Property owners have already had to shovel their walks several times, and it looks as if they’ll soon be doing it again.
Those who don’t may be fined $50, according to the city’s snow removal ordinance.
The ordinance requires property owners to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice, according to City Attorney Blaise Plummer. Property owners have five hours after the snow stops or, in the case of snow during the night, five hours after sunrise.
“We don’t get too many complaints, but if we do, we talk to the people, make sure they’re aware of their responsibility and try to get compliance,” Plummer said. “Most of the time, that’s very successful.”
To read the complete story see the print edition or the online print edition.
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Does this mean the city has five hours after it stops snowing to clear the streets?
Matt
January 5, 2010 at 11:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansasdman (anonymous) says...
The city wants to make sure you can walk the sidewalks when your vehicle is stuck in the street because it is snow packed. How ironic it would be for a police cruiser to be stuck outside your house in the street after they stopped to give you a citation for not clearing your sidewalk.
January 5, 2010 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Sure, I ll clear my sidewalk as soon as the city clears the slick street in front of my house.
January 5, 2010 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
This is 2010. People don't walk anymore.
January 5, 2010 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ROYALSFAN (anonymous) says...
The problem is I have cleaned my sidewalk like two or three times since the Christmas eve blizzard. I spent like three hours cleaning my sidewalk one day. Me and my shovel chopped ice for quite sometime. I was kind of proud of myself, kind of like looking at a freshly mowed lawn. While I was still outside admiring my clean sidewalk, this monster (aka a snowplow) going down the street put another three feet of stuff all over my freshly cleaned sidewalk and driveway. It was kind of a bummer.
January 5, 2010 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I was told it was against the law to run tire chains inside the city limits. Don't know if that's true. But if it is why are city vehicles allowed to run them?
And of course the obvious question....Why do I have to clean my sidewalk when the city doesn't have to clean my street?
January 5, 2010 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What about the mountains of snow at the curb all along Commercial Street? You park, get out of your car, then have to climb a mountain to get to a store, even in handicapped spaces. There's nowhere to put the snow.
Many years ago, when we had lots of snow, the city had dump trucks going up and down Commercial St. picking up the snow. Where are you supposed to put the snow?
I hired someone to shovel my walks, and my driveway. I get out there the next morning, and there is a mountain of snow at the end of my driveway. Dang! You guys have some nerve to put this article in the paper after you pulled that number.
In the beginning, the city did a great job of removing snow and clearing the main streets. But it's been 12 days now, and with more snow on the way tomorrow, where are we supposed to put the snow?
January 5, 2010 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abc123 (anonymous) says...
I don't get it..can anyone clarify. We have to take care of the sidewalks, but if our drive runs through them and we block the sidewalk...we get a ticket.
Yes I will clear my sidewalks when they clear my ice packed road with snow piled on both sides....oh and the nice big pile they put on my property from an adjacent parking lot clearing..that was great too.
January 5, 2010 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tosie (anonymous) says...
and with the holidays were were out of town for 5 days - was someone going to give me a ticket for not being home and my sidewalk having snow on it....I would take that ticket and stick it on the city's snow plow that didn't come down the street.....what a bunch of crap!
January 5, 2010 at 1:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Ok folks, here is another good example of one of my gripes about the city and the way it treats its property owning taxpayers !
Technically, the property that you own as an individual taxpayer and pay taxes on and are therefore legally responsible for maintaining, repairing, etc., is defined as that which lies within the property line bounderies of said, described property ! Am I correct on this ?
Then if all the property that lies outside the bounderies of your property lines bounderies, must be owned by the City, County, State, etc ! Am I correct on this ?
If I am correct on this, why should I be required to maintain that property, which includes shoveling snowy & icy sidewalks, mowing grassy parkings, grassy alleyways, etc., when the maintenance, etc,. of said City, County, State owned properties should be the responsibility of the City, County or State . Isn' t that why we pay taxes or are our taxes just for trivials and high paid public servants ?
Afterall isn' t that what part of our property taxes, etc., are supposed to be used for, maintainence, etc., of City, State, County and government owned properties ?
If I am to be expected to maintain City, County or State owned property......... then I demand the right to charge the City, County or State a fee for doing so !
Also if I or any taxpaying property owner dies, because of a heart attack, stroke or is injured while being forced to maintain City, County, State or any government property, do my relatives have the ability or right to sue said entities for wrongful death or injury ?
And just one more " Bitch " about this ! Does the City care in the least, when and if they finally do get around to clearing the residential streets and grade or plow the snow into an impassable drift blocking my or anyones driveway making it impossible or next to impossible to go to work, can I or anyone sue these government entities for lost wages or even for a lost job, because it took me, my sister, or anyone 2 to three hours to dig out the driveway entrance to be able to go to work or even come home from and find you cannot get into your drive because the street has been cleared and a large pile of snow is blocking your drive ?
Does the City care if someone dies unexpectedly while shoveling snow from a City owned property and such death was caused by the exertion of shoveling snow/ice or mowing city owned properties, that should be the responsibility of the city to maintain ?
Think about it folks ! Do you legally own the sidewalks, grassy parkings or grassy parts of alleyways, or any property beyond your designated property lines/boundaries ?
This is just another example of how the City shows its appreciation for its taxpaying citizens !
But, I guess we as taxpayers must not inconvience the the City, etc. !
January 5, 2010 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporiafan (anonymous) says...
I don't like all the snow on the sides of the road either but after all the complaints of wasting money you want the snow plows to do what......pile it in the middle of the road then pay someone to come behind and pick it up and take it where...to the country for those folks to take care of....go ahead don't clear your sidewalks on the property that you own. Then someone comes along walking their dog and slips and falls. Guess what....lawsuit. And you have no recourse since it is again, the law to clear your sidewalk. Just saying......
January 5, 2010 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gg (anonymous) says...
What about people that use a bobcat to clear their driveway and dump IT ALL across the street from them on the sidewalk directly in front my home?
I am not kidding, the neighbor across the street from me on W. 15th. dumped a pile of snow about 5 feet high and about 25 feet long on the sidewalk. Am I suppose to get out there with a snow shovel and clear what took a bobcat at least a 1/2 to put there?
My BS meter is running hot, I am pissed off about this, how can a neighbor clean his driveway then dump it front of my house on the sidewalk? What gull!
January 5, 2010 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Emporiafan
I don' t own the sidewalk in front of our house, neither do we own the grassy parking from the front property line to the street.... It is owned by the City of Emporia and they are going to fine me $ 50 dollars if I don' t get it shoveled within 5 hours after a snowfall or ice storm or be threatened with a fine if I don' t mow city owned property withing a certain time.
How do you suppose the City fathers would react if eveyone in Emporia shoveled their sidewalks and then sent the City a bill for $ 50 for maintaing City owned sidewalks or billed the City $ 50 dollars everytime they mowed property owned by the City ?
And as for the snow on the streets ! I can recall a time the snow on the streets was hauled to the south end of Soden grove park and dumped there ! I remember taking my children there to see and play on the huge mounds of snow from the streets !
I am 67 years old, have heart trouble, severe arthritus of the legs and cervical spine, as well as other maladys and my sister also has heart trouble ! But yes my sister and I manage to shovel the sidewalks and also had to shovel the driveway next to the street because the grader just pushed the street snow into a pile blocking our drive ! If we had not spent 2 to 3 hours getting rid of the pile blocking our drive, my sister would not have been able to get out of the drive to go to work .
No, I am not bitching because we do not legally own the property we are having to maintain ! I am bitching about the fact that the City sees fit to threaten a $ 50 dollar fine for not doing it within a certain time ! Especially, when the City sees fit to clear the streets when they damned well feel up to it and some streets never get cleared !
And then have the bold audacity to continually ask for more taxpayer money ! And for what, pay raises for high paid city officials or trivial, unnecessary, needs or wants ?
January 5, 2010 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alsrac (anonymous) says...
This is just great, on Christmas day my wife got stuck on her way to work because the city didn't clean the streets, somebody tried to help her and broke the rear bumper, then 2 mean and I mean, mean, police officers got her out, 2 hours later. Who's going to pay the damage to my truck? The city? Because of them my AWD SUV got stuck.
11 days later the city hasn't clean my street yet, and the want me to clear my sidewalk within 5 hours? They have to be kidding. Is it April fool's day yet?
January 5, 2010 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Farmraised
What I know is this. The sidewalk in front of our house is 23 inches beyond our property line on City owned property and owned by the City ! I too may be wrong !
And as far as I understand, if there is no grant money availabel for sidewalk repair... the property owner is responsible for all or 1/2 of the cost of the repair, that is entirely up to the discretion of the City ! And nowadays I will give you one guess as to who will bear the whole expense !
So why isn' t the City responsible for at least all or 1/2 of the shoveling or mowing of City property ?
January 5, 2010 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here is the City Code/Ordinance on sidewalks, make of it what you will.
