Reminder of Palouse's snow plowing policy

PALOUSE — Palouse reminds residents of their responsibilities when it snows and their priority in plowing streets.

The city policy lists residents’ responsibilities when it snows.

Vehicles are to be parked off the street or they could prevent snow plowing or become blocked by snow.

Residents are to remove snow from sidewalks by shoveling it into the yard and not the street.

For the winter, residents are to remove rocks, fences, or planters from the city right-of-way to assist in plowing.

Garbage cans are to be kept at least 5-feet inside driveways away from the road. Move cans to the street if garbage pick-up is done in an alley.

“Don’t pile or plow snow over ends of culverts, in ditches, on top of drainage structures, or close to fire hydrants” states the city.

Removing driveway snow berms is the responsibility of the property owner.

Be aware of ice on the steep hills, (i.e., Bridge Street & “H” Street). Use alternate East & West routes.

It is the homeowners’ responsibility to sweep gravel off sidewalks and into the street for the street sweeper to collect.

Palouse public works begins plowing when there are at least 2-inches of snowfall between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

The city starts by plowing Main Street, Cove Road and the city’s portions of the highway, such as entries and exits to the city.

Next are (in priority order) Bridge Street, H Street, Fairview, South River Road, Union, Alder, Church Street, and Fire Station. Then secondary roads are done “as time permits.”

After-hour and weekend service is limited to the main access roads and budget limits.

“Safety is always the first concern of the street maintenance crew,” stated Deputy City Clerk Misty La Follett. “Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”