HomeMy WebLinkAbout05(F) - Resolution Approving Updates to the Public Works Operating Standards and All Related Policies ReportAdopted by Council: July 2021
Last updated: October 2024
Prior Lake Public Works
Operating Standards
Adopted by Council: July 2021
Last updated: October 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview and Mission Statement Page 1
Technology and Communication Page 2
Engineering Page 3
Vehicles and Equipment Pages 4-5
Paved Roads Page 6-7
Gravel Roads Page 8
Street Sweeping Page 9
Rights-of Way and Boulevards Page 10
Tree Maintenance Page 11
Trails and Sidewalks Page 12
Signs and Traffic Markings Page 13
Water Supply and Distribution System Page 14-15
Sanitary Sewer Collection System Page 16
Storm Sewer System Page 17
Building Maintenance Pages 18-19
Winter Operations Page 20
Park Maintenance Pages 21-32
Exhibit A – Equipment Evaluation Matrix
Appendix A – Bidding Policy
Appendix B – Winter Maintenance Policy
Appendix C – Right-of-Way and Boulevard Maintenance Policy
Appendix D – Retaining Wall Policy
Appendix E – Storm Damage Response Policy
Appendix F – Frozen Water Service Policy
Appendix G – Flood Response Policy
Appendix H – Beach E. Coli Testing Policy
Public Works Operating Standards 1
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this document is to clearly define the objectives and operating standards
for the various functions and activities of the Prior Lake Public Works Department.
These objectives and operating standards are established as a framework to effectively
carry out the mission of the Public Works Department and will be reviewed annually.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our residents and businesses through
responsive, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of services consistent with community
values. With sound management, fiscal responsibility and professional care, we will
strive to preserve and protect public infrastructure, creating a safe, clean, and functional
environment for all to enjoy.
This document represents ideal operating standards and objectives, which may not
always be achievable due to resource limitations and other circumstances beyond our
normal control.
New group photo
coming soon
Public Works Operating Standards 2
TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION
OBJECTIVES
• To keep citizens informed through informative, timely social media and website
communications
• To maintain a comprehensive inventory of all city-owned assets
• To ensure that appropriate technologies are available for efficient and effective
delivery of service
• To utilize technology to enhance response times and accuracy
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Maintain a current inventory of all technology devices within the department,
including device ID, type of device, user(s) of device, and scheduled replacement
date
• Annually coordinate with the IT Department to appropriately plan and budget
for the replacement/upgrade of devices
• Utilize mobile technology in the field to document inspections, maintenance,
and repairs of all assets
• Stay updated on emerging technologies via webinars, classes, and other learning
opportunities, budgeting additional money for such training when necessary
• Review and update all online maps annually, or more often if necessary
• Provide meaningful, clear, concise, up-to-date information on the city webpage,
periodically re-evaluating the content twice annually to ensure accuracy and
relevance
• Post informative material on social media at least twice monthly
• Ensure citizens receive prompt feedback when contacting the department with a
concern, via phone call, email, or Cartegraph auto-response emails
• Create fun, interactive opportunities for citizens to connect with Public Works
through events like Public Works Week (May) and National Night Out (August)
Public Works Operating Standards 3
ENGINEERING
OBJECTIVES
• To promote strong working relationships with developers, contractors, and other
agencies by providing clear, consistent communication
• To ensure city assets are preserved and protected by managing the work
performed within city right-of-way
• To ensure all engineering standards are met in accordance with the Public Works
Design Manual
• To create appealing and functional public spaces and transportation corridors
• To maintain a quality infrastructure system based on a financially stable plan
that meets OCI targets
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Review and provide timely feedback to internal staff and developers throughout
the plat approval process
• Coordinate and manage the administration of all 429 road projects, including:
✓ Preparing all necessary Council reports and resolutions
✓ Managing all aspects of the public bidding process in accordance with the
Bidding Policy included in Appendix A
✓ Acquiring all necessary state and federal permits
✓ Completing plan review in a timely manner
✓ Managing/coordinating construction observation
✓ Processing contractor payments, including final payment documents
✓ Preparing assessment information, when applicable
✓ Managing State Aid funding, when applicable
• Coordinate and manage the administration of all right -of-way, grading, and
driveway permits
• Review developer escrow accounts periodicallymonthly to ensure proper funding
• Assist the Finance Department with the annual audit process
• Review and update the Public Works Design Manual every two yearsas needed,
and when MnDOT releases a new spec book
• Review and update the Pavement Management Program annually
• Inspect one-third (1/3) of the city-maintained streets annually, entering the
results into Cartegraph to maintain current OCI ratings
• Review traffic safety/sign requests, and manage Traffic Safety Committee
meetings and all actions and documentation
Public Works Operating Standards 4
VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
OBJECTIVES
• To keep all city vehicles and equipment in excellent working condition in order to
o minimize downtown resulting from major repairs
o maximize their salvage value
o minimize repair/replacement costs
o extend their useful life
• To ensure all vehicles and equipment are maintained for safe operation
• To eliminate unnecessary costs related to overextending the useful lifespan of
vehicles and equipment
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Regular preventive maintenance shall be performed and recorded for all vehicles
and equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Vehicles and equipment shall be cleaned as necessary. During the plowing
season, vehicles and equipment shall be cleaned whenever an accumulation of
dirt or salt is visible in order to prevent corrosion.
• Maintenance and repair priority shall be given according to the following:
1. Fire and rescue vehicles
2. Police vehicles
3. Seasonal In-season vehicles and equipment
4. Off-season vehicles and equipment
• A Cartegraph database shall be maintained and updated to include the following
information for each unit valued at $5,000 or higher:
1. Asset description (make, model, year, VIN, etc.)
2. Purchase price
3. Purchase date
4. Maintenance history and costs
5. Fuel costs
6. Vehicle Replacement Rating (VRR) when applicable
• Condition inspections shall be performed annually by a member of the Fleet
Maintenance Division and documented in Cartegraph. These condition
inspections will be incorporated into the VRR score as outlined in the Equipment
Evaluation Matrix (Exhibit A). Vehicles and equipment with a VRR score of 22 or
higher will be prioritized for replacement.
Public Works Operating Standards 5
ASSET EXPECTED LIFE (YEARS)
Aerator Attachment 10
Asphalt Mill 10
Automobile 1012
Backhoe 2015
Compressor 20
Crane Truck 10
Easement Machine 15
Loader 15
Mower (16-foot) 7
Mower (6-foot trim and zero-turn) 7
Overhead Shop Crane 1540
Light Duty Truck 1012
Plow Truck, wing and plow 12
Emergency Generator 1020
Portable Pump 6” 1530
6-foot Slit Seeder 15
Sidewalk Plow 15
Skid-Steer 106
Snow Blower Attachment 2012
Sprayer Attachment 15
Street Sweeper 10
Striper (ball fields) 1210
Tractor 1512
Trailers 2010
Tree Spade 20
Vibratory Roller 10
Vactor Truck 15
Vehicle Hoist 1540
Note – This list is for long-range planning purposes and indicates the average life
expectancy for the asset. Vehicles and equipment may be replaced before or
after these guidelines based on VRR scores and staff recommendations.
Public Works Operating Standards 6
PAVED ROADS
OBJECTIVES
• To provide a smooth, safe riding surface with minimal defects
• To eliminate hazards to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• To protect the investment of the road surface and subgrade
OPERATING STANDARDS
• As part of the city’s Pavement Management Program (PMP), one-third (1/3) of
the city-maintained streets shall be inspected annually. Inspection results shall
be entered into Cartegraph in order to maintain current OCI ratings for the
overall street network. During inspection, the following items shall be
considered:
o depressions or bumps exceeding two (2) inches and covering up to 100
square feet of surface area
o depressions or bumps exceeding ½ inch at catch basins, manholes, valve
boxes, or other similar structure
o ruts, corrugations or pushing exceeding one (1) inch, or are located in the
wheel path
o there is surface alligatoring or checking
o broken pavement edges, potholes, breaks or raveled areas exceeding twelve
(12) inches in length or diameter
o severe surface polishing causescausing excessively slippery conditions when
wet
o bleeding surfaces constitutecreating a hazard to the road user
•
• Repairs and/or crack filling shall be completed as needed prior to sealcoating on
all streets scheduled for sealcoating within the next year.
• Concrete curb and gutter settlements exceeding two (2) inches shall be
documented for repair.
Refer to the Winter Maintenance Policy in Appendix B for a summary of the snow and
ice removal standards for paved roads.
Public Works Operating Standards 7
OCI Range 91 - 100
OCI Range 61 - 90
OCI Range 36 - 60
Public Works Operating Standards 8
GRAVEL ROADS
OBJECTIVES
• To provide a smooth, safe riding surface with minimal defects
• To eliminate hazards to vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• To protect the investment of the road surface and subgrade
• To maximize visibility by preventing excessive dust formation
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Cross slope shall be adequate to carry water off the surface into the ditches.
• Calcium chloride shall be applied as needed toannually to gravel roads (typically
once annually)
• Grading shall occur twice annually, and whenever necessary and appropriate
throughout the season.
• Gravel surfaces shall be graded or repaired when:
o corrugations (wash boarding) exceed one (1) inch
o loose aggregate berms exceed two (2) inches along the shoulder or
centerline
o potholes exceed two (2) inches in depth and two (2) feet in diameter
o ruts exceed two (2) inches in depth
Refer to the Winter Maintenance Policy in Appendix B for a summary of the snow and
ice removal standards for gravel roads.
OCI Range 0 - 35
Public Works Operating Standards 9
STREET SWEEPING
OBJECTIVES
• To comply with NPDES Phase II permit requirements by reducing the potential
for clogged storm sewers, catch basin grates and inlets, and silting of storm
water ponds
• To remove pollutants before they enter natural waters
• To enhance the appearance of the community
• To prevent injuries and damage arising from street debris
• To promote safety by removing debris that could create a hazard or cause
skidding conditions
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Street sweeping shall occur seasonally when roads are clear of snow and ice,
generally from March through November, and generally during normal working
hours (M-F 7 am - 3 pm).
• The following sweeping tiers, which are based on environmental susceptibility
and/or specific water quality concerns, are shown on the Street Sweeping Map
available on the city website (frequencies noted are minimum standards, more
sweeping may occur if/when conditions dictate and city resources allow):
o Tier 1 – areas with drainage to Spring Lake, Upper Prior Lake, or Lower
Prior Lake. These areas will be swept 5 times per year (spring, fall, and
once per month in May, June and July)
o Tier 2 – areas with no direct drainage to Spring Lake, Upper Prior Lake or
Lower Prior Lake. These areas will be swept 2 times per year (spring and
fall)
• Sweeping may occur outside Prior Lake city boundaries under agreement with
other municipalities or agencies.
• Material gathered from street sweeping will be stockpiled at a city stockpile site.
This and all stockpiles are inspected for erosion at least once annually as part of
the city’s MS4 Permit. Disposal or reuse of the material is dependent upon
whether potential contaminants exist. Some material may require disposal in a
sanitary landfill; however, if tests show material to be under the recommended
thresholds for tested pollutants, other appropriate uses may be available such as
miscellaneous fill material or topsoil.
Street sweeping operations shall be performed in accordance with the Street Sweeping
Policy included in Appendix C.
Public Works Operating Standards 10
RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND BOULEVARDS
OBJECTIVES
• To promote safety by eliminating obstacles in the right-of-way that may block
signs or impede the safe passage of vehicles or pedestrians
• To prevent roadside vegetation from becoming a traffic hazard and/or acting as
a snow fence
• To maintain proper drainage
• To minimize erosion onto street surfaces
• To minimize the growth of noxious weeds
• To enhance the appearance of our community
OPERATING STANDARDS
Rural rights-of-way areas shall be maintained as follows:
• All ditches and other rights-of-way shall be mowed at least once each spring, and
as needed thereafter
• Debris shall be removed from ditches upon notice or requestas needed, as
resources allow
• Overgrowth shall be removed from ditches as needed
• The cause for standing water observed in ditches shall be eliminated upon
request or scheduled for repair if needed
• Erosion shall be minimized along ditch bottoms and adjacent to the roadbeds
• Tree trimming in rural right-of-way shall occur upon request, as resources allow
Urban boulevards and rights-of-way areas shall be maintained in accordance with the
Right-of-Way and Boulevard Maintenance Policy included in Appendix D.
City-owned retaining walls shall be maintained in accordance with the Retaining Wall
Policy included in Appendix E.
In the event of widespread storm damage affecting city right-of-way, the city will
respond in accordance with the Storm Damage Response Policy included in Appendix F.
Public Works Operating Standards 11
TREE MAINTENANCE
OBJECTIVES
• To enhance the public landscape with shade and ornamental trees where
appropriate
• To minimize the presence of unsightly overgrowth that impedes visibility for
pedestrians and motorists
• To eliminate the presence of diseased trees on public property
OPERATING STANDARDS
Diseased trees located on city property or in the public right-of-way shall be maintained
as follows:
• The preferred solution for all city-maintained diseased trees is to remove
instead of treat. Treating diseased trees is typically a temporary solution that
can have a significant cost and almost always requires eventual removal.
• Diseased trees will be marked and scheduled for removal by city staff or a
qualified contractor.
o Diseased trees that pose a danger to pedestrians, motorists or property
shall be removed as soon as practicable by city staff or a qualified
contractor.
• Replacement of diseased trees will be at the discretion of the Public Works
Director or his/her designee (most trees that are removed will not be replaced).
• Diseased trees that are in forested areas will not be removed unless they pose
an immediate danger to pedestrians, motorists or property.
Non-diseased trees located in the public right-of-way shall be maintained in accordance
with the Right-of-Way and Boulevard Maintenance Policy included in Appendix D.
Diseased and non-diseased trees located on private property are the sole responsibility
of the property owner. Property owners may hire a contractor of their choosing for
inspection, maintenance, treatment and/or removal of trees. The city does not have the
resources available to perform inspections on private property.
Public Works Operating Standards 12
TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS
OBJECTIVES
• To provide a safe, smooth pedestrian surface with minimal defects
• To protect the investment of the sidewalks and trails, and extend their useful life
• To eliminate hazards to pedestrians and bicycle riders
• To provide appropriate access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Bituminous trails shall be scheduled for fog seal within three (3) years of new
construction.
• Sidewalk and trail inspections shall occur annually in the spring to document
location, condition, and quantities of sections needing repair.
• Concrete sidewalks shall be documented for future repair when:
o pitting exceeds ¼ 1/2 inch in depth and 4 inches in diameter
o joints or cracks protrude more than ½ inch
o there is severe diagonal cracking
• Paver sidewalks shall be documented for future repair when pavers are cracked,
offset, heaved or otherwise displaced more than ½ inch.
• Bituminous trails shall be documented for future repair when:
o there are severe signs of weather damage, polishing or bleeding surface
o bumps or depressions exceed 1 inch and cover up to 10 feet of surface area
o bumps or depressions at pedestrian ramps exceed ½ inch
Refer to the Winter Maintenance Policy in Appendix B for a summary of the snow and
ice removal standards for trails and sidewalks.
Public Works Operating Standards 13
SIGNS AND TRAFFIC MARKINGS
OBJECTIVES
• To provide clean and legible traffic signs that are visible in both day and night
conditions
• To comply with all MUTCD standards for retroreflectivity
• To provide clearly defined and visible pedestrian markings on pavement
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Twenty percent (20%) of the city’s traffic and street signs shall be inspected
annually for clarity and reflectivity in accordance with the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices. Deficient signs and/or posts shall be documented for
maintenance or repair.
• A Cartegraph database shall be maintained to include location, size, material,
installation/replace date, and maintenance history.
• Repair or replace broken signs and/or posts within 48 hours of notice (within 24
hours if it presents a safety hazard). Temporary repairs shall be made if
permanent repairs are not feasible due to environmental conditions or lack of
available resources.
• Crosswalk markings, pavement symbols, and all lane striping shall be painted as
needed with high-quality latex paintannually as part of the Joint Powers
Agreement administered by the City of Burnsville. (lane striping is generally
every year, symbols every 2-3 years).
• Sign or signal obstructions such as weeds, trees, shrubs and/or construction
materials shall be removed in accordance with the Right-of-Way and Boulevard
Maintenance Policy included in Appendix D.
