Fall & Winter Reminders

Winter Parking Runs November 1 to April 1

During this time, no vehicles may park on city streets between the hours of 12 to 5 AM - or anytime snow accumulation equals or exceeds 2 inches until the street is cleared of snow.

Leaves

It is against City code (13-2) to throw, place, deposit or burn leaves, trash, lawn clippings, weeds, grass or other materials in the public streets, alleys, gutters, ponds, parks, or open space areas.

No grass clippings or bagged leaves are allowed for drop off at Public Works. 

Washington County provides a list of options and locations for yard waste disposal. Additionally, Ramsey County allows Washington County residents to drop off yard waste as several select locations. 

Plowing

The City is divided into defined plowing routes; within each route, priorities have been established that take into consideration topography, traffic volumes, and usage. For instance, more heavily traveled roads and roads adjacent to schools are given priority. Plows first clear the center of the roadway; subsequent passes by the plow move the snow onto the boulevard / easement. In cul-de-sacs, snow is piled either into the middle or at a predetermined spot within the cul-de-sac. Snow stored in cul-de-sacs is removed as time allows. The City uses salt and other de-icers when there is hazardous ice or other slippery conditions; however, due to environmental concerns, use of these products is limited.

Frozen Pipes

The prolonged low temperatures and the increased depth of frost in the ground increases the likelihood of water pipes freezing. Frozen pipes are at risk of expanding and rupturing and causing an interruption of water service to your property. This situation is particularly true for slab-on-grade structures and split entry homes. 

By monitoring your water service, you may be able to determine if the water service to your home or business is beginning to experience difficulties. One sign is seeing discolored water when you turn on the faucet. Another is a water temperature below 40 degrees. (TIP: to determine the water temperature, hold an instant read or kitchen thermometer under running water or immediately insert the thermometer into a water filled glass). 

One way to lessen the chance of frozen pipes is to run a faucet at a slow trickle to keep water flowing through the pipes. If you have questions, or if you have utilized the services of a pipe thawing company, please call the City at 651-730-2740 or 651-730-2710.

Hydrants

Please consider adopting a fire hydrant by keeping a path shoveled to the hydrant so they can be easily - and more important, quickly - accessed by the fire department in the event of an emergency at your home or in your neighborhood.  

Mailboxes

To ensure mail delivery, please clear snow away from the front of your mailbox. Properly installed mailboxes accidentally toppled by the blade of a snow plow will be replaced by City crews as soon as time allows. If preferred, a new mailbox can be provided to the property owner to install.

Safety

  • Children are attracted to mounds of snow but please keep them from the areas along streets or the middle of cul-de-sacs where vehicles frequent and visibility could be impaired.
  • Due to the size and force of the snowplow, it is important to keep items, such as vehicles, rubbish containers, etc., at least 5 feet back from the edge of the street. Any closer and they could sustain damage or become buried under snow.
  • Shoveling, blowing, pushing, or plowing snow or ice into a City street - whether or not the street has already been plowed - can result in a fine for the home owner.

Sod Damage

If a snow plow causes sod damage, in the spring, you can decide whether to have the City provide you with sod that you place in the damaged area or the City will repair the area with topsoil and seed.

Trash & Recycling Containers

On trash collection day, set your rubbish and recycling containers out prior to 7 AM. Place the containers on the driveway apron, behind the curb, out of the path of traffic and snow plows.