SNOW REMOVAL POLICY
SPRINGVALE TOWNSHIP
INTRODUCTION
The Township of Springvale believes that it is in the best interest of the residents of the township to assume basic responsibility for the control of snow and ice on township roads. Reasonable snow and ice control is necessary for routine travel and emergency services. Since the safety and convenience of the traveling public is a main concern of Springvale Township, the township will provide such snow control in a safe and cost effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns. The Township will use town employees, equipment, and/or private contractors to provide this service.
The Township does not assure a completely bare road and will not sand entire sections of roadway. Users of the roadway system are reminded to exercise caution and drive with care. The legal speed limit may not be possible at all times.
A call to the Isanti County Highway Department will be made at the time of such a request to find out what the total cost of the culvert, any parts needed, and tax for a total price to be paid by the new driveway applicant.
WHEN THE TOWNSHIP WILL START SNOW CONTROL OPERATIONS
The town road authority will decide when to begin snow or ice control operations. The criteria for that decision are:
a. Snow accumulation of three (3) inches or more on gravel roads
b. Snow accumulation of one (1) inch or more on paved / blacktop roads
c. Icy conditions which seriously effect travel
The township will usually not dispatch the snowplows until after the snowfall has stopped. During extended periods of snowfall, exceptions may be made. If snowfall stops during regular working hours, the plows may be dispatched at that time. Weekend plowing will be handled the same way.
OPERATIONS
Generally, the cleaning of roads will consist of three phases:
a. Make the road passable. Clean one lane in each direction
b. Widen lanes to edge of shoulder
c. Sanding is done at problem areas
PERSONAL PROPERTIES
a. Mailboxes and fences damaged during snow removal will be evaluated case by case. Only those mailboxes that were properly located and installed and which were damaged by actual contact with township/contractors equipment will be repaired at township expense.
b. Township residents are reminded that it is unlawful to plow snow from driveways onto or across public roads. Piles of snow left on or near the road can freeze into a solid mass creating a hazardous situation for vehicles and snowplows. Accidents and damages caused by snow piles placed in roadways may result in liability to the property owner. Piles of snow increase the chance of drifting snow onto the roadway.
c. Township residents are reminded to remove parked vehicles from township roads to assist in snow removal.
d. The plows will not attempt to remove stuck vehicles from ditches, snow banks, or any other impediment.
e. When directed by the supervisor in charge of roads, the township will make an emergency plowing effort through private property. No other plowing of private property will be allowed. (Life threatening situations are the exceptions.)
INFORMATION
Questions or concerns regarding snow removal and/or road conditions should be directed to your township at the regular monthly meeting held the first Wednesday of each month or by contacting a Town Board member.
Approved by the Springvale Town Board October 4th, 2000.
Reevaluated by Springvale Town Board April 1st, 2004
Updated and Approved by the Springvale Town Board December 6th, 2006