Public Works Operating Standards 14
WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
OBJECTIVES
• To efficiently provide a safe, uninterrupted supply of drinking water
• To ensure the system will be able to function and meet the demands for daily
use and fire protection
• To keep un-metered loss of water to less than 7%
• To extend the functional life of all components as long as possible
OPERATING STANDARDS
• All hydrants and valves shall be accessible and easily operable at any given time.
• Hydrants shall be raised to maintain break-off flange at two (2) inches above
grade.
• Hydrant flushing shall be completed in the spring after the first city-wide
sweeping. Advance notice shall be published on the city’s website and social
media platforms. Each action and/or repair shall be documented in Cartegraph.
• Hydrants shall be painted every ten (10) years.
• All valves less than 20 years old shall be inspected and operated every five (5)
years. Valves All valves shall have GPS coordinates or at least two (2) recorded
ties to them for locating purposes.
• Leak detection shall be performed on one-fourth (25%) of the water distribution
system annually. as needed when there is a suspicion of a leak present in the
system.
• Broken water mains and valves shall be repaired within 48-72 hours of known
failure.
• Frozen water service lines shall be managed in accordance with the Frozen
Water Service Line Policy included in Appendix G.
• Water towers shall be inspected by a qualified contractor every seven (7) years.
• Well pumps and motors shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Well pumps shall be reconditioned every seven (7) years.
• Water pumping volumes and water levels from each well shall be recorded daily
through SCADA.
• Water levels in observation wells will be recorded hourly by data loggers, as well
as monthly by manual readings. This data will be sent to regulatory agencies as
required by permit.
Public Works Operating Standards 15
• Water samples shall be taken annually to test for substances on the EPA
pollutant list.
• Satisfy the Minnesota Department of Health Drinking Water Standards and
requirements by:
o taking monthly bacteriological samples
o recording flows and fluoride usage
o publishing the annual Drinking Water Report and notifying residents and
businesses of its availability on the city’s website and social media platforms.
OPERATING STANDARDS FOR THE WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
• Physical walk thru and security inspection of entire treatment plant and well
houses to be performed daily
• Check and record chemical feeds and pumps each working day to ensure
chemicals stay within the following ranges:
✓ Fluoride – 0.5 to 0.9 ppm
✓ Chlorine – 0.2 to 1.02.0 ppm
✓ Polyphosphates as needed to keep mains clean (not regulated by the State)
• SCADA alarm system to be checked daily
• Chemical feed pumps to be calibrated monthly for accuracy
• Chemical injection point equipment to be removed and cleaned monthly
• Flow measuring equipment to be calibrated annually
• Clearwell storage tank to be inspected every 5 years
• High service pumps to be reconditioned every 4-6 years
• SCADA computers and operating software to be replaced every 6-8 years
• Chemical feed lines to be replaced every 7-10 years
• Chemical storage tanks to be replaced on a 10-year rotation
• Filter media to be replaced evaluated every 520 years and replaced as needed
Public Works Operating Standards 16
SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM
OBJECTIVES
• To minimize chances of property damage resulting from main line backups
• To safely and efficiently collect and transport wastewater to Metropolitan
Council collector mains
• To minimize surface water inflow and infiltration
OPERATING STANDARDS
• One-fourth (25%)One-third of all sanitary sewer lines shall be televised and/or
cleaned annually on a rotating schedule and cleaned as needed. Known problem
areas shall be jetted more frequently as needed. Each action/repair shall be
documented in Cartegraph.
• Needed repairs shall be documented in Cartegraph during routine televising
operations. Repairs shall be scheduled and performed accordingly.
• Sanitary sewers shall be televised prior to street reconstruction projects to
identify areas of needed repair.
• Broken sanitary sewer mains shall be repaired within 48-72 hours of known
failure.
• Lift Station Operation and Maintenance
o Wet wells shall be cleaned twice annually in the spring and fall inspected
monthly and cleaned as needed (at least once annually)
o General operation shall be reviewed 2-3 times per weektwice weekly,
with a record of pump run times being logged in Cartegraph during each
visit
o Emergency generators shall be load tested monthlyannually, and
inspected and serviced twice annually by a qualified contractor
o Pumps and equipment shall be inspected annually by a qualified
contractor
o Motors shall be serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions
o Non-functioning pumps or motors shall be repaired or replaced within 48
hours, whenever as soon as possible, dependent upon the availability of
parts
Public Works Operating Standards 17
STORM SEWER SYSTEM
OBJECTIVES
• To maintain the proper operation of the storm sewer system in order to
minimize the chance of property damage resulting from damaged or plugged
drainage structures
• To maintain structural stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)
implemented to enhance surface water quality
• To comply with the requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) Permit
OPERATING STANDARDS
• Structural stormwater BMPs shall be inspected annually; if maintenance or
sediment removal is not required after completion of the first two documented
annual inspections, the frequency of inspection will be reduced to once every
two (2) years, per MS4 Permit guidelines. All catch basin sumps found to be
more than 50% full of sediment shall be scheduled for cleaning the same year.
Records shall be kept in Cartegraph for each inspection, cleaning, and/or repair.
• Twenty percent (20%) of all stormwater ponds and MS4 outfalls shall be
inspected annually on a rotating basis (or 100% over a five-year cycle). The
following items shall be identified and documented:
o Illicit discharge
o Repair, replacement, or maintenance needed to ensure structural
integrity and function
o Sediment accumulation
o Other animal or human impacts
o Description of any maintenance conducted
• Storm sewers shall be televised evaluated prior to street reconstruction
reclamation projects to identify areas of needed repair.
• Missing grates or castings shall be replaced or secured as soon as possible upon
notice.
• Broken grates or castings shall be replaced within one (1) week, unless they pose
a hazard to bicycles or pedestrians, in which case they shall be replaced or
secured as soon as possible upon notice.
• Stormwater basins that are shown on the Mowing map on the city website shall
be mowed on a 4-year rotating cycle, or more frequently as needed.
• Flood events shall be managed in accordance with the Flood Response Policy
included in Appendix H.
Public Works Operating Standards 18
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
OBJECTIVES
• To protect our investment and increase the lifespan of our public facilities
• To provide a safe, clean, functional environment for city employees, elected
officials, and citizens
OPERATING STANDARDS FOR EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS:
• Building exteriors shall be inspected annually for major disrepair. Deficiencies or
needed repairs shall be documented in Cartegraph and scheduled for repair.
• Cracked or broken windows shall be replaced immediately as soon as practicable
upon notice. Windows shall be cleaned by a qualified contractor at least once
annually.
• Garage doors and pedestrian doors that do not open and close freely shall be
repaired as soon as possible, depending on the availability of replacement parts
and other resources.
• Flat, asphalt-surface roofs shall be inspected by a qualified contractor every year
for leaks, proper drainage, and/or other damage. (contracted work).
• Building exteriors shall be painted every 6-8 years.
• Building emergency generators shall be inspected and serviced annually by a
qualified contractor. Run times shall be documented twice weekly in
Cartegraph.
OPERATING STANDARDS FOR INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS:
• Building interiors shall be inspected annually for major disrepair. Deficiencies or
needed repairs shall be documented in Cartegraph and scheduled for repair.
• Building safety inspections shall be completed monthly at least once annually to
ensure proper functioning of exit ways, fire suppression, fire alarms, emergency
lighting, first aid supplies, ventilation, etc. Observations shall be recorded in
Cartegraph.
• Contracted janitorial services shall include the following:be managed by the
Public Works Director or his/her designee. A listing of the expected daily,
weekly, monthly and quarterly tasks will be provided to the contractor and used
as a guide for ongoing evaluation of services.
o Tile floors and all carpeted areas shall be cleaned and/or vacuumed daily
o Restrooms and locker rooms shall be cleaned daily
Public Works Operating Standards 19
o Fingerprints and other marks shall be removed daily from all windows
and glass surfaces in public areas
o All trash and recyclables shall be picked up and deposited into
appropriate pickup containers daily
o Council chambers, conference rooms and lobby areas shall be dusted
weekly. Council chambers shall be vacuumed bi-weekly or as needed.
• Cracks or other structural damage to walls shall be assessed and scheduled for
repair as needed.
• All carpet receiving heavy traffic – such as hallways, council chambers, Police
Department, etc. – shall be cleaned every six (6) months, or more often as
needed. All other carpeted areas shall be cleaned shampooed at least once
annually.
• Non-working lights shall be replaced or ordered within five (5) working days of
notice or request.
• Flooring (laminate, tile, wood, carpet, etc.) shall be evaluated annually and
budgeted for replacement at least 2 years in advance.
• Tile floors and grout shall be deep cleaned every two (2) yearsannually.
• Building interiors shall be painted based on the following schedule:
✓ 24-hour office areas painted every 5-7 years
✓ Normal office areas painted every 10-15 years
• Carpet shall be replaced based on the following schedule:
✓ 24-hour office areas – replace carpet every 10-15 years
✓ Normal office areas – replace carpet every 15-20 years
✓ Park shelters – replace every 15-20 years
Public Works Operating Standards 20
WINTER OPERATIONS
Plowing, Ice Control, Downtown Snow Removal
OBJECTIVES
• To reduce the hazards of icy conditions for motorists and pedestrians
• To facilitate the handling of emergencies by fire and police officials
• To maintain clear pavement conditions on all priority routes, intersections,
curves and hills
• To reduce economic losses to the community and local industry caused by
workers and customers unable to get to their intended locations
• To maintain safe, passable school bus and winter recreation routes
• To minimize the amount of damage to streets and property caused by city
equipment
OPERATING STANDARDS:
City-maintained streets, sidewalks, trails, rinks and parking lots shall be mai ntained in
accordance with the Winter Maintenance policy included in Appendix B.
Public Works Operating Standards 21
PARKS AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
OBJECTIVES
• To protect and enhance the city’s recreational areas, open spaces, trees, prairies,
wetlands, and other natural resources
• To provide a safe, clean and attractive environment for all to enjoy
• To remain environmentally conscious in the selection and application of
fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals used in the parks
• To protect our investment and increase the lifespan of our parks and recreation
assets
OPERATING STANDARDS
Park maintenance includes full management of the following components:
• Baseball/Softball Fields
• Soccer/Football Fields
• Playground Structures
• Docks/Piers
• Beaches
• Tennis/Pickleball Courts
• Basketball Courts
• Volleyball Courts
• Ice Rinks
• Skate Park
• Furnishings
• Shelters/Pavilions
• Lighting Systems
• Parking Areas
• Trees/Landscaping
• Turf Management
• Irrigation Systems
• Nature Trails, Natural Areas and Boardwalks
• Community Rental Gardens
• Flowers (downtown, parks, welcome signs, public gardens, etc.)
• Waste/Debris Management
Public Works Operating Standards 22
Operating Standards for all Parks and Public Areas
Operating standards for each park or public area have been established through careful
consideration of several factors, including public visibility, safety, overall functionality,
and frequency and type of use. TABLE 1 indicates the amenities that are available at each
location, along with a number indicating the assigned maintenance level. Maintenance
levels are defined on pages 23-29.
Each park and public area will undergo an annual, pre-season general inspection in
Marchearly spring. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any major areas of
disrepair to fencing, benches, parking lots, playing fields, irrigation systems,
sidewalks/trails, turf, shelters, play equipment, or any other amenity located within
each area. Those repairs deemed necessary and immediate by the Parks Foreman
Public Works Director shall be assigned a priority above that of regularly scheduled
maintenance.
All inspection observations, actions and repairs shall be documented in Cartegraph.
Public Works Operating Standards 23
TABLE 1 - Maintenance Level Assignments
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Boudins 2 1 1 1 2 2
Butternut Cir 3
Cardinal Ridge 1 1 2 1 2
Carriage Hills 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2
Crystal Lake 1 2 1 1 3
Deerfield 1 1 2 1 2
Eagle Brook 1 1 2 2
Enclave 2 1 1 1 2 1 2
Fairway Heights 1 1 2
Fish Point 1 1 1 2 1 2
Glynwater 1 1 2 1 2
Grainwood 1 1 3
Green Oaks 2 1 1 1 2 2
Haas Lake 1 1 3
Heritage 3
Horkey 2 1 1 3
Howard Lake 2 1 1 2
Indian Ridge 1 1 1 2
Island View 1 1 1 2
Jeffers Pond 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2
Jeffers South 1 3
Knob Hill 1 1 1 2 1 2
Lakefront ⬧ 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Meadow View 1 1 1 2
Memorial ⬧ 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1
North Shore Oaks 1 1 1 3
Northwood 1 1 2 2
Northwood Mdws 2 1 1 1 2 1 2
Oakland Beach 1 1 1 2 2
Pike Lake 2 1 3
Ponds ⬧ 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1
Raspberry Ridge 2 1 1 1 1 2 2
Raspberry Woods 1 1 3
Raymond 1 2 1 3
Rice Lake 1 1 2
Rotary Gateway 2 1 2
Ryan ⬧ 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1
Sand Point 2 1 1 1 2 2
Sand Point Beach 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2
South Shore 1 1 2 2
Public Works Operating Standards 24
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Spring Lake Pickleball 1 2
Stonebriar 1 1 2
Summit Ridge 1 2
Sunset Hills 2 1 1 1 2
Timber Crest 2 1 1 2 2
Trillium 1 2
Watzl’s 1 1 2
Westbury 1 1 3
Wilderness 1 1 2 1 2
Wilds 2 1 1 1 1 2 2
Wilds North 2 1 1 1 2 2
Willows 2 1 1 1 2 2
Woodridge 2 1 1 2 2
Woods 1 1 2 2
Woodview 1 3
Public Buildings
City Hall ⬧ 1 1 2
Police Dept ⬧ 1 1 2
Public Works MC ⬧ 1 1 2
Fire Station 1 ⬧ 1 1 2
Fire Station 2 ⬧ 1 1 2
WTF ⬧ 1 1 2
Wells/Towers/LS 2
Operating Standards for Trees and Landscaping
All public area trees and landscaping will be maintained at the same level according to
the following guidelines:
• Trees and shrubs shall be pruned upon request, or as needed when resources
allow
• Trees and shrubs shall be fertilized when necessary during the first year after
planting
• Additional mulch shall be added around trees and shrubs as needed when
resources allow
• Diseased trees shall be managed in accordance with the Tree Maintenance
section on Page 11 of this document
Public Works Operating Standards 25
Operating Standards for Maintenance of City-Owned Natural Spaces
LEVEL 1 (Managed Restoration Areas)
The following maintenance shall be performed by an outside contractor:
• Controlled burns or other removal methods will be scheduled as necessary to
reduce the impact of undesirable woody growth
• Inspections shall occur periodically to identify, treat and reduce the presence of
noxious weeds and undesirable woody material
• Sites shall be inspected upon request by city staff toMaintenance will be
scheduled as needed when resources allow to reduce the presence of
thistlenoxious weeds, hazardous woody material, or trees posing a safety issue
•
• Other maintenance as recommended by the a contractor and approved by city
staff
LEVEL 2 (Natural Prairie Areas)
The following maintenance shall be performed by an outside contractor:
• Inspections shall occur periodically to identify, treat and reduce the presence of
noxious weeds and undesirable woody material
• Other maintenance as recommended by the contractor and approved by city
staff
• LEVEL 3 (Natural Wooded Areas)
• Sites shall be inspected upon request by city staff to reduce the presence of
thistle, hazardous woody material, or trees posing a safety issue
Operating Standards for Community Rental Gardens
• Turn water on/off in the spring and fall
• Empty waste containers as needed
• Haul compost to each site as needed
• Haul away plant debris in fall
• General miscellaneous maintenance on unused sites, as needed
Operating Standards for Flowers and Public Gardens
• Plan, design, purchase materials and prepare garden beds in the spring
Public Works Operating Standards 26
• Set downtown planters out in the spring and remove by November 1late fall
• Water all flowers daily or as needed, depending on location and conditions
• Weed maintenance as time permits
• Remove annuals, cut back perennials, and prep beds for winter in the fall
Operating Standards for Boardwalks
• Inspected monthly from March through November. Inspection observations
and any resulting maintenance needs shall be documented in Cartegraph.
