Snow & Ice Control Policy 

 December 1, 2022

Town of Mendon Highway Department  

Snow & Ice Control Policy 

Table of Contents 

  1. Introduction  
  2. Before the Snow Falls  
  3. When the Snow and Ice Event Starts  
  4. As Snow and Ice Event Continues  
  5. After the Snow and Ice Event Ends  
  6. What You, the Resident, Can Do to Help Us Help You  
  7. Private Driveways/Sidewalks  
  8. Landscaping and Lawn Damage  
  9. Mailboxes and Newspaper Boxes  
  10. Parking and Travel Regulations  
  11. FAQs  
  1. Introduction

The Town of Mendon Highway Department, through your tax dollars, provides all snow and ice control on  Town roads. Through contractual agreements with Monroe County and New York State, the Highway  Department also provides snow and ice control on all state and county roads in the Town of Mendon. In total, we plow and salt approximately 217 lane miles of roadway. Control of  snow and ice on roadways within the Town of Mendon is the most costly expenditure item for the Highway  Department.  

  1. Before the Snow Falls

During the month of March, prior to the winter season, the Highway Superintendent has to project the amount of  salt to be used during the winter season and forward that projection to the state. The state combines our  projection with others throughout the state and begins the bidding process. Based on our projection, we are  required to utilize not less than 70% or more than 120%. Over or under brings additional costs. We generally  reserve 4,000 tons of salt for our use.  

Beginning in late September, a written plan is developed outlining our methods for snow and ice removal from  the roadways. This plan is then forwarded to the County and State.  

Early November, the Highway Department crew install delineators along the roadways. These markers are placed at the discretion of the plow drivers to assist with the plowing operation. Approximately 1375 posts are  installed.  

Once the delineators are in place, about mid November, crews start installing snow fence posts and snow fencing.  This installation is contingent on the availability of farmers’ fields and open areas. Once crops are harvested,  most owners allow us to install fencing. Our crews install approximately 24,248 feet, or 4.6 miles, of fencing.

Mid November also sees the start up of 24/7 Highway Department operations. During this 24/7 coverage,  weather and roads are monitored by seasonal dispatchers and permanent workers. If a snow or ice event occurs,  the dispatcher determines the level of response necessary and calls in the necessary manpower.  

Late November, or when practical, is when the “salt shed” is filled. The salt shed is capable of storing 4,000 tons  of salt. We also store approximately 4,000 gallons of magnesium chloride for use on the roads. Our trucks spray  this “magic” on the salt as it is being distributed onto the roadways. This makes the salt perform better, under  certain circumstances.  

  1. When the Snow and Ice Event Starts

During normal snow and ice events, the Town of Mendon is divided into 6 districts. Each district is designed to  be covered by 1 plow/salt truck efficiently, avoiding as much overlap as possible. The districts are also designed  to be covered by employees on a cycle time of approximately 4 hrs. In the case of heavier snows, the Town may  be divided up into 7 districts. This of course requires additional manpower and equipment.  

Personnel is called in at 4:00 am for morning salt runs. Plow runs usually start at 2:30am. The intent is to have  the roads passable for early morning commutes and school buses. Saturday and Sunday call outs are about an  hour later due to no school bus traffic and low commuter volume. Normally, the major thoroughfares are first to  receive treatment. This generally is state roads, county roads, and Town through roads. Housing tracts are the  last to receive attention.  

Throughout the day, the weather and road conditions are monitored by Highway Department personnel. The  level of response is determined and crews dispatched as needed.  

If snow or ice is received in the early evening hours, crews are called back in. Once the rush hour commute is  completed, crews finish the major thoroughfares and are brought in for the night. The runs are usually  completed by 9pm. The overnight dispatchers will stay on main roads throughout the night as necessary.  

  1. As Snow and Ice Event Continues

Once crews have completed their assigned district, they reload their trucks and start the process over, if  conditions warrant. This may involve several passes through their district. The intent is to keep the roads open  and passable for reasonable drivers. This does not mean bare, dry pavement. These conditions could continue  depending on temperature, wind velocity, direction, and other factors.  

  1. After the Snow and Ice Event Ends

The Highway Department continues to monitor for icy conditions. Highway crews will also attempt to push  snow back from the driving lanes, and prepare for the next storm. Trucks and equipment are brought in to be  serviced and washed. Problems, which were observed by personnel during the storm, and called in by residents,  will be addressed.

