Street Sweeping Policy

Introduction

The City of Ham Lake believes it is in the best interest of the residents for the City to assume basic responsibility of sweeping on city streets.  Reasonable sweeping is necessary for vehicle and pedestrian safety, water quality issues, and environmental concerns.  The City will provide such service in a cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel, and environmental concerns.  The City will use City employees, equipment, and/or private contractors to provide this service.  Completion dates are dependent on weather conditions, personnel, and equipment availability.  The Public Works Superintendent or his/her designee will be responsible for the scheduling of personnel and equipment.

When Will the City Perform Street Sweeping Operations?

• Spring sweeping of snow and ice control aggregate will begin when streets are significantly clear of snow and ice, usually late March or early April, after the risk of later snowfall has passed.  Spring sweeping is typically completed by June 1.
• Sealcoating is a surface application of an asphalt emulsion followed by a layer of small rock that protects the pavement from the deteriorating effects of sun and water. It provides increased surface friction.  Sealcoat sweeping will commence 2 days after application of seal coat and will be completed within 5 days of application.
• Fall sweeping will commence September 15 and typically is completed by October 31.  Areas with extensive foliage will be swept after most of the leaves have fallen.
• Storm Water Quality areas will be swept on a priority basis throughout the year.
• Environmental/general sweeping will be performed on a routine/as-needed basis.
• Bituminous milling recovery sweeping will be performed within 10 days of grinding, milling, or crack sealing operation.
• Erosion/siltation dirt & debris cleanup from construction projects is the responsibility of the developer, contractor, or property owner.  Except in cases of emergency, the streets shall be cleaned and swept within 5 days of notification.  If the streets are not swept within the specified time allowed or in the case of an emergency, the City may sweep the street, and the responsible party will reimburse the city for all associated costs.
• Tree trimming and pruning areas will be swept within 10 days of the operation.
• Citizen requests for sweeping will be evaluated, and the Public Works Superintendent will determine the priority.

How Will Streets Be Swept?

Sweeping is a slow process with average gutter line speeds for the first sweeping in spring that can be as slow as 2 to 3 miles per hour.  The City will sweep with its own equipment and personnel or contract services.  Normally center lines are swept after gutter lines are cleaned.  Equipment may include mechanical, vacuum, or regenerative air sweepers.

Priorities

The City has classified City streets based on the street function, traffic volume, impact on water quality and the environment, and the importance to the welfare of the Community.  Accordingly, sweeping routes will be designed to provide the maximum possible benefit to higher volume and water quality sensitive areas.

Weather Conditions

Sweeping operations will be conducted when weather conditions permit.  Factors that may delay sweeping operations include temperatures below 32 degrees, wind, rain, snow, and frozen gutter lines.

Work Schedule

Sweeping operations are performed in conjunction with and can be impacted by other maintenance operations.  Sweeping operations will normally be conducted Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Extended workdays and shift changes may be utilized for spring cleanup or emergency sweeping to provide maximum efficiency.  For safety reasons, no operator shall work more than a twelve-hour shift in any twenty-four-hour period.

Sidewalks and Trails

The City will sweep trails and sidewalks on collector and arterial streets once in the spring after the risk of snow has passed and are clear of snow and ice or on an as-needed basis.

Safety

Sand, seal coat rock, or other dirt and debris on the street can create a potentially dangerous condition for vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.  It would not be practical or effective to sign all streets for potentially dangerous conditions.  During seal coat or milling operations, warning signs indicating loose rock will be placed on each end of collector and arterial streets or other appropriate areas where needed.  These signs will remain in place until the street has been swept.  Employees will follow all work rules, OSHA regulations, and Federal and State laws to ensure a safe sweeping operation.

Miscellaneous

Other policies, procedures, maps, and routes associated with street sweeping operations.

Adopted by City Council April 2, 2007

Revised Spring 2010, Revised Spring 2011