WestLinn

CITY OF

Winter Storm ResponsePresentation & Discussion

Winter Storm Response 2

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