Hastings Snow Plan
To combat winter storms, Hastings has
developed a systematic snow removal program which is dictated by the
intensity of each individual storm. The job of subduing a winter storm
is a team effort involving snow removal crews, the news media, and
citizens. Please, clip and save this brief explanation of key steps in
the plan.
Sanding Operation
(Phase I)
When freezing precipitation begins to
fall, Public Works trucks begin spreading material on major streets and
known trouble spots. Although this phase doesn't involve a parking ban,
the status of snow removal operations may change as the snow depth
increases. The news media will keep you informed. A word of caution. . .
Spreading material on our streets improves driving conditions, but the
road surface may still be slippery. Please Drive With Care!
Snow Emergency (Phases
II and III)
When falling or blowing snow indicates a
need to plow major streets, the Mayor of the City of Hastings may
declare a "Snow Emergency." During a "Snow Emergency" parking is banned
on Emergency Snow Routes. Cars parked or stalled on these streets are
subject to a $15 fine and may be towed at the owner's expense. Snow
routes must remain open for emergency vehicles. Consequently, these
streets receive top priority in the plowing operation. Discretion will
be used in all cases in plowing of snow, especially when extreme wind
conditions prevail, to insure that the most cost effective snow removal
operations are achieved. In many cases, full scale operations will begin
only when the wind has substantially subsided.
Downtown snow removal operations involve
the pickup and hauling of snow to alleviate icing problems in our
downtown area. Removal operations are scheduled to begin at midnight in
the downtown area.
All streets designated as
Emergency Snow Routes are marked with
a sign stating "Emergency Snow Route."
Residential Plowing
(Phase IV)
Residential streets will not be plowed
after every storm unless snowfall exceeds 3". When this point is reached
full scale operation begins. Since this requires more equipment than the
City owns, private contractors are hired to help out. The City is
divided into eleven residential sections for snow removal. Attempts are
made to rotate the removal, and enter into as many sections as possible
as private equipment is made available. Streets will be completed before
alleys are attempted.
Citizens can greatly assist removal
operations by parking cars in their driveways during stormy weather.
Generally, snow removal crews make one sweep through the entire city. If
cars are removed from the street after crews have gone through, time and
financial constraints may make it impossible to return to that area.
Wintertime
Reminders:
***Hastings' Municipal Code requires
walks to be shoveled by 8:30 am following every snow.
***If your sidewalk area includes a wheel
chair ramp, remember to scoop it out.
***It is also against City law to shovel
snow off private property into an alley or street.
For Information on
Snow Removal Conditions
Call 461-2330
