WestLinn
CITY OF
Winter Storm ResponsePresentation & Discussion
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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.”
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Today’s Presentation
Storm Response Procedures
Questions & Answers
Proposed Changes to Winter Storm Response
Discussion
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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
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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
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Winter Storm Response – Costs for 2008-09
Cost Category Cost
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
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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
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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
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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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WestLinn
CITY OF
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Storm Response – Road Clearing Priorities
Snow Policy 88-5
Arterials
Collectors
Connecting roads
Roads with only exit uphill
Public Works also addresses citizen emails 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
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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
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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 email network as winter season approaches
Email Network
– Currently at 2,000+ subscribers to receive direct emails 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 email access for future storms
– For example, allowing for online posting of service requests to minimize duplication and to track and monitor service requests…
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Feedback
Solicited feedback from the public regarding the 2008/2009 storm response
Responded to online forums, emails, calls etc. with public concerns
Those concerns and responses are expressed with answers in today’s presentation
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
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Discussion