The City of Hastings is getting ready for winter.
With our first “sample” of snow falling last week, Hastings residents and the city are getting ready for the winter season.
The Hastings City Council on Monday night approved the Snow Plowing and Ice Control policy that public works employees follow to clear away snow and ice. The policy was last updated by the city in 2021. It perhaps would have been nice if the city were able to just “ban” snow and ice, but that’s wishful thinking from a reporter who has to drive too many miles in bad weather!
Following is the Snow and Ice Control Policy.
Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy 2023
The City of Hastings Public Works Department assumes basic responsibility for snow and ice control on city-owned streets. The City of Hastings does not maintain or do snow removal on State or County Roads. (Hwy’s 61, 316, 55, 47, 42 2nd St. West of Eddy). The City also does not maintain or do snow removal on private roads. Public Works will use City employees, equipment, and materials to provide this service. At times, and with the approval of senior staff, services may be contracted out on an as-need basis. The City will attempt to provide such services while keeping safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns in mind. This policy does not relieve operators of private vehicles, pedestrians, property owners, residents, and all others using public streets, of their responsibility to act in a prudent manner, given the conditions.
The Public Works Superintendent or designee will decide when to begin snow or ice control. There are many contributing factors that may warrant snow/ice control to begin, including but not limited to:
In an event where there is freezing rain, ice, or trace amounts of snow, Public Works staff will make the determination if salting/plowing is needed, and the amount of personnel and equipment.
Snow will be plowed in a manner that minimizes traffic obstructions. The center of the road will be plowed first, with the snow being pushed left to right until full width, or as close to full width as conditions allow. The exceptions to this are:
In times of extreme snowfall, streets will not always be completely cleared of snow. Public Works is not responsible for mailbox access.
The Downtown area center windrows will be removed the next normal work day following snow removal operations. Public Works Staff will determine if and when snow will be removed from all other areas. Such snow removal will occur in areas where accumulated snow creates a hazardous condition. Snow removal operations will not commence until all other snowplowing operations have been completed. Snow removal operations may be delayed depending on weather conditions, personnel, and budget availability. The snow will be removed and hauled to one of the City’s designated snow storage areas.
Priority streets within our six plow routes are designated “Primaries”. Streets with this designation have been selected based on street function, traffic counts, and importance to the welfare of the community. The second priority streets are the remaining lower volume streets (neighborhoods). The third priority streets are cul-de-sacs and alleys.
During snow events plowing of all other streets may be stopped, with personnel and equipment being shifted to priority routes.
Snowplow operators will be expected to work eight to twelve- hour shifts. No operator will be required to work a continuous shift greater than twelve hours, which shall include breaks.
During a normal event ten PW Operators, and ten pieces of equipment are used. (6 Trucks, 3 Tractor/loader, 1- One Ton)
An additional operator is required to complete utility checks at the Hydro plant, wells, and lift stations, along with any utility emergencies. In the absence of one or more operators, Public Works will utilize any remaining operators, Engineering Technicians with appropriate training, and Parks operators (in that order) to fill vacancies.
The City recognizes that municipal snowplow drivers are exempt from traffic regulations set forth in Minnesota Statues, Chapter 169 while actively engaged in work on streets, except for regulations related to driving while impaired and safety of school children.
Snow and ice control operations will be conducted only when weather conditions do not endanger the safety of the snowplow operator and equipment. Factors that may delay operations include: severe cold, significant winds, and limited visibility.
The City uses two varieties of treated salt when there are hazardous ice or slippery conditions. Due to environmental concerns the City limits the use of such chemicals, and does not use sand for road treatment.
With the exception of the Downtown area, the City will conduct snow removal on sidewalks abutting City property and those sidewalks immediately adjacent to the curbs. All other maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of abutting property owner.
The City Parks Department will remove snow from sidewalks abutting City property within 48 hours after the snowfall has stopped. Public works crews will remove snow from sidewalks immediately adjacent to curbs, only after all street plowing and post storm street cleanup is completed, and the windrowed snow in the Downtown area is removed.
Mailboxes may be impacted by snow removal operations. The City’s goal of “curb to curb” is not always attainable given conditions. This can impact the US Postal Services access and may impede their ability to deliver mail. The City will not be responsible for mailbox accessibility issues.
Only mailboxes directly hit by a plow blade will be the responsibility of City to repair. The City will not be responsible for damage to mailboxes or support posts caused by snow or ice (wake from plow) coming into contact with the mailbox.
The City will conduct a review of each mailbox incident to determine where the responsibility lies.
If it is determined the City is responsible for repairs, the City at its discretion, offers two options:
During snow removal operations, the City or its contractors may cause damage to turf adjacent to streets and/or sidewalks. When Public Works notices or is notified of such damage, the location is noted and inspected once conditions allow. If repairs are deemed necessary, Public Works will seed and topsoil spots in the spring.
The City assumes no responsibility for damage to irrigation systems, private lighting, trees, shrubs, specialty grasses, rocks, landscaping or structural improvements around mailboxes and fences, or similar landscaping installed in City right-of-way or easements.
The City assumes no responsibility for damage to trash containers. Trash containers must remain behind curb to achieve full width plowing.
In the event snow removal equipment is involved in an accident with a pedestrian, moving or parked vehicle, or structure, the operator must immediately notify the Police Department and then their direct Supervisor. Based on provisions in the Employee Handbook, Chapter 11 Drug-Free Workplace, the employee involved in the accident may be subject to drug and alcohol testing as soon as possible after the accident has occurred.
Specific details of the incident will need to be documented for insurance purposes, including photos of the scene and damage to equipment or property. Documentation must be provided as soon as is safe to provide and in accordance with established procedures.