• Repairs to deficient/damaged structures shall be made as soon as possible,
depending on the availability of parts and materials. Safety hazards shall be
addressed immediately upon notice.
• Vegetation obstructing the safe passage of pedestrians shall be cut back or
removed as soon as possible.
Operating Standards for Docks/Piers
• Structures shall be installed and removed at the beginning and end of each
season, generally between May 15 and October 15, weather permitting.
• Repairs to deficient/damaged structures shall be made as soon as possible,
depending on the availability of parts, and materials, and contracted labor.
Safety hazards shall be addressed immediately upon notice.
Operating Standards for Beaches (open Memorial Day thru Labor Day)
• Ropes and buoysSwim buoys installed prior to Memorial Day weekend and
removed after Labor Day weekend
• Beaches dragged weekly
• Weeds on beach removed weekly if needed
• Trash containers emptied as needed
• Beaches shall be tested for E. coli in accordance with the Beach E. Coli Testing
Policy included in Appendix I
Public Works Operating Standards 27
Operating Standards for Playground Structures
• Inspected monthly from March through November. Inspection observations
and any resulting maintenance needs shall be documented in Cartegraph.
• Repairs to deficient/damaged equipment shall be made as soon as possible,
depending on the availability of replacement parts. Safety hazards shall be
addressed immediately upon notice. Some playground equipment may not
always be replaced.
• Play surfaces (mulch, sand, pea gravel) shall be maintained as needed from April
through October, with appropriate surface material added as needed.
Operating Standards for Volleyball Courts
• Set up net in spring, remove in fall
• Play area shall be inspected annually for hazards or deficiencies
Operating Standards for Football and Soccer Fields
LEVEL 1
• Striping completed weekly (full lines and circles)
• Overseeding as needed
• Turf Management according to LEVEL 1 requirements (page 29)
LEVEL 2
• Striping done weekly
• Turf Management according to LEVEL 2 requirements (page 29)
• Line striping done weekly
• Overseeding as needed
• Turf Management according to LEVEL 1 requirements (page 29)
Operating Standards for Baseball/Softball Fields
LEVEL 1
• Aglime added as needed throughout the season
• Aglime weed control as needed
• Foul lines painted weekly
Public Works Operating Standards 28
• Dragged daily during athletic season (weekly during off-season)as needed
• Outfield Turf Management according to Level 1 requirements (page 29)
LEVEL 2
• Aglime added as needed
• Aglime weed control as needed
• Dragged weekly during athletic seasonas needed
• Outfield Turf Management according to Level 2 requirements (page 29)
Operating Standards for Soccer Fields
LEVEL 1
• Striping completed weekly (full lines and circles)
• Overseeding as needed
• Turf Management according to LEVEL 1 requirements (page 29)
LEVEL 2
• Striping done weekly
• Turf Management according to LEVEL 2 requirements (page 29)
Operating Standards for Skate Park
• Hardware adjustments, gate maintenance, and debris removal performed upon
request when time permits
• Surfaces inspected for cracks annually in the spring, and sealed as necessary
• Surface overlay every 12-15 years
• No snow removal for the skate park
Operating Standards for Hard Courts (Tennis, Basketball, Pickleball)
LEVEL 1
• Net adjustments, wind screen adjustments, hardware adjustments, gate
maintenance, and debris removal performed upon request when time permits
• Surfaces inspected for cracks annually in the spring, and sealed as necessary
• Color coat and repaint lines, typically every 6-8 years
Public Works Operating Standards 29
• Surface overlay, typically every 12-15 years
• No snow removal for hard courts
LEVEL 2
• Same as LEVEL 1 with no color coating or line striping
Operating Standards for Shelters/Pavilions
LEVEL 1 (enclosed buildings)
• General operational inspection shall be performed monthly (this includes fire
extinguishers, light bulbs, HVAC, etc.)
• Furnace filters shall be replaced as needed
• Carpet/flooring cleaned twice annually
• Exterior shall be painted/stained every 6-8 yearsas needed
• Roof shall be inspected every 4-6 years
LEVEL 2 (open buildings with roof only)
• Swept as needed, or when requested for an event
• General operational inspection shall be performed twice annually (spring, fall)
• Exterior shall be painted/stained every 6-8 yearsas needed
• Roof shall be inspected every 4-6 years
Operating Standards for Lighting Systems
• Inspected annually for operation and aiming
o ball field lighting inspected in early spring
o ice rink lighting inspected in late fall
• Bulbs will be replaced by a contractor when it is economical and efficient to do
so, generally when there are several bulbs to replace at once
• Bulb aiming and lens cleaning shall by performed by a contractor, when needed
Operating Standards for Furnishings
• Picnic tables, park benches, grills, and park signs inspected annually and
repaired upon request (if possible), or budgeted for future replacement
Public Works Operating Standards 30
Operating Standards for Parking Areas
LEVEL 1 (asphalt lots)
• Lots shall be swept annually in the spring
• Crack-sealed and fog sealed every 5-7 years after surface replacement
• Mill/overlay shall be scheduled based on engineer’s inspection and
recommendation (generally every 20-25 years)
• Snow removal in accordance with the Winter Maintenance Policy included in
Appendix B
LEVEL 2 (gravel lots)
• Gravel topdressing applied and graded as needed
• No snow removal on gravel parking lots
Operating Standards for Ice Rinks
LEVEL 1 (Lakefront hockey)
• Set up and remove warming house trailer
• Snow removal after streets are cleared
• Flooding 5 days/week once ice is established
• Edging and shaving as needed to maintain a smooth, uniform, high quality
surface (this service is generally provided by the hockey association instead of
city staff)
• Board and hockey goal maintenance when time permits
• Buildings cleaned daily by attendants
• Building inspected weekly by park staff for cleanliness and general operation
LEVEL 2 (Pleasure rinks)
• Ice establishment as conditions allow
• Snow removal after LEVEL 1 rinks
• Flooding as resources allow
Public Works Operating Standards 31
Operating Standards for Turf Management
LEVEL 1 (Irrigated athletic areas)
• Irrigated every 2-3 days
• Mowed 2-3 times per week
• Weed whipping shall occur 2-3 times per month
• Aglime treated annually with pre-emergent herbicide
• Fertilized twice annually (sand-based fields fertilized 4-5 times annually)
• Herbicide application annually
• Debris removed with each mowing
• Aerated annually
• Overseeded as needed
• Topdressed every 5 years with 50/50 sand/compost mixture
LEVEL 2 (Non-irrigated “active” park areas)
• Mowed once per week
• Weed whipping 2-3 times per season1-2 times monthly
• Fertilized twice annually
• Herbicide application annually
• Debris removed with each mowing
• Aerated every 2-3 years
• Overseeded as needed
LEVEL 3 (Other non-irrigated public areas and buildings)
• Mowed when necessary
• Weed whipping 2-3 times per season
• Debris removed with each mowing
• Fertilizer and Herbicide applied annually
• Aerated every 5 years
Public Works Operating Standards 32
Operating Standards for Irrigation Systems
• Spring start-up maintenance shall include hooking up meters, opening valves,
turning on water, inspecting all lines for leaks, checking heads for proper
positioning, checking rain sensors, and programming the software to maximize
watering efficiency and effectiveness
• Summer maintenance shall include periodic inspections for leaks, checking heads
for proper positioning, reviewing watering schedules, checking rain sensors, and
making repairs as needed
• Repair sprinkler heads and water lines damaged by city contractors
• Fall shut-down maintenance shall include shutting off the water, blowing out the
lines, removing meters, and closing valves
Public Works Operating Standards
EXHIBIT A
Equipment Evaluation Matrix
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX A
Bidding Policy
\\plfile01\maint\POLICIES\OPERATING STANDARDS\Bidding Policy\2024 BIDDING POLICY.docx
BIDDING POLICY
Adopted January 4, 2021Last updated October 2024
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
This policy sets forth the general requirements for bidding and advertising for competitively bid
projects that are estimated to exceed $175,000. It defines and clarifies the city’s bidding process
that is established by state law, including processes specific to electronic bidding. Contracts that
involve public improvements under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 429 may have additional
requirements. The city City of Prior Lake follows Minnesota law regarding municipal contracts,
including procedures for competitive bidding and all public contract requirements.
PROCEDURE
1. Approval. Projects or procurements must be either in the approved budget or require city
council authorization prior to bidding. All competitively bid contracts require city council
action awarding a contract.
2. Plans and Specifications. Prior to seeking bids, the city must prepare plans and specifications
that meet all laws and requirements. A standard contract template shall also be used and
will be modified as necessary for any given project. The plans and specifications shall include
the city's contract requirements based upon the estimated contract amount. Bid bonds,
responsible bidder, insurance, performance and payment bonds, and withholding affidavits
are required for all competitively bid contracts. Other submissions may also be necessary.
3. Advertisement for Bid. Specific language is required for the advertisement for bids. The city's
standard advertisement for bids should be used to ensure all required language is included.
When using electronic bidding, the notice will clearly state that paper bids will not be
accepted and it will further specify the form and manner required for all electronic
submissions. Projects estimated to exceed $175,000 require publication in the city's official
newspaper at least ten days prior to the last day for submission of the bids (publication in
an industry trade journal is optional). An affidavit of publication is required from each entity
that published an advertisement. Minnesota Statutes, section 331A.03 authorizes the city to
replace publication in the city’s official newspaper with dissemination on the city’s website,
provided that the city follows the procedural requirements contained in said statute.
4. Bid Requirements. Required documents from the bidders may include but are not limited to
a bid bond, bid form containing responsible contractor language, human rights certification,
and affidavit of non-collusion. All paper bids must be sealed and identified on the outside
wrapper. When using electronic bidding, staff shall ensure that the bidding website has the
functionality to facilitate submission of all required information and documents to comply
with all state bidding laws.
\\plfile01\maint\POLICIES\OPERATING STANDARDS\Bidding Policy\2024 BIDDING POLICY.docx
5. Bid Opening. The bid opening will take place in a conference room, council chambers, or
other public place where any person present may observe, or online via Zoom, Microsoft
Teams, or any other virtual meeting platform designated by the city. Two city staff or agents
will be present when the bid time expires. All bids shall be opened or, in the case of electronic
bids, viewed online, acknowledged and read aloud. Bid results will become available after
this process is complete, provided that only the name of the bidder and the bid amount is
made public until after the city council awards a contract. For electronic bids, all bid
submittals and documents for the winning contractor, including the bid tabulation and
abstract, shall be scanned and retained.
6. After Bid Opening. Bids should be evaluated to determine the responsibility of the bidder. If
a contract is awarded, it must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The City has the
right to reject all bids. If city staff determines the lowest bidder is not the lowest responsible
bidder, the city attorney shall be contacted for consultation and justification prior to
recommendation and action by the city council. Once a contract is awarded, a signed
contract, certificate of insurance, performance bond, payment bond, and any other items
required by the city shall be provided before a notice to proceed is issued.
7. Record Retention. All bid submissions and documents, including those submitted
electronically, shall be retained in accordance with the city’s record retention schedule.
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX B
Winter Maintenance Policy
V. WINTER MAINTENANCE POLICY
Adopted October 2002
Last Revised November 2020October 2024
Revised October 2021
This policy supersedes all previously written or unwritten policies of the City of Prior Lake regarding
snow and ice removal. Public WorksCity staff will periodically review this policy and will revise it as
needed.
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to define and outline snow and ice control objectives and procedures as
established by the City of Prior Lake.
The City of Prior Lake believes it is in the best interest of the residents for the City city to assume basic
responsibility for snow and ice control on City city streets. Effective ice and snow control is necessary
for routine travel and emergency services. The City will attempt to provide such control in a safe and
cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns. The
City will use City city employees, Citycity-owned or rented equipment, and/or private contractors to
provide the following level of service:perform all snow and ice control activities.
STREETS
Snow accumulation amount 1-2 inches 3-6 inches 6+ inches
Avg completion time* 8 hours 11-13 hours 13+ hours
* Avg completion time is the time necessary to remove snow from all City streets at least one time
PARKS, TRAILS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING LOTS
Snow accumulation amount 1-3 inches 4-12 inches 12+ inches
Avg completion time 10 hours 1-2 days 2-4 days
It should be noted that every winter storm has different temperatures and intensities that can affect
the amount of time crews spend with snow and ice control.
WHEN WILL CITY START SNOW OR ICE CONTROL OPERATIONS?
The Maintenance SuperintendentPublic Works Director or his/her designee will decide when to begin
anti-icingpre-treating, salting, or snow removal, or ice control operations. The Some of the criteria for
that decision are:
1. Air and pavement temperatures
2. Drifting or accumulation of snow that causes problems for travel
3. Icy conditions which seriously affect travel
4. Time Timing of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of streets higher volumes of traffic
5. Anti-icing operations may occur 48 hours in advance of an approaching storm or anticipated
frost, or prior to weekends in which forecasts call for some form of precipitationA forecasted
storm or ice event (for pre-treating operations)
Snow and ice control operations are expensive and involve the use of limited skilled personnel and
specialized equipment. To remain cost-effective, the Public Works Department city staff will utilize a
variety of ice control products and continually monitor the effectiveness, environmental impact and
costs of each productthe products applied. The Maintenance SuperintendentPublic Works Director or
his/her designee will determine the appropriate combination of chemicals to effectively control ice in
the given weather conditions. Effects on the environment are of the highesta high priority in the
selection of ice control products.
To ensure completion of priority areas, snow removal may be conducted on a 24-hour basis, which
Effective and efficient snow and ice control may often requires result in snow removal equipment to
be being operated in residential areas during the evening, night, and early morning hours.
ANTI-ICINGPRE-TREATING
This is a common practice of being proactive to an impendinga forecasted snowfall or frost event. This
practice prevents helps prevent the snow or frost from bonding or compacting to the pavement
surface at a much lower cost than applying dry salt products. The product most often used is salt
brine., which is chloride diluted to a 23% solution with water (one gallon of brine contains 2 pounds of
salt).
HOW SNOW WILL BE PLOWED
Snow will be plowed in a manner that minimizes any traffic obstructions. Generally, the center of the
roadway will be plowed first. The snow shall then be pushed from left to right. The discharge shall go
onto the boulevard area of the street. In times of extreme snowfall, the process of clearing the streets
of snow may be delayed, and it may not be reasonably possible to completely clear the streets of all
snow.
Generally, operations shall continue until all roads are passable. Widening and clean-up operations
may continue immediately, or on the following working day depending upon conditions and
circumstances. Due to safety concerns for the plow operators and the public, operations may be
suspended after 10-12 hours to allow personnel adequate time for rest.
Cul-de-sacs will be plowed with one pass along the curb to provide an outlet for the driveways, with
snow being piled in the middle of the cul-de-sac where possible. Crews will clean up the cul-de-sac
later that day or the following workday as time permits. Snow removal will only occur when no
storage space is available in the cul-de-sac area.
DOWNTOWN SNOW REMOVAL
The downtown area will be plowed from right-of-way to right-of-way (generally storefront to
storefront) with the snow pushed into piles where feasible. Crews will remove the snow piles during
non-business hours on the day of the event if possible. Snow removal operations may be delayed
depending on weather conditions, time of day, personnel, and equipment availability.
SNOW REMOVAL
The Maintenance SuperintendentPublic Works Director or his/her designee will determine when snow
will be removed by truck from an area. Such snow removal will occur in areas where there is no room
on the boulevard for snow storage, and in areas where piles of snow have been created by City
crewsthe normal plowing operations. Snow removal operations will not commence until other
snowplowing operations have been completed. Snow removal operations may also be delayed
depending on weather conditions, personnel, and equipment availability. The snow will be removed
and hauled to a snow storage area.
PRIORITIES AND SCHEDULE FOR SNOW REMOVAL
The City has categorized City streets, facilities, trails, sidewalks, and recreational facilities are
categorized based on the function, use volume, and importance to the welfare of the community.
Streets
Priority Plow Routes: These are high volume streets that connect major sections of the City and
provide access for emergency fire, police, and medical services.
Daytime Snow Emergency Routes: These are high volume streets that are critical to general traffic
flow and access for the City.
School and Commercial Routes: These are high to medium volume streets that provide access to key
areas in the City.
Medium Volume Residential Streets: These are medium volume streets that provide access to
multiple properties.
