Snow & Ice

Winter Maintenance - Equipment & Order of Critical Areas


We do our best to keep streets accessible as quickly as possible.

Current winter street maintenance fleet includes only four sanders with plows, and one deicer truck. There is also a one ton truck upfitted with a small plow and small sander, primarily for the downtown area. The Street staff of 13 is split into two shifts to provide as much coverage as possible throughout the 370 miles of City streets. Winter maintenance is prioritized and based on the most critical area receiving attention in the following order:

  1. Overpasses and underpasses
  2. Signalized intersections and four-way stops and arterial streets (streets with highest volume)
  3. Schools
  4. Hills and curves
  5. 2-way stops
  6. Collector streets (streets with the next highest volume)
  7. Residential streets
While residential streets are on the priority list it is difficult to get to all of them. Plowing is determined by the Street Division based on accumulation, temperature, and forecast. 

Before Snowfall


• When snow and ice are in the forecast, City crews prepare vehicles and equipment.
• An anti-icing solution may be applied. The solution prevents snow and ice from bonding to the road surface, allowing for easier plowing by City crews.

What can residents do to help?


  • Be patient. Be assured that crews are working hard to keep roads open and safe
  • Be careful! Stay back when following a plow or sander. Give these large pieces of equipment extra room to maneuver. Turning a plow takes room.
  • Please do not push snow onto the gutters or roadway. 

Winter Driving Tips


  • Allow a little extra time, take winter road conditions into consideration. Leave your home a few minutes early. 
  • When approaching a signal or stop sign slow your vehicle down beforehand and gradually come to a stop.
  • Leave extra stopping space between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you.