Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Snow Removal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council asks staff to study Highway 2 sidewalk clearing after public works briefing and resident complaints
Summary
Public Works presented the city's snow-clearing priorities; councilors requested a policy review for clearing sidewalks on Highway 2, asked for cost estimates, and heard a resident describe safety problems from shoveling into the street and bobcat plowing.
Public Works Officer Sean Bates outlined Columbia Falls’ snow-removal priorities and procedures and answered council and public questions on whether the city should alter policy to provide faster or broader sidewalk clearing along Highway 2.
Bates explained the published priority map: crews clear priority 1 (main corridors) first, then priority 2 roads, then priority 3. He said crews are typically called in when snow reaches about 4 inches, and overnight calls are initiated by the police department to the streets lead operator. Selected multiuse paths and a few sidewalks adjacent to Highway 2 are cleared as resources allow.
Councilors pressed staff on Highway 2 sidewalk clearing, noting state plows can leave sidewalks impassable and that businesses that pay for sidewalk clearing may be disadvantaged when neighboring properties do not clear theirs. Councilors asked staff to return with a proposed policy that could include faster response on Highway 2, the option of contracting, or a citywide standard. Council members asked staff to estimate the additional manpower and cost (one councilor suggested it could increase staffing needs by roughly 25% as a baseline estimate) and for an assessment of whether same-day sidewalk clearing is feasible without reducing regular street services.
During the public-comment period, resident Matt described situations where homeowners or contractors pushed snow into the street, raised safety concerns about bobcat use that blocked sightlines at driveways, and reported inconsistent enforcement last year. Staff and the city manager clarified that pushing snow into the street is not allowed under city code (staff called it a long-standing code provision and a recommendation to place shoveled snow to the side of a driveway or adjacent boulevard). Bates said the city’s capacity is constrained by staffing, but when available crews will clear sidewalks; he noted the city does have equipment that could be used but acknowledged manpower is the limiting factor.
Council directed staff to return with a policy recommendation, cost estimates, and operational options at a future meeting; Sean Bates will participate in the follow-up report back to council.
