Snow Removal

Snow removal is a complicated and time consuming task. There are many variables that are considered when determining how to handle a snow or freezing rain event.
We are responsible for over 72 miles of city streets plus alleys, sidewalks and city parking lots.
On any winter weather event, priority is given to major roads like Hwy 64, Hwy 107 and streets that serve hospitals and schools.
After these streets are cleared, our plows start working on residential streets.
Salt is generally applied to the main streets when the temperature is above 15 degrees in an effort to maintain bare pavement.
A mixture of sand/salt is applied to the intersections, hills and curves of the residential streets.
Snow is also removed from the boulevards in downtown and business district areas regularly to help with pedestrian traffic and to prevent ice from accumulating in these areas.
Boulevard snow removal is only done when the crews are not needed for plowing.