Snow Removal Policy - 2022 Policy Review

Are changes needed to Sandpoint's current Snow Removal Policy? It was last updated in 2018. Your input will help shape the future of our services in this upcoming snow season and future seasons.

This topic is closed

99 registered responses

Summary
Survey

City crews are currently scheduled to provide 24/7 coverage during active snow events. Please indicate

I appreciate that the City prioritizes higher use streets an that the street I live on is typically plowed at lease once in a 24-hour period.

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 Strongly Disagree	9.1%	9
2 Disagree	11.1%	11
3 Neutral	8.1%	8
4 Agree	38.4%	38
5 Strongly Agree	33.3%	33

I would like the City to plow residential streets more frequently.

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 Strongly Disagree	1.0%	1
2 Disagree	9.1%	9
3 Neutral	39.4%	39
4 Agree	23.2%	23
5 Strongly Agree	26.3%	26

I would like the City to make more effort to ensure intersections are visible and free from ice.

	Response Percent	Response Count
2 Disagree	2.0%	2
3 Neutral	18.2%	18
4 Agree	35.4%	35
5 Strongly Agree	42.4%	42

I support strict enforcement of the on-street parking rules and do not believe vehicle owners should get a warning before a fine.

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 Strongly Disagree	9.1%	9
2 Disagree	17.2%	17
3 Neutral	17.2%	17
4 Agree	23.2%	23
5 Strongly Agree	33.3%	33

I support plowing my street during the evening hours, even though it causes some noise.

	Response Percent	Response Count
2 Disagree	1.0%	1
3 Neutral	5.1%	5
4 Agree	31.3%	31
5 Strongly Agree	62.6%	62

On-street parking directly impacts the City's ability to provide effective winter snow removal. Years ago, no vehicles were allowed to park on any street during snow plowing operations. The current policy allows vehicles to be parked on ONE SIDE of the street. Please select the policy you prefer:

	Response Percent	Response Count
Current Policy: On-street parking is restricted to the even side of the street only, unless posted otherwise, from November 1 - March 1. The even side of the street includes even numbered addresses.	72.8%	67
Alternative A: One-street parking is restricted to only the northwest or west side of the street, unless posted otherwise, from November 1 - March 1.	5.4%	5
Alternative B: On-street parking is not allowed on any street when snow is present, between December and February, unless posted otherwise (e.g., downtown).	21.7%	20

Select the sentence you agree with most:

	Response Percent	Response Count
I understand the reasons above and prefer that all of our streets are passable as soon as possible and they do not become too narrow.	36.1%	35
Gates should always be used even if it means it takes much longer to plow and the streets become more narrow.	33.0%	32
The City should follow its current policy and stop using gates at 4" (not current practice of 8") of snowfall so that the berms are smaller and all streets are plowed faster.	30.9%	30

Residents and businesses must keep their sidewalks and ADA ramps clear of snow and ice. Please select the statement you agree with most:

	Response Percent	Response Count
I support strict enforcement of this policy on all sidewalks and ramps.	34.3%	34
I support strict enforcement of this policy on downtown sidewalks and priority routes identified by the community.	41.4%	41
I do not support strict enforcement of this policy; our sidewalks have too many gaps and/or this is a burden on residents.	11.1%	11
I do not support this policy at all and want the City to allocate funds in future budgets to perform this service for residents.	13.1%	13

Winter can be difficult for everyone but it is especially difficult at times for seniors and disabled community members. Please select the statement(s) you agree with most:

	Response Percent	Response Count
I already reach out to those I know are in need to help with shoveling and ice removal.	32.7%	32
I think the City should help connect volunteers and those who need extra help in the winter months.	64.3%	63
Leave it up to private companies or other organizations to help seniors and the disable with snow removal.	14.3%	14
Other	8.2%	8

If you chose other, please provide additional information:

Answered: 5
Skipped: 94

Show Word Cloud

Overall, how satisfied are you with Sandpoint's current snow removal services?

	Response Percent	Response Count
Very Satisfied	10.2%	10
Satisfied	33.7%	33
Some Improvements/Changes Needed	45.9%	45
Not Satisfied	10.2%	10

More specifically, for each of the following, please rank the current level of service on a scale of 1 to 5.

