MADISON, Wis. -- There have been a number of questions about the city of Madison's plowing strategy following the Dec. 8 snowstorm, and now a state lawmaker said he's preparing a bill that would allow the state to set Madison's snow removal standards.

As a storm that dumped 14-plus inches of snow hit Madison, the city made a decision to concentrate plows in residential areas, leaving some of the main roads like John Nolen Drive to become an icy mess the next day.

State Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, said it's time for the state to step in on snow removal decisions.

"It really wouldn't be the state's business if say the roads were inappropriately plowed in Manitowoc, because we don't have many state buildings in Manitowoc. But with the state Capitol here, the biggest university in the state here, it's important that Madison keep it's roads clean," said Grothman.

Grothman said he will introduce a bill to the state Legislature that would give the Wisconsin Department of Transportation authority for setting standards for salting and snow removal on Madison’s main roads.

"Quite frankly, Madison is the only city in the state who seems incapable of handling its snow storms," Grothman said.

But Mario Mendoza, an assistant to Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said Grothman's bill isn't necessary because the city is already changing its strategy and is releasing a report that calls for recommendations, including exceeding its salt policy in extreme conditions.

"It's ironic that someone who has made a career talking about local control wants to reach in and take that precisely away from us," Mendoza said. "His proposal is now coming nearly a week after we already issued some recommendations on the matter, so it's certainly not timely from our perspective and certainly not necessary."

Whether the bill will pass or not, Grothman said it's about bringing an old problem forward.

"I think as long as they have this bill hanging over their head it'll maybe increase the chances that Madison will change their ridiculous policies on their major arterials," Grothman said.

Over the years, Madison has limited its use of road salt to protect groundwater. But the new report recommends that the city possibly exceed its salt policy, which is 150 pounds per mile in extreme situations.

Grothman said other cities use double that amount.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation representatives said they haven't seen the bill, which is being drafted.

The DOT has contracts with counties, not cities or villages. DOT officials said local municipalities are really in the best position to provide snow removal services.

Grothman said he hopes to introduce the bill on Jan. 15.