10/30/1991 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e J. Metro Partnership Annual Meeting Mayor Miller reported on the Metro Partnership annual meeting held today. K. Century Council Mr. Boles reported several phone calls regarding the Century Council and its activities in other communities. He has agreed to meet with some of the people who have those concerns. He asked that the Century Council's Advisory Committee keep the council informed of its council's activities. Ms. Bascom has also received calls expressing concern with the council's endorsement. II. RESOLUTION ADOPTING ICE AND SNOW REMOVAL POLICIES Bob Hammitt, Public Works, said that the resolution has come about as a re- sult of concern raised in the community following the last two major storms (December 1990 and February 1989) because the City refrained from using chem- ical deicers (road salt) to achieve bare pavement. Mr. Hammitt has reviewed the City's policy and conducted research on the topic. The Public Works Department has had a long-standing practice of not using anti-icing or deicing chemicals for snow and ice control on streets. He said chemical deicers have been used in small quantities to keep sand piles and equipment workable. Mr. Hammitt said that the national trend is to e get away from such practices due to environmental concerns. At the same time, the industry is trying to upgrade its products to be more environmen- tally sound. The addition of corrosion-inhibitors does not address environ- mental concerns related to vegetation and aquatic life. Mr. Hammitt said that his study revealed that turning to a chemical deicer program would require a capital investment of $100,000 for storage and mixing capabilities. He also found that product costs are significant. The most environmentally sound product, calcium magnesium acetate, costs $700 per ton. Mr. Hammitt estimated an expenditure of $70,000 for the product on either one of last season's storms. He added that current products would likely be in conflict with the Clean Stormwater Act. Mr. Hammitt said the only advantage to the use of chemical deicers is that bare pavement can be achieved in a shorter period of time. He said the resolution calls for the continued mini- mum use of chemical deicers for sand piles and equipment, but prohibition of their use for control of ice and snow on City streets. Councilors expressed support for the resolution. Responding to concern about the problems caused by sand on streets, Mr. Gleason said most complaints come from bicycle riders. He said crews are activated just before a storm's end in order to sweep up the sand before it freezes. In response to a question from Ms. Bascom, he said sand costs $8 per ton. Mr. Boles said keeping bus routes open should also be a priority. He won- dered if there was any provision for keeping sidewalks clear in retail areas. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 30, 1991 Page 3 Lunch Work Session