ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to Hold a POLICY DISCUSSION to Seek Council Direction on a SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL POLICY Including Recommendations for a Mailbox Replacement Policy.
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BACKGROUND: The City of Peoria experienced a unique snow season during the winter of 2014-2015. We began with a record tying month of the least amount of snow fall in history, during the month of December. The snow season then followed up with ten events during the next two months, which was an average of one event per week. The Public Works staff responded to the challenge and provided updates of the various events to the Council and to the public.
In this Policy Session, we would like to discuss past performance, address current needs to determine best practices, and essential resources to produce an efficient level of service for the upcoming 2015-2016 snow season. Public Works staff will also discuss current and future considerations, including making recommendations and seeking direction from Council for a Sidewalk Snow Removal Policy and mailbox replacement policy.
During a snow and ice event, several entities are working together to coordinate staffing of equipment, equipment preparation, utilizing snow removal and de-icing materials, and also including utilization of contractor and temporary employee services. The culmination of staff members, organizations, equipment, properly trained staff, public/media notification all comes together throughout an event to help keep the City of Peoria’s roadway system safe and reduce travel hazards to sustain mobility.
Staff has prepared a brief presentation that depicts a current overview of resources, new procedures, recommendations, and benchmarking other communities’ Sidewalk Snow Removal Policies.
The items for consideration and direction in this policy session are:
• Resources Needed To Develop Programs
• Establish a Sidewalk Snow Removal Policy
o Recommend a Mailbox Replacement Policy
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Not applicable (policy discussion only).
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Safe roadways, and reducing travel hazards while sustaining mobility during a snow/ice event. Maintain mail service during mailbox damage resulting from snow plowing efforts.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Not applicable (policy discussion only).
IMPACT IF DENIED: Not applicable (policy discussion only).
ALTERNATIVES: Council can modify, delete or add other parameters to the policy.
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: Not applicable.
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
2. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Have an efficient government.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works