Sec. 24-61. Owner's Responsibility:
The owner of property abutting any sidewalk shall be responsible for maintaining such sidewalk in a safe condition. Should such sidewalk be declared to be hazardous by the city, notice shall be sent to the owner to reconstruct such sidewalk within thirty (30) days. If the sidewalk is not reconstructed by the property owner within the time specified, the city shall cause the work to be done.
The city engineer shall keep an accurate record of all costs incurred in causing the sidewalk to be replaced, including all removal of old material necessary to allow for the rebuilding and replacement of such sidewalk, and shall notify the owner of record of such cost by certified mail, by mailing a notice to his last known address. If after thirty (30) days from the mailing of such notice of cost, the cost has not been paid, the city engineer shall certify all such costs to the city clerk. The city clerk immediately upon receipt of such certification of cost shall certify such cost incurred to the county clerk as a special assessment to be collected with other general taxes provided by law. (Ord. 86-2, � 2, 2-19-1986; Ord. 96-39, � 3, 11-6-1996)
As you can see the property owner does not own the sidewalk, but is responsible for the cost of repairing City Property and will be paying regardless, either immediately or thru special assesments to other general taxes !
I believe from now on when ever I shovel the sidewalk, mow any city property beyond our property line.... I will send a bill to the City for my services rendered in maintaing City property !
January 5, 2010 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I wonder how the City would feel if I just ripped up the sidewalk and soded the area where the side walk used to be ?
Then at least I would not have to shovel the " Sidewalk " and I already have to mow city owned property anyway !
I could just charge the City more for mowing where the City sidewalk used to be !
January 5, 2010 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansasdman (anonymous) says...
So, if I shovel my sidewalk within 5 hours after the end of the snow. Then the city finally gets around to clearing my street 11 days after the snowfall and while doing it they push snow from the street onto my sidewalk. In theory, I can receive a citation. If I had a side walk in front of my house, I would be really upset.
January 5, 2010 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
Should be a lot of people at the next city meeting.
January 5, 2010 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Must be time to start harrassing the city into clearing the side street like they should! Took me 45 minutes and alot of help with pushing to get my car unstuck from the MIDDLE of a side street. Has anyone else noticed how the snow plows that clear the parking lots will pile the snow next to sixth avenue and the piles occasionally attract kids who run up and down the piles? Makes me nervous thinking a kid might fall in front of traffic.
January 5, 2010 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alsrac (anonymous) says...
It should be a law for the city to clean the streets 5 hours after the snow stops too, it's more important to have the streets clean instead of the sidewalks. How many people walk (specially during the winter), and how many people drive?
January 5, 2010 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I would say at LEAST one person in seven doesn't clear the sidewalks in front of their residence. That being said, a good investigative journalist would go to the homes of seven random people, like say the 5 commissioners, CM, and City Attorney, and photograph the conditions of the sidewalks. I would be willing to bet one of them hasn't been shoveled.
Matt
P.S.- I'm not an investigative journalist, but I am off tomorrow, and will probably be very bored. Just saying. ;-)
January 5, 2010 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Everyone relax, and just wait for the snow to melt. If you get a ticket tear it up and let the court issue a warrant for your arrest. Will the P.D. show up to arrest you and haul you to jail? Don't think so.
If they do you can tell your grandchildren that "YOU FOUGHT THE LAW AND THE LAW WON."
January 5, 2010 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
My guess is the city doesn't really plan to enforce this ordinance unless some property owner becomes a real nuisance about it.
January 5, 2010 at 6:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Get ready people, forcast for tomorrow Wed... Jan. 6, 2010...
80% snow showers, early, with a an accumaltion of 1 inch and 80% chance of snow flurries late Wed.... Jan. 6, 2010, with an accumalation of 1 inch ! Looks like 2 inches of snow to shovel alltogether !
Looks like I' ll be sending the City a bill for $ 50 dollars for snow removal from City property !
January 5, 2010 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Guess I might as well be that one nuisance property owner !
January 5, 2010 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Shoot, I' m just a crotchety, old, nuisance, trouble maker anyways !
January 5, 2010 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve
Only problem is, if you tear the " non-shovel " ticket up, you will most likely not go to jail, but will have to pay by means of
a special assessment to be collected with other general taxes !
Wonder if we, the citizens could impose a fine upon the City/City Commission, Lyon County Commission, etc., for the stuff they been " shovelen " on us poor taxpaying citizens for years ? Shoot, even I can' t shovel fast enough to keep from getting buried by the stuff they been shovelen on us !
January 5, 2010 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nks (anonymous) says...
I was thinking of taking the $$ off of my water bill that I have used on my own personal ice melt that I have thrown out in front of my house so my wife and two kids dont bust it trying to get them into their booster seats. It is ridiculous.
I have relatives in a small town close by. Two neighboring towns share one truck/plow and their streets looked great two days after Christmas. I dont think it is the lack of manpower or equipment in Emporia, it is the lack of giving a sh%t.
The sidewalk in front of our house (which we just moved in to) is in bad shape. My wife and I wanted to replace a part of it so we called about the sidewalk replacement program. I called 3 times and every time I was told they would send someone out to investigate it. It has been 6 months and I am still waiting.
January 5, 2010 at 7:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
poolguy (anonymous) says...
"I wonder how the City would feel if I just ripped up the sidewalk and soded the area where the side walk used to be ?
Then at least I would not have to shovel the " Sidewalk " and I already have to mow city owned property anyway !
I could just charge the City more for mowing where the City sidewalk used to be !"
You might as well just rip it up. Sure seems like people walk/run in the streets next to the sidewalks more than they use the sidewalks.
January 5, 2010 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phiber101 (anonymous) says...
Well, according to the Emporia City Code sidewalks and driveways (at the point of the sidewalk) are considered "public access"; HOWEVER, if there is anything wrong with the sidewalk then it's automatically the owners responsibility (reference Ordinance Sec. 24-61). If the City deems it needs to be fixed or replaced, then the homeowner will be notified. If the homeowner does nothing, the city will fix it and send you a bill.......but no, you can't park on the sidewalk by your house nor can you have a yard sell if it extends on the sidewalk because it's "public access". These city codes are ridiculous! I understand that some codes are in place so that the city doesn't look "run down", but threatening the taxpaying citizens for not maintaining city property is dumb.
I live in a cul-de-sac so I don't have any sidewalks (thank goodness), but if I did......let the city take care of it! I drove around on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and helped push like 10 people out of streets and parking lots while I only saw maybe 2 plows out. If the city doesn't deem it necessary to make the streets safe, then why should we as homeowners deem it necessary to get out there any shovel the city's property (sidewalks) within 5 hrs of a good snow.
By the way, the City Code for snow removal from sidewalks is Sec. 24-8. You can find the city codes online at www.emporia.ws. Anyway for the city to make a few extra bucks by strong arming the little guys!
January 5, 2010 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phiber101 (anonymous) says...
hey mslater, if I had a list of names of those people up in their cushy offices I'd be more than happy to go by their houses within 5 hours of any snowfall and see just how many of them are out there shoveling. I'm sure they actually don't get out there, they use the money we pay in taxes (i.e. their inflated salaries) to hire someone to come do it for them!
January 5, 2010 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dgm (anonymous) says...
The city is in violation then... on 15th next to C of E park. There's a small water building, and my shoveled walk ends at an alley that got plowed into, and then the city's walk. Has anyone actually been charged with this?
January 5, 2010 at 11:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Not shoverling your sidewalk is a violation of city code.
What part of illegal do you not understand?
It seems I hear this phrase a lot on different topics I just thought I would see how it played here. :-)
January 6, 2010 at 6:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
stir-stir-stir that "chilly" pot.
spelling correct.
January 6, 2010 at 7:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
When asked to comment on the anti-snow shovel group being illegal, the police chief of Euphoria stated;
“So they don’t want to cooperate,” Smithe said. “We’re not going to be concerned about that (legal status) ...”
;)
January 6, 2010 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Good morning all!
January 6, 2010 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Good Morning to you too my man!
I believe the leader of the opposition was quoted as saying ...."This has nothing to do with the hatred of sidewalks But everything to do with the right of the snow to exist just like everything else."
January 6, 2010 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I know. Why can't we all just get along with the snow? I said earlier that the smoking ban would "snowball" down the "slippery slope", and now look what has happened?
The city has "banned" snow from the sidewalks......
Sorry, couldn't resist.
January 6, 2010 at 7:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
No, that is a good point Steve. But still, snow and sidewalks are really secondary issues here. The real issue is the law...and respect for the law. I mean if we just start letting people ignore laws they don't like before you know it they will be ignoring other laws. Before long who knows....we might even start having people think they can just ignore things like our borders. :-)
January 6, 2010 at 8:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I have no problem with the city requiring us to shovel our sidewalks. The "within 5 hours after" part might be a little strict. I think we should be allowed 24 hours because sometimes I don’t even realize it has snowed before heading out the door for work. Honestly, though, has anyone really ever been cited?