Low Volume Residential Streets: These are low volume streets providing access to a limited number of
properties. These routes include cul-de-sacs and alleys.
Non-Street Facilities
Non-street facilities are categorized according to the following three priorities:
High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority
Safety High-use recreation Community trails
Emergency Hockey rinks Pleasure rinks
School access
Public building access
Timetables for snow removal are based upon the priority of the trail, sidewalk, parking lot, skating
rink, or access as set forth below.
Priority 1 - The streets classified as "Priority Plow Routes" will be plowed first. These are high
volume streets which connect major sections of the City city and provide access for emergency fire,
police, schools and medical services. Non-street facilities classified as "High Priority” include the
Fire Halls, downtown area, and pedestrian routes for schools and public safety. Please visit
www.PriorLakeMN.gov/snow to view the Priority Plow Routes map.
Priority 2 - Streets providing access to schools and commercial businesses
Priority 3 2 - Low volume residential streets and alleys
Priority 4 3 - Medium priority non-street facilities (hockey rinks, high-use recreation)
Priority 5 4 - Low priority non-street facilities (pleasure rinks, community trails)
PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Refer to City Code 901.207 Winter Parking Restrictions for full details.
WORK SCHEDULE FOR SNOW AND ICE CONTROL EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Equipment operators will be expected to work 8-10 hour shifts on a regular basis. In severe snow
emergencies, operators sometimes work more than 10 consecutive hours. After a 12-hour shift, the
operators will be replaced if additional qualified personnel are available.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Snow and ice control operations will normally be conducted only when weather conditions do not
endanger the safety of City city employees and equipment. Factors that may delay snow and ice
control operations include severe cold, significant winds and/or limited visibility.
USE OF SALT AND OTHER CHEMICALS
The CityCity staff will use salt and other chemicals when there is hazardous ice or slippery conditions.
The City staff are is concerned about the cost and the effect of such chemicals on the environment
and may limit its use for that reason.
SIDEWALKS/TRAILS/PARKING LOTS
The City staff plow plows certain sidewalks and trails as illustrated on the Sidewalk and Trail Plowing
map which can be viewed at www.PriorLakeMN.gov/snow. The following standards are adopted for
providing winter maintenance to designated trails, sidewalks, parking lots, and winter lake access:
1. Sidewalks and trails that border private property shall not normallywill not be cleared of snow
by the Citycity staff unless designated within this Policy and shown on the Sidewalk and Trail
Plowing map. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to keep sidewalks clear of snow
or ice in accordance with City Code 701.100. If notice has been sent to owner/occupant and
snow has not been removed, the City may choose to remove the snow and ice and charge the
cost of removal to the property owner in accordance with the current Fee Schedule.
2. Trails and sidewalks shall be cleared as thoroughly as possible but need may not always be
cleared of all ice and snow, nor maintained to bare pavement.
3. As time permits, City city facilities and downtown sidewalks will be treated by City city staff with
salt or other chemical to reduce the presence of ice. Other sidewalks and trails throughout the
City city will not be salted or treated with chemicals.
SKATING RINKS
The following standards are adopted for providing winter maintenance to hockey and pleasure
skating rinks:
1. All rinks with warming houses will be swept and flooded Monday through Friday, as needed.
2. If rinks become rough or uneven due to weather conditions (i.e. warm weather, frost boils, or
freezing rain) rinks will be shaved as time allows during normal working hours.
32. In the event of snow:
a. No rink will be maintained until snow fall ceases.
b. Maintenance crews will generally maintain rinks during normal working hours. The
Maintenance Superintendent or Parks ForemanPublic Works Director or his/her
designee may decide to call in a crew on weekends or holidays to maintain rinks if snow
fall exceeds 2" and it provides efficiency to remove snow (i.e. freezing conditions).
c. Hockey rinks are considered a medium priority and therefore will not be maintained
until high priority winter operations are completed.
d. Pleasure rinks with warming houses are considered a low priority and therefore will not
be maintained until high and medium winter operations are completed.
4. If the condition of the ice becomes a safety concern, rinks may be closed at the discretion of
the Maintenance SuperintendentPublic Works Director or his/her designee.
5. For safety reasons, the City has a weather policy which determines rink closing. The warming
house and rinks will be closed if the actual air temperature is -5 degrees Fahrenheit or colder,
or the wind chill is -25 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. The weather cancellation hotline is
952-447-9825.
RIGHT-OF-WAY USE
The intent of the right-of-way is to provide room for snow storage, public and private utilities,
sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signs and other City city uses. However, certain private improvements
such as mailboxes are permitted within this area. Other private improvements (such as irrigation
system components, fences, landscaping, or other fixtures) are not permitted.
MAILBOXES
Mailboxes must be installed in such a manner as to provide access by Post Office personnel or other
parcel carriers, and to allow for Public Workscity equipment to maintain the streets. Newspaper boxes
installed under mailboxes in most cases do not provide enough room for snow equipment to pass
under and can cause an indirect hit to the mailbox. A drawing showing the proper details for mailbox
placement is attached as Exhibit A. Mailboxes and posts should be constructed securely enough to
withstand the force of snow rolling off a plow or wing. Any posts that are rotten or too weak to
withstand winter weather will not be repaired by the City.city staff.
Each incident of mailbox damage will be reviewed by Public Workscity staff to determine whether the
mailbox damage was from plow impact or snow load. Staff will then contact the resident with their
findings. If it is determined that the plow hit the mailbox, the Citycity staff will make temporary
repairs, if necessary, to ensure the resident can continue to receive mail until conditions allow for
replacement in the spring. The City will provide $75$150 to the property owner to make their own
repairs according to the City specifications detailed in Exhibit A. A secondary option is to have the
Citycity staff repair the post and/or mailbox with a standard size, non-decorative type.
Damage resulting from the force of the snow is the responsibility of the property owner/resident.
Removing snow from the mailbox and maintaining access to the mailbox is the responsibility of the
property owner.
A property owner assumes all risk and responsibilities for replacement of mailboxes and supports that
are constructed of materials such as, but not limited to, brick and mortar, stone aggregate,
ornamental railings, or antique type support.
Snowplow operators make every effort to remove snow as close to the curb line as practical
practicable to provide access to mailboxes for the postal departmentUSPS. It is not possible to provide
perfect conditions and minimize damage to mailboxes with the size of equipment the City operates.
The final cleaning adjacent to mailboxes is the responsibility of each property owner/resident.
TURF REPAIR
All instances of turf damaged by City city plows shall be reported by the property owner to the Public
Works Department by May 15 for review. The damage will be reviewed by Public Workscity staff in
the spring when the extent of the damage can be verified. Frequently, the damage looks more severe
immediately after the occurrence than it does when the snow has melted in the spring. If the turf
needs repair as determined by Public Workscity staff, Public Workscity staff shall seed the damaged
area. The City will determine the appropriate turf repair material based on site conditions, materials,
and available City resources. It is the property owner’s responsibility to water and maintain the
restored area. The City covers the cost of one (1) restoration service per property, per yeardamage
event.
To reduce the likelihood of turf being damaged by City plow equipment, the City markers will be
provided markers free of charge to residents to mark the edge of the road. Markers can be picked up
at the Public Works Maintenance Center (17073 Adelman St SE) beginning October 1, while supplies
last.
IRRIGATION, LIGHTING, TREES, FENCES, ETC.
The City will assume no responsibility for damage to underground irrigation systems, private lighting
systems, trees, shrubs, specialty grasses, rocks, fences, underground dog containment wires, retaining
walls, basketball hoops or other landscaping installed in public rights-of-way or easements.
Garbage cans and recycle bins must be placed in the driveway of the residence. Placement of garbage
cans and recycle bins in the roadway is prohibited.
DRIVEWAY OR PRIVATE STREET ACCESS
Per Minnesota Statute 160.2715 Right-of-Way Use Restrictions, it is unlawful to obstruct or deposit
snow or ice on a public roadway.
Exhibit A
Mailbox Installation Guidelines
City of Prior Lake
Mailbox Installation Guidelines
Helpful hints to protect your mailbox from the snowplow
The Prior Lake Public Works Department reminds residents to check their mailboxes
to ensure that they meet the following criteria:
Front of mailbox should be flush with the back of the curb and 42" to
44" from the top of the curb to the top of the mailbox.
Newspaper boxes and other containers should be set back a minimum
of 6 inches from the back of the curb.
The post should be set back a minimum of 12 inches from the back of
the curb.
Mailbox is at
the correct
height.
Snowplow
blade clears
the mailbox.
Mailbox is
too low.
Snowplow
blade hits the
mailbox.
City of Prior Lake Public Works Department
17073 Adelmann Street SE, Prior Lake, MN 55337
952-447-9896
Bottom of mail box should be 42-45 inches to the top of the street.
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12345 Lake View
Newspaper
6 inches
Front of mailbox should be fl ush with the back of the curb.
Newspaper boxes and other containers should be set back a minimum
of 6 inches from the back of the curb.
42
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5
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Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX C
Right-of-Way and Boulevard Maintenance Policy
RIGHT-OF-WAY AND BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE POLICY
Adopted July 2021Last updated October 2024
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to define roles and responsibilities for right-of-way and boulevard
maintenance within the Citycity. The City city will save valuable time and resources by involving
property owners and homeowners’ associations with responsibility for maintenance of these
areas. Establishing this Policy will also prevent confusion over maintenance responsibilities and
expectations in future developed areas.
The following definitions are utilized in the Policy:
right-of-way – a street, alley or easement permanently established for the passage of
persons and vehicles and the installation of public utilities, including the traveled
surface of lands adjacent that are formally dedicated to such usage
boulevard – area of land between the street and the sidewalk or bike trail (properties
without a sidewalk or bike trail do not have a boulevard as defined here, but do
contain public right-of-way)
collector street – a locally significant street that provides connectivity between
arterial streets or other important activity centers such as commercial areas, schools,
parks or neighborhoods
local street – a low-volume street (neither arterial nor collector) that connects City
blocks and individual land parcels, with its main function being access rather than
mobility
businesses – all properties included in the Commercial or Industrial zoning
classification
homeowners’ associations – single or multi-family housing developments governed
by an association
Right-of-way and boulevard maintenance includes the following components:
1. Boulevards and rights-of-way area shall be mowed when grass/vegetation exceeds twelve
(12) inches.
2. Boulevards and rights-of-way area shall remain cleared of debris and noxious weeds.
3. Proper drainage shall be maintained on sidewalks and trails to avoid areas of water
ponding to the maximum extent practicable. Turf that is preventing proper drainage along
a trail or sidewalk must be re-graded to ensure proper drainage.
4. Boulevard and right-of-way trees and brush shall remain pruned so that no part is within
fifteen (15) feet of the ground, no part is within five (5) of the edge of a trail, and no part is
restricting the view or safe passage of any pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or obstructing the
view of street signs, streetlights, or intersection sight-distance.
POLICY
Under most circumstances, the maintenance designations enumerated below shall apply.
Certain exceptions exist for the sake of efficiency and continuity. The Boulevard Mowing Map
on the City city website designates the boulevard and right-of-way areas that will be mowed by
the Citycity. The map supersedes the designations below in the case of any exception.
Residential property that is not part of an association:, abutting a local street
• Property owners shall be responsible for components 1, 2 and 3 (refer to Boulevard
Mowing Map for exceptions).
• The City city shall be responsible for component number 4.
• Removal of a damaged or dead tree located in a boulevard or right-of-way shall be
performed by the Citycity, at the City’s city’s discretion.
Residential property that is not part of an association, abutting a collector street
• Property owners shall be responsible for components 1, 2 and 3 for front boulevards and
rights-of-way area.
• The City shall be responsible for components 1, 2 and 3 for side and rear boulevards and
rights-of-way area.
• The City shall be responsible for component number 4.
• Removal and replacement of a damaged or dead tree located in a boulevard or right-of-
way shall be performed by the City, at the City’s discretion.
Other Properties
• Businesses, churches, schools and homeowners’ associations are responsible for
components 1 - 4.
• Removal and replacement of a damaged or dead tree located in a boulevard or right-of-
way is the sole responsibility of the business, church, school or homeowners’ association.
Replacement trees must be planted at least 20-feet behind the back of the curb.
IRRIGATION FACILITIES
• Irrigation systems constructed in the right-of-way will be held subject to the terms and
conditions of the City of Prior Lake City Code Section 707:relating to Right-of-Way
Management. right-of-way management.
• Private irrigation systems may be built in the right-of-way in conjunction with a public
improvement project. Once the public improvement project has received the base course
of bituminous, no street crossings, borings or open trench excavations will be allowed.
• Location, maintenance and repair of all private irrigation facilities is the sole responsibility
of the property owner or homeowners’ association.
• Private irrigation systems within right-of-way and public roadway crossings shall be
registered with Gopher State One Call.
• The City city will have no responsibility for maintenance, operation or replacement of
private irrigation systems.
OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• The City city will remove any portion of a tree located on private property that falls into
the public right-of-way due to a storm or other such natural occurrence, up to the point at
which it is no longer blocking pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Removal of the remaining
portion and its subsequent replacement is the sole responsibility of the property owner.
Replacement trees must be planted at least 20-feet behind the back of the curb.
• The City city prohibits property owners from planting new trees in the boulevard or public
right-of-way. Developers and builders that are required to plant front yard trees shall
ensure the trees are planted at least twenty (20) feet behind the back of the curb. If
special consent is granted by City city officials to plant a tree in the public right-of-way, the
property owner or homeowners’ association shall be solely responsible for the
maintenance of such trees.
• All boulevards and rights-of-way area established through future development shall be
maintained as defined in this Policy.
PROCEDURES
The Public Works and Community Development Departments will work together throughout
the development approval process to ensure that developers are informed and educated about
their right-of-way and boulevard maintenance responsibilities.
When the City becomes aware of a situation where the Policy is not being followed, Staff staff
will inform the property owners about the Policy and provide enough information to encourage
future compliance.
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX D
Retaining Wall Policy
\\plfile01\maint\POLICIES\OPERATING STANDARDS\Retaining Wall Policy\2024 Retaining Wall Policy.docx
RETAINING WALL POLICY
Adopted July 2021Last revised October 2024
INTRODUCTION
Establishing a policy for maintenance, repair and replacement of Citycity-owned retaining walls is both
reasonable and desirable considering the monetary investment and potential risk involved with the
disrepair of these assets.
POLICY
A comprehensive inventory of retaining walls must be performed to establish the ownership, location,
size, and condition of all walls. This inventory will be maintained and updated in GIS/Cartegraph.
Privately-owned retaining walls are subject to the rules and regulations of all City Codescity codes
pertaining to the installation and maintenance of such structures.
City-owned retaining walls shall be inspected every three years on a rotating basis and documented in
Cartegraph. Walls shall be scheduled for immediate repair when there is obvious indication of a
weakness or failure that presents a safety issue. Walls shall be scheduled for future repair when the
following conditions exist but do not pose a safety issue:
• cracking or settlement exceeds 2 inches
• portions of the wall are missing or broken
• portions of the wall are significantly deteriorated
Within 24 hours of notification that a hazardous condition may exist, a qualified staff membercity
representative will inspect and assess the situation, scheduling repairs as indicated above.
The City city reserves the right to remove retaining walls on Citycity-owned property if proper
stabilization of the surrounding landscape can be achieved without the wall.
PROCEDURES
Precautions will be taken to ensure public safety prior to the repairs being carried out, which may
involve the placement of barricades, warning signs and/or temporary fills.
City staff representatives will periodically inspect the site, ensuring the safety measures remain in place
until the repairs are completed, and monitoring for other potential hazards.
When cost effective or necessary to do so, repairs may be completed on portions of retaining walls
which do not meet the requirements of this policy.
All public or private property that is disrupted during the repair process shall be restored to its original
condition with dirt and grass seed, as best as is practicable, when the project is complete. Private
property owners are responsible for watering new seed/sod once the project is complete.
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX E
Storm Damage Response Policy
\\plfile01\maint\POLICIES\OPERATING STANDARDS\Storm Damage Response Policy\2024 Storm Damage Response Policy.docx
STORM DAMAGE RESPONSE POLICY
Approved October 2016
Updated July 2021Last updated October 2024
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The City of Prior Lake occasionally experiences severe weather events that can include heavy rains,
strong winds, lightning, hail, and tornadoes. The purpose of this Policy is to define how the City city will
respond when such an event occurs and causes damage to public and private property in the
community.
