The City of Maple Plain has received numerous resident comments, questions, and concerns regarding the snow plowing services during this winter season. Your concerns have been heard and we would like to take this time to provide an update.

The current contractor, Snow Removal Group, is new this season. The city did an RFP (request for proposals) in August and did not receive any bids. We then actively sought out contractors to provide quotes and ended up with just three. (Our past contractor did not provide a quote after several requests to do so.) Of those three quotes, based on the prices quoted and apparent ability to provide the service, Snow Removal Group was chosen to provide snow removal services city-wide.

There has been quite a learning curve for this snow plowing contractor to begin the winter season, such as their routes, our curbs, and the best techniques for plowing the city. The first snow events of the season were larger than normal, which made that learning a bit tougher. Also, the snowfall amounts this season are making it difficult for their trucks to keep up. This current large snow event is compounding all of those issues. We will be working with the contractor to assist and guide as necessary to get through the current season.

We understand that frustrations are high and patience is running thin and City staff is happy to act as a sounding board to those concerns. We want to thank everyone that has made their voice heard so far; as well as for the overall kindness and patience with which those residents and business owners have expressed themselves.

The safety of our residents, quality of our streets, and budget constraints are incredibly important issues to us, and we will continue to assess the situation and the services provided by our contractor and adjust accordingly. As part of that adjustment the City recently hired two part-time internal staff members to supplement the services provided by the contractors. One will assist with trails and parking lots as he’s able. The other is an experienced full-time plow driver for another agency who will be doing some clean-up plowing of streets with the large city plow truck.

Clean-up efforts for the current event will continue for days to come. Thank you again for your continued patience. Please feel free to call City Hall at 763-479-0515 or email cityadmin@mapleplain.com with any questions or concerns. We welcome any feedback regarding this important issue.