I think you folks are forgetting what living in a town is all about. Folks who live in such close proximity are supposed to care about one another and take pride in helping each other out. This is why we shouldn't create dangerous situations for our neighbors by smoking in public, having an un-mowed lawn, or a slick sidewalk. Should you be allowed to line your sidewalk with nails and/or bear traps? Probably not. Why do you think it is ok to have it lined with dangerous ice then? Just get out there and shovel it (or hire someone to do it for you) and quit your griping. If you don’t want to look-out for your neighbors, maybe you should move to the country where you’re on your own and you can do as you please. (good luck getting into town for supplies!)
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
So the guy up the street, who never, never, never rakes his leaves, year after year, who just lets them blow away to my yard where I have to rake them -- that guy now wants to walk on the sidewalk that I must clear for him so he can get to work or wherever he wants to go because he left his car stuck in a drift? That guy?
Bear traps you say?
January 6, 2010 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Vote "NO" on snow!
January 6, 2010 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
So, from what I have heard some say ! The City bears no responsibility to maintain certain City property ? Or is it that they just want to maintain the Citys property that it sees fit or wants to maintain ?
Must be very nice to pick and choose what you want to maintain and just dump the rest on someone else ! Especially when all those someone elses' are already paying through the nose, in taxes, for the expectation of the City taking care of City owned property....property that may be both needed and unneeded property !
If and when the City landscapes the Citys entrances and then decides that it does not want to maintain that unneeded piece of City property.. then what... force the citizens to use their time and money to do so or pass a riduculous ordinance and impose a fine on all of the Citys citizens for neglecting to do it or raise taxes, again, in order to pay to get it done ?
Here is the problem I have with the sidewalk snow ordinance ! I and many others are consiencious and respectful enough of our fellow man to shovel snow from City owned sidewalks and mow City owned property ! But when the City sees fit to place a time limit on when I or anyone has to get the job done and then impose a fine to boot... that seems to be a bit much and smacks of the Monarchies of old ! You know the age of Kings, Queens, Noble men/women, peasants, serfs, etc..!
I wonder what I would be told, if I called the City and told them that I am not able to shovel the sidewalk ? I think I already know what the answer would be ! Oh, we the City may do it...but we, the City, will have to charge you handsomely for the City haveing to shovel the sidewalk the City owns !
And so goes the circle of life in the fantasy world known as Emporia, a.k.a. " Euphoria/Little Camelot " !
January 6, 2010 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII
Nails and beartraps !!! Where do you come up with these comparisons !
Would a " punji stake " hole or pit, qualify as a fair comparison to a snow covered sidewalk ?
Man, some of your comparison arguments are so far out there they make me chuckle !
Henry...Did you get your sidewalk shoveled within the 5 hr time limit and did you run across any nails, beartraps, " punji stakes ", IEDs, " Bouncing Bettys ", "APMs " or " Grenades " ?
January 6, 2010 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
create,
Have you informed the guy up the street that his leaves are troubling you? Maybe he doesn't realize it's a problem. If you let him know how you feel, he might understand how his actions (or lack thereof) are negatively impacting his neighbors. If you have talked to him about it and he still refuses to remedy the situation, you are still left with the option of moving elsewhere. If you move, you won't be scraping your sidewalk for his use anymore, but for more deserving neighbors.
You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. That should be the mindset of city dwellers. If your back isn't getting scratched in return, move elsewhere so the other guy isn't getting scratched either. (that'll learn him)
methusla,
It sounds like you want the city to do more for you. Then I assume you would be ok with raising taxes (again) to enable the city to buy equipment and hire more employees to maintain city property up to your high standards. Ask not what your city can do for you…
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
methusla,
No, I don't believe I had the sidewalks clear within 5 hours of when it stopped. I did get it cleared within the same day it fell, however. I make every effort to follow the rules and regulations of the city, but sometimes it just isn't feasible. Unlike some folks, I try not to do any griping until I'm actually fined, because I understand the need for such laws and I imagine the city is pretty flexible on its enforcement.
Say the snow stops falling while I'm at work. Am I supposed to leave work to shovel the snow at home? Unless the city wants to pay me for damages when I get fired for leaving work in the middle of the day, the sidewalks will have to wait until I get home from work.
No, I didn't find any bear traps while shoveling, but considering you could slip on the ice and crack your melon open on the sidewalk; I can see how the ice could be MORE dangerous than bear traps that would simply lop your foot off.
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII
I expect the City to do what I am already paying them to do and not threaten me or anyone with a 5 hr rule or fine, when they, " The City " do not have to abide by the same rules or even follow their own rules at all !
And Henry there are, at times, paid city workers, doing nothing at all ! Would you consider this a waste of taxpayer money or would you just consider this " SOP " ?
I personally call it a " suprene cluster f--k of the taxpayers !
January 6, 2010 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII
Do you really think the City would pay you damages...if you had to leave work to shovel snow off the City sidewalk and what would your employer think if you left work to shovel a City owned sidewalk ?
Don' t you feel just a little bit angry, with being threatened with a time limit or fine for having to spend your time and money maintaining something you don' t even own in the first place and part of your already riduculously high taxes are supposed to be used for ?
January 6, 2010 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansasdman (anonymous) says...
I am sure this ordinance has nothing to do with issuing citations for all violators but more to do with the city’s liability. By shifting the ownership and maintenance responsibilities to the property owner the city isn’t liable in the case of an injury that happens on the sidewalk. I am guessing if an injury were to happen, a citation would soon follow making the property owner liable for the injury. If you consider all of the residents of Emporia are taxpayers and so we would all have to share in the increased burden of increased taxes if someone was injured on the sidewalks if they were all owned by the city, this seems like a reasonable thing for the city do. I know most will not agree with me, but that’s ok. Just my thoughts.
January 6, 2010 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
P.S.
Oh, and what about those areas of the City that have no sidewalks...will those property owners be required to shovel the front or the street for the purpose of those who want to or may be required by necessity to walk to work, etc., within 5 hres and will the city be required to clear the snow covered streets in those areas, within that time limit as well ?
Hell, the city only clears certain streets anyway and some streets are never cleared !
January 6, 2010 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Again, I believe that this whole argument goes to spending and taxes ! What is needed... not necessarily wanted....and what is excessive and unneeded spending and budgeting as to need and what the taxpaying citizens can afford and need !
Not what just certain individual, taxpaying, influential citizens need or those in the local government need and want !
I will shovel snow and mow City owned propert, as long as I and my sister are able to do so... but .... do not threaten me with a time limit or $50 dollar fine or repair the City owned side walk and then force me to pay for said repair by any means possible !
Sugar/honey will motivate me quicker than threats or vinegar !
January 6, 2010 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
kansasdman
I am sure you are right about the shift of liability thing ! But the City seems to want to shift responsibility upon the taxpayers more and more !!
Does the City not have nor want to maintain any liability insurance coverage and have to abide by the rules of such liability coverage, such as maintaining City property in good, safe, working order, i.e. all city owned property, such as side walks, streets, etc.?
It would seem that the City does not want to maintain anything, just discard, throw away and buy new !
Exactly what does the City want to be responsible for, just spending foolishly, taxing beyond the ability of taxpayers to pay and collecting taxes... nothing else ?
January 6, 2010 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nobody (anonymous) says...
Meth, I wish you would get carpel tunnel from all your typing. That way the rest of us wouldn't have to go over your sagas, in order to get to the next person's writing that IS worth reading. You're over the top on every thread !!
January 6, 2010 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I can't believe I am agreeing with ole Hank on most of this. I think most don't have to worry about this, I have never heard of enforcement.I know the city has talked to Downtown business owners at times to remind them, and after all isn't it good business sense to make it easier for the people who venture out in the snowstorm?
As I am also unable to shovel the sidewalks, we try to get someone to do it, thank goodness for good tenants. We usually have at least a pathway cleared for our smokers outside:-)
January 6, 2010 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
And I would like to thank Russ Morgan for stirring up the natives!
January 6, 2010 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Oh good grief, Henry, bend over, bend over, bend over backwards, except for the smoking ordinance which had you in people's faces big time. No thanks. I prefer bear traps.
Seriously however, I am lucky because I have a good tenant who trades rent for snow shoveling. Bless him. At this rate, he may not owe any rent at all for February.
January 6, 2010 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
create,
Snowfall is not caused by man. You might say it is an "act of God". We cannot, therefore, prevent snowfall as we can prevent public smoking. Yes, I correlated public smoking ban to the snow-on-sidewalk ban in terms of both having to do with public safety, but the enforcement of the snow ban should be a little more lenient since it's not my fault the snow fell on my sidewalk and made it dangerous for others. If you smoke in a bar, it IS your fault for making it dangerous and the punishment should be swift and harsh!
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 11:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
My head hurts. When did anyone hear me say snow was or was not an act of God? Why did you have to bring religion into this?
Henry, snowfall aside, all those leaves clog the storm drain at the corner of my lot and floods the yard and causes the city to come out and spend half the day pumping out the leaves. Thank you for paying your taxes, Henry. All for that one guy who won't rake his leaves. Now that same guy has me embroiled in an argument with Henry. Good grief!