On heavily used streets (arterials)

	Response Percent	Response Count
2 - Poor	9.1%	9
3 - Adequate	13.1%	13
4 - Good	43.4%	43
5 - Very Good	33.3%	33

On downtown streets

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	1.0%	1
2 - Poor	6.1%	6
3 - Adequate	17.2%	17
4 - Good	48.5%	48
5 - Very Good	25.3%	25

On residential streets

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	10.1%	10
2 - Poor	25.3%	25
3 - Adequate	34.3%	34
4 - Good	24.2%	24
5 - Very Good	5.1%	5

City-owned parking lots

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	2.0%	2
2 - Poor	5.1%	5
3 - Adequate	38.4%	38
4 - Good	35.4%	35
5 - Very Good	11.1%	11

City park facilities

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	2.0%	2
2 - Poor	9.1%	9
3 - Adequate	43.4%	43
4 - Good	26.3%	26
5 - Very Good	11.1%	11

Multi-use pathways (Division, Boyer, Community Trail, Sand Creek)

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	2.0%	2
2 - Poor	13.1%	13
3 - Adequate	42.4%	42
4 - Good	26.3%	26
5 - Very Good	9.1%	9

Residential sidewalks (currently maintained by adjacent residents)

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	17.2%	17
2 - Poor	42.4%	42
3 - Adequate	23.2%	23
4 - Good	11.1%	11
5 - Very Good	2.0%	2

Commercial sidewalks (currently maintained by adjacent owners)

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	10.1%	10
2 - Poor	17.2%	17
3 - Adequate	40.4%	40
4 - Good	22.2%	22
5 - Very Good	3.0%	3

Bus stops

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	5.1%	5
2 - Poor	15.2%	15
3 - Adequate	40.4%	40
4 - Good	20.2%	20
5 - Very Good	3.0%	3

ADA ramps and crosswalks

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	8.1%	8
2 - Poor	22.2%	22
3 - Adequate	36.4%	36
4 - Good	18.2%	18
5 - Very Good	4.0%	4

Bike Lanes

	Response Percent	Response Count
1 - Very Poor	12.1%	12
2 - Poor	31.3%	31
3 - Adequate	29.3%	29
4 - Good	13.1%	13
5 - Very Good	5.1%	5

Thinking about the City's snow removal policy, what changes would you like to see?

Answered: 69
Skipped: 30

Show Word Cloud

How do you get our communications regarding snow management?

Notifications on the City's Engage Sandpoint app

	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	33.0%	32
No	20.6%	20
Not aware of this	43.3%	42

City's Facebook Page

	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	42.3%	41
No	29.9%	29
Not aware of this	19.6%	19

City's Website

	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	42.3%	41
No	38.1%	37
Not aware of this	10.3%	10

I call the City's office

	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	8.2%	8
No	67.0%	65
Not aware of this	11.3%	11

I call the City's snow hotline

	Response Percent	Response Count
Yes	7.2%	7
No	38.1%	37
Not aware of this	43.3%	42

Please tell us how well we're communicating our snow removal policies by answering the following (yes/no):

I am aware that trash/recycle bins should be placed in my driveway or above the curb when snow is present; Waste Management can reach approximately 12-feet during pickup.

		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		59.2%	58
No		40.8%	40

I am aware that residents are not allowed to place snow from driveways and sidewalks into the street at any time because it negatively impacts snow plow operations.

		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		86.7%	85
No		12.2%	12

I am aware that on-street parking is restricted to the even side of the street (even address numbers), unless posted otherwise, from November 1st through March 1st.

		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		74.5%	73
No		25.5%	25

I am aware vehicles parked on the street must be cleared of snow at least every 24 hours.

		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		57.1%	56
No		42.9%	42

I am aware residents are responsible for removing snow in front of hydrants and mailboxes.

		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		72.4%	71
No		27.6%	27

I am aware that residents and property owners are responsible for removing snow from the sidewalk(s) adjacent to their property.

		Response Percent	Response Count
Yes		91.8%	90
No		7.1%	7

Please tell us a little about you.

	Response Percent	Response Count
I have lived within Sandpoint city limits for less than 2 years.	1.0%	1
I have lived within Sandpoint city limits >5 years and less than 15 years	35.4%	35
I have lived within Sandpoint city limits >10 years and less than 15 years	15.2%	15
I have lived in Sandpoint city limits more than 15 years	30.3%	30
I live in the city of Kootenai	2.0%	2
I live in the city of Dover	1.0%	1
I live in unincorporated Bonner County	12.1%	12
I live in Idaho	1.0%	1
I am the primary caregiver for a senior or disabled community member.	2.0%	2

How do you most often travel throughout Sandpoint during winter? (Select one.)

