City looking to improve winter storm response plan

The City of Redmond has added new winter storm information to its Web site, including a map of snow and ice removal routes. A link to the information is www.redmond.gov/DisasterPrep/wintersnowice.asp.

In response to citizen concerns, city staff will continue to analyze its response to winter storms, such as the sustained snow and ice event which occurred between Dec. 18-28.

At the Jan. 6 meeting of the Redmond City Council, Public Works Director Bill Campbell summarized problems encountered during that monster of a storm.

THE IMPACT

Public Works crews put in 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day from Dec. 18-28 (1,400 hours overtime), using three large and one small plow/sanders equipped with hard rubber blades. They spread 550 cubic yards (1,100 tons) of sand and applied 80,000 pounds of deicer. Four Parks Operations staff assisted Public Works with citywide snow and ice removal. In addition, parks staff cleared sidewalks and parking lots for city buildings and major parks.

A total of 11 roads were closed and reopened intermittently due to the ongoing weather conditions. The city's communications staff provided road closure bulletins on its Web site, RCTV and AM 1650 radio.

When a medical aid unit got stuck in snow on Northeast 95th Street, Public Works assisted and no adverse medical effects were reported.

Police officers had difficulty getting to calls in some neighborhoods and responded only to immediate emergencies. Public Works initially responded to plow fire station driveways.

Waste Management was out of service between Dec. 18-29. Normal service resumed the week of Dec. 29.

The Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, Redmond Senior Center and Old Fire House Teen Center were closed Dec. 18-26. Ten rentals were cancelled or rescheduled. And city offices officially closed on Dec. 18 and 19.

Residents who contacted the city during the severe weather mostly lived on Education Hill or in the downtown or Viewpoint neighborhoods. Many felt that the plows and deicers didn't do an adequate job. People on the hill (Northeast 104th Street) felt especially isolated.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

City staff will further evaluate the following components of storm preparedness and response:

• Procedures for coordinating and disseminating information.

• Posting traffic cameras on the city's Web site.

• During non-storm times, communicate residents' responsibilities such as clearing their own driveways and sidewalks.

• Communicate with the community about developed solutions.

• How, when and if private contractors can be used.

• How to combine and optimize use of equipment from both Parks Operations and Public Works.

• Equipment needs and procedures for optimum success while minimizing road damage.

• Procedures to properly staff and triage resident calls when they report problems.

• Reviewing priority roadways, considering those around medical/health facilities and transit routes.

NEXT STEPS

A Web site map, similar to the "Creating Choice — Connecting Community" map, has been developed and is in the process of being linked to the images for the 25 traffic cameras currently operating.

Staff from Public Works, Parks Operations, Police and Fire services and Communications will study lessons learned from the December incident and discuss recommendations to be implemented as necessary.

Redmond City Councilmember Kim Allen commented, "One of the ideas that came up in citizen contact over and over was a need for serious examination of the possible use of private contractors for snow removal in an event of this magnitude. There are a few different emergency reserves that could be used to fund this and I will be looking for a policy discussion on this when it returns to Council."

Allen added, "I also think we need to synch up our snow routes to the areas of the city that are experiencing growth. Planning should also add winter weather access to the items to be addressed when we are looking at whether to permit a new development, especially if the proposed development is in a hilly area. Redmond can also expand its emergency information points to include more unconventional venues such as grocery stores or gas stations."

Additionally, she'd like the city to look at salt, brine and/or a new whey-based product that the Washington State Department of Transportion (WSDOT) is using to keep passes free from ice.

"I hear the latter is biofriendly, can be used with existing equipment and is being supplied to WSDOT by a local cheese maker," said Allen. "It has the potential to address the problem while keeping Redmond green. I think all of the councilmembers want to see a broad look at how we, as a city, can improve the process in a cost effective way."

A full operational and communication review with recommendations will be reported to the City Council and the community in early March 2009.

Contact Redmond Reporter Reporter Mary Stevens Decker at mdecker@redmond-reporter.com or (425) 867-0353, ext. 5052.

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