Help our snowplow drivers by clearly marking your curb lawn or driveway. The city provides free curb flags to residents. Stop by city hall (14600 Minnetonka Blvd.) or public works (11522 Minnetonka Blvd.) to pick them up. They’re easier to install before the ground freezes, so please plan ahead!
The city will repair damage to curbs and sod caused by city snowplows. Damage to private improvements (fences, sprinklers, rock gardens, etc.) in the right-of-way are the responsibility of the property owner.
Call 952-988-8400 for questions or to learn more.
Mailbox damage is an unfortunate consequence of snowplowing.
To report a damaged mailbox, call 952-988-8400 or use the city’s online request system. Damage must be reported by June 1.
- Public works will review all reported damage to determine if it was caused by direct contact with a plow, or by snow.
If damage was caused by direct plow contact and the city cannot repair the mailbox, the owner has two options.
- The city will replace the mailbox with a standard metal mailbox and / or wood support post.
- The owner can replace the mailbox and / or post and the city will reimburse up to $200.
- In both cases, the city will attempt temporary repairs until the mailbox and / or post can be replaced in the spring.
If damage was caused by snow, the city will attempt to make temporary repairs but will not replace or reimburse.
Call 952-988-8400 for questions or to learn more about mailbox damage, repairs, replacement and reimbursement.
If possible, avoid using salt at your home. However, if slippery conditions and safety concerns require salt’s help, follow these tips to minimize use.
- Shovel snow as soon as possible so it doesn’t turn to ice.
- Use non-chloride salts or de-icers. Apply liquid de-icer before snowstorms to prevent snow and ice buildup.
- Don’t over-salt. If it isn’t melting the ice, more salt won’t speed it up and could actually reduce effectiveness.
- If you accidentally over-salt, sweep up leftover salt crystals and re-use or throw away.
- If you’re salting a sloped area, only salt the higher elevation and allow it to cascade down.
- Don’t salt if it’s really cold. Rock salt isn’t effective below 15 F, and salt blends are rarely effective below zero.
- Use salt-tolerant plants and seed mixes – available at most nurseries – near paved surfaces.
How much salt to use?
If you need to use salt, use no more than 12 ounces (about 1 coffee mug full) to a 20-foot driveway. One pound of salt is the right amount to melt 250 square feet of surface.
Check out the Ripple Effect blog to learn more about the impact of salt.