	Response Percent	Response Count
Vehicle with snow tires, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive	78.8%	78
Vehicle without snow tires, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive	15.2%	15
Bicycle	1.0%	1
Walk or wheelchair	4.0%	4
Other mode (not listed).	1.0%	1

Please share a little more information. (Select all that apply)

	Response Percent	Response Count
I am >16 years old but <65.	73.2%	52
I am 65 or older.	25.4%	18
I work or go to school in Sandpoint or have kids that attend school in Sandpoint.	26.8%	19
I am a primary caregiver for a senior or disabled community member.	5.6%	4

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City crews are currently scheduled to provide 24/7 coverage during active snow events. Please indicate

	1 Strongly Disagree	2 Disagree	3 Neutral	4 Agree	5 Strongly Agree
I appreciate that the City prioritizes higher use streets an that the street I live on is typically plowed at lease once in a 24-hour period.
I would like the City to plow residential streets more frequently.
I would like the City to make more effort to ensure intersections are visible and free from ice.
I support strict enforcement of the on-street parking rules and do not believe vehicle owners should get a warning before a fine.
I support plowing my street during the evening hours, even though it causes some noise.

On-street parking directly impacts the City's ability to provide effective winter snow removal. Years ago, no vehicles were allowed to park on any street during snow plowing operations. The current policy allows vehicles to be parked on ONE SIDE of the street. Please select the policy you prefer:

Current Policy: On-street parking is restricted to the even side of the street only, unless posted otherwise, from November 1 - March 1. The even side of the street includes even numbered addresses.

Alternative A: One-street parking is restricted to only the northwest or west side of the street, unless posted otherwise, from November 1 - March 1.

Alternative B: On-street parking is not allowed on any street when snow is present, between December and February, unless posted otherwise (e.g., downtown).

City graders are equipped with snow gates to reduce the amount of snow plowed in front of driveways. After 8-inches of snowfall, we stop using them for the following reasons: (a) the gates become less effective because the snow volume exceeds what a gate can retain; (b) it takes much longer to plow a street while using gates and the priority is passable streets as soon as possible; and (c) the use of gates causes snow berms at the end of the driveway to accumulate and narrows the street.

Select the sentence you agree with most:

I understand the reasons above and prefer that all of our streets are passable as soon as possible and they do not become too narrow.

Gates should always be used even if it means it takes much longer to plow and the streets become more narrow.

The City should follow its current policy and stop using gates at 4" (not current practice of 8") of snowfall so that the berms are smaller and all streets are plowed faster.

Residents and businesses must keep their sidewalks and ADA ramps clear of snow and ice. Please select the statement you agree with most:

I support strict enforcement of this policy on all sidewalks and ramps.

I support strict enforcement of this policy on downtown sidewalks and priority routes identified by the community.

I do not support strict enforcement of this policy; our sidewalks have too many gaps and/or this is a burden on residents.

I do not support this policy at all and want the City to allocate funds in future budgets to perform this service for residents.

Winter can be difficult for everyone but it is especially difficult at times for seniors and disabled community members. Please select the statement(s) you agree with most:

I already reach out to those I know are in need to help with shoveling and ice removal.

I think the City should help connect volunteers and those who need extra help in the winter months.

Leave it up to private companies or other organizations to help seniors and the disable with snow removal.

Other

If you chose other, please provide additional information:

Overall, how satisfied are you with Sandpoint's current snow removal services?

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Some Improvements/Changes Needed

Not Satisfied

More specifically, for each of the following, please rank the current level of service on a scale of 1 to 5.

	1 - Very Poor	2 - Poor	3 - Adequate	4 - Good	5 - Very Good
On heavily used streets (arterials)
On downtown streets
On residential streets
City-owned parking lots
City park facilities
Multi-use pathways (Division, Boyer, Community Trail, Sand Creek)
Residential sidewalks (currently maintained by adjacent residents)
Commercial sidewalks (currently maintained by adjacent owners)
Bus stops
ADA ramps and crosswalks
Bike Lanes

Thinking about the City's snow removal policy, what changes would you like to see?

How do you get our communications regarding snow management?

	Yes	No	Not aware of this
Notifications on the City's Engage Sandpoint app
City's Facebook Page
City's Website
I call the City's office
I call the City's snow hotline

Please tell us how well we're communicating our snow removal policies by answering the following (yes/no):

	Yes	No
I am aware that trash/recycle bins should be placed in my driveway or above the curb when snow is present; Waste Management can reach approximately 12-feet during pickup.
I am aware that residents are not allowed to place snow from driveways and sidewalks into the street at any time because it negatively impacts snow plow operations.
I am aware that on-street parking is restricted to the even side of the street (even address numbers), unless posted otherwise, from November 1st through March 1st.
I am aware vehicles parked on the street must be cleared of snow at least every 24 hours.
I am aware residents are responsible for removing snow in front of hydrants and mailboxes.
I am aware that residents and property owners are responsible for removing snow from the sidewalk(s) adjacent to their property.

Please tell us a little about you.

* required

How do you most often travel throughout Sandpoint during winter? (Select one.)

Vehicle with snow tires, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive

Vehicle without snow tires, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive

Bicycle

Walk or wheelchair

SPOT Bus

Other mode (not listed).