HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublicWorksPipeline_Early2023_WebWinter parking rules are in effect across
Edina to help ensure roads are safe
before, during and after a snowstorm or
other severe weather.
Snow removal is one of the most praised City services. Its efficiency and speed are aided by residents following parking rules. With 26 routes to clear, Public Works crews benefit from avoiding the obstacle of parked vehicles.
“No other city’s residents have given
snow removal service ratings better than
ours in Polco’s national resident survey.
The winter parking rules allow us to be
excellent at providing snow removal
service in Edina,” said Public Works
Director Brian Olson.
To keep plowing schedules on track,
the Edina Police Department patrols
city streets and will tow vehicles in
violation, if necessary.
“Adhering to winter parking rules ensures
our Public Works Department can
effectively plow the roadway when we
receive a snowfall of 1.5 inches or more.
The last thing we want to do is tow your
vehicle,” said Police Chief Todd Milburn.
In addition to delaying the plows, illegally parked vehicles can also increase danger. Plow drivers may not see a car and hit it by accident, while a large bank of plowed snow can block or bury a vehicle and make it difficult for other drivers to see.
“We want to be able to provide the best
plow service for residents. We really
appreciate everyone’s help with aiding
in efficiency to help us make the roads
as safe as possible in the winter,” said
Streets Supervisor John Scheerer.
For more information on winter parking ordinances, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610. To learn more about snow plowing procedures, contact the Public Works Department at 952-826-0376 or visit
EdinaMN.gov/SnowPlowing.
– Compiled by Katherine Hulbert
PipelinePUBLIC WORKS
EARLY 2023
No vehicle may be parked on an
Edina street, highway or alley under
the following conditions:
• When 1.5 inches or more of
snow has fallen, until it has
been plowed to the curbline.
• From 1 to 6 a.m. Nov. 1 to March 31, regardless of weather or forecast.
• For six or more consecutive
hours, unless otherwise signed
(enforced year-round).
Adhering to Winter Parking Rules Ensures Excellent Plow Results
22
By David Katz
Watching a snowplow in action, it’s easy
to see the power behind the machine
and assume the City’s equipment makes
the clearing process effortless. In truth,
while today’s trucks and skid steers may
be modern marvels, operators face many
obstacles and other hazards.
“After a few snowfalls and accumulated
snow, some streets narrow down so
much that even one car left parked on
the street can inhibit snow plowing
dramatically,” shared Streets Supervisor
Shawn Anderson.
When this happens, the roadway
in question is bypassed and returned
to later.
Complications like those add further
logistics to clearing operations that
are already complex and citywide in
scale. “Our teams plow about 580
lane miles, plus about 80 miles of
sidewalk,” Anderson said. Vehicle
owners can do their part by complying
with the City’s winter parking rules and
with any posted signage.
Pedestrians have a part to play as well.
Edina marathoner and certified running coach Lisa Rippe knows this as well as anyone. “In the winter months, it obviously stays darker longer” – encroaching on the early morning and late afternoon windows when many walkers and runners carve time for their exercise. “It’s important to make yourself easier to see so that other runners, walkers and drivers avoid your ‘space.’”
As a means to that end, Rippe and
Anderson both advise runners to make
a modest investment in reflective safety
apparel. There are no shortage of these
As Days Grow Shorter,
Runners Should Remember
Safety Apparel
3
“It’s important to make
yourself easier to see
so that other runners,
walkers and drivers
avoid your ‘space.’”
Safety equipment for runners
to consider this winter:
products on the market. Options include
reflective windbreakers and vests, as well
as snap bracelets and ankle bands made
from the same material. Inexpensive LED
strobe lights, which can be affixed at the
waist or neck, are also popular.
“The more reflective, the better,” Anderson
said. “Plow drivers, in particular, have so
many things to watch out for… so this is
appreciated.”
Rippe also recommends that every runner
equip themselves with a reliable but
comfortable headlamp. These serve double
duty, making the wearer more visible to
passing motorists while also enhancing
their own ability to spot tripping hazards
like ice, snow drifts and uneven pavement.
