Although we don't generally get the heavy, prolonged snowfalls northern states get, we usually do see between three to six snowfalls each winter that require street plowing. Below is important information for residents about the City's snowplowing procedures, and what residents should do when snow is predicted for our area. More information is available by clicking the "Wentzville Winter Storm Operating Procedures" link on the right.
To ensure that most people are able to get out as quickly as possible, the City follows a Winter Storm Operating Policy for clearing the streets. First, the City clears major roads like Wentzville Parkway, Pearce Boulevard and West Meyer Road. Once major roads are passable, the City clear collector roads like Meyer Road, Peine Road, and Mexico Road. Subdivision collector roads are cleared next and after that individual subdivision streets are cleared.
Interstates and highways are cleared by the Missouri Department of Transportation, and St. Charles County maintains roads that fall under their jurisdiction, even though they are within Wentzville's City limits.
In addition to plowing, the City spreads salt as the weather dictates. If the temperature is above 30 degrees and rising, no salt is spread; but when it is at 30 degrees and falling, the City begins salting the streets. When the temperature drops to 20 degrees or below, the City adds calcium chloride (a deicing agent) to the roads to make it more effective at the lower temperatures.
Cars parked on streets and in cul-de-sacs create significant problems for snowplow crews. In some instances, such as when two cars are parked across from each other, there is not enough room for the snowplows to navigate safely and the street must be left unplowed. When snow is predicted, residents should make every effort to move their vehicles off the street. Moving your car off the street will not only make it easier for snowplows crews to do their job, but will also let you avoid the problem of digging through a snow pile to get into your car. In addition, if the conditions are such that the snowstorm calls for five inches of snow or more, the Mayor will issue a snow emergency. When a snow emergency is issued, all City streets MUST be cleared of all vehicles.
Unfortunately, when snowplows are clearing City streets, mailboxes are occasionally knocked down or damaged. The City will cover up to $50 of the cost to repair or replace a mailbox damaged by either as the result of being hit by the plow or from the snow pushed aside by the plow. Residents with specialty mailboxes that are damaged in excess of the $50 limit must submit a claim directly to the City Clerk.
The City's policy does not cover damage to lawn irrigation systems and landscaping within 18 inches from the back of the curb. If damage occurs beyond 18 inches from the back of the curb, the City will cover the repair or replacement costs of those items damaged.
When snowplows are moving down the street, although they may move at only about 15 miles per hour, the force and weight of the snow they throw can knock over people standing near the curb. It is especially important that children are not allowed to play near the curb when snowplows are coming through a subdivision. Also, it is extremely dangerous to allow children to tunnel into or play in the piles of snow that line the streets after a plow has come through.
One particular winter frustration is clearing your driveway only to have the end of it buried in snow after the snowplow has come through. While the City apologizes for this inconvenience, crews are unable to effectively clear the street without this happening, and are not staffed to clear driveways that get plowed in. You can minimize the amount of snow left at the bottom of your drive if when you clear the end of your drive you toss the snow to the left. (left as you face your house) This way, as the snowplow comes through, less snow will be deposited at the end of your driveway. Never just push or blow the snow from your driveway into the street. It is actually illegal in Wentzville to plow or clear snow out into the street or the right-of-way areas.
So, the next time the weatherman predicts snow, be sure to move your cars off the street and follow the above tips. This way you'll make life easier for yourself, your neighbors, and the City's snowplow crews.