The ability to react quickly to varying winter weather conditions is of paramount importance to your Public Works Department and a necessary function of local government. Our top priority is to provide safe passage on Village streets and sidewalks for our residents and those traveling through our community. The Village has standard policies and procedures in place that address the proper response and level of snow and ice control.

Due to environmental and economic concerns, the Village does not have a “bare pavement” driving condition response at all times or at all locations. The use of de-icing agents is closely monitored by the Director of Public Works. Although hazardous areas such as intersections, curves, hills and arterial streets will be given priority attention to minimize slippery road conditions, motor vehicle operators are reminded to use care and common sense when traveling on Village streets when snow and ice conditions exist.

Procedure
The Director of Public Works or his designate will monitor any snow or ice event and dispatch the proper number of plow/salt vehicles. Areas will be plowed in the following priority:

1. Main streets, arterial streets, police department, fire department
2. Secondary streets, residential streets, subdivisions
3. Parking lots, sidewalks, park areas and public areas
   

During and After a Snow Event
It is impossible to prevent snow from being pushed into driveway openings and sometimes onto sidewalks when streets are plowed. Depending on the duration of the snow event, it may be necessary to plow your street two or more times. It is advisable to wait to shovel or snow blow the lower seven feet of your driveway and sidewalk until the storm has passed and it is clear that the snowplow driver has completed his work on your street.

On-Street Mailboxes
If your mailbox is at the street, please keep the following in mind:

• In order to avoid causing damage to mailboxes, the plow drivers are instructed to keep a safe distance away. Property owners may need to do some additional snow removal to provide the mail carrier access to your mailbox.
• Check your street mailbox for conformity to USPS Standards. Mailboxes must be the correct height above the road, meet the proper setback from the road edge, and be maintained to prevent damage during snowplowing.
• Mailboxes damaged by operator error will be repaired by Public Works personnel after an investigation by a supervisor. The Public Works Department does not accept claims for damage done by private vehicles, vandalism, improper positioning of the mailbox or fatigued, rotted or rusted posts.
  

Snow Emergencies
Snow plowing after a severe storm is most efficient and safe when parked vehicles are OFF the street. The Public Works Director may declare a snow emergency during times of heavy snow to facilitate the removal of vehicles from the streets. Snow emergencies will be advertised on local radio and television stations stating the hours of the parking restrictions and the projected time the emergency will be lifted. Please remember that vehicles left on the street after a declared snow emergency are subject to being plowed in or towed away at the owner’s expense.

Sidewalks
Per Village Ordinance 8.04, it is the abutting property owner’s responsibility to keep sidewalks free of ice and snow within 12 hours of the end of a snow/ice event. Village crews will clear the walks adjacent to Village-owned buildings and parklands. Depending on the depth of the new snow, Village plows MAY plow some primary sidewalks such as sidewalks in front of or leading to schools, Village departments, churches and along main streets in the Village Center. Plowing activity on sidewalks by Village crews does not release abutting homeowners from their obligation to keep sidewalks clear.

Winter Snow Tips

• Wait until the street is completely plowed before shoveling the mouth of driveways and sidewalks.
• Keep fire hydrants clear of snow.
• When shoveling or blowing your sidewalk or driveway, DO NOT put the snow in the road. This is a violation of Village ordinances and causes dangerous ice ruts to form in the road.
  

Please call the Department of Public Works at 423-2133, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with your questions, comments or concerns.