Street Sweeping Procedure

The Public Works Department is responsible for sweeping public streets. Reasonable sweeping is necessary for vehicle and pedestrian safety, water quality, and environmental concerns. The city may use city equipment and employees, volunteers, and/or private contractors to provide this service. Completion dates are dependent upon weather conditions and employee and equipment availability. The Public Works Director, Street Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for the scheduling of employees, equipment and/or contractors.

Sweeping Operations

• First-round sweeping, which typically occurs in spring and primarily consists of removal of snow and ice control aggregate, shall begin as soon as possible when streets are generally clear of snow and ice, and significant snow and ice storms diminish. First-round sweeping, designed to pick up the bulk of the aggregate, usually begins between mid-March and mid-April and is typically completed in early May.
• Second-round sweeping picks up the aggregate missed during the first round because snow and ice had covered it. Second-round sweeping normally requires less equipment than the first round of sweeping. Second-round sweeping is typically scheduled to begin upon completion of the first round.
• Third-round sweeping, or fall sweeping, is typically scheduled to begin the third week of October and completed by the last week in November, weather permitting. Areas with extensive foliage shall be swept after most leaves have fallen.
• Sweeping operations are conducted as necessary throughout the year. Sweeping operations should focus on watershed areas that drain directly to significant water bodies, major roads, and the downtown area. Some factors that may prohibit or delay sweeping operations include temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, wind, heavy rains and frozen gutter lines.
• Citizen requests for sweeping shall be evaluated by the Public Works Director, Street Superintendent or his/her designee and a priority status determined.
• First-round sweeping of county roads is the responsibility of the Wright County Highway Department. State highways are the responsibility of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The city may assist in sweeping operations on those roadways by request, by maintenance agreements or under emergency conditions.

Sweeping Procedure

Street sweeping is a slow process with gutter line speeds that can be as low as two to three miles per hour. The city may sweep with its own equipment and manpower, use volunteers, or retain contract companies to complete an operation. Typically, centerlines are swept after gutter lines are cleaned. Equipment used includes mechanical, vacuum and regenerative air sweepers.

Priorities

The city has prioritized the sweeping of city streets with attention to sensitive areas based on the street function, traffic volume, impact on water quality and the environment, and the welfare of citizens in the community, taking into consideration our Stormwater Management Plan.

Work Schedules

Sweeping operations are performed in conjunction with other maintenance operations. Sweeping operations are normally to be conducted Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 4 pm and Fridays 4 am to noon Sweeping may be restricted due to hazardous weather conditions. Extended workdays may be expected for spring cleanup or emergency sweeping operations.

Sidewalks, Pathways & Boulevards

The city may sweep bike paths and boulevards on major and collector roads once in the spring after the risk of snowfall has passed and they are clear of snow and ice. Public sidewalks, pathways, and boulevards will be cleared as necessary in certain areas. Equipment with a front-mounted broom sweeps material to the street where it is collected by street sweepers.