Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10C - Winter Maintenance Policy DISCUSSION: CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DECEMBER 7,1998 lOC AL FRIEDGES, PARKS SUPERVISOR CONSIDER APPROVAL REVISIONS TO THE PARKS DIVISION WINTER MAINTENANCE POLICY Historv On December 16, 1996, the Prior Lake City Council approved the Parks Division Winter Maintenance Policy (agenda report and policy attached). That policy addressed four items: I) To prioritize and limit the amount of trails and sidewalks the Parks Maintenance Division maintains. 2) The need to purchase a sidewalk plow if we are going to continue to maintain trails and sidewalks during the winter months. 3) Timetables for snow removal, based upon the priority of a particular trail, sidewalk, parking lot, skating rink, or public access and 4) Standards for providing winter maintenance on trails, sidewalks, parking lots, skating rinks, and public accesses. Current Circumstances On January 5, 1998, the Prior Lake City Council approved the purchase of a Holder M. T. C. 9700 sidewalk plow with a V -Plow, snowblower, broom, and sander attachments. This piece of equipment has helped us to better achieve our Winter Maintenance Policy and Standards. The Issues As the City of Prior Lake continues to grow, additional trails, sidewalks, parking lots, and skating rinks are developed to serve our growing population. With the addition of new trails and sidewalks in 1998, some segments of these trails and sidewalks fall under the priorities established in our Parks Division Winter Maintenance Policy. These areas need to be addressed and adopted into our current policy. Listed below are: I) New trails and sidewalks that were built in 1998 and 2) Existing trails and sidewalks that should be added to the Winter Maintenance Policy because of safety and school access issues. 162~~t-ve. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CONSIDER BECAUSE: Location Prooosal C ate lZOrv Priority NEW CSAH 21 Maintain the new trail and sidewalk Community Low along CSAH 21 from CSAH 82 to Trail CSAH 42 NEW CSAH 42 Maintain the new trail along CSAH 42 Community Low from CSAH 21 to Femdale. Trail NEW CSAH 21 Maintain the new trail along CSAH 21 Community Low from Adelmann Street to Revere Way. Trail NEW Duluth Maintain the new trail on the West side School High Avenue of Duluth Avenue from Highway 13 to Access Pleasant Street. Community Request CSAH 44 Maintain the sidewalk on the south side School High of County Road 44 from Franklin Trail . Access to Fish Point Road. Community Request Credit Maintain the sidewalk along Credit School High River Rd. River Road from Highway 13 to Bus Stops Franklin Trail. Safety Community Request Northwood Maintain the portion of the sidewalk School High Road from the private access to the Dunn Bus Stops property to Linden Circle. Safety FISCAL IMP ACT: In a normal snowfall of 2" to 4" the efficiency of the new sidewalk plow will make it possible to maintain these additional trail and sidewalk sections without adding additional staff. However, there will be additional fuel costs which could be $200-$300 per season. Should we experience an abnormal winter with heavy snowfalls, the fuel and vehicle maintenance costs would increase and overtime hours may be necessary. CONCLUSION: There are currently 24 miles of trails and sidewall.\s that the Park Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining. The Winter Maintenance policy identifies 13 of these miles which we plow. Staff is proposing that we plow the additional 4.2 which are described above. We will have a map available at the Council meeting which identifies the existing trail system and those areas which we are proposing be added to our winter maintenance schedule. AL TERNA TIVES: I. Approve the proposed updates to the Parks Division Winter Maintenance Policy and map as provided. 2. Approve the proposed updates to the Parks Division Winter Maintenance Policy and map with modifications. WTRMAINT.DOC RECOMMENDED MOTION: REVIEWED BY: REVIEWED BY: WTRMAlNT.DOC ~. 3. Table this agenda item for a specific reason. 