Even with these precautions, Rippe
stresses that running outdoors in or after
inclement weather is never a totally risk-
free endeavor. “Run defensively and do not
assume a driver will stop; they could be
distracted or tired. Additionally, motorists
could have a more difficult time stopping in
winter conditions.”
Last but not least: “I urge runners to carry
ID or emergency contact information. My
solution for this is a RoadID bracelet, which
I wear running and bicycling – just in case.”
Reflective Vests
Traction Spikes
Headlamp
44
New Program Created to Make
Edina’s Sidewalks Better
By Brittany Bader
Raised concrete, cracks, crushed paneling
and pitted surfaces. These are just some
of the things the City’s very first Sidewalk
Inspector, Derek Leonard, looks for when
doing a neighborhood sidewalk inspection.
His mission is to identify and fix hazards
to make Edina’s sidewalks safer for
everyone – whether you use sidewalks for
transportation, recreation or both.
This newly created position within Public
Works is made possible by the Pedestrian
and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Fund, funding
set aside for improving and maintaining
Edina’s non-motorized transportation
network. With the hiring of Leonard,
the Sidewalk Inspection Program
officially kicked off in May 2022 and will
address problems related to aging and
deteriorating sidewalks within the city.
Leonard’s primary duties include
inspecting sidewalks for compliance with
City Code, communicating any damage
or trip hazards found to property owners
and overseeing any necessary repair work.
In addition, his position ensures ADA
compliance of new sidewalk construction
within the city and assists with snow
removal and certain street projects.
“I am excited to have joined the City
of Edina as Sidewalk Inspector and to
continue building this new program.
Before this, I worked for 10 years as a
Crew Leader with Ramsey County, where
I managed multiple highway maintenance
crews. I bring my background in
construction, concrete work and
landscaping, as well as a passion for public
safety, all which translates really well to
this,” said Leonard.
During an inspection, eight different
factors are taken into consideration
to determine the condition rating of a
sidewalk panel:
• Trip hazard a half-inch or greater (vertically)
• Cracks greater than 0.75 inch
• Panels raised or sunken more
than two inches from grade
• Multiple cracks or crushed paneling
• Pitted or scaled surface
• Pooling of water, indicating a lack
of adequate surface drainage
• Tree roots, low-hanging branches
or impeding vegetation
• Grade over 2 percent
Based on what’s found, if a panel is a top
priority to be fixed, the City will mail a
letter to the associated property outlining
next steps for repair or replacement.
Right now, sidewalk repair costs are
the responsibility of property owners.
Owners can choose to hire their own
concrete contractor or be placed on the
City’s maintenance plan, where the City
completes the work (or contracts it out)
and bills owners according to City Code.
If no repairs are made within 30 days, the
property will automatically be added to
the maintenance plan.
From late July to mid-September,
Leonard conducted the first inspections
in the program’s history in the Country
Club Neighborhood. Upon completion,
more than 400 properties were found
to have trip hazards or damaged panels,
and about 70 top-priority panels were
replaced in the fall.
Did You Know?
Information from the Professional
Safety Journal, July 2022
• A fall from the same level
is more common than a fall
from an elevated height.
• Sidewalk- and edging-
related falls are a major
cause of occupational
injuries for courier and
delivery occupations.
5
Additionally, hazards identified on
City-owned sidewalks surrounding
City Hall and the Senior Center were
also repaired in 2022.
Currently, Leonard is working with
other City staff to develop a future
neighborhood inspection schedule,
so residents can know when to
expect work to be done in their
area. At this time, it is expected that
each neighborhood will undergo a
complete sidewalk inspection every
three to five years.
“A goal for 2023 is to create a
section on BetterTogetherEdina.org
dedicated to the inspection
program. This way, as we determine
neighborhoods for upcoming
inspections, residents can stay up
to date with the process, know
what to expect and ask questions
if they have them,” said Leonard.
“My favorite part of the job so far
has been getting to know and work
with residents. I am thankful for
all the interest we have had so far
from the community in the program
and for everyone’s patience as we
worked to get the program off the
ground in the first year.”
For more information on the Sidewalk Inspection Program, contact Leonard at 952-826-0384 or DLeonard@EdinaMN.gov.
