Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the City's leaf pick-up crews be working in my neighborhood?
- Where should I place the leaves I collect?
- Can I set out other yard debris with my leaves?
- What do I need to do if I'm going to be working in the City right of way (ROW)?
- I've seen trucks plow and salt all the streets around me, why hasn't my street been taken care of?
- It seems our neighborhood is always the last to receive plowing, why are we always last?
- I live on a cul-de-sac and the circle isn't plowed to help me access my driveway. Why can't the City do a better job?
- My driveway is off an alley in the back of my property. The alley seems to be forgotten. When will the city plow the alley?
- My neighborhood was the last area to receive service during the previous snow storm, can I expect to be first for th enext snow storm?
- There is water flowing out of my street. It may be a water main break. Who should I notify?
- There is water backing up into my house, what should I do?
Q. When will the City's leaf pick-up crews be working in my neighborhood?
A. Residents are encouraged to call the Leaf Pick-Up Information Line at: (208) 642-6044 or (208) 642-6024 for a rough estimate of where the crews currently are working.
Q. Where should I place the leaves I collect?
A. Collected leaves should NOT be placed in the street where it can be disruptive to traffic. It is advisable to place leaves curbside. If you neighborhood does not have curbs, we ask that leaves be placed as close to the edge of the roadway as possible, taking particular care not to impede traffic or block storm drainage. PLEASE DO NOT PLACE LEAVES IN BAGS.
Q. Can I set out other yard debris with my leaves?
A. Yes, as long it is organic yard debris. If you are placing limbs or branches curbside, please make sure they are no longer than 4' long and 6" in diameter.
Q: What do I need to do if I'm going to be working in the City right of way (ROW)?
A: You will need to fill out an Encroachment Permit Application. The Street Supervisor will review your application and let you know if it is approved and if there is other information regarding your project of which you should be aware. There is a $50.00 fee, which includes an inspection of the completed work. Encroachment Permit Applications are available at City Hall or on the City’s website under Online Forms.
Q. I've seen trucks plow and salt all the streets around me, why hasn't my street been taken care of?
A. In light snows where only sanding is required, not all streets are treated. Taking into consideration the amount of sand needed, routes have been established to facilitate each resident reaching a treated roadway within three blocks.
When snow plowing becomes necessary and snow ceases to fall, it may take up to (24) hours to complete the cities major routes including intersections and bus routes.
Q. It seems our neighborhood is always the last to receive plowing, why are we always last?
A. Once drivers compete the plowing of collector streets, they immediately begin moving into district residential streets adjacent to collector streets. Districts with hills and inclines receive priority over neighborhoods which are relatively flat. Neighborhoods concentrated around schools also receive higher priority.
Q. I live on a cul-de-sac and the circle isn't plowed to help me access my driveway. Why can't the City do a better job?
A. Cul-de-sacs are especially difficult for snow removal operations. In a light snow, a circle may not receive treatment unless there is an incline. During plowing operations where all streets are plowed, drivers must push snow into available spaces (i.e. around fire hydrants, between mailboxes, driveways, and storm sewer inlets.) Many times, cul-de-sacs have parked cars, which further complicates plowing.
Q. My driveway is off an alley in the back of my property. The alley seems to be forgotten. When will the city plow the alley?
A. The city does not plow alleys.
Q. My neighborhood was the last area to receive service during the previous snow storm, can I expect to be first for the next snow storm?
A. Not necessarily. Many factors affect how soon a particular residential street receives service; including proximity to collector streets, topography, school locations, and traffic volume. The City does not track rotation of city plowing from storm to storm.
Q. There is water flowing out of my street. It may be a water main break. Who should I notify?
A. Please contact the Water Department at (208) 642-6024.
Q. There is water backing up into my house, what should I do?
A. If you have water backing up into your home through a drain, please contact the Sewer Department at (208) 642-6031 or (208) 642-6024.
Q. There is water flowing out of my street. It may be a water main break. Who should I notify?
A. Please contact the Water Department at (208) 642-6024.