4. Deny this agenda item for a specific reason Staff recommends Alternative No.1. or No.2. Motion and second to approve the changes to the Parks Division Winter Maintenance Policy. Upon adoption of the policy the staff will update the document by date and by incorporating the new trails and sidewalks to be maintained in the exhibits. :) AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: SUBJECT: DATE: BACKGROUND: DISCUSSION: ISSUES: STAFF AGENDA REPORT BE PAUL HOKENESS, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION CONSIDER APPROVAL OF PARKS DIVISION WINTER MAINTENANCE POLICY DECEMBER 16, 1996 In accordance to Council directive 96-05 staff has prepared a policy regarding trail and sidewalk winter maintenance. Realizing that the City has no written policies regarding winter maintenance and snow removal practices, staff thought that, while the Council directive refers to trail and sidewalk maintenance (snow plowing), it would be a good idea to address the entire winter maintenance operation at this time. Ideally the city would like to provide year around maintenance to all parks and trails. Unfortunately, due to the number of trails and sidewalk miles and other winter park maintenance responsibilities, this ideal is not achievable. It is therefore necessary to prioritize winter maintenance of sidewalks, trails, parking lots, skating rinks, etc. The attached policy identifies the city's various facilities. Each facility is given a priority and the priority dictates how quickly the facility is to be maintained. In some cases where there is a trail and/or sidewalk on both sides of the street staff would recommend that we plow only one side, unless the trial is identified in the policy. If we prioritize and limit the amount of trails and sidewalks we maintain, we should be able to provide the maintenance as set forth in the proposed policy. AB the trail system grows we may need to consider additional personnel and/or equipment. At this time we do not have a sidewalk plow and are using pickups and Toro mowers with winter attachments (blowers and brooms). Trail snow removal is very abusive to the Toro mower. Though the Toro's work well for sweeping rinks, they cannot tolerate the constant jarring '. which they receive on the trails and sidewalks. In the future it would be advisable to consider the purchase of a piece of equipment which is designed to plow trails and sidewalks. This would allow us to remove snow more efficiently and would save the wear and tear on our Taro mowers and pickup trucks. We have received one request from a resident along Pleasant Avenue to plow the sidewalks in front of their home. The property owner believes that the sidewalk should be maintained because of the age of the people in this neighborhood. The staff feels that snow removal from trails and sidewalks which abut private property should be the responsibility of the homeowners, unless the trail or sidewalk is identified in the policy. This policy has been reviewed by the Parks Advisory Committee and their suggestions have been incorporated. A map will be presented at the City Council meeting which will identify the winter maintenance areas and their priorities. This map will be referred to as Exhibit 2. ALTERNATIVES: The Council has the following alternatives: 1. Approve the Park's Division Winter Maintenance Policy and map as provided. 2. Approve the Park's Division Winter Maintenance Policy and map with modifications. 3. Table this Agenda item for a specific reason. 4. Deny this Agenda item for a specific reason. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends Alternative No. 1 or No.2. Upon adoption we will publicize the materials in the Wavelength and Prior Lake American. ACTION REQUIRED: Motion and second to Approve Alternative No.1 or No.2. Approved by: Attachment PAUL. DOC PARK MAINTENANCE DIVISION WINTER -, MAINTENANCE POLICY I. Parks Department Winter Maintenance operations are prioritized according to the following eight categories. HIGH PRIORITY Safety Emergency School Access Public Facility MEDIUM PRIORITY High Use Recreation Hockey Rinks LOW PRIORITY Community Trails Pleasure Rinks II. Time tables for snow removal are based upon the priority of the particular trail, sidewalk, parking lot, skating rink or access as setforth below: Hi2h Snow removal should commence at the end of any snowfall and high priority areas should be cleared in approximately 12 hours. Medium Snow removal will commence after high priority areas have been cleared of snow and should be cleared in approximately 24 hours. Low Snow removal will commence any time after high and medium priority areas have been cleared of snow. Low priority areas will be cleared in approximately 36 hours. TRAILS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING LOTS, & ACCESSES I. It is the policy of the City to remove snow from the trails, sidewalks, parking lots, and winter lake access areas in accordance with our Winter Maintenance Policy. II. Exhibit 1, identifies each trail sidewalk, parking lot and winter access and identifies whether each is considered high, medium, or low in maintenance priority. Exhibit two is a maintenance map which shows graphically the priority of the various facilities for winter maintenance. III. The following standards are adopted for providing winter maintenance to designated trails, sidewalks, parking lots and winter lake access: 1. Sidewalks and trails which abut private property shall not normally be cleared of snow unless designated within this policy. It shall be the responsibility of the homeowner to keep sidewalks clear of snow or ice in accordance with City Code 9-1-1. REMVPOLl.DOC 12/11/96 2. The designated sidewalks, trails, and accesses, are normally plowed, blown or swept. The method of snow removal depends on the amount of snowfall. 