Make soup, not war.
January 6, 2010 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
There is one thing that is being widely overlooked here and it has nothing to do with who owns the sidewalks......or if the ordinance is overlooked or enforced...or how many city employees are sitting around doing nothing.
kansasadman hit the nail on the head with one word....liability. The city sidewalk ordinance clearly establishes the responsibility of maintenance on the property owner. If some body slips on the ice on your sidewalk and bust his/her melon open, you can rest assured that some ambulance chasing lawyer is going to show up on your sidewalk seeking a piece of your a@#. And the city won't have a damned thing to do with it.
My sidewalk is shoveled after every snow...not because I'm a nice guy [you all know that I'm not].....but because I don't want the hassle.
January 6, 2010 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I yield the forum to " Nobody " ! Who apparantely has something concrete to say or to read ?
Please excuse my right to an opinion and the right to air that opinion ! So sorry your Majesty !
January 6, 2010 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
create,
Sorry to "bring religion into this". I only used "act of god" because that is the terminology used on a lot of legal documents (insurance claims, contracts, etc), so I thought it would help me make my point.
I'll make soup (not war) as long as it isn't 2-day old garage soup! :)
methusla,
I agree. Nobody posts something irrelevant while condemning your posts for being overbearing. Now I now have to read Nobody’s irrelevant post just to get to the good stuff. Oh the irony! ☺
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
does my five hours start now OR when the snow stops blowing on Friday?
January 6, 2010 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nobody (anonymous) says...
Meth, I feel that by your writings, you are an angry and bitter person. I'm sorry 'enry if I offended you. I enjoy every single word from you but I'll keep my opinions to myself from now on.
January 6, 2010 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
auntiem (anonymous) says...
I think that the City should hand a shovel to every able bodied person that collects a welfare check and assign them an area to clean. Wouldn't hurt to get the residents of the jail involved in the cleanup either.
January 6, 2010 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Nobody,
Wait, don't go! I'd hate to lose my only fan! :-) I‘m not exactly sure what you did there (reverse psychology or something), but you made me smile.
I wouldn't say methusla is angry or bitter.... "Crotchety" is more fitting I think. Just kidding, meth-ol'-buddy!
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
There have been some good points made on this topic by meth and kansasdman, the city wants to shift liability over to the homeowners, but still claim they own the sidewalks. I m not good hearted enough to shovel my walks unless Im living in a neighborhood that has alot of pedestrians. Treating the sidestreets is what the city should be more worried about.
January 6, 2010 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodjoss (anonymous) says...
Wow- I'm really surprised by the reaction to this. How about this:
Little old lady is trying to get to church, and falls on your un-shoveled sidewalk... you're liable, folks. If you do your best to maintain a safe and passable sidewalk - little old lady is out-o-luck.
My grandad rented 9 houses in this town and I remember (vividly) that shoveling the walks was a pretty big deal. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons I bought my house was the fact it didn't have a sidewalk so I wouldn't have the trouble.
I'm by no means siding with the bobcat jerks who dump a load on your yard from accross the street... I'd call the PD and file a complaint. What they did at Village School is criminal.
I think we can all make a good-faith effort to be responsible property owners. Buy the ticket, take the ride...
January 6, 2010 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansasdman (anonymous) says...
I agree with the feelings expressed toward the owner of the bobcat on 15th. I live around the corner and what he did was wrong. He did however clean the sidewalks in front of his house. He should have been required to clean all the snow off the sidewalks he dumped it on though. I think a complaint to the EPD would be in order, I would support that.
January 6, 2010 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
goodjoss
Please don't take this the wrong way....but it seems to me if the City wants to reatain ownership of the sidewalks, streets but not the liability for keeping them shoveled, cleaned and repaired then they should not expect the property owners to have and pay for liability insurance to pay for accidents that happen on City owned property... because of their not wanting to accept the responsibility or liability of not maintaining thier property for safety reasons !
A little frail little old lady has no business trying to walk to church in cold, icy, deep snowy weather anyway ! I do not have to go to church to pray, believe/have faith in Jesus or God ! God and Jesus hears your prayers, sees and feels your faith and your praise to them, no matter where you are !
And I and my sister do shovel the sidewalks... only
thing is....what happens when we are no longer able to ? There is only one other neighbor in our neighborhood that shovels their walk ! And I don' t know how much longer he will be able to do so ! The rest of our neighbors who have moved in, in the last few years don' t seem to really care !
January 6, 2010 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Nobody
HenryVIII is right, I am not angry or bitter.... just " Crotchity " and fed up and frustrated with the way taxpayers are and have been treated for many, many, years now !
January 6, 2010 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, and there is an 88 or 89 year old widowed lady living across the street and she is certainly not able to shovel her sidewalk ! She has to depend on her sons to come over, if they can make it and shovel her walks for her ! What should she do if her sons cannot get over to do it ? Call the City and still have to pay the City for maintaing City property, which will undoubtedly be the case ? Bite the bullet and put up with the City harrasment and pay the $50 fine ? Or possibly go to jail for not being able to pay the $50 dollar fine ?
Eventually everyone is going to get old and lose the ability to do certain things ! Just wait...it will happen to you also !
January 6, 2010 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Heres a new flash ! If it snows sometime tonight... my sidewalks will not get shoveled within the 5 hr. time limit !
So... City of Emporia... get the ticket book out and ticket me...but you had better go around town and ticket each property owner, etc. for every unshoveled City owned sidewalk in Emporia ! That is if you can get down some of the City streets that have not yet been cleared of snow !
January 6, 2010 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
goodjoss
" Buy the ticket, take the ride..." I and every other Emporia taxpayer is buying a ticket of sorts...by paying taxes, for services...! However we as taxpayers are .... " Getting taken for A ride " !
January 6, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Thank goodness for "country life"! I would like to state the county does a super job keeping our roads clear, THANK YOU COUNTY!!! Continue on!!! (either you city dwellers or the county!!!) Say, this snow sure has brought out the deer, so very beautiful!!!!
January 6, 2010 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here's a thought ! Every property owner in Emporia rip out the sidewalk....plant sod where the sidewalk was ! Shoveling snow and liability problem solved !
January 6, 2010 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
As far as the downtown area sidewalks go ! Rip them out an put down nice low maintenance, cushy, heated artificial turf ! Shoot, Emporia might even be able to get some stimulus money for a project like that ! And again shoveling snow problem and liability problem solved !
January 6, 2010 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
sandman;
You have your deer, me and my dogs have a family of Fox.
In town no less, saw them out once since the Christmas snow and it was great. This city boy thought they hibernated like bears, I guess not.
January 6, 2010 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sandman
I know what your saying ! I live in Emporia, but it is easier for my cousin to get to Emporia...than it is to get around Emporia when they get here !
I wish now I would have kept my compact tractor w/frontloader, instead of selling it !
January 6, 2010 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Hey, Steve
Want a couple of possums ?
January 6, 2010 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Not a bad idea for downtown, methusla.
http://www.drivewayheating.com/site/p...
"Oak Grove, Missouri installed heated sidewalks throughout the historic downtown area. " Looks nice!
Boy it sure is coming down out there...I'll have to wake up early tomorrow to get it shoveled within 5 hours of day break...
'enry
January 6, 2010 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Steve, that is so very neat!!!! A "Fox" family! There used to be a Fox family that lived under one of the bridges, I would see them when I walked, so very cute!!!! I have lady friends that live in town and have also seen deer. My buck has disappeared but still have my does, I need to buy more corn to put in my barn for them.
January 6, 2010 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Henry, Thank you for posting something that was not only interesting but educational, THANKS!!!! Bet they are costly, tho!
January 6, 2010 at 5:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Meth, Boy! what I would give to have purchased your compact tractor w/ front loader!!!!!! This country gal needs one BAD!!! I have a long driveway, Oh!!!! Maybe Sears!!!! Which is best?
January 6, 2010 at 5:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HillsReader (anonymous) says...
OMG...I nearly bought a house in Emporia! I'm disabled and would have no way to do this, and there is no way a person can find someone reliable enough to hire to do this on time. I know, I lived in Lawrence and just finding someone to help with any kind of chore was nearly impossible!
This is outrageous. Oh, thank heavens I didn't buy a house in Emporia!
Consumer beware, Don't move to Emporia, the laws are insane.
Lawrence people have a brand new law on the books, the first tickets are being issued right now.
They are screaming because they are being fined at all, because of the same reasons everyone here is, but they have a lot more time, and usually the snow melts soon after is snows. Their streets were not plowed as soon as Emporia's were, and they had less snow to move.
January 6, 2010 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
HillsReader, seems to me your last paragraph says reasons TO move to Emporia!!!
January 6, 2010 at 6:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Renegade (anonymous) says...
Anyone that walks on sidewalks within the 5 hour period we have to clear them, after it stops snowing, should be fined $50.00 for packing it down!
