Title
Discussion: Snow Removal
Executive Summary: Staff is presenting a salt reduction option to the current snow removal and management program currently in use by the City. The purpose in presenting this is in response to Council inquiries and is meant to provide an opportunity for Council to discuss our current program and possible alternatives.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
The City has provided excellent snow removal services to the residents of Hudson following Council directive of achieving “wet pavement” conditions on all City streets as soon after a snow event as possible. Following this policy directive, City resources have been challenged over the last several years due, in part to the severe winters we’ve had as well as the increased cost of salt. An additional consideration is the impact of freeze/thaw conditions coupled with salt melt seeping into cracks in the asphalt.
Due to limitations of salt availability last year, the City modified their management practices for the application of salt to the major road network as well as locations with ice conditions. We then managed the local roads using primarily removal techniques with salt application to ice conditions.
There are pros and cons to either method of snow removal management. The “wet pavement” approach increases costs for labor and material while the salt reduction approach would take a more nuanced approach to managing snow conditions on the local streets.
Timing Considerations
Staff is proposing a pilot program for the winter of 2015/2016.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff is not proposing a recommendation of one snow removal method over the other however, we feel there may be merit in exploring options further and are proposing a PILOT program for the winter of 2015/16 to try out the salt reduction program prior to making any formal modifications to our salt stock. This will provide us with a full season to determine if this alternative management system is effective, uses our resources more wisely and, how the citizens accept it. This information will inform us prior to any decision being made on reducing our salt order next summer for the 2017 snow season.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Frank Comeriato, Assistant City Manager