Early signs indicate a snowy winter — raising the hopes of a drought-stricken region. Snowfall also brings chores, including snow removal.

The City of Sisters will remove snow from the downtown commercial core from Hood Avenue to Adams Avenue and from Pine to Locust Street on all public sidewalks, parking areas, and non-private alleys.

When snowfall reaches three inches and it’s still snowing, the City will mobilize its snow-removal contractor to start plowing operations that night, with a target to be done by 10 a.m. the following morning.

Business and property owner responsibilities:

•?Move all vehicles out of the public parking spots before a storm.

•?Snow removal on all private sidewalks and private parking areas.

•?Property owners are responsible for snow removal in their private parking lots. Please remember to keep open access to your garbage dumpster or container. If the access is not available, you may not receive garbage service from Republic Services.

•?When plowing the parking area in front of your home/business, be mindful of storm drains. If snow mounds cover storm drains, the melting snow will create unnecessary flooding. The snow mounds can also reduce visibility to adjacent streets, alleyways, and sidewalks.

•?When sanding and de-icing public sidewalks, the City asks that no chemical de-icers be used, as they can damage concrete sidewalks. Use sand or bird seed.

•?Shovel any leftover snow off the sidewalks from plowing operations.

•?If you need special assistance or know of someone who does, call, and the City will make accommodations as quickly as possible. For more information call the Public Works Department at 541-323-5212.