If you walk by my house before that time...bring your own shovel and clear your own path!! :-)
If the "snow plow comes by "after" we've cleared the sidewalks, and blows the snow back over them...I will send any $50.00 fine, or ticket, (unpaid) back to the city...along with any legal fees, and lawsuits that may have ensued if anyone falls.
Happy New Year everyone! :-)
January 6, 2010 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
sandman
You can' t get a tractorw/frontloader from Sears ! But I believe you can purchase a snow blower from Sears ! You will have to purchase a tractor from from either, John Dear, Cub Cadet, Ford implement or New Holland implement ! There are quite a few for sale on the internet, both new and used, but I would be wary of any for sale, other than locally !
January 6, 2010 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Tonights snow would make a dandy fund raising opportunity for some group of kids to raise money for a project. you know like the band group or wrestlers or debators or what ever calling Ron Thomas on the radio in the morning and saying our kids will come out and shovel your sidewalk or drive for a donation. It is hard to find someone to do it sometimes.
January 6, 2010 at 8:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HillsReader (anonymous) says...
sandman, lol!
I live in a smaller town, I don't know if anyone cleared their sidewalk. I think people here probably work on the idea, that if you can't walk safely in the snow, you better stay inside. It's called brains, hopefully you got some. When it snows, you better be able to walk on it! If you own a business, you better be prepared to shovel it clean and dry!
Lawrence had 825 lane miles of road to plow up there as I recall and they didn't start until morning. No partial plowing of lower depths to get a start on it.
But I saw some streets in Emporia off Commercial hadn't been plowed the day I called a business and I was told the streets were fine. Sure, 6th and Commercial were okay, lol. 50 was dry of course.
And the store I went to, plowed, they said yes it was. Well, yes, plowed up to where the cars pulled in, no way for the customers to get into the door without climbing over, and I'm disabled, and the manager knew who I was when I called to ask. They didn't clear the disabled ramp, nor a path for regular people. Crazy.
Price Chopper lost my business because of the ice/snow patch in front. Sure, it's low, nothing to most people, but just scary enough to those with injuries that should not withstand more damage...to make me take my business to another place that had a dry parking lot. I walked back to my car, got in and drove to Walmart that was all clean and dry. Sorry Price Chopper, scrape and de ice your lot next time, then you can have my money.
January 6, 2010 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodjoss (anonymous) says...
methusla - thanks for the counterpoint and I'm glad you can spring a joke off my comments... We agree about this.
My point is the issue of 'easement'... I own the land above the gas lines, and below the power lines, yet those with easement to said utility can destroy my property and I foot the bill for repair. A sidewalk is the same thing. We, as property owners, agree to maintain the sidewalk to the satisfaction of the community (read: government).
I don't like cutting my grass, either, but it's gotta be done or I'll be "harboring vectors". Maybe I like critters in my lawn. Others don't, and that's the community standard.
Oh, I go round-and-round with Westar and the tree-butchers when they come down our street. We play the game and refuse their 'service' and ask them for a judgement on our trees (that are 8' away from their lines), refuse their 'estimate' for relocating the lines and threaten a lawsuit if my tree service trimming (at my expense, naturally) isn't satisfactory for them. After we have cost them enough trouble that outweighs the probably of the expense of a fallen powerline, they usually (usually) acquiesce, and let it go... but I swear, it's frustrating having to take a day off work and chase them in their corporate push-button phone system version of hell. I still have to pay to have my trees 'trimmed' instead of circumcised (or castrated).
They have the easement, so that's what I gotta do. I know shoveling the sidewalk sucks, but that's what I gotta do.
(just so you know, their poles lean REAL bad over my property... I think I'll survey to see if they are falling out of the easement and make them reset the poles HAHAHA
January 6, 2010 at 9:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
goodjoss
I am no legal expert but most utility easments, refer specifically to use of City owned property, when it comes to utility poles, gas lines, telephone lines and the like !
Of course I may be entirely wrong about this !
January 6, 2010 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
meth, Thanks! I was thinking more of a larger lawn mower that I could put a snowblade on (and wts), something that I could use later on also. You are right, might best to get a snowblower, if I could start it. Thank heavens this is the first winter like this in a number of years. I don't remember any like it since 1978. I opened the front door to let the dog out and the poor thing, didn't want to go, didn't blame it!!! The wind is blowing ninety miles an hour, Hope I'm ready to be snowed in for a number of days, Yuck!!! Cabin Fever!!!! Town Royal see me crawl in from total bordom!!!!!!
January 6, 2010 at 10:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Gee, HillReader, Yes, I have a FEW brains but it was very evident that you need to reread what you posted that I commented concerning moving to Emporia. Thanks for your concern!!!!
January 6, 2010 at 10:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Anyone, how about a cruise to someplace warm??? I'm all for that!!!!!!
January 6, 2010 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Yeah, sandman, a cruise to Jamaica, Bermuda, Antilies, sounds good about now ! But only problem would be getting from the Emporia area, right now... to the cruise ship " embarkation " point ! Sled dog team might work...dress warmly and I am sure the dogs might want to go too !
I believe that there are electric start snow blowers out there some where, Sears may even possibly have them !
Just checked Sears online and they do have 3 electric start snowblower models and even a snow blower that attaches to certain of their lawn and garden tractors also blades that attach to certain of their lawn & garden tractors !
5:30 A.M., ambient temperature...5 degrees F.... Wind Chill -25 degrees F.....BRRRRRRRRRRRR ! Cruise is sounding better and better !
January 7, 2010 at 5:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Isn't global warming great?
January 7, 2010 at 6:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
John Deere has/had them......may have sold out by now.
But what always amazes me is people's incessant drive to get out and go in this type of weather and then gripe and complain about not finding pristine conditions in parking lots, sidewalks, and streets. Of course its not going to be pristine. It's nasty out there and it will be awhile before we see pristine again.
But we want pristine none the less.....no matter what it cost to obtain....then we complain about the high cost of every thing. If you can't deal with some rough conditions right now, the best thing for you to do is stay home. What's so hard about that.
January 7, 2010 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Meth, Thanks for the info but I REALLY didn't want to know what the wind chill is!!!! With staying indoors, in my mind it can be 90 but will say that takes ALOT of imagination!!(more then I have currently!) with that wind blowing!!!! Yes! Steve, global warming, where are you?????? Will I ever get out???
January 7, 2010 at 7:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
We did have a weather forecast warning of this, didn't we?
Time to plan ahead and get our groceries and supplies ahead of time?
STAY AT HOME PEOPLE!
BRING YOU PETS IN AND STAY INSIDE.
Common sense should tell a person with this much snow and the temperatures we are experiencing roads and sidewalks will be slick and parking lots will be ice packed. If you don't have to get out to work, or for a medical emergency, cancel any appointments you have and stay indoors. If you know of a senior citizen living alone, call them to make sure they are ok.
We should not expect the government or private business to clean this mess up completely, only mother nature can do that.
January 7, 2010 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Global warming ! Must not be happening at our house !
January 7, 2010 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Boy, those people in the southern parts of the U.S. must be thinking the ice age is back ! Wonder what they think of Global warming ?
January 7, 2010 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
You know, what is ironic ? Man thinks that he is all powerful and then God steps up and reminds man what real power, truely is !
January 7, 2010 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, and just to let the City know...I had my sidewalks cleared by 6:00 A.M., this morning !
January 7, 2010 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Have a good, safe and warm day everyone and by all means do not go anywhere, if it is not an emergency or absolutely necessary ! May God watch over us all !
January 7, 2010 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Since I have cleared the sidewalks and taken my sister to work. I plan on putting on some classical music, snuggling up in the recliner under a blanket and maybe either reading for a while and probably taking a snoooooozzzzzee !
January 7, 2010 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
That's exactly right Steve. Very rarely are these things a complete surprise....and we've had several days warning of this one. I laid in supplies yesterday and put the chains back on the truck last evening when the snow got started again. Now I can get to work but don't have to worry about running here and there after other things.
But unless you are equipped and physically capable of dealing with harsh conditions....STAY HOME!
January 7, 2010 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Oh! I have to go out 20 ft. and check my heatbulbs for my pump (well) and I dread it!!!!! I left the cold water running alittle last night. Just pray the power doesn't go off or I'm COOKED!! and it is freezing out there!!!!! I have a portable generator and it is in a shed I can't get the door opened, is frozen!!!Don't have a clue how to use it!!!! My husband never explained that, he always took care, Oh! where is a man when you need one???????? Remember, I said "Oh! country life" believe I'll go bury my head!!!!!!!
January 7, 2010 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Chear up Sandman! Today is a great day to have the best kind of man there is, one that dont talk, just build a snowman. If you still need more company, build some more!:)
January 7, 2010 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
There isnt ice on the lines so the power should stay on okay. The roads in town are not slick (yet)
January 7, 2010 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Oh! barefootin, I had to laugh but can't agree, I like "my" man to have some life to him!!!!! Makes life exciting!!!!! Plus! I'd have to go out to build a snowman and for the time that I would want to be out, wouldn't be much to him! Wish my grandkids were here, some fun time in the snow but since they aren't, will stay tucked in. Glad to hear there isn't ice on the lines, Thank the Good Lord!!!!! Also, that the roads are not slick yet, I'm a BIG chicken!!! Gee, just stay tucked in!!!!!! Oh! got to get out and get a load of firewood for tonight, just incase.
