The following policies and procedures organize how snow and ice is removed from campus roadways, sidewalks and parking lots in a prioritized manner. These policies shall be in effect annually, twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. Bemidji State University’s Buildings and Grounds Department will be assisted by Heating Plant Staff and the General Maintenance Workers (GMWs) on campus.
Periods of high level activity (classes in session and full residence hall capacity) dictate a higher level of response than would be required during periods of time when there are no classes scheduled and/or residence halls are lightly occupied.
Priorities for snowplowing:
- Campus roadways and sidewalks/ADA access
- Academic building access (including academic parking lots)
- Residential Life building access (including parking lots)
When the nighttime snowfall reaches a depth of one inch, or when strong winds and drifting conditions create a need for snow removal, the Heating Plant person on duty will call Rich Moen (Building and Grounds Supervisor) to verify activating the Calling Program. Each fall, for the upcoming winter, daytime and evening GMWs will have an opportunity to have their names placed on the Calling Program.
Daytime snowfall and ice conditions will be evaluated by the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, in consultation with the Director of Facilities. Snow will be removed, and campus roadways, sidewalks and parking lots will be salted and sanded as soon as possible when they are reported. Daytime and evening GMWs will be responsible for removing snow from their assigned buildings, as designates by their supervisors. These areas should be checked regularly during their shift for new snowfall and drifting.
If the Calling Program is initiated for overnight snowfall removal, the Buildings and Grounds Crew and heavy equipment operators will begin by 4 a.m. Snow removal will continue until all campus roadways, sidewalks and parking lots are clear.
If the Calling program is initiated for overnight snowfall removal, Heating Plant staff and GMWs will begin shoveling at 5 a.m. and receive two hours of overtime. Snow shoveling will continue until the employee’s regular work schedule begins. Building and Grounds will continue until all campus roadways, sidewalks and parking lots are clear. Anyone whose normal shift begins at 6 a.m. will have the option of working until 3:30 p.m. in order to obtain the two hours of overtime. If they leave at 2:30 p.m., they will receive one hour of overtime. Heating Plant staff will start on the academic (south) end of campus and work their way towards the Residential Life buildings. GMWs will start on the Residential Life (north) end of campus and work their way towards the academic buildings.
This policy is intended to provide orderly and prioritized methods to fight most snowstorms. Each snowstorm will present unique problems. The Building and Grounds Supervisor may need to adjust the plan to achieve the most benefit from the personnel and equipment available at the time.