POLICY
Damage can occur during severe weather events, including the disposition of litter, loss of small
branches, and large tree and structure damage. Any damage that occurs on public property that is
owned and maintained by the City city is the responsibility of the Citycity.
When a severe weather event occurs, City city staff will focus on the following priorities in this order:
1. Ensure water and sewer facilities are operating, utilizing temporary power when necessary
2. Ensure public streets are passable for emergency purposes
3. Ensure public buildings and associated infrastructure is accessible and operating
4. Clear debris from streets and active use areas in the parks
5. Address any other debris removal from public property
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY DAMAGE
Generally, any damage that occurs on private property is the responsibility of the private property
owner. However, there may be instances when City city officials determine that it is in the community’s
best interest to assist in clean-up efforts for a specified period of time after the storm event. This
determination will be made by on a case-by-case basis and will be based on the following factors:
1. Risk to public safety (if private clean-up efforts are leading to traffic congestion or other
obstructions in the right-of-way)
2. Extent of damage both in severity and in geographic spread (the damage is severe causing
widespread loss of trees or large limbs)
3. Availability of City city resources to assist
When the City city decides to assist in private property clean-up efforts, it will only include removal of
tree and brush material. The City city will not pick up any non-organic material such as siding, shingles,
carpet, and other household items. The City city will not enter private property to move materials.
Property owners must follow these steps to prepare the material for pick-up:
1. Cut all logs and brush into segments measuring 8 feet or shorter
2. Material must be stacked neatly with the stump side to the street
3. Material must be behind the curb (not in the street)
4. Material must be within 10 feet of the back of the curb (crews will not go further into private
property to access the material)
\\plfile01\maint\POLICIES\OPERATING STANDARDS\Storm Damage Response Policy\2024 Storm Damage Response Policy.docx
Failure to follow this protocol will result in pick-up cancellation. Residents should call Public Works at
952-447-9896 to schedule a pick-up. Scheduling of pick-ups will occur based on the volume of calls,
location of pick-up, and other workload constraints.
OTHER RESOURCES
Residents have the following options available for disposal of storm damage material:
1. The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility. is located at 1905 Mystic Lake Drive South in Shakopee.
Call 952-233-9191 or visit their website at www.smscorf.com for hours of operation and more
information about what is accepted.
2. Contact your garbage hauler to see if they will accept the yard waste.
3. Contact a tree removal vendor.
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
This policy will be implemented after severe weather events in the following manner:
1. Public Works staff will survey the damage and report the severity and locations of visible
damage to City city officials.
2. City officials will decide whether public assistance will be provided, based on the parameters
outlined above.
3. When a decision has been made to provide public assistance, information will be posted on the
City city website and applicable social media outlets. This communication will include
instructions on how to request public assistance.
4. All calls received by residents will be documented, whether City city assistance is provided or
not.
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX F
Frozen Water Service Policy
1
Frozen Water Service Policy
City of Prior Lake
VII. FROZEN WATER SERVICE POLICY
Adopted November 2016
Last Revised January 2018October 2024
Revised July 2021
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
Typically, water service connections are buried below the average frost table depth to ensure
they do not freeze. If the water service is above the average frost table, or we experience an
extended period of severe cold that drives the frost table deeper, some service lines become
susceptible to freezing. When this happens, the City city receives requests for assistance in
thawing service lines. The City has created this This policy was created to define how the city
will respond to these requests.
POLICY
The service line is the responsibility of the property owner from the meter (inside the home) all
the way out to the curb stop (typically located near the front property line). The curb stop and
the remaining pipe to the watermain are the responsibility of the Citycity. If the service line
freezes, it is sometimes difficult to determine where the issue has occurred and who is
responsible.
The City city has historically worked with property owners to address frozen service lines. This
policy was developed to standardize the practice of thawing service lines to the best of our
ability, while keeping in mind our limited resources and reducing our liability when entering
into private properties.
The following parameters are hereby established:
a. The water service lateral from the curb stop to the meter is the responsibility of the
property owner.
b. The City city will assist property owners by offering, at no charge, to thaw the service if it
can be accomplished without digging and if it is the first occurrence of the season for the
property. A fee will be charged for subsequent thawing services within a single season
(November-March). The current fee for this service will be actual cost based on the labor,
equipment and materials needed, as noted can be found onin the City’s city’s fee
schedule.
c. The City will attempt to thaw the service for up to four (4) hours. If unsuccessful, staff will
evaluate the availability of resources to continue or suspend the attempt.
d. The property owner must sign a Right of Entry and Release of Liability before any work is
completed.
2
Frozen Water Service Policy
City of Prior Lake
e. The City city will not assist with any frozen water pipes on the house side of the meter.
f. The City city has the right to refuse to enter a residence due to health and/or safety
concerns.
g. The City of Prior Lakecity does not guarantee a frozen water service can be thawed with
City city resources.
h. The City city reserves the right to deviate from this policy at any time if deemed to be in
the best interests of the City city and its residents based on safety, political and economic
considerations. Any deviation and the reason for the deviation shall be documented in
writing.
PROCEDURES
1. Property owners who believe their service line may be frozen should call Public Works at
952-447-9896 for assistance during normal working hours (M-F, 7 am - 3 pm). For
assistance outside normal working hours, property owners should call non-emergency
dispatch at 952-445-1411.
2. The property owner must request the service, sign the Right of Entry and Release of
Liability forms, and be present during the service call.
3. The City city will respond to calls during normal working hours in the order they are
received, as resources allow.
4. Calls received outside of normal working hours will be responded to by on-call
personnel who will assess the situation, determine the appropriate actions, and assist as
resources allow.
5. Property owners shall not be allowed to use electrical welding methods to thaw
services.
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX G
Flood Response Policy
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
1
FLOOD RESPONSE POLICY
Adopted June 26, 2017
Last Updated July 2021October 2024
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to define and outline the City’s response to high lake levels and lake
flooding on Spring Lake, Prior Lake, and Markley Lake. Lake levels have historically been one of the most
important issues for the community, impacting residents living around the lakes, many businesses, and
local transportation corridors. Spring Lake rises and falls quickly based on its large drainage area and
natural outlet channel. Prior Lake does not have a natural outlet and lake levels have fluctuated by 15
feet or more, from extreme low water levels in the 1930s and late 1980s to the flooding of the 1960s
and high-water records in 2014. Markley Lake is landlocked and has experienced periodic flooding
during periods of wet weather.
After significant study, public process, and agency coordination, the establishment of the Prior Lake
Outlet and Channel (PLOC) was selected as the first flood mitigation effort by the newly-formed Prior
Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District (PLSLWD). and theThis outlet system to the Minnesota River was
first used in 1983. The regulatory flood zone for Prior Lake did not originally account for the benefit of
the outlet structure and the 100-year flood elevation remained at 908.9 until it was revised to 906.9 in
2018. The Prior Lake outlet structure, owned and operated by the PLSLWD, constitutes the beginning of
the PLOC and includes a fixed weir set at an elevation of 902.5 and a low-flow slide gate to allow manual
discharge of water down to a lake level elevation of 902.0.
The Prior Lake area experienced record amounts of precipitation in 2014, leading to a historic flooding
event. This event highlighted the need to develop watershed modeling and evaluate flood mitigation
and response strategies for future events. The PLSLWD and the City of Prior Lake, in collaboration with
Spring Lake Township, completed the Prior Lake Stormwater Management and Flood Mitigation Study
(2016) that includes a calibrated modeling of the Prior Lake watershed, review of flood-related issues
and projects, identification and evaluation of a suite of potential flood reduction strategies, and
implementation plan recommendations. Public input was used to guide the development and evaluation
of the available flood mitigation options described in the flood study. Development of a City Flood
Response Policy addresses one of the major study implementation plan recommendations.
Markley Lake is located within the Scott Watershed Management Organization (WMO). The Cities of
Prior Lake and Credit River both have land use authority for areas draining to Markley Lake. High water
levels in the 1990s led the cities (Credit River was a township in 1999) and WMO to develop a temporary
drawdown plan for the lake in 1999 that included pumping water from the lake to the Credit River using
an abandoned sanitary sewer line. Above-average precipitation through the 2010s led to more high-
water levels on Markley Lake, leading to record-high water levels in 2019. Flooding on Markley Lake has
the potential to impact Whitewood Avenue, septic systems, and homes in Credit River, as well as a City
of Prior Lake trail and yards/landscaping within the City of Prior Lake. To address high water levels, the
cities and WMO partnered to temporarily draw down Markley Lake in 2019 and 2020 under 1-year cost-
share agreements. All three organizations entered into a 5-year cost-share agreement in 2021 to
address future temporary draw down needs while also working jointly on a Markley Lake Study that will
guide long-term flood response.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
2
This policy supersedes any and all previously written or unwritten policies of the City regarding lake
flood response. The City will review this policy periodically and will amend it as appropriate.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FLOOD PROTECTION
During flooding conditions, both the City and its residents have responsibility for different aspects of
flood protection. The priority for Prior Lake City city government, as evidenced by the City’s Mission
Statementcity’s mission statement, is to enhance the quality of life for citizens by providing quality
services which result in a safe and healthy community.
City of Prior Lake: The City’s primary responsibility during a flooding event is to protect public safety.
City goals and priorities during flooding conditions include:
1. Protect public safety – maintain emergency vehicle access
2. Protect public health and safety – protect public utility infrastructure (i.e., sanitary sewer and
water distribution)
3. Maintain traffic flow through the County Road 21 corridor
4. Maintain access to private property through public rights-of-way
The City will coordinate with other agencies and provide updated information to residents in
anticipation of flooding events. This communication will continue during flooding events.
Property owners: Property owners are responsible for protecting their own private property during
flooding events. Property owners may take advantage of City city flood protection efforts to enhance
private property protection efforts; an example of this would be connecting private sandbag walls to
road right-of-way barriers.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
3
PRIOR LAKE WATER LEVEL-BASED FLOOD RESPONSE
City flood response is based on factors such as Prior Lake levels, weather forecasting, watershed
conditions, and existing and projected system flow. The City’s city’s Public Works Director will consider
these factors when directing implementation of the City’s city’s response. Lake levels and ice-covered
status are determined by the PLSLWD. The following approximate lake level responses apply to Prior
Lake:
Lake Level 903.0. Levels below this point are typically not a cause for concern in relation to potential
flooding events.
When Prior Lake reaches 903.0, the City city may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Prepare to deploy “Save Our Shores” signs at DNR public access
points. Not applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment Find a source of pumps and storm sewer plugs, various sizes &
configurations; take inventory of sanitary manhole sealing devices;
prepare to protect sanitary sewer lift stations; find source of right-
of-way barriers; prepare to protect infrastructure at higher lake
levels.
Residential Sandbagging Confirm sources of sand and sandbags; prepare to purchase these
materials if needed.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
No action required at this level.
Mayor/City Council No action required at this level.
Agency Coordination Contact PLSLWD staff and initiate communications regarding lake
levels and Prior Lake Outlet Channel inspections and operation.
Contact Spring Lake Township staff and initiate communications
regarding lake levels.
Infrastructure Protection No action required at this level.
Water Quality Continue standard weekly surface water E. coli testing at public
beaches. Only applicable when beaches are open, as determined by
the City’s Recreation Department.
Water Surface Use
Management
Prepare to deploy “Save Our Shores” signs at DNR public access
points. Not applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Communications Initiate flood communications plan; monitor weather and lake
levels; begin posting updates on website and social media.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
4
Lake Level 903.5. Levels approaching 903.5 can potentially cause impacts to shorelines and docks,
especially when combined with wave action. Shoreline erosion potential is high and can be addressed
using voluntary slow no-wake provisions.
When Prior Lake reaches 903.5, the City city may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Deploy “Save Our Shores” signs at DNR public access points. Not
applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment Confirm sources of sand and sandbags and prepare to purchase
sand.
Residential Sandbagging Begin offering sandbags for sale to residents, per the City Fee
Schedule.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
No action required at this level.
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director will prepare staff updates. The City
Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council with these staff
updates (frequency as needed).
Agency Coordination Continue PLSLWD and Spring Lake Township coordination; notify
Scott County Sheriff’s Office and DNR of advisory “Save our Shores”
signs, if applicable.
Infrastructure Protection Prepare to deploy right-of-way barriers, storm sewer plugs, and
pumps in critical areas.
Water Quality Continue standard weekly surface water E. coli testing at public
beaches. Only applicable when beaches are open, as determined by
the City’s Recreation Department.
Water Surface Use
Management
Coordinate with Scott County Sheriff’s Office on the potential for a
slow no-wake declaration at 903.9; prepare to deploy “Slow No-
Wake” signs at DNR public access points. Not applicable when the
lake is ice-covered.
Communications Monitor weather and lake levels; post updates on website and
social media; prepare a list of potential media contacts; use
electronic signs to update the public; internal staff briefings as
needed.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
5
Lake Level 903.9. Prior Lake reaches its regulatory Ordinary High Water (OHW) elevation at 903.9. In
accordance with City Code Section 703, the City city will enact a lake-wide slow no-wake restriction
when the lake is at the OHW or higher due to the increased potential for severe shoreline damage due
to wave action. A lake-wide slow no-wake restriction will not be enacted when the lake is ice-covered.
When Prior Lake reaches 903.9, the City city may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Potential is high for severe shoreline damage. Lake-wide slow no-
wake restriction enacted per City Code Section 703. Not applicable
when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment Begin to deploy temporary flood protection measures in critical
locations, based on road elevations and forecasted conditions.
Residential Sandbagging Continue offering sandbags for sale to residents. Begin providing
sand to residents in a designated location at the City Maintenance
Center.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
Inform City Emergency Management Manager of lake levels and the
potential for a local emergency at higher lake levels.
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director or designee will prepare staff
updates. The City Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council
with these staff updates (frequency as needed).
Agency Coordination Continue PLSLWD and Spring Lake Township coordination; notify
Scott County Sheriff’s Office and DNR of lake-wide slow no-wake
restriction, if applicable.
Infrastructure Protection Protect sanitary sewer manholes & lift stations; install sewer plugs;
install barriers to protect public right-of-way; deploy pumps to
manage water for these locations.
Water Quality Continue standard weekly surface water E. coli testing at public
beaches, if applicable; contact testing laboratory to prepare for
additional tests at higher lake levels.
Water Surface Use
Management
Enact “Slow No-Wake” provision per City Code Section 703; deploy
notification signs at public access points and remove “Save our
Shores” signs from the same locations. Not applicable when the
lake is ice-covered.
Communications Meet notification requirements of City Code Section 703 to enact
slow no-wake restriction, if applicable; Monitor weather and lake
levels; post updates on website and social media; direct residents to
the City Flood website which will provide updates and useful
information for residents; use electronic signs to direct public to
City website for updates; internal staff briefings as needed;
coordinate with Prior Lake Association; plan for community
meetings triggered at higher levels.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
6
Lake Level 904.5: Lakeshore properties and public infrastructure continue to be threatened at this level.
There is also potential for a local emergency declaration above this elevation. City staff will coordinate
with Scott County to initiate an action plan for keeping the County Road 21 corridor open to traffic
during higher water levels. The City city’s Emergency Management Manager begins to play a larger role
in operations.
When Prior Lake reaches 904.5, the City city may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Potential is high for severe shoreline damage. Lake-wide slow no-wake
restriction continues. Not applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment Continue to deploy temporary flood protection measures in critical
locations. Contact Scott County to determine the possibility of using
their sandbag filling machine to fill City sandbags (not intended for
private residential use).
Residential Sandbagging Continue offering sandbags for sale to residents. Continue providing
sand to residents in a designated location at the City Maintenance
Center.
City Emergency Operations
Plan (EOP)
Staff coordinates with City Emergency Management Manager to assess
the potential for a local emergency declaration.
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director will coordinate with the City Manager
to provide the Mayor and City Council with daily staff updates; City
Emergency Management Manager will provide City Manager with an
assessment of the potential for a local emergency declaration.
