City of Helena Streets Plan for Weekend Storm

From: Superintendent of City of Helena Streets Department; Forwarded to Helena City Commission by City Manager
Date: November 28, 2014 at 8:53:24 AM MST

Subject: Weekend Storm

STORM NOTICE

November 28th 2014
             
As of Friday morning November 28th the City Street crew is mostly sanding areas of ice left from the past storm and the high Thanksgiving Day temperatures that melted most of the snow.  We did have a crew of five (5) operators in for a full shift on Thanksgiving Day for the holiday travelers and in preparation for Black Friday.

In anticipation of the predicted snow storm expected to begin sometime around 4:00 am on Saturday morning  November 29th the City Street Division will operate with the following Snow Plow Plan:

This storm is predicted to have winds, very cold temperatures and snow accumulations up to five inches by Sunday morning.  Along with shopping and holiday traffic there is a Carroll College playoff football game beginning at 12:00 noon on Saturday.

We will have five operators scheduled to come to work Saturday morning and be available to work a 10 hour shift.  This effort will get travelers around town for the day and we can help traffic in and around the College.

Our “On Call” operator will be available for the weekend and on Sunday we will again have a small crew available to plow and sand depending upon the results of the storm on Saturday. We will monitor the situation through the weekend and make the appropriate response on Monday morning.  We have two operators scheduled to start shift at 4:00 am on Monday and they have authority to call other operators in if needed.

If anyone has any questions or concerns during regular working hours please call the Street Division at 447-1566. During off hours, holidays or weekends call the nonemergency dispatch number 442-3233.

Time for Fixed Routes in Helena

Today's Joint City-County meeting (4p.m., room 326, 316 N. Park) will include discussion of improvements to public transit in Helena. We have the opportunity to establish three fixed routes connecting most of Helena and East Helena using existing public transit resources. The map below shows the proposed routes. We cannot delay. These routes will make public transit more useful to everyone in our community. Further, Helena will lose federal funding if ridership number continue to decline. The City and County Commission's should follow HATAC endorsement of the following fixed routes. The City and County Commissions should dedicate resources to get them online starting Monday, January 5th, 2015. Starting the routes at the new year will serve Helena residents and guest for the 2015 Legislature, which will include a Legislative shuttle that will link the routes. Marketing and modification of the routes can take place while other initiatives, such as re-branding are being explored by HATAC as part of a federal grant. 

TAXI TO THE POLLS OFFERED TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILTIES, SENIORS at 85 CENTS

HELENA – People with disabilities or senior citizens who need a ride back and forth to the polls tomorrow, Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, can get a lift via an 85-cent taxi ride, thanks to a collaborative effort between the City of Helena and the Montana Independent Living Project, who are partnering with Capitol Taxi. The service is available as an alternative, since the Helena Area Transit System (HATS) will not be operating due to the designated holiday. 

“Public transportation is vital for those with limited or no access to a personal vehicle, or who do not drive,” said Bob Maffit, Executive Director of the Montana Independent Living Project. “We want to honor all those who wish to exercise their civil right to vote by making sure they have transportation to do so.”

The fare is $0.85, the same as would be available via HATS.

Persons with a disability or seniors who need transportation to the polls can call Capitol Taxi Dispatch at 449-5525 to schedule a ride. Rides will be available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Accessible vehicles are available upon request. Riders please advise Capitol Taxi of any mobility/transportation needs in order for the taxi service to provide the most suitable vehicle.

The Montana Independent Living Project, Inc. (MILP) is a not-for-profit agency that provides services that promote independence for people with disabilities.

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