Budget Category 4

AGENCY: General Government

DEPARTMENT: General Administration

SUBAGENCY: Public Works - Streets

DEPARTMENT HEAD: Paul Hermanson, Director

FISCAL YEAR: January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013

PURPOSE: To provide services to remove snow and ice accumulations on City streets.

RESPONSIBILITIES: In accordance with an annually revised Snow Emergency Plan, snow removal and ice control efforts will vary depending on the storm event. A sleet storm is an ice control operation involving salt spreaders. A less than 2" snowfall would first have salt spreaders on number "1" and “2” priority streets and then number "3" and “4” priority streets. Larger Snows (2" or more) would show an initial concentration of salt spreaders and snowplows on the number "1" and “2” priority streets in an effort to keep them open during the snow event and plowing and ice control would begin on local streets once the accumulations reach approximately 2" and the major streets are completed. When the snow storm dissipates, additional effort will be applied to number "3" and “4” priority streets.

STAFF: The budget provides for staffing during snow removal operations. The budget provides a significant percentage of overtime expense for Department of Public Works employees and other City employees as needed. A snow removal crew usually adds employees from Parks and Water Department to provide a crew of nine.

The budget assumes ten (15) 16-hour winter storms with a total accumulation of about 44-50 inches during the 2013 season. The annual average number of hours required for snow removal operations is 2,160.

PERFORMANCE: During the period of January 2012 through March 2012, we experienced 14 storms that required Department response.

The storms were a combination of ice, sleet and snow. The total for snow accumulation for the 2012 season to date is 32 inches. The total amount of salt used to combat icy conditions was 600 tons. The Department is proud of its performance record in responding to and accomplishing prompt and effective snow and ice clearing. Department performance has long been recognized as among the best in the region. The City’s salt shed has a storage capacity of 450 tons. This storage facility ensures adequate protection of salt during long-term storage and ensures that the environment of the area's watershed is protected.

FY2013: Service is being expanded to include new streets and subdivisions.