Winter Storm Response

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Winter Storm Response

• Presentation 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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Todays 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
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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 Citys needs

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Storm Response Snow Routes Map

• The Citys 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 winters storm

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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 todays presentation

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Why doesnt 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