  1. Private Driveways/Sidewalks

Driveway maintenance is the property owner’s responsibility. It is not practical for the plow drivers to change  the angle of the blade to avoid driveways. This would cause snow to be deposited in the driving lane of the road  thus defeating the purpose of plowing the road. Pile snow removed from the driveway on the “down side” so  Town snowplows do not redeposit it in your driveway  

Property owners should not place snow over or on to the ends of the driveway culvert and to keep the culverts  open and clear for the passage of water. New York State prohibits the plowing of snow from driveways across  any roadways. If you have your driveway plowed, instruct the operator not to deposit snow in the roadway. You  may still be responsible. Violators may be liable for fines and civil liability due to injury or accidents. NYS  highway law 214 – Any person who shall deposit or throw loose stones in the gutter or grass adjoining a town  highway, or shall deposit or throw upon a highway, ashes, papers, snow, ice, stones, sticks, or other rubbish,  shall be liable to a penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars to be sued for and recovered by the town  superintendent. No stone or other rubbish shall be drawn to and deposited within the limits of any highway,  except for the purpose of filling in a depression or otherwise improving the highway, and only with the written  consent and under the direction of the town superintendent.  

It is the adjacent property owner’s responsibility to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and around fire  hydrants within 24 hours of a snowfall.  

  1. Landscaping and Lawn Damage

Landscaping and lawns, including but not limited to; shrubs, trees, inanimate objects, etc. installed by a property  owner within the ROW (Right-of-way) will be the responsibility of the owner and the owner assumes all risk of  damage to such items. We cannot reasonably control drift or discharge of snow and/or shoulder materials from  the snowplow into roadside ditches or lawns. If there is lawn or landscaping damage outside of the ROW due to  direct contact with the plow or wing, we will make our best effort to correct the issue. 

  1. Mailboxes and Newspaper Boxes

Mail and newspaper boxes placed in the right-of-way are allowed there merely as a convenience to the  homeowner and delivery persons. While the Highway Department makes every effort to avoid damaging these  boxes, it may at times, depending on visibility and road conditions, be unavoidable. Most damage of this type is  the direct result of snow being thrown from the plow and wing, not from direct contact by the plow and wing.  

In 1999, the Mendon Town Board agreed on a policy of replacing mailboxes and posts, which are struck by  plows clearing the roadways. Newspaper boxes will be repaired when possible, but will not be replaced by the  Town.  

Mailboxes will be repaired or replaced at no cost to the owner by the Highway Department. Replacement items  will consist only of a 4’x4′ pressure-treated post and cross-arm, and a black aluminum mailbox. Owners wishing  to make their own repairs or replacements will be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $35.00, upon signing a  release form. Requests for reimbursement must be made within 30 days of the snow event, to the Mendon Town Clerk.

  1. Parking and Travel Regulations

Vehicles parked illegally or abandoned on roadways are subject to being ticketed by authorized police agencies,  as well as being towed at the owner’s expense. Parking on the roadways, also subjects your vehicle to being  splashed with snow and slush from plows, being plowed in, or being struck by passing plows or other vehicles. What You, the Resident, Can Do to Help Us Help You

  • Report to the Highway Department, or 911, any dangerous condition you may observe
  • Be patient. During a snow or ice event, we make every reasonable effort to keep the roads open and safe
  •  Be considerate to snowplow operators
  • Never attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path. When plow trucks are loaded with salt, they  weigh approximately 31 tons. The trucks are not as maneuverable and agile as a passenger vehicle and  require extra time and distance to stop or avoid trouble.
  • Always stay at least a minimum of 200 feet behind the equipment
  • Use extreme caution when passing snow removal equipment. Flash your headlights and/or honk your  horn to alert the drivers before you pass
  • Observe parking regulations
  • Keep catch basins and roadway drainage areas clear
  • Keep your trash containers, recycle bins, etc. back from the roadway. Too close, they get struck by the plow or by the thrown snow. Generally, the plow or wing itself doesn’t cause the damage, it is the force of the  snow being thrown from the plow and wing.
  • Do not deposit snow in the roadway. It is against the law and hazardous.
  • Do not allow children to play in the snow banks along the roadways. It is dangerous. An unsuspecting  snowplow driver attempting to push back the snow may strike them.
  • When driving, slow down, brake slowly, and allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead.  Give the snowplows a wide berth. Remember, they are making numerous stops and turns as they treat  the roads.

12. FAQs

  • Does the Town of Mendon have a website?

The Town of Mendon can be located on the internet at www.townofmendon.org. Valuable information  about the operation of the Town and its departments may be found on the website. 

  • My car was towed, where is it?

We suggest that you contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s office to determine if it has been towed by  them. Secondly, you may call the Highway Department, 585-624-6068, to ascertain if we requested  enforcement action in your area. 

  • Who can I call if I have a question regarding the Town’s snow removal practices?

Call the Town of Mendon Highway Department at 585-624-6068.

  • How can I make suggestions on snow removal: Where should I send it?

You may mail suggestions to: Mendon Highway Department  

 101 Semmel Road  

 Honeoye Falls, NY 14472  

or email to: mendonhighway@townofmendon.org