Step by Step: How Sidewalk Panels Are Replaced
Using photos from work completed in the Country Club Neighborhood in the fall of 2022,
Sidewalk Inspector Derek Leonard shares the process for replacing sidewalk panels when the work is undertaken and overseen by the City. (File Photos)
Before Work Begins
• Mark panels that need to be replaced with pink sidewalk paint. During construction,
it’s possible additional panels may end up
needing to be removed beyond what’s
initially marked.
• Do everything possible to limit damage
to property owners’ yards by marking
and moving any sprinkler heads,
irrigation lines, dog fences and any
other obstructions near the panels.
Construction Phase One
• Tear out the original panels and dispose of them.
• Once panels are removed, examine any
tree roots present underneath. Work with
the City Forester to determine the best actions to protect a tree. Depending on the size of the roots, this might include cutting,
grinding or building a ramp over them. Any
roots that end up needing to be ground or
cut will be sealed.
Construction Phase Two
• Place the forms for the new sidewalk panels, and add any approved base, if needed.
• Pour the new concrete and add joints.
• Broom the surface and spray with a white curing agent (the brightness typically fades
in a few months).
Completing Restoration
• Remove the forms.
• Fix any sprinkler heads, irrigation lines
or dog fences that were damaged during
construction at no cost to property owners.
• Clean up and haul away any leftover concrete, tree roots or branches.
• Complete dirt restoration with grass seed. 5
6
Where to Put Trash Cans on Snow Day
By Katherine Hulbert
Minnesota winters can be a bit of a challenge when it comes to waste disposal. On top of keeping track of their scheduled days for trash and recycling pickup, residents must keep in mind when plows are scheduled to come by.
Plowing operations begin when there is
1.5 inches or more of snow, as well as
when conditions seriously affect travel,
such as drifting snow or icy roads. The
City Code prohibits residents from putting
trash cans in the road when plowing
services are scheduled. Trash cans should
be left at the end of the driveway, but not
on a sidewalk or road.
Plow drivers cannot achieve a tight curb-
to-curb plow job if they have to swerve to
avoid an obstacle like a trash can, which
leaves snow sitting in the gutter.
An unplowed gutter line can refreeze
and become slippery and icy.
Streets Supervisor Shawn Anderson wants to remind residents to avoid placing their trash cans on sidewalks. “We have a special snow-clearing machine we use on our sidewalks, and having trash cans in the way throws a wrench in the process,” he said.
Garbage cans can also tip over and spill
garbage on the road or in a resident’s
driveway if they are put out on the
street, sidewalks or too close to the
curb and accidentally struck by a plow.
Luckily, there is a solution to avoid this
undesirable outcome.
“A majority of garbage trucks nowadays have grabber arms that have quite a bit of reach,” said Streets Supervisor John Scheerer. “Dig a hole for your trash can in your driveway or yard about six feet back from the road. I understand it’s a bit more work having to shovel that portion, but it’s certainly helpful for our operations and provides you with a better-quality plow job.”
For more information on garbage collection, contact the Health Division at 952-826-0370. To learn more about snow plowing procedures, contact the Public Works Department at 952-826-0376 or visit EdinaMN.gov/SnowPlowing.
777
Practice Safety First with Snow Forts
When people think of winter, fond
memories of snowball fights, snowmen,
and snow forts come to mind. However,
it’s essential that all Edinans stay safe
and smart when it comes to snow forts.
Every year across the country, there are
tragic deaths from snow forts collapsing
and trapping people.
Snow forts lack reliable structure and
are usually made from heavy, wet snow
that can collapse and trap or injure
someone. Even worse are snow forts
with roofs and tunnels, which further
weaken the structure and add to the
chances for collapse.
Another serious danger is being
inadvertently struck by a snowplow
when the drivers are unable to see a
fort. A child playing in one could be
buried with snow flung from a plow.
“Forts built by snowbanks at the corner
of a driveway are what we’re concerned
about,” said Streets Supervisor John
Scheerer. “The problem with them
is that the typical opening is on the
driveway side, so it just looks like a
typical pile of snow to our drivers.”
Additionally, plows will occasionally
“wing back” the snow—pushing the
snowbank further into the lawn to
make room for future snow.
