Question 1

Does Redmond Ridge East HOA plow the streets of the communities?

Accepted Answer

The roads belong to and are plowed by King County. Call or email King County’s 24/7 Road Helpline to request snow removal service, or to report downed trees, flooding or any other winter weather emergency. In smaller, localized events, crews may be able to reach residential areas upon request. However, during large, countywide events, crews must prioritize plowing main arterials and major roads and may not be able to reach residential streets.
 
Taxes pay for King County to plow, so residents need to contact King County directly if they feel they are not receiving adequate service.

Question 2

Can the HOA plow the streets since King County fails to do so?

Accepted Answer

The County cannot authorize private citizens to plow public roads. Plowing public roads is dangerous and difficult work. Please do not attempt to plow a county road. Private citizens who plow a public road risk significant personal liability if someone is hurt or killed, or if property is damaged.

The county maintenance crews are licensed and trained to handle the hazards of extreme weather conditions, out-of-control vehicles on slippery roads, abandoned vehicles, children playing near or in the road and steep terrain.

Question 3

Why are some streets plowed and not others?

Accepted Answer

The county does not have the resources to plow all 1500 miles of road in unincorporated King County.

King County works with first responders to clear roads that are outside of designated snow routes during extraordinary public safety emergencies. However, in most cases, communities should not expect roads other than designated snow routes to be plowed and sanded in any type of storm.

Crews address the main roads first and then work into the secondary roads. You might see a plow drive past your street without stopping. They may be assigned somewhere else, there may be a vehicle blocking access, too many vehicles parked in the way to get the equipment in safely in, or there may be too much snow for their equipment to handle. There may also be additional challenges - previously cleared roads can become snow-covered again, pulling crews back for additional passes. Whatever the reason, crews work to clear roads as quickly and safely as possible.

Question 4

Why don’t the plows clear the road down to bare pavement?

Accepted Answer

Plows are often a misunderstood piece of equipment. If you’ve ever driven a full sized pickup on a crowded street, like many of the ones in our community, consider what it’s like to add a plow blade sticking 4 feet out in front of your vehicle. Even a “small” plow truck can be in excess of 22’ long. Operating a large vehicle, manipulating a plow blade from side to side and up and down, and frequently shifting gears is pretty challenging. Plow blades can push snow off to the side, but they cannot pick it up. When significant accumulation occurs, the drivers will do everything possible to clear the widest lanes. Bear in mind that these trucks can slide on ice and snow covered roads too, so plow drivers exercise extreme caution near parked vehicles, causing owners to have to shovel more to get vehicles out to the road. Please park your vehicles off the roads and in your driveways and/or garages. Abandoned vehicles can also add to the issue.

Question 5

Why can’t we use reserves to pay the snow removal bills?

Accepted Answer

Reserve funds are required to be held for future repairs and replacements of community property and cannot be used for snow removal. Those funds are on hold in reserve to pay for major expenses, not for operating expenses.

Question 6

Why don’t we budget more for snow removal and increase service?

Accepted Answer

It’s impossible to predict the weather months (or even days) in advance, and snow is a huge variable from year to year. When formulating the budget, the Board uses an average cost of snow removal for past years. Inflated amounts can lead to unnecessary increases in assessments, or a surplus of income in the budget. The Association is required to maintain a balanced budget. The Board makes every effort to keep assessments stable while keeping services as high as possible.

Question 7

What about Redmond Ridge East owned alleys?

Accepted Answer

Management will dispatch the Association's contractor upon receiving approval from the Board of Directors. 
 
The Board of Directors will work with managment on each snow event to determine if dispatching a contractor to plow the alleys is necessary.

Snow Removal Information & Map