Snow & Ice Control Policy for the Town of Red Hook 2023-2024

Purpose

 The purpose and intent of this policy is to outline the procedures used for snow and ice control, and an understanding of how they apply to the Town of Red Hook.

 Goal

 It is the goal of the Town of Red Hook Highway Department to provide cost effective winter maintenance in a timely manner to achieve passable, reasonably safe roadways during the snow and ice season for the benefit of the Town’s residents and the general motoring public. However, at times, the roads will be slippery and drivers will have to exercise caution, as the Town of Red Hook does not have a bare roads policy.

 Procedure

 The Superintendent of Highways or a designated representative will perform all supervision of winter maintenance activities.

 Equipment

 The Town currently uses 5 or 6 plow trucks, each equipped with a front mounted one-way plow, right side wing, and sander for the majority of its snow and ice control operations. A smaller dump truck with an all angle plow and slide in sander is used for smaller roads and maintaining Town owned properties, depending on driver availability.  

 Personnel

 The Town currently has 7 full time employees who operate the Town’s equipment. Additional help, if available, may be called in as needed to assist in plowing operations during snow and ice events.

 Materials and Application

 On paved roads the typical material used is a salt and sand mix. The salt may be treated with magnesium chloride at a rate of 7 gallons per ton.  The rate of application of materials depends on many factors such as type of precipitation, temperature, duration, and intensity of the storm.

 Routes

 The Town of Red Hook is divided into 5 or 6 main plow routes, depending on driver availability, approximately 12 centerline miles, or 24 lane miles, in length each and taking about 4.5 hours to complete. 

 Level of service

 During Snow Storms

 The initial effort for paved roads is an application of salt/sand mix to prevent the bonding of snow and ice to the pavement. Priority is given to main roads.During major storms less traveled roads and subdivisions may be opened to only one lane until the storm has subsided. Subsequent efforts during the storm will be the plowing of snow and re-application of salt/sand at intervals frequent enough during the storm to attempt to maintain passable road conditions. After the storm has passed, a final plowing to remove snow and ice shall be made along with a final application of salt/sand. In the event of severe icing there may be an increase of salt/sand application.

 Follow-up after storms

 Crews continue to monitor all routes for ice problems and/or drifting conditions and plow and treat as necessary. However, safety considerations for residents and plow drivers may lead to temporary road closures in problem areas.

 The following is a partial list of conditions, which could exist, that may hinder the efforts outlined in this policy.

 Equipment breakdown

  • Personnel illness
  • Shortage of Materials
  • Snow accumulation in excess of 1” per hour
  • Assisting emergency responders
  • Disabled vehicle
  • An event that is expected to last more than 24 hours

 Property Damage

 The plows used by the Town of Red Hook are designed to deposit snow onto the shoulder area of the roadway, approximately four feet from the traveled portion of the road. This is typically the same area mailboxes are placed, as well as fences, shrubs, and garbage to be picked up. After heavy accumulations of snow, the plow trucks may “shelf back” snow banks to make room for more snow and to help visibility. This may result in snow banks being moved another 6-8 feet off the roadway. The snowplow drivers make great efforts to avoid the obstacles, however sometimes damage does occur.

 As a courtesy, it is the Town’s policy to repair or replace mailboxes located in the Town road right of way if the Town Clerk’s office is notified within 72 hours, the mailbox complied with USPS and Town of Red Hook specifications and was in good repair, and there is evidence of the Town plow actually coming in contact with 

the mailbox. Items damaged by the weight of the snow alone (loose boxes, rotting posts, etc.), will not be repaired or replaced. The Town will provide a standard metal black or white mailbox and treated wood post. If the resident wishes to replace the damaged mailbox with any other type of mailbox or post on their own, the Town Board has approved a reimbursement limit of up to $100.00, after the resident installs the replacement mailbox and provides a receipt. Mailboxes that are damaged by routine highway maintenance operations and are replaced or reimbursed by the Town shall be re-installed according to Town Mailbox Specifications.

 If you have any questions or concerns about proper mailbox installation, please contact the Highway Superintendent at 845-758-4615. We are available to assist and advise with proper mailbox placement for new or replacement installations.

 Other Considerations

 It is illegal to place snow from driveways, walks or other privately owned areas into the road. Violators can be ticketed for creating a hazardous situation.

 Basketball hoops must be removed from the right of way before November 1st.  The Town will not be held responsible for damage to basketball hoops that are not removed.

 The Town of Red Hook has adopted the following parking regulations, in effect from November 15th to April 15th, which state that there is “No Parking on Town Roads from 11 pm to 7 am”.   Vehicles parked illegally or abandoned on roads are subject to towing at the owner’s expense and may be ticketed.

 Residents are strongly encouraged to remove their vehicles from the roadway during any snow event in order to facilitate the town plowing operations and reduce the risk of property damage.