Winter Newsletter 2019

Living in Minnesnowta (ha-ha!) means we all must contribute personal and communal efforts for efficient snow removal and, thus, an easier winter for all in return. Co-op responsibilities include shoveling, parking lot reminders, snow emergencies, and extended travel checklist.

Shovel Duties

All residents are required to shovel front and back sidewalks of their apartments (2 and 3 bdrms). One bedrooms need to shovel their front steps, as shared between all households in the building. Shoveling the parking lot is not required but encouraged.

Ward Reps distribute the shovels: one is shared on each side of 1 bedroom buildings; one is shared between two of the 2 and 3 bedroom units. Please do not leave shovels in street or snowbanks, as they will get damaged or lost. While shovels are delegated to specific units and buildings, they are open for the entire community to use. In which case, is advised to keep your own shovel within your house if you have one.

Shovel Snow to Grass

When shoveling sidewalks the parking lot, the snow needs to be put in the grass area and not the street. Shoveling vehicles out is not required but encouraged. Use sand + salt barrels to help remove vehicles from snow and ice, but also avoid grass and sweep up any excess.

Parking Lot Reminders

Keep it Moving!

Residents need to move their cars for plowing to be completed. Move your vehicle frequently to open larger spaces, allowing for small plows of the area. More small plows means you will shovel less and reduces the need to call emergency snow plows, in addition to saving money.

Spot the Difference

Notice if your neighbor or UMN Landcare plowed the snow from the parking space before parking there. If it is a single spot and/or untidy, this means your neighbor put the effort into shoveling this spot out and likely wants it back or another cleared space when they return home. It is highly encouraged to avoid taking the cleared spaces that your neighbors worked hard for unless you clear another space for them, helping to balance a cycle of harmony and fairness on your street and within the community.

Gibbs Ave Parking

Vehicles on the south side of Gibbs Ave need to park further back and away from the curb to allow for snow plows to clear the sidewalks. If not, UMN Landcare must hand shovel which takes more time and money to clear the area.

Snow Emergencies

CTC Snow Plow Map — *Each zone is assigned a day for clearing during Snow Emergencies, in which vehicles must be removed from the indicated area on the respective day.*

Snow emergencies may be called throughout the winter season if there is a large accumulation of snow. During an emergency, we divide the property up in three zones in which vehicles cannot park during this emergency to allow for snow removal curb to curb.

Vehicles will be towed if they are not removed during these times. Vehicles are required to be operable at all times in case a snow emergency is suddenly declared as needed. View snow plow removal map.

If traveling for an extended amount of time, give your keys to a trusted friend or neighbor to move your vehicle or use our Seasonal Paid Parking Lot option.

Seasonal Paid Parking Lot

CTC offers paid parking in the north lot. This is a great option for residents traveling for an extended amount of time, as you do not need to worry about moving your vehicle or getting towed during a snow emergency. The Seasonal Lot costs $30 per month for each vehicle (prorated).

Salt + Sand Barrels

1. Shovel First

Salt + sand is more effective and you'll use a lot less if you remove as much snow and ice as possible before applying

2. Only Use as Much as Necessary

A full 12 oz coffee mug is more than enough for pavement the size of a parking space. Be patient: salt takes time to work. Applying more only means creating unnecessary waste and pollution to lakes and rivers.

3. Sweep up Extra Salt + Sand

Extra salt or sand on dry pavement isn't working. Sweep it up and reuse it or it'll be washed away.

Find Salt + Sand Barrel Locations

Extended Travel Checklist

An extended amount of time is considered as being away from your unit for five or more days consistently at a time. It is very important to follow the steps in preparation for your departure.

Notify CTC Office

Let the office know your anticipated dates as soon as possible, so we can turn off your gas for the time being and handle any emergencies that may arise.

Inform Ward Rep

Inform the representative of your ward to avoid scheduling conflicts with laundry room cleaning.

Secure Plan for Vehicle

Snow can come fast and unexpectedly. Give your car keys to a friend so they can move it for any snow emergency plow days. You can also buy a Seasonal Paid Parking pass for $1 per day, in which your car can park in a designated lot so you don’t have to worry about any snow related surprises.

Hold Mail

Remember to hold mail at the post office or give a friend your mailbox key to check and remove contents at least once a week. If you hold your mail at the post office, you have the option of having the accumulated mail delivered to you when you return or to pick it up at the post office.

If you do not make any arrangements in your absence, the mail carrier will claim your household to be 'vacant' upon seeing the mail build-up, taking your mail to the post office and deeming your address as undeliverable until you go to the post office to sort out the confusion.