Full Notification

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory beginning at 12:00 PM, Saturday December 10, 2016 thru Monday, December 12, 2016.  Snow accumulations of up to eight inches are forecast thru the duration of the storm.  A Snow Emergency Declaration is likely forthcoming on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at a time to be determined as City staff monitor this storm thru the overnight hours of Saturday, December 10, 2016.  When the Snow Emergency is declared, the Odd / Even parking restriction will be in place and citizens are urged to comply in order to allow City snowplows to pass thru streets as they perform their work.  Additional information regarding parking restrictions is provided in the paragraphs below.  No Snow Emergency is in effect at this time however if citizens’ are unsure of whether or not it has been declared as this storm progresses, they may call 779 348-7260 for details.  
 
The Odd/Even Parking is in effect so that the plows can safely go down the streets.  The next day when the parking changes to the other side of the street, the plows may or may not return to clear the other side.  If at all possible, please remove your vehicle from the street. If Unable to, please observe the Odd/Even Parking.
 
 
WHAT DOES THE ODD/EVEN PARKING  MEAN TO ME?
In order for our crews to remove snow and ice from city streets, we must have the ability to safely and effectively maneuver a plow up and down our streets.   If a snow or ice storm reaches the point that streets are becoming difficult to clear, city officials can declare a Snow Emergency.        A Snow Emergency requires that vehicles be parked on the odd side of the street when the date ends in an odd number and on the even side of the street when the date ends on an even number.  For example, on January 5^th, you would park on the odd side of the street.  Police will issue parking tickets at the cost of $50.00 to vehicles that are parked on the wrong side of the street.  It’s safe to assume that if it’s snowing the Odd/Even Parking is in effect.
 
The residential area between 20^th St. west to Kishwaukee St., Harrison Avenue north to Rural St. has been problematic for the City Crews to plow during past storms, due to vehicles parked on both sides of the street.  We would encourage citizens in this area to move their vehicles either off the street or to the appropriate side of the street as specified by the odd/even parking.
 
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
·         If your street is marked as “No Parking” on one side of the street, the Snow Emergency Declaration allows you to park legally in the restricted area during the time that the Snow Emergency Declaration is in effect.
·         Do not assume that you can move your car when the street is plowed.  Your car must remain parked appropriately until after the Snow Emergency has been lifted.
·         All vehicles must be moved to the correct side of the street at 8:00 a.m.

• THE END OF YOUR DRIVEWAY-The City's crews and contractors use side discharge plows. As the plows move forward, snow moves along the blade from the left to the right. The discharge from the blade is deposited along the curb or in the grass boulevard on the city right of way.  This discharge, officially known as a "windrow", ends up leaving a relatively small amount of snow in driveway approaches along the route.  While we understand the aggravation this can cause, this natural result of plowing is unavoidable.
• YOUR MAILBOX- The goal of the Street Maintenance Department is to clear the streets for travel.  No matter how hard we try, it is not possible to provide perfect conditions for your mail carrier. Final clearing adjacent to mailboxes is the responsibility of each resident.
  • Here's some information from the USPS website regarding mail carriers and ice/snow: (emphasis added)
    • "Letter carriers cannot make door or curb deliveries when the approach to the mailbox is hazardous because of snow or ice. Carriers are not allowed to attempt door delivery when there is a heavy buildup of snow and ice on sidewalks, steps or porches.
    • Ice is particularly dangerous on steps and any walking surface, especially painted wood or concrete, such as stoops and porches. When there’s a warm spell, and the melting snow runs or pools, a quick freeze can make a cleared sidewalk or driveway even slicker.  That’s why sand or salt is recommended even after a storm is over.
    • Residences with mail delivery along the side of the road need to keep the mailbox in mind when clearing driveways and entrances. Snow should be cleared to the curb for at least six feet on both sides of the mailbox so the carrier may approach and leave without backing up or exiting a vehicle."