Cities push for less salt and OT in snow removal this winter

A survey of some metro cities found that residents can expect the following in regard to this year's snow plowing:

APPLE VALLEY: Business as usual.

BLAINE: A customary salt purchase was put off until after the first of the year, and reduced by about $35,000. The city also will try to use less salt overall this year, and will not be working on a bare pavement policy. Residents may notice a delay in clearing sidewalks, trails and residential streets, although high-priority streets and trails will be cleared first. Drivers also will need to be aware of slippery spots as residual snow builds up over the winter.

BLOOMINGTON: Watching overtime, but not cutting back on plowing. Karl Keel, Bloomington's public works director, said that starting last year the city adopted more flexible plowing times. Plowing used to start about 2 a.m., but now plows can be deployed at any time. The city also has begun pre-treating streets with brine before a storm hits so snow and ice is easier to remove.

BURNSVILLE: The city used to subcontract out for 30 percent of its plowing but will now do it all in-house. According to Streets Supervisor Doug Hartman, residents should still expect the same service but anticipate that it will take an hour or so longer to complete the work.

COON RAPIDS: The city is operating with a full staff this year, but is working to eliminate as much overtime as possible by spreading out snow clearing, starting earlier and revolving shifts. Savings will depend on the number of snowfalls and the amounts. Again, residents may see a delay in clearing sidewalks and residential streets.

COTTAGE GROVE: The city will use tractors to plow cul-de-sacs because they are more efficient than trucks. The city also installed computers in snowplows to regulate how much salt is spread on icy streets and expects to save money.

EAGAN: Business as usual.

EDINA: Watching overtime, but not cutting back on plowing.

GOLDEN VALLEY: Watching overtime, but not cutting back on plowing. Bert Tracy, the city's public works maintenance manager, said judicious use of salt will be emphasized.

HASTINGS: No more weekend removal of snow piles in the middle of the street downtown. Weekday removal will start at 7 a.m. rather than at 4 a.m. as in past years, to cut overtime costs.

MAPLE GROVE: The city pays close attention to the snow plowing budget and tries to hold down overtime, but "if it snows you basically need to respond to it," said Maple Grove Public Works Director Gerry Butcher. The city tries to clear all streets within 8 to 10 hours.

PLYMOUTH: The city is recalibrating its salt spreaders so less is used. The City Council considered raising the number of inches required to call a snow emergency, but decided against making the change.

RICHFIELD: Watching overtime, but not cutting back on plowing.

SHOREVIEW: Arterial streets and school zone walking paths will receive first priority; but residents might see a delay in the clearing of some residential streets and outlying trails/sidewalks.

ST. LOUIS PARK: Watching overtime, but not cutting back on plowing. St. Louis Park Public Works Director Mike Rardin said his department has coped with staff reductions in the last couple of years by trying to be flexible and directing manpower where it's needed. When it snows, that means workers hit the streets in plows.

WOODBURY: No changes were made because of residents' "expectation for high service levels," said city spokeswoman Julie Lehr.

MARIA ELENA BACA, LAURIE BLAKE, KEVIN GILES, MARY JANE SMETANKA AND Dean Spiros