Show All Answers

1. When are we required to have our sidewalks shoveled?

Sidewalks need to be clear of snow and ice by Noon each day, according to City Ordinance Section 31.1.

2. Is it legal to put snow back on the street?

No, State statues prohibit placing snow or ice back on to any roadway.

3. How are mains chosen?

Mains are chosen by 4 main criteria
- Major / Minor arterial roadway
- Roadways used by Metro Buses
- Streets that go to schools
- Limiting the amount of travel any one property owner has to travel to get to a plowed roadway

4. How many times does it take a plow to completely plow a street?

This depends on the width of the street. Most streets in Waite Park will require a snowplow to go down the street twice in both directions.

5. How and when are alleys plowed?

Alleys are plowed the same time as the side streets and in most part using a pickup plow; if snowfall is deep and heavy, we then use a front-end loader with a plow attachment. There are generally 3 passes made in alleys to widen them out.

6. Why does the snowplow scrap the sod off of my yard?

When we get snow early in the season (October - December), and the ground isn't frozen, it is very difficult for a plow driver to distinguish where the yard ends and the street starts on streets with no curb and gutter. This is usually only a problem on the first snowfall. Once the streets are plowed, the plow driver has a guide to go by with the windrow of snow from previous snowfalls.

7. What happens if my yard is torn up from the snowplow?

In the spring the Public Works Department will come out and repair any damage done from city snowplows. Please be patient on this, but if you haven’t seen any work being done, you can contact the Public Works Department.

8. Does it help to put out markers on the edge of the roadway?

Yes, having markers on the edge of roadways without curb and gutter are helpful to the plow drivers. Although, if the city’s plows damage them from plowing, they will not be replaced by the city.

9. Who is responsible for cleaning snow around fire hydrants?

The City asks that neighboring property owners, when shoveling snow from your driveway or walkways, please take some time to clear the snow surrounding a hydrant in your neighborhood.