HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05.c➢ Snow and Ice Control
Well, it hasn't been much of a
winter with only about 15 inches
of snow for the season, but there
has been enough activity to
implement snow and ice control
operations based on City policies.
For the most part, these activities
have been limited to clearing
collector roadways to prevent
icing. The snow event in late
January, however, put down
enough snow in combination
with freezing rain to send out all the
equipment to both remove snow
and apply deicer. The first plows
were out early in the morning to
clear the collector roadways for the
morning commute and the
remainder were sent out mid-
morning to clear residential areas
and cul -de -sacs. To meet the
snow removal needs of the City
requires more than 30 pieces of
equipment and the staff to
operate them. A snow event
goes beyond just clearing streets
to also remove snow from trails
and sidewalks used as safe routes
to schools, sidewalks in
downtown Lakeville, numerous .
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LAKEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS
Christopher Petree, Director
January 2012
parking Tots for emergency services and at public buildings, and around wells and
lift stations. Staff to support this comes from Streets, Utilities, and Park
Maintenance for whom the snow event becomes the first priority.
➢ Sewer Inspections
The lack of snow this winter has
given the Utilities Division an
opportunity to inspect portions of
the sanitary sewer system which
are located out of the roadway and
contained within easements.
Many times this means walking
through low lying areas that
during other times of the year are
difficult to access because of
vegetation and wet conditions.
During the winter months staff can
more easily work in these areas
and inspect the sewer system
for potential sources of inflow
and infiltration and damage to
manhole structures. The frozen
ground makes it easier for staff
to clear unwanted vegetation
along easements. This improves
access to manholes should there
be an emergency or a repair
required. In recent weeks,
Utilities Division staff has been
clearing easements in
preparation for a sewer - lining �`"
project later this year and to create access points to manholes for use by heavier
equipment. For the most part, clearing an easement involves chainsaws and
other equipment used to remove small trees and over hanging limbs and to locate
and uncover the manhole, which is the purpose behind the task.
➢ Signpost Replacement
From time to time, signs and signposts end up as one victims of mishaps that
result in their being knocked down or broken. This generally requires that the
signpost be removed and replaced. This can be problematic when the ground is
frozen. The recent acquisition of a vac trailer with hot water capability has made
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removing sign posts a much more efficient
operation. In essence, high - pressure hot
water cuts into the ground around the post
melting and liquefying the frozen dirt. The
vacuum system on the trailer removes the dirt
and debris from the posthole and allows
removal of the post. This, in turn, sets up the
installation of the new post for the sign. In
recent years, the City has switched to square,
perforated, and welded steel tubing called by
its brand name, Telespar. This has proven to
be easier to use, faster to install, replace, and
adjust, and versatile across a variety of
applications. Once the support tube is
installed, the new signpost is slipped inside it
and bolted in place. The City is converting all
of its signposts to the Telespar style as
replacement is warranted.
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