3. Designated trails and sidewalks will be cleared as thoroughly as possible but need not be cleared of all ice and snow, nor maintained to bare pavement. 4. To assure completion of priority areas, snow removal may be conducted on a 24-hour a day basis, which may result in snow removal equipment being operated in residential areas during the evening, night, and early morning hours. 5. In the event of equipment failure, extreme snowfall, or other unanticipated events, deviation from these standards may be expected. SKATING RINKS The following standards are adopted for providing winter maintenance to hockey and pleasure rinks. I. All rinks will be swept and flooded Monday through Friday if 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 to improve ice surface Monday through Friday. 3. In the event of snow: A) No rink will be maintained until snow fall ceases. B) Maintenance crews will not normally be called in on the weekends or holidays to maintain rinks unless snowfall exceeds 2 inches. C) Hockey rinks are ranked as a medium priority and therefore will not be maintained until high priority winter operations are completed. D) Pleasure rinks are ranked as a lower 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 Park and Recreation Director. REMVPOLl.DOC 12/11196 Exhibit 1 - Parl{s Department Winter Maintenance Policv A. Parldn2: Lot Winter Maintenance Currentlv Maintained Prollosal Cateeorv Priority Sand Point Beach Access Continue to plow Sand Point Beach Access High Use Recreation Medium Dewitt Street D.N.R. Access Continue to plow D.N.R. Access High Use Recreation Medium West St. Access Continue to plow West Street Access High Use Recreation Medium I LAKEACC.DOC 1l!23/98 Exhibit 1 - Paries Department Winter Maintenance Policy c. Parl{in{! Lot Winter Maintenance J Currentlv Maintained .Prooosal Catel!orv Prioritv City Hall Parking Lot Continue to maintain the parking lot at City Hall Public Facility High Library Parking Lot Continue to maintain parking lot at the Library Public Facility High Police Annex Lot Continue to maintain the parking lot at the Emergency High Annex Fire Station Parking Lot Continue to maintain parking lot at the Fire Emergency High Station Maintenance Facility Parking Lot Continue to maintain parking lot at the Maintenance Facility Emergency High Lakefront Park Rink Parking Lot Continue to maintain Lakefront Park rink parking lot High Use Recreation Medium Lakefront Park Sledding Hill Parking Lot Continue to maintain Lakefront Park sledding hill parking lot High Use Recreation Medium Downtown Parking Lot (Main St. and Eagle Creek Avenue) Continue to maintain downtown parking lot Public Facility High PRKG_LOT.DOC 11/23/98 Exhibit 1 - ParIes Department Winter Maintenancv Policv D. Sidewalks and Trails Winter Maintenance Currentlv.M aintained .Pronosal CSAH 21 Sidewalk and trail from Fish Point Road to CSAH 82 1) Maintain only the trail from Fish Point to CSAH 82 2) Maintain only the portion of sidewalk from Highway 13 to Arcadia Franklin Trail Sidewalk from Highway 13 (EZ Stop) to Highway 13 (Laker's Restaurant) Continue to maintain sidewalk from Highway 13 (EZ Stop) to Highway 13 (Laker's Restaurant) Fish Point Maintain sidewalk from Huron Street to Continue to maintain sidewalk from Huron Street Highway 13. The portion from Huron to County to Highway 13. 44 is maintained by the school. Fish Point/South of 44 Currently maintain sidewalk and trail from CSAH Maintain only the trail from CSAH 44 to the end 44 to the end ofFish Point Road. ofFish Point Road. SIDEW ALK.DOC Catet!orv Priority Community Trail Low J School Access High School Access High School Access High I Jn3/98 Exhibit 1 - Parks Dellartment Winter Maintenance Policv D. Sidewallcs and Trails Winter Maintenance Currentlv.Maintained Fish Point Road/South of CSAH 21 Maintain the trail along Fish Point Road from CSAH 21 to Blind Lake Trail. Cardinal Ridee Park Maintain trail through the entire park Crossandm Street This portion is an addition in 1996 CSAH 44 Sidewalk This is a new addition in 