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1. When does the city remove snow?

Snow is removed as it begins to accumulate. First, we concentrate on major streets, hills, hazardous intersections and school areas. Then attention is given to residential areas.

2. Why do residential areas get plowed last?

We must keep major streets open to allow buses, emergency vehicles away to get to all parts of our City. As soon as we are certain major streets are clear, equipment is moved into residential areas.
 
Major Streets: We have twenty so-called "First Attention Routes" with a total of 150 lane miles to be plowed. These routes are top priority during a snow event. 

3. How much equipment is plowing at one time?

The City is divided into four plow districts with two trucks in each district. When the snow starts to fall, the trucks are sent to their respective district and start the snow removal process. The goal is to get to all City streets in 20 hours. Sometimes this depends on the snow event. 

Cul-de-sacs are plowed when the snow event is over or when the snow accumulates four or more inches in a snow event.

4. What does all this cost?

Our annual snow removal cost average is over $350,000. The cost of everything just keeps going up for the City, as well as individuals and families.

5. How much salt does the City use?

Anywhere from 500 tons to 3000 tons depending on conditions. We are trying to reduce salt usage where possible, not only because of its high cost but for ecological reasons. It damages trees and runs off into our streams. Incidentally, when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, salt becomes less and less effective. It is dormant at zero or below and does little or no good. We are now using Dow Armor, a liquid product that is mixed with salt and has the potential to work faster and stay on the roads longer. Also, Dow Armor is environmentally friendly.

6. What about snow removal?

Section 70-64

Snow removed from private property not to be deposited on the street or sidewalk. No snow or ice shall be removed from private property and be deposited upon or plowed across any public street or sidewalk. The plowing of snow into the street and spreading of snow within the street is prohibited.

Section 70-65

Snow not to be plowed into or left on the property of another. No snow or ice shall be plowed into or left upon the property, sidewalk, driveway, or parkway of another property.

7. Who do I call if I have a problem with snow removal?

Call the Department of Public Works at 616-791-6854 Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 5 pm on Friday from 7:30 am to 11:30 am

8. How do I report a pothole?

If the pothole is on a local road, you may contact our offices at (616) 791-6854. However, if the pothole is on a state road, such as M-11 (Wilson Avenue) or M-45 (Lake Michigan Drive), please contact the Kent County Road Commission online or call (616) 242-6900.

 

9. Is sidewalk repair in a subdivision the City's or resident's responsibility?

The sidewalk on a public street is the responsibility of the City. For any concerns, please call (616) 791-6854.