Snow Removal Policy

Snow Removal Questions, Concerns, and Complaints:

• Complaints and Requests - Complaints and requests for further services regarding snow and ice control and damage will be taken during normal working hours and handled on a priority basis by calling the Public Works Department at 357-6135. For weekend or off normal working hours during a storm, please call our Dispatch Center at 357-2186. Response time should not exceed 24 hours after the snow has ceased unless conditions or operations prevent it.
  
  
• Mailboxes - The installation of mailboxes on City-owned right-of-way is permitted. The mailbox owner assumes all risk of damage except where a mailbox is damaged through fault of the snow removal vehicles. If the mailbox is damaged due to direct fault of a snow removal vehicle, the City, at its option, will repair, replace, or reimburse the property owner.
  
  
• Mail Delivery - The snow plow operators make every effort to remove snow as close to the curb-line as practical to provide access to mailboxes for the US Post Office. The final cleaning adjacent to mailboxes is the responsibility of each resident.
  
  
• Driveway Snow Removal - City snowplows plow the snow from the roadway to the side of the road.  Our snowplows generally make at least two passes through each street.  The first pass is typically during the storm or soon after the storm has passed.  The second and/or subsequent passes is done to move the snow from the roadway or as close to the curb as possible to improve travel, provide for parking, and allow roadway runoff from snow melting and rain to reach the catch basins to prevent street flooding.  The second and subsequent passes are typically completed several hours after the first pass of snowplows.  This means that your drive approach will have at least two occasions where City plows will leave snow from the roadway in your drive approach.  Immediately after the City snowplows deposit the snow in your drive approach is the best time and easiest time to remove it.  Do not plow, shovel, or blow the snow back into the street.
•  
• Obstructions in the Street - Please do not plow or shovel snow into the street or across the road. It's against the City ordinance to do so, and if we don't get a chance to come back and plow it off, it will most likely freeze and cause ice ruts. This could become a hazard for motorists and pedestrians, since the piled snow becomes icy and creates a rough roadway.
  
  

A few things you can do to help us help you:

1. When it begins to snow, please remove all parked vehicles from the street.
2. Keep small children inside when snow equipment is operating in your neighborhood.
3. When setting garbage cans out for pickup, place them behind the sidewalk.
4. Trim low hanging branches to prevent damage by plow trucks.
5. Shovel out the fire hydrant near your home for public safety.
6. Shovel the snow away from catch basins in the street so melting snow can run off.
7. Do not pass a plow or sander and do not follow closer than 50'.
8. Let us know of any treacherous conditions or problems on your street or that you encounter driving through Clear Lake.
9. Please be patient. All streets will be cleared, and all problems will be responded to as expeditiously as possible.