Agency Coordination Scott County Sheriff’s Office (surface water use), Scott County Highway
Department (County Road 21 status), County Emergency Manager
(potential emergency declaration), PLSLWD (outlet structure/channel
operation & maintenance, lake levels, water quality), Scott WMO, State
agencies (potential emergency declarations affecting this area).
Infrastructure Protection Protect sanitary sewer manholes & lift stations; install sewer plugs;
install barriers to protect public right-of-way; deploy pumps to manage
water for these locations.
Water Quality Continue standard weekly surface water E. coli testing at public
beaches, if applicable; sample for E. coli in one flooded right-of-way
location (one sample/week, random location), if applicable.
Water Surface Use
Management
“Slow No-Wake” provision continues per City Code Section 703; signs
remain at public access points. Not applicable when the lake is ice-
covered.
Communications Monitor weather and lake levels; post updates on City website and
social media; provide updates to media; use electronic signs to convey
important announcements and direct public to City website for
updates; daily operations update for City council and staff; daily
updates for front line staff (consistent message for the public); schedule
first community meeting (need for community meetings will be based
on lake levels and forecasted weather).
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
7
Lake Level 905.0. Lakeshore properties and public infrastructure continue to be threatened at this level.
The City city’s Emergency Management Manager may recommend declaring a local emergency at this
elevation. City staff will continue to provide public communications, coordinate with other agencies, and
protect public infrastructure.
When Prior Lake reaches 905.0, the City city may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Potential is high for severe shoreline damage; lake-wide slow no-wake
restriction continues. Not applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment Continue to deploy temporary flood protection measures in critical
locations. Use Scott County sandbag filling machine to fill City sandbags, if
applicable.
Residential Sandbagging Continue offering sandbags for sale to residents; City will begin to offer
free sandbags and sand to residents upon a local emergency declaration;
City will begin delivering sand to designated locations only.
City Emergency
Operations Plan (EOP)
Coordinate with City Emergency Management Manager, assess potential
for local emergency and potentially declare local emergency; initiate EOP
procedures; designate one Public Works staff person to summarize
activities and complete incident reports.
Mayor/City Council Consider declaring a Local Emergency; daily updates from City Manager
and/or City Emergency Management Manager.
Agency Coordination Scott County Sheriff’s Office (surface water use), Scott County Highway
Department (County Road 21 status), County Emergency Management
Manager (local emergency declaration), PLSLWD (outlet
structure/channel operation & maintenance, lake levels, water quality,
potential for temporary flood reduction measures), Scott WMO, State
and Federal agencies (potential emergency declarations affecting this
area).
Infrastructure Protection Protect sanitary sewer manholes & lift stations; install sewer plugs; install
barriers to protect public right-of-way and deploy pumps to manage
water for these locations; daily inspections and maintenance of
protection measures to ensure effectiveness.
Water Quality Continue standard weekly surface water E. coli testing at public beaches,
if applicable; sample for E. coli in all flooded right-of-way locations (one
sample/week/location).
Water Surface Use
Management
“Slow No-Wake” provision continues per City Code Section 703; signs
remain at public access points. Not applicable when the lake is ice-
covered.
Communications Monitor weather and lake levels; post updates on website and social
media; provide updates to media; use electronic signs to convey
important announcements and direct public to City website for updates;
daily operations update meeting for City officials and staff; daily updates
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
8
for front line staff (consistent message for the public); schedule additional
community meetings (based on lake levels and forecasted weather).
Lake Level 905.5 and above: Significant lakeshore property damage is expected at this level and above.
Most critical public infrastructure will be temporarily protected by the time Prior Lake reaches this level
and daily inspections of the protection measures are required. There will may be significant media
attention at this level and above as the City city operates under a local emergency declaration and
follows its EOP. Communication with the public is critical and should come from one point of contact at
the City (in accordance with the EOP). City staff will continue to provide communications support,
coordinate with other agencies, and protect public infrastructure.
When Prior Lake reaches 905.5, the City city may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Potential is high for severe shoreline damage; lake-wide slow no-wake
restriction continues. Not applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment Continue to deploy temporary flood protection measures in critical locations.
Residential
Sandbagging
Continue offering free sandbags and sand to residents under a local
emergency declaration; City continues to deliver sand to designated
locations.
City Emergency
Operations Plan (EOP)
Coordinate with City Emergency Management Manager, local emergency
assumed for this elevation and above; EOP in effect; Public Works staff
designee continues to summarize activities and complete incident reports.
Mayor/City Council Operating under a Local Emergency; daily updates from City Manager and/or
City Emergency Management Manager. Mayor is responsible for
communicating Emergency Public Information under the EOP.
Agency Coordination Scott County Sheriff’s Office (surface water use), Scott County Highway
Department (County Road 21 status), County Emergency Management
Manager (local emergency declaration), PLSLWD (outlet structure/channel
operation & maintenance, lake levels, water quality, potential for temporary
flood reduction measures), Scott WMO, State and Federal agencies (potential
emergency declarations affecting this area).
Infrastructure
Protection
Protect sanitary sewer manholes & lift stations; install sewer plugs; install
barriers to protect public right-of-way; deploy pumps to manage water for
these locations; daily inspections and maintenance of protection measures to
ensure effectiveness.
Water Quality Continue standard weekly surface water E. coli testing at public beaches, if
applicable; sample for E. coli in all flooded right-of-way locations (one
sample/week/location).
Water Surface Use
Management
“Slow No-Wake” provision continues per City Code Section 703; signs remain
at public access points. Not applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Communications Monitor weather and lake levels; post updates on website and social media;
provide updates to media; use electronic signs to convey important
announcements and direct public to City website for updates; daily
operations update meeting for City officials and staff; daily updates for front
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
9
line staff (consistent message for the public); schedule additional community
meetings, City maintenance staff and/or police go door-to-door to provide
updates and gather information from residents and businesses.
SPRING LAKE WATER LEVEL-BASED FLOOD RESPONSE
City flood response is based on factors such as Spring Lake levels, weather forecasting, watershed
conditions, and overall system flow. The City’s Public Works Director will consider these factors when
implementing the City’s response. Lake elevations and ice-covered status are determined by the
PLSLWD. All flood response related to Spring Lake will be coordinated with Spring Lake Township. The
following elevation response levels apply to Spring Lake:
Lake Level 911.9. Levels below this point are typically not a cause for concern in relation to potential
flooding events.
When Spring Lake reaches 911.9, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Prepare to deploy “Save Our Shores” sign at public access point. Not
applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Residential Sandbagging Confirm sources of sand and sandbags; prepare to purchase these
materials if needed.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
No action required at this level.
Mayor/City Council No action required at this level.
Agency Coordination Contact PLSLWD staff and initiate communications regarding lake
levels and Prior Lake Outlet Channel operation. Contact Spring Lake
Township staff and initiate communications regarding lake levels.
Infrastructure Protection N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Water Quality N/A (no public beaches or infrastructure is threatened by high
water levels on Spring Lake)
Water Surface Use
Management
Prepare to deploy “Save Our Shores” sign at public access point. Not
applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Communications Initiate flood communications plan; monitor weather and lake
levels; begin posting updates on website and social media.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
10
Lake Level 912.3. Levels approaching 912.3 can potentially cause impacts to shorelines and docks,
especially when combined with wave action. Shoreline erosion potential is high and can be addressed
using voluntary slow no-wake provisions.
When Spring Lake reaches 912.3, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Deploy “Save Our Shores” sign at the DNR public access point. Not
applicable when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Residential Sandbagging Begin offering sandbags for sale to City and Township residents, per
the City Fee Schedule.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
No action required at this level.
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director or designee will prepare staff
updates. The City Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council
with these staff updates (frequency as needed).
Agency Coordination Continue PLSLWD and Spring Lake Township coordination; notify
Scott County Sheriff’s Office and DNR of advisory “Save our Shores”
signs, if applicable; coordinate with Spring Lake Association.
Infrastructure Protection N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Water Quality N/A (no public beaches or infrastructure is threatened by high
water levels on Spring Lake)
Water Surface Use
Management
Coordinate with Scott County Sheriff’s Office on the potential for a
slow no-wake declaration at 912.8; prepare to deploy “Slow No-
Wake” signs at DNR public access point. Not applicable when the
lake is ice-covered.
Communications Monitor weather and lake levels; post updates on website and
social media; prepare a list of potential media contacts; use
electronic signs to update the public; internal staff briefings as
needed.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
11
Lake Level 912.8: Spring Lake reaches its regulatory Ordinary High Water (OHW) elevation at 912.8. In
accordance with City Code Section 703 (and equivalent Spring Lake Township ordinance), the City and
Township will both enact a lake-wide slow no-wake restriction when the lake is at the OHW or higher
due to the increased potential for severe shoreline damage due to wave action. A lake-wide slow no-
wake restriction will not be enacted when the lake is ice-covered.
When Spring Lake reaches 912.8, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Potential is high for severe shoreline damage. Lake-wide slow no-
wake restriction enacted per City Code Section 703. Not applicable
when the lake is ice-covered.
Equipment N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Residential Sandbagging Continue offering sandbags for sale to the City and Township
residents. Begin providing sand to residents in a designated location
at the City Maintenance Center.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
Inform City Emergency Management Manager of lake levels and the
potential for a local emergency. A potential local emergency
declaration based on lake elevation will be tied to Prior Lake levels.
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director or designee will prepare staff
updates. The City Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council
with these staff updates (frequency as needed).
Agency Coordination Continue PLSLWD and Spring Lake Township coordination; notify
Scott County Sheriff’s Office and DNR of lake-wide slow no-wake
restriction, if applicable.
Infrastructure Protection N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Water Quality N/A (no public beaches or infrastructure is threatened by high
water levels on Spring Lake)
Water Surface Use
Management
Enact “Slow No-Wake” provision per City Code Section 703; deploy
notification signs at DNR public access point and remove “Save our
Shores” signs from the same location. Not applicable when the lake
is ice-covered.
Communications Meet notification requirements of City Code Section 703 to enact
slow no-wake restriction, if applicable; Monitor weather and lake
levels; post updates on website and social media; direct residents to
the City Flood website which will provide updates and useful
information for residents; use electronic signs to direct public to
City website for updates; internal staff briefings as needed;
coordinate with Spring Lake Association; begin to plan for
community meetings triggered by higher levels.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
12
Lake Level 913.3 and above: Due to the lack of public infrastructure impacts from flooding on Spring
Lake, the primary impacts of higher lake levels are to private residential properties.
When Spring Lake reaches 913.3, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Shoreline Erosion Potential is high for severe shoreline damage. Lake-wide slow no-
wake restriction continued. Not applicable when the lake is ice-
covered.
Equipment N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Residential Sandbagging Continue offering sandbags for sale to the City and Township
residents; City begins to offer free sandbags to residents upon a
local emergency declaration; City continues to provide free sand to
residents in a designated location at the City Maintenance Center.
City Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP)
Inform City Emergency Management Manager of lake levels and the
potential for a local emergency. A potential local emergency
declaration based on lake elevation will be tied to Prior Lake levels.
Mayor/City Council City Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council with daily
staff updates; City Emergency Management Manager will provide
City Manager with an assessment of the potential for a local
emergency declaration. If a local emergency is declared, the City
EOP will be in effect.
Agency Coordination Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Highway Department,
County Emergency Manager, PLSLWD, Scott WMO, Spring Lake
Association, State and Federal agencies.
Infrastructure Protection N/A (no public infrastructure is threatened by high water levels on
Spring Lake)
Water Quality N/A (no public beaches or infrastructure is threatened by high
water levels on Spring Lake)
Water Surface Use
Management
“Slow No-Wake” provision continues per City Code Section 703; sign
remains at public access point.
Communications Monitor weather and lake levels; post updates on website and
social media; provide updates to media; use electronic signs to
convey important announcements and direct public to City website
for updates; daily operations update meeting for City officials and
staff; daily updates for front line staff (consistent message for the
public); possible community meetings; City maintenance staff
and/or police may go door-to-door to provide updates and gather
information from residents and businesses.
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
13
MARKLEY LAKE WATER LEVEL-BASED FLOOD RESPONSE
City flood response is based on factors such as Markley Lake levels, weather forecasting, watershed
conditions, and overall system flow. The City’s Public Works Director will consider these factors when
implementing the City’s response. Lake elevations and ice-covered status are determined by the City. All
flood response related to Markley Lake will be coordinated with the Scott Watershed Management
Organization (WMO) and Credit River Township. Flood response cost responsibilities are specified in a 5-
year cost-share agreement (2021-2026). The following response levels apply to Markley Lake:
Lake Level 893.2: The Ordinary High Water level (OHW) for Markley Lake is reached; levels below 893.2
are typically not a cause for concern in relation to flooding events.
When Markley Lake reaches 893.2, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Equipment No action required at this level
Mayor/City Council No action required at this level
Agency Coordination Contact Scott WMO and Credit River Township representatives and
initiate communications regarding lake levels
Infrastructure Protection No action required at this level
Communications No action required at this level
Lake Level 894.0: Continue to observe Markley Lake levels; initial action steps are taken.
When Markley Lake reaches 894.0, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Equipment Determine source of portable pump; confirm pump discharge route
to Credit River remains viable
Mayor/City Council No action required at this level
Agency Coordination Contact Scott WMO and Credit River Township representatives and
initiate communications regarding lake levels and cost-share;
contact DNR regarding possible dewatering permit application
Infrastructure Protection Prepare to close the Markley Lake trail
Communications Initiate flood communications plan; monitor weather and lake levels
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
14
Elevation 894.5: Trail flooding and residential lawn flooding is imminent at this level and above.
Preparations for a potential lake drawdown should be made.
When Markley Lake reaches 894.5, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Equipment Prepare to deploy portable pump
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director or designee will prepare staff
updates. The City Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council
with these staff updates (frequency as needed).
Agency Coordination Continue to provide Scott WMO and Credit River Township
representatives with updates regarding lake levels and potential
lake pumping; prepare DNR dewatering permit application (submit
to DNR when Markley Lake reaches 895.5)
Infrastructure Protection Close the Markley Lake trail using barriers and signs at all three
entry points (Welcome Avenue, Markley Lake Court, and Cardinal
Ridge Park)
Communications Continue to follow flood communications plan; monitor weather
and lake levels
Elevation 895.8: The 100-year flood level for Markley Lake is reached. The City’s Markley Lake Trail is
closed and partially submerged. The north end of Whitewood Avenue and septic systems for homes in
Credit River Township may be threatened by flooding at or above this level.
When Markley Lake reaches 895.8, the City may initiate the following actions:
Category Action
Equipment Deploy portable pump and begin to draw down lake in accordance
with DNR dewatering permit
Mayor/City Council The City’s Public Works Director or designee will prepare staff
updates. The City Manager will provide the Mayor and City Council
with these staff updates (frequency as needed).
Agency Coordination Follow the cost-share agreement between the City, Scott WMO, and
Credit River Township to draw down Markley Lake starting at this
level; provide weekly updates to WMO and Township
representatives regarding lake levels and lake pumping; DNR
dewatering permit application submitted in anticipation of lake
reaching 100-year flood level is activated starting at this level;
pumping should continue under the terms of the DNR permit until
the lake reaches 893.2 or becomes ice-covered
Infrastructure Protection The Markley Lake trail remains closed; inspect barriers and signs at
all three entry points on a weekly basis
Communications Continue to follow flood communications plan; monitor weather
and lake levels
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
15
CITY FLOOD OPERATIONS PLAN
Emergency Declaration: The Mayor of the City of Prior Lake has the authority to issue a Declaration of
Local Emergency based on Minn. Stat. Sections 12.29 and 12.37 and Prior Lake City Code section 113.
Significant rainfall or snowmelt causing rapid increases in water levels, dangerous flooding conditions, or
imminent danger to persons and property shall constitute a Local Emergency with respect to this policy.
The City Emergency Management Manager will advise the City Manager and Mayor/City Council of
conditions that may lead to a Local Emergency.
