Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Public Works

 

TO:

Debbie Van Saun

FROM:

Chuck Soules

CC:

Mike Wildgen, Dave Corliss, Tom Orzulak

Date:

November 7, 2005

RE:

Call Report – Snow Plan

 

Attached is the 2005-06 snow plan for the City of Lawrence.  The plan specifically identifies the routes, equipment needs, and priorities the Street Division takes during a snow/ice event.

 

On Tuesday, November 7, 2005 the Street Division held their annual training event where the department checked the equipment, reviewed safety procedures, and drove their respective routes.  All winter materials (sand and salt) have been delivered.  Both “salt domes” are filled with approximately 2,500 tons of
“mix” (sand and salt).  Additionally, we have about 2,600 tons of salt and 1,000 tons of sand on hand.  Typically one event consumes about 500 tons of materials.

 

The city continues to grow and the Division is stretched to capacity as far as response in a snow event.  Next year (2006) as new areas develop (north of Peterson Road, west of Monterey Way, West 6th Street, areas north and south of 6th Street, west of Wakarusa, and the southeast corridor of the town), we will be challenged to provide snow removal service to all the residential streets.  To continue with the level of service desired in the City of Lawrence, additional staff and equipment will be needed in the future.  Five years ago Lawrence had a total of 285 miles of streets.  Today we estimate 319 total miles of streets. Staffing has not increased in the last five years.  Five years ago it would take approximately 10 hours to place materials (sand/salt) throughout town with an average snowfall of 1 1/2 to 2” snow.  Today it takes almost 16 hours to make a single pass through town.  Several factors have affected efficiency including increased mileage, distance to street materials, and increased expectations for responsiveness to specific needs.  Next year several additional miles of streets will be added to the transportation network.

 

Please anticipate requests for additional resources during the 2007 budget process or decision options for reductions in the level of services provided.

 

If you have any questions, please let me know.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

Attachment