Snow Plowing and Ice Removal Information
  Winter is here and we want to share some information with the Timberlane residents about snow and ice removal procedures.

Timberlane is committed to doing the best job of snow removal possible. There will always be someone who is plowed first and someone who is plowed last. The routes are operated to best utilize equipment and to give the fastest service possible. Conditions such as when the snow starts and stops, how wet or deep the snow is or how windy it is affect the timing, method and success of snow removal. Your cooperation and understanding is important.

To report problems, call either Bill Hursh (Village Trustee) at (815) 520-1840 or Steve Rapp (Village President) at (815) 985-4514

Here are some issues you may need to deal with this winter:

Obstruction: Some residents like to landscape their yards close to the roads. For the safety of the plow crew, items such as rocks, bushes, fences, hedgewalls and timbers should NOT be placed in the right-of-way. Homeowners who have such objects may be liable for any damages or injuries that these objects may cause. You should be aware that there are rather deep right-of-ways in front of all homes, which the homeowner does not own. These right-of-ways serve many purposes, including allowing crews to push snow off the pavement several feet to make room for future snowfall. Damage to any obstructions (railroad ties, boulders, posts, cars, etc.) on the right-of-way will be the responsibility of the homeowner, as these obstructions are in violation of State Statutes.

Mailboxes: Winter is hard on mailboxes. At times, heavy slush discharged from a plow will knock down a mailbox. Most mailboxes, if properly placed and installed, will withstand heavy slush. The Village will NOT be responsible for damage done to mailboxes knocked down by heavy snow or slush. There are times, under difficult winter conditions, when a plow might knock down a mailbox. In the event that damage is caused by a plow, the Village will investigate the claim. Upon finding our contractor’s plow at fault and providing the mailbox complies with postal regulations, the Village will reimburse the homeowner for a standard wooden post and box according to postal regulations. Sorry, no fancy replacements, replacement cost is limited to $15. Each property owner is responsible for the condition of their mailbox and the approach to the mailbox. Poorly maintained mailboxes may be lost to conditions other than damage by a plow. The homeowner is responsible for all damage other than a plow striking their mailbox. To improve visibility and aid the plow drivers we suggest placing reflectors near mailboxes, especially brick mailboxes or structures.

Driveways: An unavoidable result of plowing snow is a ridge of snow along the road and at the end of driveways. Operators do what they can to minimize this and you can help by piling the snow you clear from your driveway to the right side, away from approaching traffic. This will minimize the snow ridge on your drive. Be aware that redistributing the snow from your driveway into the road is prohibited.

Cul-de-sacs: Cul-de-sacs are difficult to plow. Please be understanding of the additional problems they cause for snow removal crews.

Stuck Vehicles: Please do not ask plow crews to assist in pulling out stuck vehicles. We do not accept the liability, nor do we have the equipment to do this. Please call a towing service if you get stuck.

For those of you who are newcomers, especially from cities or southern states, you should make yourself aware of the differences in conditions, in removal methods and in responsibilities. There are multiple government agencies responsible for the roads in and around Timberlane. We live in a rural community that may dictate harsher snow conditions for both the residents and snow removal crew. Your proper preparation and driving techniques will help avoid problems for everyone. Please slow down and drive carefully during adverse conditions.