Winter Storm Response Presentation & Discussion

Winter Storm Response2 Storm Response – PW Mission “We strive for the safest roadways at a reasonable cost and in the shortest period of time. The cooperation and support of all City of West Linn residents and businesses continues to be our greatest asset.”

Winter Storm Response3 Today’s Presentation Storm Response Procedures Questions & Answers Proposed Changes to Winter Storm Response Discussion

Winter Storm Response4 Storm Response – City Information 107 lane miles of roads 150 miles of storm drain system Hilly terrain Four combination snow plow/sander trucks De-Icer truck Nine 250 gallon de-icer totes

Winter Storm Response5 Storm Response – Responsibilities 24 hour staffing for snow and ice removal – when needed Removal of fallen trees and limbs Service to pump stations that have lost electrical power Fix water main breaks Evaluate and repair as appropriate City facilities damaged by ice and trees Attention to senior citizen needs Dispatch and triage of citizen requests –Public Works (plowing, etc.), Police (abandoned vehicles, assists, etc.) Operational and logistical support

Winter Storm Response6 Winter Storm Response – Costs for Cost CategoryCost Personnel Overtime (712 hours)$37,000 Sand (200 tons)$6,000 Equipment Repairs$7,000 Fuel$2,000 Tree service$5,000 Supplies (chains, etc.)$5,000 Street sweeping (after the storm)$25,000 TOTAL$87,000

Winter Storm Response7 Storm Response – Planning Planning Ahead: –Public Works and Police personnel monitor weather forecasts * Local news & radar * National Weather Service reports * Captain Ron Schwartz is a meteorologist –All snow removal equipment prepared in anticipation of dispatch –A detailed response plan in place – Snow Policy 88-5 –Roundtable discussion with City Manager, Police, Public Works, and Parks before predicted event –Needed supplies purchased and ready for use

Winter Storm Response8 Storm Response – Supplies Storm supplies –De-Icing Material –Sand –Gravel –Fuel –Equipment –Personnel * If needed, staff is prepared to work 12-hour shifts during storm events to support City’s needs

Winter Storm Response9 Storm Response – Snow Routes Map The City’s snow routes map is the planning tool and guiding operational document The snow routes map shows the planned plowing… The snow requests map shows the actual streets that were plowed during last winter’s storm…

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Winter Storm Response13 Storm Response – Road Clearing Priorities Snow Policy 88-5 Arterials Collectors Connecting roads Roads with only exit uphill Public Works also addresses citizen s and calls as time and equipment allows As weather patterns change, the City must change its preemptive actions and responses to best serve its citizens –Snow, ice, freezing rain all require different responses –Modifications are made hourly to equipment, materials, and approach

Winter Storm Response14 Storm Response – Example On the last day of the 2008/2009 winter storm – Example of changing conditions January 4, 2009: –Morning: Public Works crews sanded streets for ice –Afternoon: Warming cleared the streets –Late Afternoon: Snow started, and Public Works began plowing –Midnight: Warming cleared the streets

Winter Storm Response15 Storm Response – Communications Web site –Web-based software allowed for remote updates Television news –City used FlashNews.net to provide ongoing updates to television stations Telephone –Dispatch services provided by LOCOM, and also at Public Works and City Hall Newsletter –Opportunity to advertise the emergency network as winter season approaches Network –Currently at 2,000+ subscribers to receive direct s from the City Plans in place for enhanced phone service for future storms –For example, routing of all lines to dispatch, automated phone message for informational purposes, etc… Plans in place for enhanced web and access for future storms –For example, allowing for online posting of service requests to minimize duplication and to track and monitor service requests…

Winter Storm Response16 Feedback Solicited feedback from the public regarding the 2008/2009 storm response Responded to online forums, s, calls etc. with public concerns Those concerns and responses are expressed with answers in today’s presentation

Winter Storm Response17 Why doesn’t the City have more snow plows? City of West Linn has four snow plows –Lake Oswego has 3 (started the storm with 4) –Tigard has 3 –Tualatin has 0 Snow plows cost $150,000 each Tradeoffs: do we use street funds to buy more snow plows, or for street projects? Policy question: given tradeoffs, should City purchase more snow plows?

Winter Storm Response18 Can the City contract for snow plow services? Yes, although vendors are limited. In an emergency situation (e.g. loss of plow(s)), contracting is always an option.

Winter Storm Response19 What can citizens do to help with storm response? Top recommended volunteer activity: check on your neighbors And: be neighborly – clear your driveways and work together There are community volunteers who could mobilize to open warming centers or other services/responses during a storm.

Winter Storm Response20 Storm Response Changes City asked for and received informational feedback: –City improving signage when roads are closed, detour signs for example –City will improve education on alternate routes by website when roads are closed –The City web site will include more information on stores and services that are open –When possible, television stations will carry news about West Linn weather situations –City will investigate a volunteer program to provide services and assistance

Winter Storm Response21 Discussion