ST. WENDEL TOWNSHIP
Snow Removal Policy
The safety and convenience of the traveling public is a main concern of St. Wendel Township. The goal of the township is to have all roads passable within a reasonable time after a snowfall has stopped. The township does not assure a completely bare road and will not sand entire sections of roadway. Users of the township roads are reminded to exercise caution and drive with care. The legal speed limit may not be possible at all times. The township will provide such control in a safe and cost-effective manner, keeping in mind safety, budget, personnel and environmental concerns. The township will use a private contractor to provide this service.

1. DISPATCHING OF SNOWPLOWS
The township will usually not dispatch the snowplows until after a snowfall has stopped. During extended periods of snowfall, exceptions can be made. The snowplows will not be sent out in situations that may be hazardous due to restricted visibility.

2. OPERATIONS
Generally, the clearing of roads will consist of three phases: Making the road passable; widening and sanding; and cleaning up. Dependent upon the situation, more than one phase may be accomplished at one time.
a. Make the road passable. Clean one lane in each direction. Generally plow and wing are used.
b. Widen the lanes to edge of shoulders. Due to the high cost of the salt/sand, sanding is done ONLY at problem locations on paved roads, including intersections, curves, hills and bridges. A 10 percent salt-to-sand mixture is used for regular sanding.
c. Clean up. Remove ice and slush from roadway after salt and sun have been allowed to work.

3. PERSONAL PROPERTIES
a. Grass damage to shoulders and/or mailbox damage is considered incidental to snow removal and the township and/or contractor shall be held harmless for such damage.
b. Township residents are reminded it is unlawful to plow snow from driveways onto or across public roads. Piles of snow left on or near the road can freeze into a solid mass creating a hazardous situation for vehicles and snowplows.
Accidents and damages caused by snow piles placed in the roadway may result in liability to the property owner. Piles of snow increase the chance of drifting snow onto the roadway.
c. Township residents are reminded to remove parked vehicles from township roads to assist in snow removal.
d. The contractor will not attempt to remove stuck vehicles from ditches, snowbanks or any other impediment.
e. When directed by a township supervisor or the sheriff’s department the township will make an emergency plowing effort through private property.

4. PRIORITIES AND SCHEDULE FOR WHICH ROADS WILL BE PLOWED.
The township has classified township roads based on the road function, traffic volume and importance to the welfare of the township as per map displayed at the Township Hall.

5. INFORMATION
Questions or concerns should be directed to the Township Road Overseer, Carl Stich, 253-3999.
This policy was approved at the Dec. 4, 1990 monthly township meeting.

Renee Salzer
St. Wendel Township Clerk

Publish: Dec. 3, 2010