Emergency Management Structure: A Declaration of Local Emergency activates the City’s Emergency
Management operations. The City developed its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in 2008 and the
document is periodically reviewed and updated (last updated 2/27/2017). The EOP guides emergency
operations for the City. It assists key City officials and emergency organizations to carry out their
responsibilities for the protection of the public under a wide range of emergency conditions, including
flooding. The EOP is also used to:
• Mitigate the loss of life and property
• Prepare for emergencies
• Respond to emergencies
• Recover from the emergency
• Provide support to other political subdivisions in the County that may require assistance
The Basic Plan section of the EOP outlines the basis and purpose of emergency planning. The EOP also
contains several Annexes that describe the basic functions of emergency response and includes specific
responsibilities delegated to the Public Works Department related to utilities and debris clearance.
Direction and control of the City response to an emergency will be carried out at the Emergency
Operation Center (EOC). The City EOC is located at the Prior Lake Police Department office, 4649 Dakota
Street, Prior Lake. Per the National Incident Management System (NIMS), Prior Lake uses the Incident
Command System (ICS) to manage and coordinate incident response. Upon activation of the EOC, City
departments will respond to the emergency as coordinated by the City’s designated Emergency
Management Manager.
To increase local agency coordination during emergencies, the City adopted the Scott County All-Hazard,
Multijurisdictional Mitigation Plan on November 14, 2016. The plan includes risk assessment, mitigation
strategy, and an implementation process. Participating jurisdictions are eligible for FEMA hazard
mitigation assistance grants.
Protecting Public Safety: The primary focus of the City will be to employ measures that provide
emergency vehicle access to flooded areas to the maximum extent practicable. Emergency vehicles can
travel through a water depth of approximately 1.5 feet or less. The Lake Level-Based Flood Response
section of this policy outlines the measures to be taken to protect flood-prone areas and thereby public
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
16
safety. There are seven Flood Watch Areas (FWAs) affected by Prior Lake flooding (first inundated at
approximate lake level in parentheses):
1. Boudin/Watersedge/Rutgers/Glendale FWA (904.0)
2. County Road 21/Wagon Bridge FWA (904.5)
3. Shady Beach Trail FWA (905.0)
4. Breezy Point Road FWA (905.5)
5. Cove Avenue FWA (905.5)
6. Lords Street FWA (906.5)
7. Fish Point Road FWA (907.0)
Barriers will be placed only after considering current lake level conditions, lake level trends, and
forecasted weather conditions. Barriers can be effectively placed in up to 6 inches of water. Additional
watch areas that may require infrastructure protection but not barriers include Northwood Road and
West Avenue. The City will post temporary speed limit signs and signs to designate flooded areas as
closed/local traffic for those areas under City jurisdiction. The City will defer to Scott County for traffic
control and other measures within the County Road 21 corridor. Signs will be posted in conjunction with
the work done at each lake level-based flood response area.
Protecting Public Property: Public property to be protected includes roads and associated right-of-way,
sanitary sewer infrastructure, water distribution infrastructure, stormwater infrastructure, parks
facilities, and other City-owned or City-controlled features.
Appendix A contains maps showing the approximate locations of temporary flood protection barriers,
road closed barriers, trash collection points, and public-use sand piles for all Flood Watch Areas.
Some private driveway accesses will be blocked due to flood protection barrier placement; residents will
be notified of this installation in advance and may construct private sandbag walls to tie into the City’s
barriers. No parking will be allowed in any area protected by temporary barriers to ensure adequate
emergency vehicle access.
County Road 21 Transportation Corridor: The County Road 21 transportation corridor between State
Highway 13 and County Road 42 is critical to the community. Flooding has the potential to cause the
temporary closure of this critical corridor, as was seen during the record flooding of 2014. Scott County
has jurisdiction for County Road 21; any policy for the corridor must be coordinated with Scott County.
The Wagon Bridge on County Road 21 separates Lower Prior Lake and Upper Prior lake. The area north
of the bridge is low in elevation and floodwaters on the roadway can result in Scott County closing the
roadway to all traffic. Floodwaters can enter the roadway through the storm sewer system because the
road surface is lower than the surrounding land; in 2014, the road started to flood when water came up
through catch basins that could not be retrofitted with anti-backflow devices. The following actions are
recommended:
• Install anti-backflow devices (such as sewer balls) for all connected storm sewer pipes when
Prior Lake reaches an elevation of 904.5 or higher
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
17
• Ensure that pumps are on hand to remove any water from the roadway during rainfall events,
while anti-backflow devices are deployed
• Remove anti-backflow devices after the lake falls below an elevation of 904.5
The City will coordinate with Scott County to ensure that water from the lake will not back up through
the storm sewer system and onto the roadway north of the Wagon Bridge. If temporary anti-backflow
devices are installed for all connected storm sewer pipes, roadway drainage would no longer occur and
pumping would be required after all rainfall events. The City will work with Scott County to ensure that a
plan is in place to manage any system to allow access through the corridor. Scott County is the ultimate
authority for any plan initiated to keep the County Road 21 corridor open to traffic during flooding
events.
Supporting Residential Sandbagging Efforts: Sandbags will be offered to Prior Lake residents in
accordance with the lake level-based flood response listed in this Policy. Sandbag wall construction and
other property protection guidance will be made available to residents on the City’s website. Residential
sandbag walls may be constructed to tie into City walls and barriers. The City is not responsible for the
construction or maintenance of private sandbag walls.
Supporting Essential Services: The City Emergency Management Manager is the primary contact for
coordinating the support of essential community services:
• Mail and other deliveries: The City Emergency Management Manager will coordinate with
entities such as the US Post Office to ensure that essential deliveries can reach residents and
businesses. The City Emergency Management Manager may designate temporary mail pickup
locations.
• School bus routes: The City Emergency Management Manager will coordinate with school
districts to ensure proper school bus routing during an emergency.
• Waste hauling: The City Emergency Management Manager may work with providers to facilitate
coordinated waste hauling for affected neighborhoods.
• Other services: Residents may contact the City Emergency Management Manager with other
essential service requests not listed in this section.
POST-FLOOD OPERATIONS
Flood protection measures will be removed in reverse order of installation. Flood cleanup operations
will follow City EOP procedures. Communications will continue according to the Lake Level-Based Flood
Response tables of this Policy. The following items are key:
- Deactivate as directed by City Emergency Management Manager
- Turn over recovery operations to appropriate entities
- Ensure all incident documentation is collected
- Participate in initial debriefing session
- Participate in Incident Review
City of Prior Lake
Flood Response Policy
18
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All financial expenditures related to emergency flooding events must be tracked. FEMA programs may
reimburse the City for these expenditures with supporting documentation. If the City implements flood
response items and FEMA reimbursement does not become available, all funding for flood response will
be the responsibility of the City.
Tracking City expenditures: The City Public Works Coordinator will enable tracking for time and
expenses, including labor, machinery, and materials. All employees who use timesheets must track time
spent on flooding-related work. Employees must also fill out FEMA forms corresponding to the same
work; this ensures that all expenses will be tracked and submitted for reimbursement in a timely
manner after the flooding.
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Flood Response Maps
Appendix B: City Code Section 703 (Public Waters – Water Surface Use Management rules)
Appendix C: City Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
Appendix D: Scott County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan (link only)
Appendix E: Prior Lake Stormwater Management and Flood Mitigation Study (link only)
12
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City of Prior Lake
Flood Watch Areas
Boudin St, Watersedge Trl,
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0 100 200 300 400 500
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X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 1
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
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X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 2
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
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X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 3
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
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X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 4
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
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X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 5
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
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City of Prior Lake
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X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 6
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
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Marsh St NW
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City of Prior Lake
Flood Watch Areas
County Rd 21
1
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4
1
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1
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0 200 400 600 800 1,000
Feet
X:\Emergency_Services\Flood_Planning\Flood Planning 2021.aprx
Area 7
Flood Information
Sand Pile
Trash Collection
Road Closures
Approximate 2014 Max
906 ft
Public Ways & Property
City of Prior Lake
703/p1
SECTION 703
PUBLIC WATERS
SUBSECTIONS:
703.100: CHAPTER
703.200: PURPOSE, INTENT AND APPLICATION
703.300: DEFINITIONS
703.400: SPEED LIMITATIONS
703.500: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS
703.600: EXEMPTIONS
703.700: NOTIFICATION
703.800: ENFORCEMENT
703.900: PENALTIES
703.100: TITLE: This Section shall be known and cited as the PUBLIC WATERS Code.
703.200: PURPOSE, INTENT, AND APPLICATION: As authorized by Minnesota Statutes
86B.201, 86B.205, and 459.20, and Minnesota Rules 6110.3000 – 6110.3800, as now in effect
and as hereafter amended, this Ordinance is enacted for the purpose and with the intent to
control and regulate the use of the waters of Prior Lake and Spring Lake in Scott County,
Minnesota; to promote to the fullest extent possible the public’s use and enjoyment of said
bodies of water; to promote and protect the safety of persons and property in connection with
the use of these waters; to harmonize and integrate the varying uses of these waters; and to
promote the public health, safety, and welfare on said bodies of water.
703.300: DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Section, the definitions set out in Minnesota
Statutes Section 86B.005 are incorporated herein and made part of this Section.
Terms not defined by said Statute shall have the following meanings:
High Water: An elevation of 903.9’ or greater above mean sea level on Prior Lake,
as determined by the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District gauge. An
elevation of 912.8’ or greater above mean sea level on Spring Lake, as determined
by the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District gauge.
Prior Lake: The body of water given that name and assigned the lake numbers
70002600 and 70007200 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Shore: The line separating land and water which shifts as lake levels increase and
decrease.
Public Ways & Property
City of Prior Lake
703/p2
Slow No-Wake: The operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed
necessary to maintain steerage and in no case greater than five (5) miles per hour.
Spring Lake: The body of water given that name and assigned the lake number
70005400 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Watercraft: Any contrivance used or designed for navigation on water, except: 1) a
duck boat during the duck hunting season; 2) a rice boat during the harvest season;
or 3) a seaplane.
703.400: WATERCRAFT SPEED LIMITATIONS:
703.401 General Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft, at any time, greater
than a slow no-wake speed within one hundred fifty feet (150’) from shore. Any
watercraft launching or landing a person on water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, or
barefoot by the most direct and safe route to open water or shore shall be exempt
from this provision.
703.402 Daytime Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than forty
(40) miles per hour, from sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, on all weekends and
legal holidays occurring from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
703.403 Nighttime Speed Limit: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than
twenty (20) miles per hour, from one-half hour after sunset to sunrise the following
day, at any time during the year.
703.404 High Water Slow No-Wake: No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than a
slow no-wake speed on the entire surface of Prior Lake when the water level in said
water body reaches its High Water elevation, as defined in Section 703.300.
No person shall operate a watercraft at greater than a slow no-wake speed on the
entire surface of Spring Lake when the water level in said water body reaches its
High Water elevation, as defined in Section 703.300.
When the water level of Prior Lake and/or Spring Lake reaches a High Water
elevation, as defined in Section 703.300, the City Manager or designee shall
arrange to have notice of the high water slow no-wake restriction posted on the
City’s website. The high water slow no-wake restriction shall become effective as of
the posting. All public water accesses shall be posted during the time the restriction
is in place.
When water levels have subsided and have remained below a High Water
elevation, as defined in Section 703.300, for 72 consecutive hours, said restriction
shall be promptly removed by removing the posting on the City’s website.
703.405 Marked Slow No-Wake Zones: No person shall at any time operate a watercraft
at a speed greater than slow no-wake speed in any marked slow no-wake zone.
The City of Prior Lake or the Scott County Sheriff’s Office shall install or cause to
Public Ways & Property
City of Prior Lake
703/p3
be installed buoys marking slow no-wake zones. Marked slow no-wake zones
are intended to maintain a safe lake environment and protect the lives and
property of all lake users and owners. Slow no-wake zones shall be marked at
the following locations on Prior Lake:
The navigational channel located north and south of the County Road
21/Eagle Creek Avenue Bridge.
The navigational channel located to the south of Reed’s Island.
The navigational channel located north and south of the Lords Street
Bridge.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Boudin’s Bay and
the entire surface of Boudin’s Bay.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Candy Cove, and
the entire surface of Candy Cove.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Mud (Crystal) Bay.
The navigational channel located at the entrance/exit of Paradise Bay, and
the entire surface of Paradise Bay.
703.500: ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS:
703.501 Swimming: No person shall use an inflatable water toy, air mattress, or inner tube
more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from shore, unless accompanied by a
watercraft. No person shall swim more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from shore,
unless accompanied by a watercraft.
703.502 Towing Restrictions: No watercraft towing a person on water skis, inner tube,
aquaplane, or similar device shall be operated at any time within a marked slow no-
wake zone.
703.600: EXEMPTIONS: All authorized resource management, emergency, and
enforcement personnel, while acting in the performance of their assigned duties,
are exempt from the restrictions set forth in this Section.
A temporary exemption from the restrictions set forth in subsection 703.502 may be
allowed under certain circumstances. To qualify for a temporary exemption, an
application for a permit must be completed, which shall include: the purpose of the
exemption, the organization or persons being exempted, the location of the
exemption, and the date and time of the exemption. The temporary exemption
permit shall be issued by the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
703.700: NOTIFICATION: The City shall notify the public of this Section, which shall include
but not be limited to placing a sign at each public watercraft launching facility
outlining the essential elements of this Section, as well as placing other necessary
buoys and signs.
Public Ways & Property
City of Prior Lake
703/p4
703.800: ENFORCEMENT: The enforcement of this Section shall be primarily the
responsibility of the Scott County Sheriff's Office. Other licensed peace officers,
including conservation officers of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
are also authorized to enforce the provisions of this Section.
703.900: PENALTIES: Any person who violates any provisions of this Section shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not
more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment of not more than
ninety (90) days, or both.
Plan Development: 4/11/08
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
2
CERTIFICATION OF PLAN APPROVAL
This page documents approval of the General Plan and Annexes, the Standard Operating
Procedures, and the Resource Manual.
Plan developed by: Randy Hofstad
City of Prior Lake
Police Lieutenant/Director of Emergency Management
Date: 4/11/08
Plan approved by: Jack Haugen
City of Prior Lake
Mayor
Signature:______________________________
Date: ___________________
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
3
RECORD OF GENERAL PLAN AND ANNEX REVISIONS
PAGE/REVISION
PAGE/REVISION
PAGE/REVISION
All
06/28/10
Info Update
15
10/04/11
List Update
15
02/27/17
List Update
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Plan Page No.
I. Reason for Plan ........................................................................................................6
II. Purpose for Plan .......................................................................................................6
III. Legal Basis and References .....................................................................................6
IV. Organization .............................................................................................................6
Chart A .........................................................................................................7
V. Hazard analysis ........................................................................................................8
VI. Direction & Control .................................................................................................9
VII Emergency Responsibility Assignments ………………………………………… 9
Chart B .......................................................................................................11
VIII. Operations Policies ................................................................................................12
IX. State and Federal Support ......................................................................................12
X. Plan Development/Maintenance, Training, and Exercises ....................................13
Emergency Operations Plan - Annexes
A Notification and Warning
B Incident Management
C Public Information
D Search and Rescue
E Health Protection
F Evacuation, Traffic Control and Security
G Fire Protection
H Damage Assessment
I Mass Care
J Debris Management
K Public Works/Utilities Restoration
L Environmental Hazard Response
M Resource Management
N Terrorism
O Emergency Notification/Contact List
P Continuity of Government
Supporting Documents
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
City Resource Manual
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
5
FOREWORD
The primary purpose of this plan is to provide a guide for emergency operations. It is intended to assist
key city officials and emergency organizations to carry out their responsibilities for the protection of life
and property under a wide range of emergency conditions.
Although an organization may have the foresight to plan for anticipated situations, such planning is of
little worth if it is not reduced to written form. Personnel familiar with unwritten "plans" may be
unavailable at the very time it becomes necessary to implement them. A written plan will furnish a
documentary record which can be referred to as needed. This documentary record will serve to refresh
the knowledge of key individuals and can be used to inform persons who become replacements.
THIS DOCUMENT SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF
PRIOR LAKE, DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Upon termination of office by reason of resignation, election, suspension, or dismissal, the holder of this
document shall transfer it to his/her successor or to the City of Prior Lake Emergency Management
Director.