January 7, 2010 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Ok sandman, let's get down to brass tacks now. You can't do anything about it today, but dear lady, if you have a generator, put it somewhere where you can reach it for next time. That's your assignment when the snow is gone. OK?
Next, learn how to use it. Get someone to show you how and do it over and over a few times until you get the hang of it and can do it unaided.
Good idea on the firewood. Go get it. Always be prepared ahead of time then you will get over being a chicken.
Now, get a pot of soup going and stay indoors.
Right on, barefootin.
January 7, 2010 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
so who is supposed to clean the sidewalk at 5th and commercial, and the 7th and commercial pedestrian crossings?
January 7, 2010 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
create, you are such an enjoyment!!!!! I'm only a "chicken" when I've got to drive in this stuff, having lived here a major portion of my life.What I have in mind is doing like my neighbor has done, having an "automatic standby generator" build in that kicks on when the power goes off. Usually not so much in the winter but in the spring, Oh! when we have storms and lose power, it is REALLY dark out here!!!!! S&S Oil carries them now and there are also other companies. I've been checking into this for some time and plan on doing so. I always keep "gas" on hand because of equipment etc. They have come out with such "neat" things now!!!!! Would sure beat my generator that I have to "hand" pull, not sure I'm strong enough to do so with having had neck surgery. I agree, much better to make a pot of soup!!!!!
January 7, 2010 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HillsReader (anonymous) says...
Sandman, you be sure and check those heatbulbs several times today, even if it is cold out there.You don't want things to be worse then they are.
And you better try to get that door open. You might try pouring some warm water around the hinges, at the cracks, see if that unsticks things.You may need to try several times during the day for it to work.
Generators are easy, there should be labels. Go out and start it up today to practice, so you'll know how to run it in case you need it tonight. There is ice on some lines and with this wind you never know. Ice doesn't have to be on the line outside your door for it to affect you if it gets knocked out.
January 7, 2010 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
sandman
I so much agree with create and HillsReader. There is no problem that you have mentioned that can't be handled just as easily by a woman as it is a man. Sure it's cold.....sure it's unpleasant.....it may even be scary. But it's cold, unpleasant, and sometimes scary for a man also...but he does it because he has to. You can to. Learn....get somebody to teach you.....become self-reliant...then when you find that man you can relate to each other from desire...not need.
I only hope you take this in the spirit in which it was intended.
January 7, 2010 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Yes, biscuitboy, it is taken in the proper prospective and agreement. My biggest concern is not my generator but of my neck. They had to replace three vertibrae(two years ago) in my neck after my husband past, I did so much lifting with him. This is life and other then strength, I do fine. Not sure I could start it even if I got it out, just don't have the "pull action". I have a "ball park" idea WHAT to do, believe I'm as ready as I can be, will try to get to my generator. I have the cords etc. rounded-up that I might need. Just pray to God that I won't need them.This generator is big enough to run my pump or certain things in the house. Thank heavens I have a fireplace and cook with propane. These have always helped in the past. Thanks all for your concern. Plus, Biscuitboy, I so agree with you and believe I've found that one!!! He lights my fire!!!!!
January 7, 2010 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HillsReader (anonymous) says...
To add more fuel to the fire:
Lawrence:
48 hours after the end of a snowstorm. I haven't heard anything about it ending during the night, etc.
Topeka:
- It is the duty of the owner, occupant or agent of a property adjoining a public sidewalk to remove snow and ice within 12 hours after it has fallen. However, if it falls during the night, the snow and ice shall be removed not later than six hours after sunrise.
- Where ice or compacted snow can't be removed, sand, ashes or other noncorrosive or non-ice-forming chemical is to be applied.
January 7, 2010 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
biscuitboy, I've sat and thought of your last line and so agree with them. I feel that for me to have existed (and love) where I do for the past six years, yes, I'm somewhat "independent". I also feel we each, man or woman, can become so very independent that we don't NEED each other, at least in our minds, and I NEVER want to become that!!!!! Do I truly NEED a man, NO! But, will give man credit, for they are the flip side of the coin!!!! (and handy to have!!!!) for a number of reasons!!! These cold winter nights are one!!!!! :-) Now, I'm laughing!!!!
Ladies, agree????? Am on subject, COLD!!!!
January 7, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yup, cold! Most of the day I've been sitting in my den, TV on, and quilting with a hoop on a big quilt that is piled on my lap.
Not long ago, I opened a quart of lovely Colorado peaches that I put up this past August. Had a wonderful bowlful. So refreshing! This is why I can peaches...and green beans...and tomatoes.
Hey YY4U, guess what I found in my garden a couple of days ago under all this snow. CARROTS! They are crisp, and tasty, and I put them in chicken soup yesterday.
Everyone, drink plenty of water. The air indoors is very dry and your lungs need water. Drink, my friends, drink water.
January 7, 2010 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Got shed opened, generator up in front, now to drag to house. Firewood next. Got sidewalks shoveled, had to come in, fingers were froze!!! Create, not doing as nicely as you, but it is coming!!!! Good for this gal to get outdoors, even if I'm froze!!! Being locked up indoors is not what I call fun. Create, nice you can, I used to and enjoyed. Can't believe you found carrots, amazing!!!! There is nothing greater then home canned tomatoe juice!!!!Once upon a time, I would put up at least 100 qts(same for green beans).to last over the winter, nothing better to drink!!! Got to head back outdoors!!!! Oh! checked bulbs, so far, good! I bought spares last fall for this time and they are in pump house.
January 7, 2010 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Bless you, sandman. Watch your neck with the shoveling. What a feisty gal you are. You go, girl!
The carrots were ones I had forgotten about when they got hidden under the tomatoes. They were deep enough to be insulated even though were very cold.
January 7, 2010 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Sandman and anyone who is interested in a forum shared by independant minded, do-it-yourselfers, you can go to www.homesteadingtoday.com its a great site for country folk to share ideas and experiences with living in the country.
January 7, 2010 at 6:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Almost forgot, for gardeners theres idigmygarden.com
January 7, 2010 at 6:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Thanks Create, believe me not as "feisty" as I was earlier!!! I am so very blessed!!!! Two young men that are doing some work for me, stopped by and brought up my wood!!!! It would have taken forever!!!! When the one came in, he said" you are really _s_______! The drifts I have, Oh! lucky me!!!!!! I really didn't know how I was going to get that wood, my wheelbarrow in four ft. drifts!!!!Knew I would get my lawnmower and little wagon "stuck"!!!!Oh! me!!! Say, they couldn't get my generator started!!!!! Said they needed something to spray on it, coming back in AM. Life is good and will only get better!!!! (as long as the power stays on!!!!) Life on the Range!!!!! This gal should sleep really great!!!!
January 7, 2010 at 6:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Thats good news. Those guys were great to give you a hand, now you can relax and not worry so much. Good Night
January 7, 2010 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
YY4U, little cups to start our plants!!!! Grow lights? Been there so many times!!!!!
barefootin, Thanks for the sight, looks very interesting!!! My sisters have always said I should write a book, for we turned a wheat field into a home sight!!!! Been through alot!!!! Create, my "Den" is built from the old YWCA in Emporia(lumber), my barn from a barracks at Forbes field. Love the history!!!! Brick from under my Ben Franklin in the Den came from a hotel in Madsion. Did most of it ourselves. I know every square inch!!!!
January 7, 2010 at 7:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Create makes me hungry, my mom could not cook worth a damn and every time she goes off on her culinary masterpieces it makes me wish I was adopted=)
January 7, 2010 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Reading about all this good " cooking " and eats...per chance... makes me recall.... that after I got rid of my much burgled...ex-wife, after a while my kids commented, " you know dad...you cook better than mom !
I guess my mother teaching me to cook and sew and my father teaching me respect and independence, came in handy after all....God Bless you Mom and Dad !!!!
And may God see us all through these trying times !
January 8, 2010 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
To any who may fall into the trap of thinking that all of our young people today are wasted losers.....a morality tale.
I was driving down the street yesterday afternoon and spotted a couple of teenagers walking along with snow shovels...a boy and a girl. I stopped and asked them if they were willing to shovel my walk and that of my disabled neighbor and told them what I would pay. The girl replied.."Hell Yea".....so I told them where I lived.....paid them in advance....and went on about my business. When I returned the walk had been shoveled just like I instructed....and they even came back by later to make sure I was happy with the job.
Thank you teenage boy and girl.....for shoveling my walk....and for restoring a bit of my faith. Often times respect begets respect.
January 8, 2010 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thank you for those links, barefootin.
Sorry to tempt you, goodoleboy, but I can teach you anytime. Just ask. My cooking is mostly practical, fast and easy. 'cept for soup, of course.
January 8, 2010 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What a great story about those two teens who shoveled your walks, biscuit. So good to hear.