“You can imagine the danger of someone
in a snow fort if a driver didn’t recognize
it,” Scheerer explained. “We want to avoid
tragedies and keep people safe. We’re not
against kids having fun; we just want them
to play safely. We tell them to build a fort
without a top and back a safe distance of
at least 25 to 30 feet from the road.”
For both kids and adults alike, it’s
important to maintain the edges of your
property when winter weather hits.
“Whether it’s snow forts, garbage cans,
vehicles or anything else at the end of the
driveway, it’s important that homeowners
keep that area clear so our crews can
properly plow and maintain the best level
of service,” Scheerer said.
Parents and children interested in learning
more about playing safe in the snow
can watch a Minnesota Department
of Transportation video, available at
EdinaMN.gov/SnowPlowing.
For more information about the City’s plowing or winter safety, visit EdinaMN.gov/PublicWorks.
– Compiled by Katherine Hulbert
7 7
8
If you hire someone to help you plow
or shovel snow, make sure they are
familiar with local laws regarding snow
clearing. It is the resident’s responsibility
to make sure that all ordinances are
followed on their property regardless
of whether they are physically doing
the work or not. Residents are
responsible for fines that occur
because of a contractor’s negligence.
The most common snow removal violation is pushing snow across the road or into the road. Some contractors will “feather” the snow across the street to try to get away with not storing snow correctly. Piling snow on corners is also a frequent violation. All snow that falls on a property must be stored on the same property.
One person pushing their snow into the
streets can fill a storage area and possibly
cause their neighbor to get extra snow
dumped on their property.
Residents should consider all areas
they must clear. All sidewalks must be
cleared within 48 hours. Residents also
are responsible for making sure that fire
hydrants are clear of snow within a three-
foot radius and are visible and accessible
from the street. This is very important so
the Fire Department is not slowed by an
inaccessible hydrant when fighting a fire.
Residents are also encouraged to create an area cleared of snow for their garbage and recycling containers so that they aren’t out in the street where they can be struck by a snowplow or block the snowplow from completely clearing the street.
For more information on snow removal in Edina, visit EdinaMN.gov/PublicWorks.
– Compiled by Amy Kyllo
Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold:
Make Sure Your Snow
Contractor Knows the Rules
9
Snow Removal Checklist:
□ Make sure your snow removal contractor knows City snow removal ordinances
□ Make sure your mailbox is accessible from the street after snowfall
□ Make sure that your fire hydrant is free of snow and ice for a 3-foot radius and is visible and accessible from the street
□ Create an open spot for trash and recycling containers in your driveway or yard
□ Clear your sidewalk within 48 hours of snowfall
10
People of Public Works
New Public Works Employees Bring Talent,
Fun to the Workplace
By Amy Kyllo
Four men with years of previous public service experience recently joined the Public Works Department.
For more information about the Public Works Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/PublicWorks. For more information about careers with the City, visit EdinaMN.gov/Jobs.
Derek Leonard is the City of Edina’s
Sidewalk Inspector. Leonard started gaining
experience for his current position in high
school when he worked construction. After
high school, he attended Fire Academy,
then worked for Ames Construction on
its bridge crew before moving to Ramsey
County Public Works where he managed
highway maintenance crews.
The Sidewalk Inspector is a new position created to address issues with Edina’s aging sidewalks. One of the reasons Leonard applied for his position was the
excitement of getting to “have my part
in something new.”
A highlight of the job so far has been building relationships with his coworkers. Leonard feels that one of the important things that he brings to Edina is his fun-loving, outgoing personality. He is always looking to have some fun while getting the work done.
In his free time, Leonard can be found
hunting and fishing, or up north at the
cabin with his wife and baby.
Derek Leonard, Sidewalk Inspector
Photo by Jasmine Robles
11
Sam Olson is a new Public Service Worker
– Utilities. He started his career at the City
of Prior Lake where he worked for nine
years, six of which were in the Utilities
Department. He applied to Edina because
he was looking for more opportunities, a
bigger city and a closer commute.
Olson said his favorite part of the job has
been working with the crew. “We all like
to have fun!”