Copy No: __________________ CD or Printed version
Assigned to: _______________________
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
6
I. Reason for Plan
Tornadoes, floods, blizzards, and other natural disasters can affect the City of Prior Lake. In
addition, major disasters such as, transportation accidents, explosions, fires, hazardous materials
releases, pipeline leaks, disease outbreaks, terrorist attacks, and national security emergencies
pose a potential threat to public health and safety. Environmental emergencies related to
hazardous materials may also present risks to the community through exposures in the air,
surface or ground water, or soil. An emergency plan is needed to ensure the protection of the
public from the effects of these hazards.
II. Purpose of Plan
The City of Prior Lake has many capabilities and resources, which could be used in the response
to any major disaster. These include the facilities, equipment, personnel, and skills of both
government and non-government professions and groups. The purpose of this plan is to ensure
the effective, coordinated use of these resources so as to:
1. Maximize the protection of life and property,
2. Prepare for and respond to emergencies and recover to a state of normalcy,
3. Ensure the continuity of government,
4. Provide support to all areas in the city that require assistance.
III. Legal Basis and References
The legal basis for planning for and conducting all-hazard emergency operations at the Federal
level and state of Minnesota level are listed in the Emergency Management Director’s
Handbook, Section B. located at the Emergency Management Department, or Record Storage.
The legal basis also includes the following:
▪ Minnesota State Statute Chapter 12
▪ City of Prior Lake Code Ordinance No. 201
▪ Mutual Aid agreements
▪ Scott County Emergency Operations Plan.
IV. Organization
Existing government is the basis for emergency operations. That is, government agencies will
perform emergency activities related to those they perform on a day-to-day basis. City
organization and interrelationships that coordinate plan development and maintenance are shown
on Chart A of this basic plan.
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
7
CHART A
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL
EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
DIRECTOR
CITY
MANAGER
FINANCE
DEPARTMENT
BUILDING
INSPECTIONS
PUBLIC
COMMUNICATIONS
COORDINATION
W/ SCHOOL
DISTRICT
MUTUAL AID
AGENCIES
RED/ CROSS/
SALVATION ARMY
EMS
FIRE
DEPARTMENT
COORDINATION W/
COUNTY, STATE, &
FEDERAL
AGENCIES
NORMAL CITY
OPERATIONS
AND SERVICES
CITY COUNCIL
COORDINATION
POLICE
DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT
COORDINATION
PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR/CITY
ENGINEER
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
8
V. Hazard Analysis
Natural Hazards
Tornadoes/Straight-line Winds
Flooding Severe Hail Storms
Severe Thunderstorms Extreme Ice Storms
Large Rain Falls with Flash Flooding Severe Winter Storm Accumulations
Extreme & Prolonged Heat Temperatures Extreme & Prolonged Fog
Drought Large Scale Wild Fires/Grass and Forest
Extreme & Prolonged Winter Cold Temperatures Earthquake
Technological Hazards (Human Created)
Fixed Facility Hazardous Materials Incident International Hazardous Materials Dumping
Transportation Hazardous Materials Incident Large Scale Transportation Accident
Large/Multiple Structure Fire w/high occupancy Large/Multiple Structure Collapse
Utility Failure – Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric, etc.
National Security/Terrorism/Manmade
Terrorist Bombing/Mass Homicide/Assault Hostage Taking Incident
Terrorist Act Against Government/Society Large Scale Civil Disorder/Riot Incident
Enemy Military Invasion Chemical/Biological Weapon Attack
Hazard Probability Analysis:
More Likely to Occur
Tornadoes/Straight-line Winds
Flooding Severe Thunderstorms
Severe Hail Storms Severe Winter Storm Accumulations
Extreme & Prolonged Winter Cold Temperatures Large Rain Falls with Flash Flooding
Extreme & Prolonged Heat Temperatures Drought
Extreme Ice Storms Facility Hazardous Materials Incident
Transportation Hazardous Materials Incident Extreme & Prolonged Fog
Utility Failure – Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric, etc. Large Scale Transportation Accident
Large/Multiple Structure Fire w/high occupancy Large Scale Civil Disorder/Riot Incident
Less Likely to Occur
Terrorist Hostage Taking Incident Terrorist Act Against Government/Society
Large Scale Wild Fires/Grass and Forest International Hazardous Materials Dumping
Earthquake, Large/Multiple Structure Collapse Enemy Military Invasion
Terrorist Bombing/Mass Homicide/Assault Chemical/Biological Weapon Attack
(Maps showing areas at risk are located in Annex L, hyperlinks on page 1 and in the annex on
pages 4 - 9)
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
9
VI. Training/Response by Emergency Management Responders
Emergency responders and city employees who respond to hazardous materials incidents within
the City of Prior Lake have received training designed to help them respond to such incidents.
Prior Lake Police Department is trained to, and responds at the First Responder Awareness
Level, as defined in29 CFR 1910.120. Training records are maintained in police training files at
the Prior Lake Police Department.
Allina Ambulance Co. is the primary EMS transport in the City of Prior Lake. These personnel
and the designated mutual aid ambulance services are trained to and respond at the First
Responder Awareness Level, as defined in 29 CFR 1910.120 at a minimum.
Prior Lake Fire Department is trained to, equipped and responds at HazMat Operations Level as
part of a Scott County wide team defined in 29 CFR 1910.120 9 (except new firefighters).
Training records are maintained Scott County Emergency Manager.
Training records are maintained per appropriate departments.
VII. Direction and Control
The direction and control of government operations from a central, protected facility with
adequate communications and key personnel is essential to the conduct of emergency operations.
This has been provided for as follows:
The Police Lieutenant / Emergency Management Director shall be responsible for determining
when it is necessary to implement the Emergency Operations Plan and then make a
recommendation to the Mayor for enactment of the plan. Where the remainder of this document
references the “Emergency Management Director” it should be noted that this term also includes
their designee.
The City Manager will be responsible for providing overall direction and control of city govern-
ment resources involved in the response to a disaster in consultation with the Mayor and City
Council. The City Emergency Management Director will serve in a staff capacity to the City
Manager, will implement this plan, and will coordinate emergency operations.
Direction and control of the City of Prior Lake response to a major disaster will be carried out at
the Emergency Operating Center (EOC) unless another location is better suited for the disaster.
The City EOC is located at 4649 Dakota Street (Prior Lake Police Department).
(For additional direction and control information such as staffing, communications, incident
command system [ICS], etc.; refer to the Direction and Control Annex, and SOP, to this plan.)
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
10
VIII. Emergency Responsibility Assignments
A. A summary of the City of Prior Lake emergency responsibility assignments, by function, is
shown on chart B. Heads of the various city government departments and agencies will
be responsible for carrying out the assignments shown on this chart. Additional information
about these emergency responsibility assignments is contained in the annexes to this basic
plan. (One annex exists for each of the responsibilities [functions] that are shown on Chart
B.) Lastly, city departments and agencies are expected to develop whatever SOPs they may
need in order to carry out these responsibilities.
B. Responsibilities have been assigned by a code letter: "P," "S," or "C."
1. "P" indicates primary operational responsibility, which means that the official or
agency is in charge of, and responsible to make provision for, that function.
2. "S" indicates support responsibility, which means that the agency so assigned
will, if possible, assist the official or agency that has primary or coordination
responsibility for that function.
3. "C" indicates coordination responsibility, and is assigned when several agencies
have a partial responsibility, but no one official/agency has obvious primary
responsibility. This will oftentimes be the situation when non-government
agencies are involved.
4. As a general rule, county officials will be primarily responsible for carrying out
emergency functions outside city limits, and municipal officials will have the
corresponding responsibility within city limits.
5. Only one "P" or "C" can be assigned per function, and a minimum of one "S"
should be assigned for each function.
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
11
FUNCTION
RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES
REMARKS
1. Warning and Notification
Scott County Sheriff's Office - P
Prior Lake Police Department - S
See Warning and
Notification Section (Annex A)
2. Incident Management
Emergency Management Director - P
City Manager - S
Mayor - S
See Annex B
3. Emergency Public Information
Mayor – P
Communications Coordinator - S
City Manager - S
Emergency Management Director - S
See Annex C
4. Search and Rescue
Fire Department - P
Police Department - S
Scott County Sheriff's Office - S
See Annex D
5. Health Protection
Scott County Emergency Management - P
Red Cross - S
See Annex E
6. Evacuation, Traffic Control,
and Security
Police Department - P
State Patrol - S
Scott County Sheriff's Office - S
Fire Department - S
See Annex F
7. Fire Protection
Fire Department - P
Automatic and Mutual Aid Fire Depts. - S
See Annex G
8. Damage Assessment
Building Official - P
City Engineer - S
Community Development Director - S
See Annex H
9. Mass Care
Red Cross – P
Scott County Emergency Management - S
Salvation Army - S
See Annex I
10. Debris Management
City Engineer - P
Public Works Department - S
Scott County Mutual Aid Cities – S
See Annex J
11. Public Works/Utilities Restoration
City Engineer – P
Public Works - S
See Annex K
12. Environmental Hazard Response
Scott County Emergency Services - P
City of Prior Lake Emergency Management – S
City Forester - S
See Annex L
13. Resource Management
Dependant upon Incident
See Annex M
14. Terrorism
Emergency Management Team (Incident Dependant) – P
FBI, CIA – S, C
Emergency Management is
Primary in terms of initial
response. FBI and CIA become
primary in terms of investigation
and on-going response. See Annex
N
15. Emergency Notification Contact List Emergency Management Department - P See Annex O
16. Continuity of Government City Manager – P
Emergency Management Department – S
See Annex P
Code: P = Primary S = Secondary C = Coordination
CHART B
EMERGENCY RESPONSIBILITY ASSIGNMENTS
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
12
IX. Operation Policies
A. In the event of a major disaster, the Mayor may declare a local emergency. Such a
declaration will invoke necessary portions of this plan, and will permit the city to take
such actions as may be required to protect lives and property. In addition, any or all parts
of the plan may be implemented whenever it is deemed necessary in order to provide for
the Emergency Management.
B. Protection of life and property and alleviation of human distress is the primary goal of
city government emergency operations.
C. In an emergency affecting more than one political jurisdiction, officials of all jurisdic-
tions involved will coordinate their services to the maximum extent possible.
D. The Emergency Management Director will assist in providing resource coordination
between government agencies and the private sector.
E. Local government resources must be utilized to the maximum before state or federal
assistance will be made available.
G. Each agency, department, or service of city government will provide for the maintenance
of records during an emergency. These records should include work hours, equipment
hours, supplies and materials consumed, injuries to personnel, and damage to public
facilities and equipment.
H. All emergency response organizations in the city are required to prepare and maintain
SOP’s, resource lists and checklists to support their operations. Depending on the
emergency, different departments/organizations will be required to be involved, but at
minimum they will include police, fire, EMS, Public Works, Administration/Mayor,
Finance, and MIS.
X. State and Federal Support
A. General
The City of Prior Lake Emergency Management Director will be responsible for assisting
the city in obtaining any county, state or federal government resources that may be
needed as a result of a disaster. In carrying out this responsibility, the director will
contact the County Emergency Management Director. The county director can
provide/obtain technical information and assistance, if requested. Lastly, a summary of
state and federal disaster assistance that may be available is contained in Disaster
Response and Recovery: A Handbook for Local Government. This document is on file
with the Scott County Emergency Management Director.
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
13
B. Emergency Assistance
In the event of a major emergency/disaster which exceeds the resources and capabilities
of city and county government, and which requires immediate state and/or federal assis-
tance, the State Duty Officer should be contacted. The State Duty Officer telephone
number is (651) 649-5451.
C. National Guard
When a natural disaster or other major emergency is beyond the capability of local
government, support from the National Guard may be available. Only the Governor, as
Commander-in-Chief of the Minnesota National Guard, has the authority to activate the
Guard. The purpose of activation is to ensure the preservation of life and property and to
support civil law enforcement authorities.
1. Operational Policies
a. National Guard assistance will complement, and not be a substitute for
county and/or city participation in emergency operations.
b. If made available, National Guard personnel will remain under military
command at all times, but will support and assist city and/or city forces in
the accomplishment of a specific task or tasks.
2. Request Procedure
In the case of cities that are not of the first class, the sheriff is the only local
government official authorized to submit the request for National Guard
assistance. Such requests are to be submitted to the State Duty Officer.
XI. Plan Development/Maintenance, Implementation, Training, and Exercises
A. With regard to this plan, the City Emergency Management Director will serve as the
planning coordinator. As such, the director will have overall authority and responsibility
for the development and maintenance of the plan, and implementation. The Emergency
Management Director/Emergency Management Director is listed in Annex O along with
various phones and pager numbers.
B. This plan will be reviewed and updated as necessary. The City Emergency Management
Director will be responsible for ensuring that this updating occurs, and that the Minnesota
HSEM in accord with the schedule and procedures establishes it. In establishing its
schedule and procedures, HSEM will consult with the appropriate state and federal
agencies.
C. This plan will be distributed to all city government departments and agencies that have
emergency assignments relative to a major disaster in the city. The City of Prior Lake
Emergency Management Director will maintain a plan distribution list.
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
14
D. At least once annually, the Emergency Management Director will review the Emergency
Operations Plan.
MNWALK: click this hyperlink to view the MNWALK items locations.
See next page for EOP distribution list.
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE GENERAL PLAN
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN Developed: 4/11/08
15
Emergency Operations Plan
Distribution List
Title Person Date
Obtained
Plan # Printed or CD
Printed CD
Mayor Kirt Briggs 1
City Manager Jason Wedel 2
Assistant City Manager Lori Olson 3
Emergency Management Director Liam Duggan 4
Police Chief Liam Duggan 5
Fire Chief Rick Steinhaus 6
1st Asst Fire Chief Jim Ruzicka 7
2nd Asst Fire Chief 8
Public Works Director Nick Monserud 9
City Engineer Nick Monserud 10
Parks Supervisor Greg Skluzacek 11
Community Development Director Casey McCabe 12
Streets Supervisor / Water Dept Greg Skluzacek 13
Building Official Al Ernste 14
Finance Director Cathy Erickson 15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Scott County EM Scott Haas 24
MN HSEM Regional Coordinator Gary Peterson 25
Multi -Hazard Mitigation Plan
S cott County, Minnesota , 2016
4300 MarketPointe Drive, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55435
952.832.2600
www.barr.com
Prior Lake Stormwater Management & Flood
Mitigation Study
Prepared for
Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District and the City of Prior Lake
December, 2016
See the full document at:
http://www.plslwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Flood-Mitigation-Study-Report_FINAL-
VERSION_Dec-2016.pdf
Public Works Operating Standards
APPENDIX H
Beach E. Coli Testing Policy
\\plfile01\maint\POLICIES\OPERATING STANDARDS\Beach E. Coli Testing Policy\2024 Beach E. Coli Testing
Policy.docx
BEACH E. COLI TESTING POLICY
Last Revised May 2016October 2024
Revised July 2021
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clearly define the E. coli sampling and testing protocols
and the City city response to test results.
PROCEDURE
E. coli sampling at Sand Point Beach and Watzl’s Beach will occur weekly from Memorial
Day through Labor Day. Designated staff will sample the water using these established
sampling protocols:
• Two samples will be taken at each site – one from the center of the swimming
area, and another from 100 feet to either side of the first
• Samples shall be taken approximately six inches below the surface of the water
where the water has a depth of at least 2.5 feet
• If samples show elevated E. coli levels, more frequent sampling may be needed
• At each beach, the two collected samples will be averaged and the result will be
reported as the value for that date and site
• Samples will be sent to the City’s city’s testing lab on the same day they are
collected to ensure sample holding times are not exceeded
• The City’s testing lab will provide sample bottles, labels, and chain of custody
forms
If the level of E. coli exceeds the standards set by the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA), the beach will be closed temporarily until further testing shows safe
levels. Beach closings will be publicized on the City city website and social media
outlets, as well as with on-site signage.
Minnesota Rule 7050.0222 Specific Water Quality Standards for Class 2 Waters of the
State; Aquatic Life and Recreation: E. coli levels not to exceed 126 organisms per 100
milliliters as a geometric mean of not less than five samples representative of conditions
within any calendar month, nor shall more than ten percent of all samples taken during
any calendar month individually exceed 1,260 organisms per 100 milliliters. The
standard applies only between April 1 and October 31.