Snow and ice are on the work session agenda
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 7th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – The College Place City Council will get an update on the city’s snow and ice policy from Public Works Director Robert McAndrews at today’s (Tuesday) workshop that begins at 5:30 p.m. The current policy dates back to 2006.
According to the proposed, updated snow and ice policy, whenever possible, crews will conduct snow plowing and sanding operations during their regular scheduled work hours, however staff may receive after hours callouts for snow or ice control.
Once crews are dispatched, each operator will follow designated routes and clear roads based on priorities. Priority routes will be determined in advance based on efficient routes of travel, traffic volume, school bus routes, and the need for emergency services. Some residential roads that are narrow or dead-end cul-de-sacs may not be able to be plowed at all.
The city will not plow private roads or driveways under any circumstances. Plus, the city will not shovel sidewalks. Snow removal on all sidewalks within city limits is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner or resident.
Under rare circumstances, McAndrews or a designee may decide that snow needs to be physically removed from city streets. If necessary, snow may be hauled to a safe location where it can be stockpiled and eventually allowed to melt without causing further issues. This is not a desirable situation as the cost of equipment to relocate snow can be extremely expensive and stockpiling snow can sometimes cause environmental problems.
The council will also have a discussion on the preliminary fiscal year 2022 budget, which totals more than $18.2 million. Following today’s city council workshop, the next step regarding the budget may be a review with the city’s finance committee, then a final hearing and budget adoption vote on Dec. 14.
Police Chief Troy Tomaras will also discuss with the city council the Walla Walla Police Department’s application for a Justice Assistance Grant proposing a regional drug task force. Historically, Walla Walla County has been underrepresented in narcotics investigators. The grant will cover one full-time detective position with the College Place Police Department.
The grant, according to Tomaras, does not cover benefits, overtime, or a vehicle, so there will be an investment from the city.
Tomaras said at least three agencies need to be committed to the task force to receive funding. To date, the WWPD and Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office have been approved by their governing bodies to participate. Today’s city council workshop may be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel or via Zoom. The meeting ID number is 865 8599 9289.
