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1. How many shifts operate during snow events?

Our staff does not have shifts.  Our crew is out before, during and after the event, and it is the same crew who plows that also responds to all other Highway, Building, Grounds and Parks calls (streetlights out, sign downs, etc.).  Each crewmember has a designated route, but our philosophy is that nobody leaves until everything is plowed. This means there may be times when multiple plows are on the same road.

2. How do you decide which roads get plowed first?

In general, we prioritize by type of street during events:

• Mains- need to be passable throughout event. This means mains may be plowed more than once before subdivisions are plowed.
• Secondary streets
• Subdivisions
• Cul de sac and dead ends
• Village buildings- this may get elevated depending on time of day

3. How do you determine what a "main" is? What is a secondary?

Mains are determined by:

• Traffic Count
• It helps people get in and out of the Village
• Special circumstance (Police Dept, Fire Dept, salt storage, hospitals, and schools)

What is a secondary?

Secondary streets connect you to a main street.

4. Why is my subdivision last?

It is likely not always last. However, we can’t guarantee what time or order everyone will get services because it is largely dependent on conditions.

5. Why does my driveway get plowed in? Can't you do something to prevent that? It's very frustrating!

Snow always has to be plowed to the right, and it will naturally fill any opening (like a cleared driveway). If plows are still out and they have not plowed your street, snow will block your driveway if you have already shoveled. Also, we must plow as close to the curb as possible to ensure there is a clear flow line so that any run-off during the melt gets to the inlets. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to prevent this from happening.

6. When do you generally plow?

This depends on the timing and conditions of the snow event. In general, because we do not have shifts, our goal is to start no earlier than 3:30am and to leave no later than 8pm, so that our crew can get some sleep before returning.  However, our Public Works staff and Police Department coordinate to make sure we address road conditions that need attention at all hours of the day.

7. What happens if you hit my mailbox?

If you believe your mailbox was struck by a Village plow, please send an email to dremich@germantownwi.gov.  Village staff will come out, assess the situation, and decide if the mailbox was struck by Village equipment.  If our plow hits your mailbox, we will replace it, but it may be spring depending on what needs to be replaced. If we break a post, we will replace with a cedar post. The mailbox will be a black plastic mailbox. You can repair or replace it yourself; if you do, bring in your receipt, and we will reimburse up to $70.  There are times that the weight of snow will knock over a mailbox- this is not something we replace.

Click here for our Mailbox Policy

8. Can I bury electric dog fences and lawn irrigation directly behind the curb?

Please be aware that in most cases there is approximately 15’ of Village right of way adjacent to the street in most residential lots.  This space is kept for number of reasons including snow storage, storm water infrastructure, and other uses.  PLEASE refrain from placing electric pet fences and underground sprinkler heads in this area.  If they are damaged as part of snow removal or an excavation the Village may not repair any damage caused.

9. Can I place driveway markers along my property, and what happens if the plow tears up my lawn?

Yes… Residents can use driveway markers to help our drivers know where the curb ends, and lawn begins.  PLEASE understand that we will not replace ones that get broken, AND PLEASE do not use channel posts, or any other metal objects in the right of way.  These heavy-duty markers can be dangerous if struck by motorists so please do NOT use those.  If we tear up the lawn in your immediate area, please call 262-250-4721 and give us your address.  We compile a list and come back in spring to make repairs.  We use quality seed and fresh topsoil.  We will not sod any damaged areas.  PLEASE understand we make mistakes.  Our operators are maneuvering an 8’ front plow and 9’ wing.  This is over 20’ of snow removal equipment.  Our target area is the concrete curb, which is 18” wide from front to back.  We need to get that close to have room for future snows and so that melting snow has a path to storm inlets.  Early season snow falls and warm winters often prevent frost from getting into the ground. This keeps shoulders extremely soft and vulnerable to damage.  We don’t like causing damage, but we do, we are sorry and appreciate your patience and understanding.

10. How can I help during a snow event?

To put it simply, the best thing you can do is stay safe and keep those around your safe as well.  Make sure children avoid big piles of snow near the road and to keep a safe distance from approaching plow trucks- nothing worse than being underneath a pile of flying snow! Another way to stay safe is to stay off the roads. If you must be out, keep plenty of distance between you and other cars, and particularly plows.  A snowplow can’t stop as quickly as a normal car, so please give plows plenty of room to maneuver.  Drive cautiously and most of all be patient. It takes time and lots of effort to clear the roads.  Remove all parked cars from the streets to provide plows with full access.