Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy
INTRODUCTION
The Village of Johnsburg strives to provide cost-effective municipal services to its residents. To that end, the Village’s “Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy” has been developed to inform residents of the Village’s procedures in providing the most effective method of snow removal services to maintain safe travel routes during and following snowstorms.
INCLEMENT WEATHER FORECASTING
Snow and ice removal operations are a battle against inclement weather. Chicago area weather tends to be unpredictable and unstable therefore the Johnsburg Public Works Department takes whatever steps it can to keep our roadways safe and passable. The National Weather Service, internet and cable TV are all sources utilized to ensure that the Village stays informed about upcoming inclement weather or snowstorms.
SNOW REMOVAL/ICE CONTROL GUIDELINES
The Village of Johnsburg currently maintains 49.3 miles of road and 50 cul-de-sacs. Although travelers have become accustomed to bare pavement being the norm,
economic and environmental concerns require a better understanding by the general public of the Village’s policy. During and after inclement weather, the following guidelines shall apply:
- Primary roads and bus routes are plowed first.
- Secondary subdivision roads shall be addressed next.
- Cul-de-sacs and privates roads shall be plowed once all other roadways are
- addressed.
- Salt application will be focused on primary roads, intersections, hills and curves.
MANPOWER AND EQUIPMENT
The Village of Johnsburg employs drivers licensed and trained in the usage of the below listed equipment.
1995 IH 5 Yard Truck with Salt Spreader
1997 IH 5 Yard Truck with Salt Spreader
2000 IH 5 Yard Truck with Salt Spreader
2001 IH 5 Yard Truck with Salt Spreader
2005 IH 5 Yard Truck with Salt Spreader
1996 3500 One Ton Chevy Truck with Salt Spreader
2001 ¾ Ton Ford Pick up with Snow Plow
2012 1.5 Ton Ford Pick Up with Snow Plow
Drivers are assigned to a specific area, which increases their familiarity with the area and improves their effectiveness
ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS AND TOWING
On street parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Additionally, parking of any vehicle on any public street in the Village after two (2) inches of snowfall is prohibited. Failure to remove any such vehicle shall constitute a violation and such vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense. Tickets for violation of these ordinances will be issued.
It is unlawful for any person to plow or otherwise remove accumulated snow from a private driveway or parking lot and deposit snow onto a village street.
MAILBOXES AND ROADSIDE HAZARDS
Every effort is made to prevent damage to mailboxes during snow removal, however accidents can occur. The Village will repair or replace mailboxes damaged as a result of direct contact with the snow plow. Custom made or special order mail boxes should be replaced with a standard steel mailbox during the winter as the Village will only replace damaged mailboxes with a standard steel mailbox unit. If the damage results from the force of snow deflected from the plow, the Village will not repair or replace it. Make certain that your mailbox is securely installed and sturdy enough to withstand the force of the snow.
In larger snow events, it can be difficult for drivers to discern the edge of the roadway. Driveway markers and decorative boulders can interfere with snow removal therefore property owners should take steps to insure that they are removed from alongside the road. Property owners can be held liable for obstructions placed in the right of way that result in damage to the Village’s vehicles and/or equipment.