1996. Both sides of CSAH 44 have a sidewalk. SIDEWALKDOC Proposal Propose that we continue to maintain the trail along Fish Point Road from CSAH 21 to Blind Lake Trail. Continue to maintain trail only to the skating rink. Maintain sidewalk from Franklin Trail to Fish Point Road. Propose to: 1) Maintain sidewalk on the South side of CSAH 44 from Highway 13 to Senior Citizen's Home. At CSAH 44 and Franklin Trail intersection, cross over to the North side of CSAH 44 and maintain sidewalk from Franklin Trail to school property. Page 2 Cateeorv Priority Emergency / Public Facility High Rink Access Low School Access High ,I School Access/Safety High J 11123/98 Exhibit 1 - Paries Dellartment '''inter Maintenance Policv D. Sidewallcs and Trails Winter Maintenance CnrrentlvMaintained CSAH 42 Maintain trail along CSAH 42 from Timothy Avenue to Ferndale Avenue Crest Avenue Maintain sidewalk and trail from CSAH 42 to Shore Trail. Carriaee Hills Maintain sidewalk and trail from CSAH 21 to Bluebird Trail. Wilds Maintain sidewalk and trail from CSAH 83 to Oak Tree Drive. Westbury Ponds (This is a new trail in 1996.) SIDEW ALK.DOC Prollosal Continue to maintain trail from Timothy Avenue to Ferndale Avenue Propose to maintain only the trail from CSAH 42 to Shore Trail. Propose to maintain only the trail from CSAH 21 to Bluebird Trail. Propose to maintain only the trail from CSAH 83 to Oak Tree Drive. With the completion of the Westbury Ponds Trail linking with Five Hawks school this trail should now be maintained. Page 3 Cateeorv Priority Community Trail Low Community Trail Low Community Trail Low Community Trail Low School Access High 1] /23/98 Exhibit 1 - Parl{s Denartment Winter Maintenance Policv D. Sidewall{s and Trails Winter Maintenance Currentlv.Maintained Tower Street Maintain sidewalk and trail from Vine Street to Toronto Avenue. Toronto Avenue Maintain both sidewalk and trail on Toronto Avenue from Tower Street to Parkwood Ct. Woodridi!e Park Prooosal Propose to maintain only the trail on the South side along Tower Street from Vine Street to Toronto Avenue. Propose to maintain only the trail on the East side of Toronto from Tower Street to Parkwood Ct. Maintain the trail from Toronto Avenue through Propose that we continue maintaining this trail. Woodridge Park to Mangan Fields Lalcefront Park Maintain the trails throughout Lakefront Park. Ridi!emont Avenue and Main Street Maintain the trail along Main Street and Ridgemont Avenue from Dakota Street to Lakefront Park. SIDEW ALK.DOC Propose to continue maintaining the trails in Lakefront Park. Propose that we continue to maintain the trails on Ridgemont Avenue and Main Street. Page 4 Catei!ol'V ,priority School Access High School Access High Community Trail Low Community Trail Low Community Trail Low 11/23/98 Exhibit 1 - ParIes Department Winter Maintenance Policv D. Sidewall{s and Trails Winter Maintenance Cu....entlv.Maintained Rid2emont Sidewalk Maintain the sidewalk on Ridgemont Avenue from Rutledge Street to Lakefront Park. Duluth A ven ue Maintain the sidewalks on both sides of Duluth Avenue from CSAH 21 to Colorado Street Northwood Road The sidewalk on Northwood Road from Spring Lake Road to Fremont Avenue was installed in 1996. Carria2e Hills Trail (This is a new trail in 1996.) Blind Lal{e Trail (This is a new trail in 1996.) SIDEWALK DOC Page 5 Prooosal Cate20rv Priority Propose that we continue to maintain the sidewalk along Ridgemont from Rutledge Street to Lakefront Park. Community Trail Low Propose that we continue to maintain both sidewalks along Duluth Avenue from CSAH 21 to Colorado Street. 1 . High School Access Propose that we do not maintain the sidewalk on Northwood Road from Spring Lake Road to Fremont Avenue until the CSAH 82 connection is completed. This would also mean installing a sidewalk along Fremont Avenue at some point in time. N/A N/A Propose to maintain the trail in Carriage Hills Community Trail Low Propose to maintain only the portion of Blind Lake Trail sidewalk that is adjacent to Wilderness Run Park Community Trail Low 11/23/98 ( Exhibit 1 - Parl{s Department Winter Maintenance Policv D. Sidewall{s and Trails Winter Maintenance Page 6 Currently Maintained PI"OJ)osal Catel!orv Priority City Hall Sidewalks Continue to maintain the sidewalks at City Hall Public Facility High Library Sidewalks Continue to maintain the sidewalks at the Library Public Facility High Fire Station Sidewalk Continue to maintain the sidewalks at the Fire Station Emergency/Public Facility High Maintenance Facility Sidewalk Continue to maintain the sidewalks at the Maintenance Facility. Emergency/Public Facility High 7 , SIDEWALK.DOC ] 1/23/98