City of Wellington outlines snow/ice policy
Sumner Newscow report — The following is the City of Wellington snow/ice policy…
SNOWFALL LESS THAN 2”
Typically, snow plowing is not necessary, but sanding will begin at the intersections of the Primary, Secondary, Downtown snow routes and bridges. Next, sand is spread at all hills, railroad crossings and streets intersecting with the highways.
SNOWFALL OF 2”-ABOVE
In addition to sanding, plowing will also begin at the Primary, Secondary and Downtown snow routes. Snow will be plowed in such a manner as to minimize traffic obstructions. Major intersections will be cleared with a loader by pushing snow into piles at the corner of intersections, if necessary.
SANDING AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF STREETS
Pre-Treat – A salt brine solution sprayed on the streets to help prevent ice and snow buildup. Salt brine has a lower freezing temperature than water and slows or prevents the snow/ice from adhering to the road surface. It can also be applied to existing snow/ice to soften or loosen the material for easier removal.
Sanding – The material used for de-icing is a mixture of road sand and calcium chloride or salt. A liquid calcium chloride solution is sprayed over the sand as it is being deposited onto the streets.
Calcium Chloride – Instantly generates heat on contact with ice and snow to speed the deicing and melting process. When used as directed, will not damage trees, shrubs, flower beds or grass and will not chemically or physically attack concrete. Calcium chloride will melt ice at temperatures to -25° F.
ICY CONDITIONS
Sanding and calcium chloride will be applied to bridges, intersections and sloped streets when there are icy conditions.
SNOW HAULING
In the event of excessive snow in the Central Business District, snow shall be pulled away from the curb and placed in windrows in the center of the street. From this point the windrows will be picked up and hauled away once the Primary and Secondary routes are safe to travel.
Snow hauling will usually occur during off business hours in heavy areas of traffic first. Then, it will move to the side streets of downtown. Hauling will continue for as long as necessary to complete.
Snow pickup will be accomplished using such personnel, equipment and methods appropriate to maintaining a reasonable and safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians at all times.
OTHER AREAS OF SERVICE
On school days, the City will sand streets and intersections around all schools.
The City will also sand the Police and Fire facility and both the main emergency entrances at the hospital as well as churches for Sunday services and funerals as needed.
SIDEWALKS
The Park Department, as well as the Cemetery, Lake and Golf Dept. are responsible for clearing snow around downtown planters, wheelchair ramps and sidewalks adjacent to City-owned and operated property. Sidewalks adjacent to privately-owned buildings are the responsibility of the property owner to clear or ice.
DRIVEWAYS
One of the most frequent and frustrating problems for some residents in removal of snow from public streets is the snow deposited in driveways during plowing operations. The amount of snow deposited in the driveways may be significant but is unavoidable due to the nature of snow removal as the plows push the snow to the curb line. The City does not have the resources to clear driveways or privately-owned parking lots throughout the city. Property owners are responsible for clearing their driveways.
MAILBOX DAMAGE
The City accepts responsibility for mailboxes that are physically struck by a plow blade or other piece of equipment. If a mailbox is damaged by any indirect cause, such as the weight of plowed snow, the City will not participate in the cost of repair or replacement.
It is the resident’s responsibility that the mailboxes are constructed sturdy enough to withstand snow rolling off a plow. Therefore, damage resulting from the snow is the responsibility of the resident. The City will repair or replace mailboxes in those instances where the City is responsible for the damage.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR CITIZENS
Travel at a safe distance from sand trucks and snowplows at all times to avoid damage to your car. Do not try to pass these vehicles when spreaders are operating.
Limit and restrict travel unless absolutely necessary during severe weather.
Park vehicles off-street if possible if you live on a street that receives scheduled or regular snow plowing.
Snow removal contractors and businesses shall not remove snow off of private property and place it into public streets or alleys.
SNOW ROUTES
(Priority route system in which streets are cleared)
1. Primary (Arterial): U.S. 160 Hwy. West – (81 highway to Slate Creek Bridge) 160 Hwy. East – (A St. to east city limit marker) 81 Hwy – (north city limit to south city limit) Vandenburgh Ave. – (15th St. to A St.) 16th St. – (Vandenburgh Ave. to Crestview St.) Crestview St. – (160 West to north city limit marker) Botkin St. – (81 South to RR tracks). Woodlawn Ave. – (160 East to Lincoln Ave.) H St. – (16th St. to Hillside) Hillside – (81 hwy. to H st.)
2. Secondary (Collector)
Jefferson Ave. – (Botkin St to 21st St.)
Washington Ave. – (Botkin St. to RR tracks then 11th St. to 21st St.) South Woodlawn Ave. – (1st St. to Botkin St.)
9th St. – (Woodlawn Ave to C St.)
Crusader Dr. – (Woodlawn Ave. to High School property)
Lincoln St. – (Arthur to C St. then Jefferson Ave. to Blaine St.) Harvey St. – (Cemetery to C St. then F St. to High Dr.)
High Dr. – (16th St. to Shady Ln.)
A St. – (Harvey St. to 15th St.)
B St. – (Harvey St. to 15th St.)
C St. – ( Lincoln St. to 15th St.)
3. Downtown Business District
Washington Ave. – (11th St. to RR tracks)
Harvey St. – (C St. to F St.)
Lincoln St. – (C St. to Jefferson Ave.)
Jefferson Ave. – (8th St. to Lincoln Ave.)* only if large amount of snow
7th St. – (Washington Ave. to Jefferson Ave.)* only if large amount of snow 8th St. – (Washington Ave. to Jefferson Ave.)* only if large amount of snow
4. Parking Lots
9th and Jefferson- (SE corner)
Lincoln and Jefferson – (NE corner)
City Building – (North and South side of building)
