Plowing, Police & Fire

The City of Tonka Bay has a three-person snow removal force.  Snow removal equipment consists of one 2½ ton truck, one 1 ton truck, one front end loader, and one skid loader.  This equipment is used to maintain more than eight miles of City streets.

It is the policy to begin snow removal operations when snow accumulates to a depth of two inches or more.  The goal of the snow removal crew is to open all of our streets as soon as possible to insure access for emergency vehicles.  This may take three to four hours following a typical 3” snowfall. 

When an overnight snowfall occurs, the crew is typically dispatched on or before 4:00 a.m.  Second and third passes are made thereafter to widen the roadway to the full width. The streets in orange are the first to be plowed, followed by streets in yellow, with cleanup in blue.

Snow plowing can occasionally cause property damage, even with the skill and experience of the operators.  Damage can occur to sod when the ground is not frozen.  Damage can also occur to mailboxes and other miscellaneous structures that are installed within the street right-of-way, which usually extends 5 to 10 feet beyond the edge of the street pavement.  The primary use for a right-of-way is to provide room for snow storage, utility installation, mailboxes and other City uses.  Please report any damage to Public Works at 952-474-2947. The City will cooperate with property owners and accepts responsibility of the repair of permitted structures which are clearly marked and when it is obvious that they have been struck by a plow blade, wing or other piece of equipment.  Damage resulting from snow is the responsibility of the property owner.  Mailboxes, lights, and other permitted landscape amenities should be constructed sturdily enough to withstand snow rolling off of a wing plow.