Juxtapose that wonderful story of teenage diligence and tenacity to those four teens, one of 'em a girl, who were arrested recently for robbing a slew of Emporia businesses. Lazy, lazy, blankety-blanks. Send them away!
January 8, 2010 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Biscuitboy, so very nice!!! Not only of the kids but of you for having your neighbors walk done, so very thoughtful!
My two young men came back and YES! the generator is running!!!! Bless their hearts, they were trying to make a path for me and got their truck stuck(high centered) and it is a 4by4! So, using one of my vehicles to get "unstuck", hope it works. Yes, we do have SUPER young people today and yes, they need credit when credit is deserved (same for us "older" kids!!!)These two young men were concerned that my extension cord was not heavy-duty enough so went to Bluestem and got me a heavy weight one, Boy! was I tickled, worth their weight in gold!!!! Plus they do super work!!!!
January 8, 2010 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
sandman
Good kids......hell, good people....aren't that hard to find. You sometimes just have to be willing to look.
January 8, 2010 at 4:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
biscuitboy, Yes, you are correct concerning good people and yes, we have many!!!! With being in the country I so realize that fact for I have such WONDERFUL neighbors!!!!
They got their truck "unstuck" and made 3/4 runs thru my driveway and got one of my vehicles headed out! Yippee!!! then took me to Caseys in Americus so I could get milk,bread etc. Had just gotten "stocked" up but doesn't take long and wasn't sure how long I would be in "my" cabin!!!! A dear farmer friend is coming tomorrow to "unplow" my drive, Yes! super people!!!!!!
January 8, 2010 at 6:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Should have been "plow" not Un!!!
January 8, 2010 at 6:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
Just heard Lawrence has given out over 150 tickets for unshoveled sidewalks so it could be worse.
January 8, 2010 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
WHO CARES?
I for one am glad we don't live in Lawrence. Hope they make it to 1000 tickets. some have common sense, some don't.
January 8, 2010 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
LOL sandman. I was imagining what unplowing a driveway would involve. Stand out there and throw snow at it?
Am so glad you were taken care of and taken to Casey's on top of all that.
My tenant earned more credit on his February rent today. At this rate, he may not have to pay any rent at all next month. Works for me as long as the walks and drive are shoveled.
January 8, 2010 at 7:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Steve, so with you on that!!!!!Afraid some want us "just-like"
Lawrence, so very sad!!!! Emporia is a super community on its own!!!!!!
January 8, 2010 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
That is the problem with the " used " to be good/great little town of Emporia...there are those who want Emporia to be so like some other City...that they refuse to see that what they already have may just be the envy other, Citys or Towns ! And are so set on or trying to be like some other City or town... they don' t care what it may cost them or the other citizens of Emporia to become like some other City or Town !
I was always taught...growing up...to not be like or even want to be like everyone else.... but be your own person/personality ! And I believe that the same goes for a City or Town, etc..
January 8, 2010 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
As with most things...moderation and common sense should be the key. A short drive around the side streets, at least in my neighborhood, will show most walks unshoveled. Or a narrow path has been pushed from front door to car leaving the rest buried. Shoveling sidewalks is not only a matter of safety it is a matter of courtesy. To make no effort is not only inviting lawsuits.....it is rude and inconsiderate. That is one extreme
For the city to run around filling up its dwindling coffers writing sidewalk shoveling citations despite location or individual circumstances is the other extreme.
Some sidewalks have little or no pedestrian traffic any time of the year.....others....for a variety of reason....have a lot of traffic even during times like these. Mine happens to be one of the latter. Yet the house to west of me has not had one blade of snow removed from the sidewalk since the winter started. Despite this there are two strong young bucks living there that are perfectly able to shovel snow if they would just set down their beer cans long enough to pick up the shovel. People like that deserve not one ticket...but one per day until they do something.
For others that aren't capable of doing the job due to age or infirmity...that's what neighbors should be for. I have no problem doing my disabled neighbors walk...but I'll be damned if I would do the other one. Here's where this old leftist does his hollering about personal responsibility.
January 9, 2010 at 6:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Sandman, Your neighbors are the cream of the crop!
January 9, 2010 at 6:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
biscuit,
So are the bad neighbors to your left or right?
January 9, 2010 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
i think the number to call is 342-4200.
January 9, 2010 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Depends on which way I am facing Steve...nice try though....:-)
January 9, 2010 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
frebrd_93 (anonymous) says...
correct me if I'm wrong but didn't I hear somewhere that in Topeka they got the jail inmates out and had them shovel snow? Why couldn't this City do the same. Especially for the elderly or disabled? Or would they(inmates) call it unfair/inhumane.
January 10, 2010 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Works for me frebrd 93. The non-violent ones in for minor violations.....be a good job for them. Maybe even let them volunteer to shovel walks for the disabled for a little earned good time....Why not? I'm sure somebody has a why not though...they always do.
January 10, 2010 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
January 10, 2010 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink )
create (anonymous) says...
Works for me to get prisoners to shovel walks, but they're not allowed to have sweatshirts.What would they wear under coats if they even have a coat? Don't know what kind of clothes and socks they have for layering. Just wondering.
January 10, 2010 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
What are you hoping to do by moving this over here seriouslyfolks? What's your motive?
January 10, 2010 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Well I don't know create. But I certainly wasn't suggesting that we put them out there with out adequate protection from the elements. Man, I was against water-boarding terrorist.....I certainly would be against abusing some guy serving thirty days for unpaid fines.
January 10, 2010 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Would Chain Gangs work ?
January 10, 2010 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
frebrd_93 (anonymous) says...
i wasn't suggesting putting them out there without protection either. they can buy or have things like socks brought to them. And the guy being abused for not paying his fines? Maybe this would be a way to work off his/her fines. Just a thought and if it's abuse for him, what about the elderly and disabled having to get out there in freezing temps to make the city happy? Why not use law breakers to do the job?
January 10, 2010 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
frebrd_93 (anonymous) says...
one more thing, I think they have this thing called COMMUNITY SERVICE that tehy use all the time for people to work off fines.
January 10, 2010 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I'm agreeing with you frebrd 93.
January 11, 2010 at 3:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Hey, I'm agreeing too, just making sure we don't cause more problems in the long run. I was just thinking that with all the budget cuts, I don't think the county would want to shell out for warm clothing.Yes, family members can supply socks, etc.
On the plus side, maybe allowing these guys to get outdoors to work would improve their moods or even sentences. X amount of shoveling time = X time served or something like that.
I know I myself, although not disabled, can't do my own shoveling anymore, so I can appreciate using jail labor for those who are disabled.
January 11, 2010 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
create, in reading your various post, you tickle me!!!! I believe you have the philosophy, "don't do as I do but as I say". I've noticed this in several post, various threads.Also,you very much like to take charge even though you truly don't have a clue as to what is going on. That's OK, there are a number on here that are the same way, probably myself at times. Hope you got shoveled out, for now I'm clear!!!! Terrific!!!!
January 11, 2010 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
sandman, You're right on the take charge attitude. Actually, you'd be surprised how many clues I really do have. I'll take your comment as a left-handed compliment.
January 11, 2010 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Any bets on how long it will take for all but the big piles of snow to melt?
January 11, 2010 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I noticed that a few businesses have snow piled so high at exits onto 6th that it's difficult to see oncoming traffic.
January 11, 2010 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here' s my whole pet peeve about this whole City Owned sidewalk clearing ordinance, etc. !
It would seem that, even though the City owns the side walk that is on City/public property and owns the property from said sidewalk up to and including the street as well as the driveway entrance and that part of the drive that lies on city property ! The City has seen fit to make these properties the responsibility of the private property owner.... for the express reason of making the private property owner liable and responsible for the cleaning, repairing and mowing of City owned property...which, the private property owner does not own and the City has decided that the City has the right to place time limits on the private property owner as to when the cleaning, repairing and mowing of the City owned property by the CITY and the right to make the private property owner pay for any cleaning, repairing and mowing of City owned property !
In the meantime, I/you/we are already paying the City for the cleaning, repairing and mowing of City property by paying our property taxes... on our private property ... that, by the way is not owned by the City, but yet we as property owners have to pay taxes to own the property and live there and that we also have to clean, clear, mow and maintain and yet you/me/we as private property owners do not have the right to charge the City for cleaning, clearing, mowing or maintaining City owned property !
Now...how many of you taxpayers believe that this is a fair and equitable arraingment ? I....for one do not think it is either fair or equitable !
Just My Opinion !
January 11, 2010 at 5:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Actually, I'm looking at what would happen if the city did indeed maintain that parking. How often would they mow? Would they mow the same day that I mow? If not, it sure would look funny. I know when I mow and my neighbor does not, it looks raggy for a few days.
Several years ago, my neighborhood received new sidewalks. I was very happy about that since my sidewalks were very badly cracked and heaved.
My two problems are with the time limits set for removing snow and those mountains of snow that are left all over the place.
