs and provides touch points to increase transparency through clear expectations and engagement.
DISCUSSION:
Staff will provide an overview of the City’s approach to managing winter weather and maintaining safe, reliable travel for all modes of transportation. The plan outlines how Street Operations prioritizes routes, allocates resources, and partners with the community to deliver efficient and effective snow and ice response throughout the winter season.
A clearly defined plan establishes service expectations for community members, supports consistent decision-making during varying weather events, and ensures transparency in how limited staff, materials, and equipment are deployed. It also helps coordinate operations with partner agencies such as emergency services, and neighboring jurisdictions.
Service levels for city streets are structured into four priorities. Priority 1 routes-arterials, emergency corridors, and major hills or intersections-receive continuous service throughout storms, with the objective of achieving bare pavement within 12 hours after snowfall ends. Priorities 2 and 3 include collector and residential connector streets, which are maintained concurrently and targeted for wheel paths within 24 and 36 hours respectively. Priority 4 streets-primarily local residential streets-receive one plow pass down the center after higher-priority routes are complete, and only during major storms producing eight inches or more of snow.
The plan also defines maintenance commitments for protected bike lanes, which are prioritized for safety, connectivity, and operational feasibility. Specialized equipment is used to maintain these corridors, typically receiving service following adjacent street plowing and once priority sidewalks are cleared. Coordination between Street Operations and Grounds has been strengthened to ensure consistent service across the multimodal network.
Staff will provide a review of the previous winter season’s statistics, highlighting the number of storms responded to, total snowfall, and material usage. Key takeaways include improved operational efficiency through route optimization and real-time vehicle tracking, increased readiness from preseason equipment and training programs.
Staff emphasize the essential role of community partnership. Residents are encouraged to move vehicles off priority routes during storms, allow space for plows to operate safely, and stay informed through City and local communication channels. Property owners are reminded of their responsibilities for clearing adjacent sidewalks and avoiding pushing snow back into the street.
The Snow and Ice Control Plan reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to public safety, operational efficiency, and first-rate service delivery during winter weather events.
BACKGROUND:
The Department’s Snow and Ice Control Plan commits to presenting to City Leadership every three years.
Prior Actions or Discussions
Staff last presented the Snow and Ice Control Plan on 12/13/2022.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Costs of snow operations is incorporated into the Public Works general operating budget notably labor, supervision, safety, and equipment. Annual budget for snow and ice materials is $177,000.00.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend continuing the current approach to snow and ice control as detailed in the plan and work toward continuous improvement based on data, staying current with industry standards, and being responsive to community feedback.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A