Title
Senior Snowplow Program Proposal
Brief Description: At the request of Mayor Anzevino, City staff researched nearby municipal senior snowplow programs (Exhibit A) and assembled a proposal (Exhibit B) for City Council consideration with the purpose of providing senior citizens (65+) and disabled adults emergency snow removal services.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
At the request of Mayor Anzevino, City staff researched nearby municipal senior snowplow programs (Exhibit A) and assembled a proposal (Exhibit B) for City Council consideration with the purpose of providing senior citizens (65+) and disabled adults emergency snow removal services.
Research revealed eligibility criteria was consistent amongst jurisdictions, but funding sources, program management and budget varied. The most efficiently managed programs included capped registration and a voucher system to ensure a budget was met and participants received timely services.
The attached proposal outlines eligibility to include residents 65+ up or permanently disabled adults without an abled-bodied individual living in the household. Verification may be determined by Summit County Fiscal Office Homestead Exemption records. Based on these records, up to a maximum of 787 Hudson households could be eligible to participate in the program (a cap would be established). It is important to note the requirements to receive a Homestead Exemption are consistent with guidance issued for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) if the City were to later use these funds to support the program.
Eligible residents would be required to apply annually for program participation. Applications may be capped to adhere to a program budget.
Base services may include:
- Driveway clearing and salting - One pass through of the driveway (8’width x 150’ length);
Optional services may include:
- Snow removal and salting of a handicapped accessibility ramp or personal sidewalk, if the garage is detached; and
- Accessibility of the mailbox and City sidewalk.
The City would make every effort to provide all three requested services within a Bid proposal, but would focus on only snowplowing services, if the program is implemented in 2023 as it may be difficult to secure a contractor this far into the season.
Participating residents would be provided with up to five (5) vouchers per season and are responsible for contacting the contractor for each request.
The financial impact of the program as designed would be upward of $30,000 annually (estimate based on $50 per driveway per snowfall for 120 participants).
The financial impact of a pilot program in year 1 would be $12,500 (estimate based on $50 per driveway per snowfall for 50 residents).
The City may apply to CDBG funds to offset the cost in the future. The next grant cycle is Summer 2024 for program year 2025 (January 1 - December 31).
Timing Considerations
If City Council wishes to implement the Senior Snowplow Program in 2023, the project would need to be bid out prior to the start of the winter season. Applications from eligible residents would need to be collected concurrently to the bid process.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account # TBD, $30,000)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council provide feedback on the program, and if supported, determine a program start date.
Staff recommends implementation of a pilot program in year 1. The pilot program could offer a simplified snowplow service to 50 participants and provide each resident with up to five (5) vouchers to use within the season for snow removal services. Data from the pilot program would be used to enhance future services.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director
Jena Stasik, Community Relations Manager