We're beginning to sound like spoiled babies, me included. We're not accustomed to this much snow. I have family that lives in Wisconsin and Illinois and I never hear them complain about snow.
January 11, 2010 at 5:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Since the snow has been deep for a while, I wonder how many elderly and disabled need help pulling their poly carts to the curb this week. I know my neighbor appreciated me pulling their's to the curb this week.
January 11, 2010 at 6:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Has any one actually heard of any incidents where any body has been ticketed for not shoveling their sidewalks. In my neighborhood only about one sidewalk in five is shoveled and yet I am not aware of any tickets being written. Not five hours later...not five days later....not two weeks later!
January 11, 2010 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Quack (anonymous) says...
Folks gripe about taking care of what is in front of their house, be it sidewalk, parking, grass, snow, whatever. But, how much do you want to bet that those same folks would be the first and loudest to whine about how much extra it would cost to pay the city to do it, and the mowing height would be wrong, or not on the right day, or they could have a high school kid, or even themselves, do it better, cheaper, pile the snow in a better place, or whatever! Or how much whining about the addition to the city budget to hire people and purchase the equipment to get the job done when it could be done by the person living on the property? Let's face it, folks are going to find a way to complain just because they want to complain. So why not buck up and do your part to help control the city budget and do something yourself rather than expecting big brother to cover your (gr)a##
January 11, 2010 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Does anyone know what sidewalks are for anymore. The only time they even get used is when drunks veer off the road and drive on the sidewalk for a few seconds until they are suddenly stopped by a house that someone selfishly put in their way.
January 11, 2010 at 11:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I don't know what neighborhood you live in serious...but a lot of people use the sidewalks in my neighborhood. Many of them carrying shopping bags. Children walking to and from school...some just getting exercise like me and my dogs. There are actually some people in my neighborhood that can't afford a car....or are too disabled to drive one. They can however still get up and down the sidewalk....If it has been shoveled.
January 12, 2010 at 2:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Excelent post Quack.....and I have no doubt true. Give me a gripe...any gripe...I don't care what gripe....as long as it's a gripe.
methusla
I'm not sure the city claims to maintain ownership of the property you describe...they claim right-of-way to it. That may sound like a word dance to you but to the city it is an important legal distinction.
If they owned it outright as you claim they would be legally required to maintain it...but would also then be allowed to use it for such things as storing equipment, or any other thing deemed legal by statute......and they could then deny you access to it.
If they did not maintain right-of-way to it however, you as a property owner would be free to deny any body else access to it. Nobody could walk on your sidewalk......the city, or other utilities could not gain access to their power lines, water mains, and sewer that cross it......without your permission. You could even then charge them for the use of your property.
This legal principle of right-of-way has been around almost as long as cities have existed......and is closely related to another legal principle....imminent domain.
January 12, 2010 at 3:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I don' t understand why so many people misunderstand, misinterpret or jump to the wrong conclusions about a lot of what I say ! Perhaps it is because what I have to say is so lenghty ? If so then I appologize for being lengthy in my statements !
I am not against having to " Shovel/Clear " snow from the sidewalk...yes it is very difficult for me and my sister to do at our ages and with certain " maladys " and disabilities we both suffer from.
Also if you read the city codes you will find that the city does indeed own the sidewalk that exists on " City/Public " property and that the property that you as a private citizen owns is defined as that.. which is defined by definate, marked and legal boundary lines/stakes/pins ! If you do not think so, then build a fence or anything beyond your property boundary, without the express legal, written concent of the adjacent, abutting property owner, whether it be private or City/public and see what kind of problem you will definately encounter ! The City will...in no uncertain terms let you know that the City owns the property and you cannot do/build anything to it with out the Citys' consent...written or otherwise !
The City does legally and descriptively own the sidewalks and the property from the sidewalk, up to and including the street !
No...I am not complaining that I have to shovel, clear, mow, repair or maintain City/ Public property ! I am complaining that the City forces me to pay a higher insurance premium to maintain a property liability insurance because of it and the fact that they force me to do it ... with the threat of forced repair costs, time limits and/or fines, if I don' t do it and the idea that the City may charge me a riduculous fine or fee...if the City has to maintan or repair City owned property...especially when I cannot charge the City the same sort of rediculous fee/fine... if/when... I do the job or have to hire someone to do the job... that I am already paying taxes for the repair and maintenance of property the City owns !
No....I am not complaining because I do the job I am already paying the City to do...but rather am complaining ... because the City forces me to do what should be the Citys job and the fact that I/we must carry and pay for liability insurance to cover anyone who happens to be injured using City property...property that I/We do not legally own !
I and my sister..do and will...shovel, clear, repair,mow...City owned property..as.. I/We have done for the past 50 years...as long as we are able to do so !
But I/We also reserve the right to complain about being forced....by way of threat... to do so !
January 12, 2010 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
:-)
Now that was funny, right there.
January 12, 2010 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
I don't have a sidewalk so I really don't have a bitch here, but...... I have noticed that the elaborate, multilaned sidewalks that we had to pay for on east Logan and west South Avenue haven't been cleared.
Who's responsible (the city ?)
January 12, 2010 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
tbluma
The property owner ... whos property abuts the sidewalk/City property is responsible for the shoveling, clearing, maintainaining and carrying/paying for... liability/injury insurance for any accidents/injuries occurring on said, City owned property... as well as mowing/maintaining any grassy, City owned property that abuts private property ... ie... parkings/allyways . As well as the being imposed with a time limit as to when a private property owner may institute or begin such snow removal, cleaning, repair, maintenance or mowing of City owned property and be forced to pay for such/all maintenance, repairs, etc., undertaken by the City ... as well as possibly be fined for non-compliance !
January 12, 2010 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Ah, isn' t the government raping of taxpayers a wonderful thing ! No wonder it hurts when I try to sit down !
January 12, 2010 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I sure wouldn't like to live anywhere else. They say living in Singapore is miserable, even spitting on the sidewalk wlll land you in jail.
FarmRaised, that's the funniest thing I've read in a long time. Thanks for posting.
January 12, 2010 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
DIARY OF A SNOW SHOVELER
December 8 - 6:00 PM
It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!
December 9
We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had! Shovelled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplough came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life!
December 12
The sun has melted all our lovely snow.. Such a disappointment! My neighbour tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbour.
December 14
Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shovelling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplough came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shovelling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.
December 15
20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer.. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska , after all.
December 16
Ice storm this morning. Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.
continued
January 12, 2010 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
December 17
Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.
December 20
Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shovelling! Took all day. The dam snowplough came by twice. Tried to find a neighbour kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
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January 12, 2010 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
December 20
Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night. More shovelling! Took all day. The dam snowplough came by twice. Tried to find a neighbour kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.
continued
January 12, 2010 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
December 22
Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, peed and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a plough on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the butthole is lying.
January 12, 2010 at 6:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
December 23
Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she, nuts?!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.
December 24
6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplough, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bi$ch who drives that snow plough, I'll drag him through the snow by his $alls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shovelling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplough.
continued
January 12, 2010 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
December 25
Merry fricking Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight - Snowed in. The idea of shovelling makes my blood boil. God, I hate the snow! Then the snowplough driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.
December 26
Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.
December 27
Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.
December 28
Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. My WIFE is driving me crazy!!!
December 29
10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?
December 30
Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plough driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars, not only the beating I gave him, but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his BUTT. The wife went home to her mother. Nine more inches predicted.
December 31
I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shovelling.
January 8
Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?
January 12, 2010 at 6:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
Sorry farmraised, I was the one who posted the post. I dont have a clue what happened there???
January 12, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
Flush, It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas:)
January 12, 2010 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
We are getting bike racks
http://www.ktka.com/news/2010/jan/12/...
January 12, 2010 at 7:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
We are getting bike racks....well isn't that great news. Now only if someone hadn't stolen my bike.
January 12, 2010 at 7:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Meth the reason I asked who was responsible for the sidewalks in my above post was....
On South Ave. a good portion of the property is owned by the city (2 parks).
I thought maybe they should lead by example.
January 13, 2010 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
LOL hey farmraised, I still ain't figured it out yet, that is when I got it too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! weird stuff going on, have you compared the two posts? seems as though some one went through yours and changed some of the words, !!!!
January 13, 2010 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
tbluma
I don't know what walks you are refering to, but the walks at Freemont Park--Veteran's Memorial Park--and CofE park are all cleared and have been since soon after the last snow. I know this because I have walked my dogs at all three. FYI
January 13, 2010 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
tbluma
You wouldn' t expect the City to threaten a fine upon themselves for non-compliance would you ?
Aren' t City/publicly owned Parks .... the same thing as .... City/publicly owned sidewalks, streets, etc., ?
January 13, 2010 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Was providing tbluma with some relevant data to a question he had brought up.....nothing else....I hope that was ok with everybody.
January 13, 2010 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
I think tbluma means the walk that goes from logan ave school past menu and the one near southgate trailer park.
January 13, 2010 at 6:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I believe that tbluma is referring to the fairly new sidewalks that run from the skateboard park...west ... to Prairie street !
January 13, 2010 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )