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Lewistown commission approves first reading of revised snow‑route ordinance, sets 4‑inch emergency trigger
Summary
The commission approved first reading of Ordinance 17‑73 to create tiered snow‑route priorities, adopt odd/even overnight parking on tier‑2 streets, and use a 4‑inch accumulation threshold to trigger no‑parking on priority streets, with staff directed to expand public notice and maps.
On first reading the Lewistown City Commission moved forward with a revised snow‑route ordinance that designates tier 1 (critical) and tier 2 (alternate odd/even) routes, clarifies overnight odd/even parking rules and sets a 4‑inch accumulation trigger for declaring emergency no‑parking on tier‑1 streets.
City staff and the public discussed language definitions and enforcement mechanics for Ordinance 17‑73. Commissioner Tim proposed amending the odd/even overnight window to read 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. (to avoid midnight confusion) and recommended raising the accumulation trigger for tier‑1 emergency no‑parking from 2 inches to 4 inches to reduce false triggers and overtime costs. Public works staff, police and fire reported they can staff the plan and recommended clear map publication and pre‑event door‑hangers and social media notices.
Supporters argued 4 inches better matches practical plow operations and reduces repeated activations for light snow events, while proponents of 2 inches said earlier action keeps streets clearer. "If it's going to be 4 inches, that still meets the needs of a significant snow event but doesn't require a constant no‑parking for smaller storms," a commissioner said. The commission voted to approve the ordinance on first reading with the proposed amendments and asked staff to publish maps and use multiple channels to notify residents. The ordinance will return for a second reading and takes effect 30 days after final adoption.
Staff said enforcement will use code‑enforcement notices and that the city has invested in emergency messaging tools to broadcast route activations. The commission also directed work to refine odd/even language and to publish detailed maps showing tiered streets so residents can prepare for activations.
