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The city recognizes that snowplow operators are exempt from traffic regulations set forth in M.S. Chapter 169, as it may be amended from time to time, while actually engaged in work on streets, except for regulations related to driving while impaired and the safety of school children. Pursuant to this section, snowplow operators engaged in snow removal or ice control on city streets have discretion to disregard traffic laws set forth in M.S. Chapter 169, as it may be amended from time to time, except for laws relating to impaired driving and school children safety, when, in their judgment, it is safe to disregard the laws. The privileges granted herein to operators of snow removal and ice control vehicles shall apply only if the vehicle is equipped with one lighted lamp displaying a flashing, oscillating, or rotating amber light placed in the a position on the vehicle as to be visible throughout an arc of 360 degrees.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
The city shall attempt to conduct snow and ice control operations only when weather conditions do not endanger the safety of city employees and equipment. Factors that may delay snow and ice control operations include severe cold, significant winds, and limited visibility.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
The city will attempt to use sand, salt, and other chemicals when there are hazardous ice or slippery conditions. The city is concerned about the effect of the chemicals on the environment, and will limit its use for that reason.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
(A) It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of property fronting on any sidewalk within the city to keep the sidewalk on which his or her property fronts clear of snow and ice, and to remove all snow within 24 hours after each snowfall. This includes any snow plowed from public streets onto the sidewalk. In case of failure to remove snow and ice as above specified, the city may remove the snow and ice, and the costs thereof, assessed against the property.
(B) When possible, and as a public courtesy, the city will attempt to remove snow from the business area sidewalks, portions of West Central Drive, and portions of 2nd Street Southwest, that have heavy pedestrian traffic. This does not in any way remove the responsibility from the property owner or occupant as provided for in division (A) above.
(C) It is strictly prohibited for any residential property owner or occupant to put snow onto a city street or onto city property.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019) Penalty, see § 70.99
(A) From November 1 to April 1, it shall be unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle, or any owner to permit a motor vehicle to be parked on any street, or within the city’s street right-of-way, which includes the boulevard in the city, between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(B) Before and after the November 1 to April 1 parking restriction, it shall be unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle, or any owner to permit a motor vehicle to be parked on any street, or within the city’s street right-of-way, which includes the boulevard, at any time between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. when there is an average of two or more inches of snow on the city streets.
(C) The removal of the violating vehicles does not preclude prosecution for violation of this section.
(D) Whenever the Police Department, or its authorized agent, has impounded a vehicle described in this section, notice of the removal, and the storage place of the vehicle, shall be mailed to the last registered owner of the vehicle, within ten days, if name and address of the owner can be ascertained with reasonable diligence. The notice shall:
(1) Set forth the date and place of the taking, year, make, model, and serial number of the subject motor vehicle, if the information can be reasonably obtained, and the place where the vehicle is held;
(2) Inform the owner and any lien holders of his or her right to reclaim the vehicle as provided herein; and
(3) State that the failure of the owner or lien holders to exercise his or her right to reclaim the vehicle and contents shall be deemed a waiver by him or her of all the right, title, and interest in the vehicle and contents, and consent to the sale of the vehicle and contents at a public auction authorized by this section.
(E) The notice shall be sent by mail to the registered owner, if any, of the subject motor vehicle, and to all readily identifiable lien holders of record. If it is impossible to determine, with reasonable certainty, the identity and address of the registered owner and all lien holders, the notice shall be published once in the newspaper of general circulation in the area where the motor vehicle was seized. Published notices may be grouped together for convenience and economy.
(F) The owner or any lien holder, or a motor vehicle seized pursuant to this section, shall have the right to reclaim the vehicle from the city upon payment set forth herein within 15 days after the date of the notice of the taking of the motor vehicle.
(G) If a motor vehicle seized pursuant to this section is not claimed, it shall be sold at public auction as provided by M.S. § 168B.08, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019) Penalty, see § 70.99
(A) Damage to a mailbox is a risk that snowplow operators face during their winter plowing requirement. The city will conduct a review of each mailbox damage claim to determine whether the city has any legal responsibility for the damage and, if so, to replace or provide reimbursement for the mailbox.
(B) If the city, in its discretion, determines that reimbursement or replacement is appropriate, the city may:
(1) At the mailbox owner’s request, replace the mailbox with a standard size, non-decorative metal mailbox, and replace the support post as necessary with a four inches by four inches, decay resistance wood support post, both which will be installed by the city; or
(2) Provide reimbursement in a reasonable amount for the mailbox and support posts that meet the city’s ordinance standards, as well as state and federal requirements for mailbox size, support, and placement.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
Complaints will be recorded on telephone logs. Calls requiring service will be transferred to a work request and forwarded to the appropriate supervisor for scheduling. Emergency complaints will be handled in an expeditious manner as resources are available.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
The Superintendent of Streets may deviate from this policy when, in his or her judgment, it is in the best interest of the city, or is necessary because of budget needs or other circumstances. Changes in priorities (lasting more than four hours) will be documented as to what caused the actions, why the change was necessary, and for how long the change is to be in effect. Those city employees and/or contractors affected will be notified immediately by radio or cell phone of the changes with all communication logged. Information logged will include the time and date of communication, name of employee contacted, and how he or she was contacted. Any changes of priorities lasting more than 24 hours should be made in a written record, and the public should be informed of the changes through the normal methods used by the city for emergency notifications.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
The city shall keep on file all comments and complaints received regarding this subchapter. The subchapter will be reviewed periodically. Any review will consider comments and complaints since the last review, and any other factors affecting the policy or its implementation.
(Ord. 280, passed 1-8-2019)
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