Sunbury staff outline snow-and-ice strategy: four quadrants, new truck and salt purchases

City staff updated the Services Committee Dec. 3 on the city's snow-and-ice operations and recent equipment changes ahead of anticipated winter weather.

Staff said the city divides its service area into four quadrants and assigns an operator to each one; the city purchased an additional snow truck with a plow last year and currently has three experienced operators on duty. To reduce salt loss, crews are now wetting salt as it is applied, a process staff said helps keep material on the roadway rather than bouncing into gutters.

The staff presentation noted some quadrant lane-mile imbalances — roughly 10 to 11 road miles per quadrant — and asked residents for patience while newer operators are coached. The city also uses a purchase agreement with ODOT to obtain salt at a lower cost.

Staff confirmed the city has agreements with newer developments such as Rolling Hill and Pulte in which the city provides plowing on developer roads and the developer reimburses the city for that service. "They'll go out and plow the roads, and then the developer will reimburse us for that service," staff said.

No formal policy change was proposed at the meeting; staff said they will continue to monitor operations and return to the committee as needed.