HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 2/18/2014 - Information From Darin Atteberry Re: Memorandum From Karen Cumbo Re: Snow Removal Efforts At Crosswalks And SidewalksExecutive Offices
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.221.6601
970.416.2081 - fax
fcgov.com/pdt
Planning, Development & Transportation
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February 6, 2014
TO: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
FROM: Karen Cumbo, Planning, Development and Transportation Director
Cc: Wendy Williams, Assistant City Manager
J.R. Schnelzer, Director of Parks
Ken Mannon, Operations Service Director
Larry Schneider, Streets Superintendent
RE: Snow removal efforts at crosswalks and sidewalks
There have been several concerns raised about the City’s snow removal over the last few weeks,
particularly as it affects pedestrians and wheelchair users, and especially in the downtown
area. Several City departments are involved in the snow removal effort, and recently convened a
meeting to explore what improvements could or should be made to the existing snow removal
program.
The City’s Snow Removal Program is a joint effort by Streets, Parks, Operations Services, and
Code Compliance, utilizing crews from those departments, as well as Utilities crews and private
contractors. The program is documented in the Snow Removal Handbook, which identifies
policies, priorities, special “hotspots”, routes for each district, contact information,
communication responsibilities, crew assignments, etc. These manuals represent many years of
collective experience as well as best practices from around the country. Staff concluded that the
program is solid, with good internal coordination, but there are opportunities to examine some
minor adjustments and improve the public outreach effort related to private property enforcement
issues.
As Staff explained last week, streets are generally plowed first before sidewalks are cleared
because the street plowing often creates a barrier to a sidewalk or dumps snow onto
sidewalks. Following street plowing, crews are then dispatched to address these barriers and
sidewalk cleanup. Several crews are focused on clearing handicapped access ramps; crews with
other assignments will also monitor those ramps when working nearby. The recent snowstorms
were particularly challenging because of the rate and duration of snowfall. For example, a crew
cleaned the corner of Maple and College during last week’s storm, and twenty minutes later it
was covered again. The crews finished plowing the streets just before rush hour, and could not
schedule the downtown snow removal until late that night when most vehicles were gone.
February 13, 2014
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Darin Atteberry
FYI /sek
2
(Because there is no place to put it, snow is actually removed in the downtown area with heavy
equipment and dump trucks to a safe deposit site. This stage of the program is scheduled when
traffic is very light—during the night).
It is inconvenient and sometimes hazardous to try to walk or use a wheelchair during and
immediately after a significant snowstorm. As much as everyone would like to immediately clear
all facilities and ADA sidewalk ramps, it simply takes time to work through every cycle; it just
can’t all be done at once and maintained during continuing storms. The City’s Snow Removal
Program is considerably more ambitious than those in other cities, and although there may be
occasions when handicapped ramps or sidewalks are not accessible, the City generally exceeds
the “reasonable and appropriate” efforts to remove snow.
It is also important to note that Transfort often provides “conditional” Dial-a-Ride eligibility to
wheelchair users when snow is a problem which prevents them from using fixed route services.
While there is a fee ($2.50) for these rides, this option provides another alternative during the
period when windrows and ice limit restrict safe access to sidewalks.
Additional funding is always helpful, but that may not be the ultimate answer. There are not
enough private contractors, staff, or seasonal employees to get the work done any faster. Streets
spent $1.3 million in 2013 on snow removal, at the rate of $50,000 to $300,000 per storm, with
costs affected by time of day (overtime), type of storm, type of material used, temperatures,
etc. A typical storm report is attached. As a result of this winter’s severe conditions, all
departments involved in snow removal have enhanced their efforts to provide safe access,
including extra crews at City Hall and other facilities for night meetings and special events. Staff
has also worked with representatives from the Commission on Disability on this issue.
Any conversation about successful snow removal must also include the subject of
enforcement. Staff intends to look at the option of shortening the grace period for removing
accumulated snow on sidewalks in front of private property from 24 hours to something
shorter. Another concern is the common practice of people shoveling snow from their sidewalks
into the street which often creates a barrier for pedestrians of all abilities. Neighborhood
Services and CPIO are working on a communication effort to remind everyone that this is a
shared responsibility. Staff will also work with the Downtown Development Authority,
Commission on Disability, Downtown Business Association, and other strategic partners to
reinforce this message.
This has been an unusual snow year, and Staff will continue to monitor these situations to
identify any program improvements or budget adjustments that may be necessary.