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1. You filled my driveway; can you prevent this from happening?

We are sorry, but we are not able to control the snow from going into driveways. All residents must be prepared to clear their own driveways.

Learn more about snow and ice Responsibilities of Residents.

2. Why do I have more snow in my driveway than my neighbor?

We are sorry but Public Works cannot control who gets how much snow.

Find out more information about clearing snow on the Responsibilities of Residents page.

3. The plow dug up my boulevard sod, what can I do?

Please contact Public Works and provide us your address and we will look at the damage and possibly add it to our boulevard repair list in the spring.

Read more about the policies regarding Sod Damage.

4. If the snow plow knocked over my mailbox, will the City replace it?

The City will replace a mailbox or reimburse up to $50 if there is physical damage to the box by the plow and it meets proper setback and height.

Most mailboxes are knocked down by the shear weight of the snow and a poor mailbox post. Please remember, you are responsible to clear snow from your mailbox so the mail carrier can deliver your mail.

You can find additional information on the Property Damage page.

5. I can't see my fire hydrant; am I responsible for clearing it?

The residents are asked to clear snow from the fire hydrants. This could be a matter of life or death for your family or a neighbor. We request your help with this and thank you in advance for your help.

To help our city run smoothly during times of snow and ice, please familiarize yourself with the Responsibilities of Residents page.

6. I live on a Cul-de-sac, why does the City pile more snow in some yards than others?

Most cul-de-sacs have limited snow storage space with driveways, mailboxes, and fire hydrants. Very often there are some cul-de-sacs where two or three homes have no storage room and all the snow has to go in the remaining yards.

Learn more about the City's Plow Procedure.

7. My street is slippery, does the city have a bare and black policy?

These calls are very important but it needs to be noted that Blaine does not have a bare and black policy. Intersections, curves and hills are salted for vehicle safety. Low volume roads may have intermittent areas that are slippery and drivers need to be cautious and drive per the conditions of the road.

In order to ensure your safety during winter weather, please visit the Snow & Ice Control page.

8. Will the City clear my sidewalk?

By City ordinance number 17-2 residents are responsible to keep sidewalks cleared of snow and free of ice. However, by decision of the City Council, the Public Works Department does plow major snows from sidewalks as time allows with sidewalks close to schools getting first priority.

For more detailed information, visit the Sidewalks & Trails page.

9. Does the City salt or apply deicers to sidewalks?

The City does not apply deicers or abrasives on the trails and sidewalks as it is cost prohibited and would cause damage to the landscapes. Pedestrians should use caution when walking on trails and sidewalks under these conditions.

Find more information about snow and ice control for Sidewalks & Trails.

10. How do I make a complaint about the snow and ice control?

Complaints regarding snow and ice control or damage shall be taken during normal working hours and handled in accordance with the City's normal complaint procedure by emailing Public Works or calling at 763-785-6165.

High priority complaints (those involving access to property or problems requiring immediate attention) shall be handled on a priority basis.

Find out more about the Complaint Procedure.

11. Does the City repair damaged mailboxes during normal plow operations?

The City does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during normal plowing operations, unless it is determined that the damaged mailbox met the installation recommendations. Please see installation recommendations below.