09-07 - 01-20 - establish Sidewalk and Trail Maintenance Snow Removal Policy
Resolution 09-7
January 20,2009
Member Pentel introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF THE
SIDEWALK AND TRAIL MAINTENANCE SNOW REMOVAL POLICY
WHEREAS, the City of Golden Valley finds that it is in the best interest of the
residents of the City to assume basic responsibility for control of snow removal and
maintenance specific on City trails and sidewalks in the community; and
WHEREAS, reasonable snow removal and maintenance is necessary for routine
pedestrian traffic; and
WHEREAS, the City will provide such snow removal and maintenance in a safe and
cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and equipment; and
WHEREAS, this policy does not relieve the operator of private vehicles, pedestrians,
property owners, residents and all others that may be using public trails and sidewalks, of
their responsibility to act in a reasonable, prudent and cautious manner, given the
prevailing trail and sidewalk conditions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council adopts the Sidewalk
and Trail Maintenance Snow Removal Policy dated January 20, 2009, attached as Exhibit
A.
cX@drv "K iIo~
Linda R. Loomis, Mayor
ATTEST:
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The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Member Freiberg
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Freiberg, Loomis,
Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon
said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the Mayor and her
signature attested by the City Clerk.
Resolution 09-7 - Continued
January 20,2009
EXHIBIT A
Sidewalk and Trail Maintenance Snow Removal Policy
January 20, 2009
1. Introduction
The City of Golden Valley, Minnesota, finds that it is in the best interest of the residents of
the City to assume basic responsibility for control of snow removal and maintenance
specific on City trails and sidewalks in the community. Reasonable snow removal and
maintenance is necessary for routine pedestrian traffic. The City will attempt to provide
such snow removal and maintenance in a safe and cost-effective manner, keeping in mind
safety, budget, personnel and equipment. The City will use City employees and equipment.
This policy does not relieve the operator of private vehicles, pedestrians, property owners,
residents and all others that may be using public trails and sidewalks, of their responsibility
to act in a reasonable, prudent and cautious manner, given the prevailing trail and sidewalk
conditions.
2. Initiation of Snow Removal Operations
The Public Works Maintenance Manager, or his designee, will decide when to begin trail
and sidewalk snow removal operations. The criteria for that decision are:
a. New accumulation two (2) inches or more;
b. Two to four (2 to 4) hours after initiating plowing of City streets;
c. Drifting of snow that causes problems for pedestrian traffic; and
d. Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of sidewalks and trails.
A map of the trails and sidewalks is prepared annually. As there are a limited number of
personnel available, the City will only maintain these trails and sidewalks after the streets
have been plowed. Not all trails and sidewalks are maintained.
3. Snow Plowing Method
The Public Works Maintenance Manager, or designee, will determine if and when snow will
be removed from trails and sidewalks. Trails and sidewalks are cleared in priority order:
Priority 1 and 2 are typically plowed within 24 hours after it has stopped snowing and
Priority 3 trails are plowed between 48 and 72 hours after a 2-inch snow event and it has
stopped snowing. In times of extreme snowfall, trails and sidewalks will not always
immediately be able to be completely cleared of snow. These procedures will be adapted to
address field conditions.
4. Work Schedule for Trail and Sidewalk Snow Removal Operators
In severe snow emergencies, operators may have to work in excess of 12-hour shifts.
Operators are allowed a 10-minute break for every 2 hours with a 20-minute meal break
after 4 hours. Except for special emergency situations, the operators will be replaced after
a 12-hour shift if additional qualified personnel are available. Ideally, snow removal
operations should be conducted during early morning hours to avoid interfering with
pedestrian traffic.
Resolution 09-7 - Continued
January 20,2009
5. Weather Conditions
Snow removal operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not endanger
the safety of trail and sidewalk snow removal operators and equipment. Factors that may
delay snow removal operations include: severe cold, significant winds, and limited visibility.
6. The City does not utilize salt and sand or other chemical de-icers on its sidewalks or
trails, except in the City Hall Campus.