Service Department

The City of New Franklin Service Department consists of 11 employees: the Deputy Service Director, Road Superintendent, 8 Road Maintenance Workers, and a full-time Administrative Assistant.

The Service Department has the task of maintaining all of the roads within the City. These roads total over 125 miles and over 250 lane miles. Some of the Service Department's responsibilities include:

• Snow and ice removal
• Installation, repair and maintenance of roadside ditches and storm water systems
• Maintenance of brush, weeds and trees in the road right-of-way
• Maintenance of road name signs, traffic signs and signals
• Maintenance and repair of road equipment and buildings
• Maintenance of parks and city grounds
• Maintenance of city cemeteries

Snow & Ice Control Procedures

The Service Department runs two shifts in the winter. First shift runs 7 am to 3 pm, and second shift from 7 pm to 3 am. Currently, first shift has seven workers to run the seven routes, and two trucks on the second shift to focus on the primary routes. New Franklin has eight large dump trucks with one tandem dump truck for plowing and/or salting operations, divided into seven routes on the day shift. Routes at night focus on keeping primary roads open. Also available, as conditions warrant, is a dedicated brine truck for pre-treating applications. A pickup truck and plow is available for snow removal in parking lots, cul-de-sacs, etc.

Many factors determine the City's response to a snow or ice event, some of which may include the following:

• The temperatures before, during and after the storm event
• The amount of accumulated snow fall
• The duration and intensity of the storm
• The road surface temperature
• The weather forecast for the following days after the initial event
• Equipment breakdowns and turn-around-time for repairs and maintenance
• Manpower available in the event of sickness or fatigue (monitored for safety of the motoring public and equipment operators)
• Heavy traffic volume on roads
• Emergency detours as a result of vehicle accidents or infrastructure issues such as water main breaks, trees or poles knocked down, etc.

During Winter Weather, Residents Should Not

• Plow snow into the street (you or a contractor). This not only increases the City's cost for snow plowing, but also increases your liability if an accident occurs
• Throw or relocate snow from your driveway or sidewalk into the paved street. This is in violation of Ohio Law (ORC Chapter 55) and will cause hazardous conditions on the street
• Allow children to occupy forts and similar creations within 15 feet of the edge of the pavement
• Park cars in driveways within 15 feet of the edge of the pavement
• Park on City streets, especially during snow or ice events (they may be ticketed and towed)
• Pile most of the snow from the driveway apron on the traffic downstream side. This will minimize visibility problems and will prevent the snow plow truck from throwing the snow back into the drive
• Place all trash cans and refuse in the driveway, not in the roadway
• Remove all non-permanent seasonal items from within 15 feet of the edge of the pavement
• Consider installing a mailbox barrier structure to help snow coming off plows from damaging mailboxes. Reference these helpful mailbox guidelines (PDF) when installing your mailbox

Additionally

• Fences should not be within 15 feet of the edge of the pavement
• Keep basketball devices at least 15 feet from the edge of the pavement
• Trim trees so that branches do not extend beyond the back of the curb

Residents Should

• In the interest of your neighbors and your own personal safety, please shovel out nearby fire hydrants
• Check mailbox postings for failing - this will reduce the possibility of the weight from the snow breaking or pushing the post over
• Please help keep nearby catch basins and storm water inlets clear of snow and ice to help mitigate street flooding during periods of heavy rains and snow melting periods

Read more about the City of New Franklin Service Department Snow and Ice Control Program (PDF).