Staff proposes shrinking sidewalk plow routes; seeks public input before July decision

Summary

City staff presented a plan May 19, 2025, to reduce sidewalk plow route mileage and shift clearing of low‑volume sidewalks to adjacent property owners; staff cited operator safety, property damage and long route times and said it will return with a final recommendation in July after additional outreach.

City staff sought feedback May 19, 2025, on a proposal to reduce sidewalk plow route lengths in Bloomington and move clearing responsibility for some lower‑volume residential sidewalks to adjacent property owners.

Presenters Dave Hanson and plow operator Kevin Edin described sidewalk plow operations, safety risks for crews and maintenance costs. Kevin Edin told the council his survey of peer cities found that sidewalk routes in the 10–15 mile range are the most operationally successful; he said Bloomington’s current routes average roughly 25 miles per route. "In the 10 to 15 mile range, they all feel successful, able to get out there, get everything cleared within one day," Edin said.

Staff proposed a map that would keep arterials and major collectors in the city’s responsibility while turning minor collectors and local streets to adjacent property owners. Under one scenario staff presented, the city’s sidewalk routes would fall to about 13 miles each — a level the…

Staff proposes shrinking sidewalk plow routes; seeks public input before July decision

Summary

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