Winter Weather Reminders

Winter Weather Reminders for Snow Emergencies and Snow Removal

At this time, a snow emergency is not planned for the weekend but in the event that one is declared, we wanted to remind residents about emergency parking regulations. To ensure sufficient snow removal, when possible, residents should move their vehicles off the street when snow is expected, regardless of whether a snow emergency has been called. Allowing snowplows to fully clear the road without having to navigate around parked cars is encouraged and facilitates a more efficient snow removal.

During a snow emergency, it is unlawful for any person, as driver or operator of a vehicle, or as the registered owner of such vehicle, to park, stop or leave standing, or cause, allow, or permit to be parked, stopped, or left standing, whether knowingly or unknowingly, any such vehicle upon any street within City limits until the emergency has been lifted.

SECTION 4.100 EMERGENCY PARKING REGULATIONS

1. Definitions.  For the purpose of this section, the term “Emergency” shall mean any condition upon any public street, including the presence of snow, freezing rain, sleet, ice or other phenomenon, which condition creates or is likely to create any hazardous road condition or impedes or is likely to impede the free movement of traffic, when such conditions have been declared by the Public Works Director or in his absence, the on duty Maintenance Worker.
2. Declaration.  Upon the existence of an emergency as defined herein, the Public Works Director or in his absence, the on duty Maintenance Worker, declares that an emergency exists, whereupon such person shall notify the media and request that the media cooperate with the City in giving notice to such emergency to the community.  The emergency regulations set forth below shall become effective one (1) hour after such notice has been given by the City to such news media.
3. Unlawful Acts. During an emergency, it is unlawful for any person, as driver or operator of a vehicle, or as the registered owner of such vehicle, to park, stop or leave standing, or cause, allow, or permit to be parked, stopped or left standing, whether knowingly or unknowingly, any such vehicle upon any City street until the street is plowed curb to curb.
4. Towing. Upon the existence of an emergency as defined above, the City may tow vehicles in violation of this ordinance as authorized in Minnesota State Statute 169.041.

Sidewalks

Eagle Lake property owners are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice. City code states that snow and ice should be cleared from sidewalks within 24 hours after a snow or precipitation event. City crews are responsible for clearing sidewalks at City facilities. Snow removed from sidewalks and driveways should be placed in the boulevard area or on private property and NOT in the public roads.

Driveways

Snow moved by a snow plow blade has no place to go but in the road right-of-way, which includes driveways. Many times, snowplowing forms snow drifts across driveway approaches, which may create hardships for some residents. However, the City possesses neither the personnel nor equipment to clear driveway approaches within the City. Snow removal of the driveway approaches are the responsibility of residents.

Trails

Some paved sections of the City’s trail system will be cleared of snow by City crews as time allows. The trails are the last priority and will be cleared after all other roads in the City have been addressed.

Mailboxes

In most cases, damage occurs during the plowing process because aged posts or improperly mounted boxes are unable to withstand the rigors of the winter plowing season. The City will replace the mailbox and/or post if it is struck and damaged by a snowplow. Mailboxes should be installed to withstand heavy or wet snow coming off the end of the plow. The final cleaning adjacent to mailboxes is the responsibility of the property owner. If damage occurs due to the snow discharge or snow storage, the City will not be responsible for repairs.

Fire Hydrants

If there is a fire hydrant near your house, please do your part and help keep it accessible this winter by removing any snow or ice in the 3 ft. clear-away zone.

Garbage and Recycling Carts

Please do not place garbage and recycling carts in the street. Place carts in the boulevard or at the end of the driveway.

Storm Drains

Please help clear snow and ice off storm drains in your neighborhood to prevent street flooding in the spring.