I can see myself staying here a long time,”
he said. He especially appreciates the
variety of work. Olson feels that some of
the most important things that he brings to
Edina are his positive attitude, work ethic
and willingness to help out when needed.
During his free time, he can be found
spending time with his wife, hunting and
fishing and spending time with friends
and family. He looks forward to February
when he and his wife will welcome their
first baby.
Sam Olson, Public Service Worker – Utilities
Photo by Amy Kyllo
Jeff Tisor, a new Public Service Worker –
Utilities, began his professional life with a
two-year program at St. Cloud Technical
and Community College for water and
environmental technology. He worked
part-time for the City of Minnetonka while
he was in college. After college, he worked
for the City of Eagan before coming to the
City of Edina in August.
Tisor applied because he was looking for an opportunity in a different city and working environment and a job that was closer to home. He is “happy to be here” and
hopes “to make a positive impact on his
coworkers and the residents.” For Tisor, he
has found the coworkers to be “the best
thing” about his job so far and appreciates
how “they like to have fun working.” Tisor
is excited to bring his easy-going attitude
and ability to get along with everyone to
Public Works.
During his free time, Tisor can be found walking his dogs, spending time with his two children, golfing, mountain biking and downhill skiing. He also hopes to try out snowshoeing soon.
Jeff Tisor, Public Service Worker – Utilities
Photo by Amy Kyllo
Joe Waldon, a new Mechanic at the City of Edina, started his journey to Edina in high school in a heavy equipment elective course. After high school, he worked for Road and Rail, Westside Transport and Cross Country Couriers (where he was the lead technician). Then, he worked for the St. Paul Fire Department for two years before coming to Edina in October.
Waldon is excited to bring his specialized
experience working with firetrucks to
the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility. Working at Edina has been a great experience for Waldon. He loves the newer shop (a big reason why he applied). He also appreciates how neat and clean the Public Works facility is and how there are supplies provided to keep it orderly.
During his free time, Waldon can be found
hunting and fishing or hanging out with his
three kids.
Joe Waldon, Public Service Worker – Mechanic
Photo by Amy Kyllo
12
PipelinePUBLIC WORKS
As winter approaches, knowing how to
report water main breaks is especially
important. Most water main breaks
occur November through April.
According to Utility Supervisor Nathan
Kaderlik, the biggest culprit for water
main breaks is frost. Other water main
breaks may occur due to old piping
and infrastructure.
Water main breaks are especially devasting in winter due to the ice that can occur. A water main break that goes undetected can result in soil erosion and even possible flooding. The City of Edina has sensors on the water mains that
detect unusual water flow to help Public
Works quickly identify water main breaks.
However, even with this technology,
resident reporting is essential, especially
since small or slow leaks are more difficult
for the technology to identify.
Signs of a water main break:
1. Lots of water in the street (as if you’re getting two inches of rainfall)
2. A little bit of water in the street (as if there was a garden hose running into the street)
3. Water running out of a crack
in the road
4. A drop in your household
water pressure
If you think you see a water main break
on your property or somewhere else,
please call Public Works at 952-826-0375
during business hours or the Edina
Police Department’s non-emergency
number at 952-826-1610 outside of
business hours. When reporting a water
main break, always report it through a
phone call. Do not email or use any
other form of communication.
As soon as a water leak is reported,
Public Works will come to investigate, no
matter the time of the day or night, and
determine if it is a water main leak or a
service line leak and who is responsible
for the repair (the City or the property
owner). Leaks on a service line from the
main up to the shutoff valve (normally
10-15 feet from the curb) are the City’s
responsibility. Leaks on a service line from
the shutoff valve to the house are the
property owner’s responsibility. Public
Works will help determine responsibility,
but more importantly, help limit the leak.
Though initial repairs will happen
immediately, it is important for
residents to know that final repairs
to the road may not come until five
or six months later when warm weather
occurs in May and June.
– Compiled by Amy Kyllo
How to Report a Water Main Break
Public Works crews respond day or night to water main breaks. (File Photo)
How to Report a Main Break
7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday: Call 952-826-0376
All other times: Call 952-826-1610
(police dispatch non-emergency)
City of Edina
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN 55424
EdinaMN.gov