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City explains snow removal procedures and urges public to avoid playing in high snow piles
Summary
Public works described the city's snow-emergency plowing procedures, neighborhood maintenance schedule and enforcement options for residents or businesses who place snow on city property.
City operations staff explained the city's snow removal approach during the Jan. 6 East Grand Forks City Council meeting and urged residents to avoid high snow piles where children might play.
Mr. Stoall described the protocol: during a declared snow emergency the city attempts curb-to-curb plowing across the city; if snow falls after crews have completed a route, crews follow an established maintenance schedule for each area of town, which is posted on the city's website. He said staff also prioritize some commercial areas for earlier removal and haul snow away as it accumulates.
Council members raised concerns about commercial and residential property owners pushing snow onto city property and into the street. The council asked staff to publish reminders and noted that the police department helps enforce the ordinance prohibiting snow deposition on city property and that individual letters are sometimes mailed to repeat offenders.
Mr. Stoall also warned that children playing in large snow piles can create hazards for plow drivers and pedestrians and asked residents to discourage that activity.
What happens next: Staff will prepare reminders about the ordinance and the posted maintenance schedule and continue enforcement actions as needed.
