Snow Removal

Winter Maintenance Program

Our trucks salt, cinder, and plow over 140 lane miles of roads. We maintain stockpiles of over 400 tons of anti-skid material. We stock extra parts for plows, salt spreaders, and truck chains. Despite our best efforts, we do have equipment breakdowns during snowstorms; this may delay work on certain routes. Please be patient.

Each operator has a specific route that includes high priority roads and lesser priority roads. View our Road Classification Map for Snow Plowing for more details.  When a snowstorm begins, operators will cover their entire route with salt and anti-skid material. This helps to keep the snow and ice from freezing on the surface. After that they begin to plow their route. The intensity of the snowstorm determines how routes are completed. For minor storms the entire route may be completed at once. However, if the storm intensifies, only priority routes (usually through roads) will be plowed. Cul-de-sacs and secondary roads will not be done until the main routes can be kept open. As the storm lightens all roads will be opened. After all roads can be kept open and the snow stops, drivers complete their route by pushing snow back as far as possible and clear the intersections.

The success of our Winter Maintenance Program depends on how much cooperation we receive from our citizens. By following these guidelines during a snowstorm you can assist us in keeping the roadways open:

  • Do not park cars on a street during a snowstorm.
  • Remove all vehicles from streets before the storm and keep them off the street until the streets are cleared. Having cars in the street not only delays the clearing of streets, but can result in the car owner receiving a fine or the car being towed.
  • Do not push or shovel snow into the street — this practice causes a safety hazard and could cause an accident. You can be fined for this or be held responsible for the accident.
  • Properly prepare your vehicle for winter driving.
  • If you do not have confidence when driving on snow and ice, don't drive. Share the ride with someone or change your schedule so that you don't have to travel. Wait until the roads are clear before traveling.
  • When clearing your driveway be aware that when streets are plowed the snow will go into your driveway.
  • Clearing a wider area on the edge of the street before your driveway will allow much of the snow to leave the plow before your driveway.
  • We are not responsible for mailbox damage unless we hit it with a our equipment. 
  • Check your mailbox. Heavy snow thrown from highway plows will break mailboxes and rotted posts. You are responsible for these repairs.

Our Municipal Services Department employees spend long hours in tough conditions to make the roads as safe as possible. Please cooperate with them and appreciate the fact that they are doing their best to serve the community.