Does Edmond ever use snow plows?

[Easy180]

Actually, they gain. Several store and resturaunt owner's claim they save money when forced to close (wages, utilities, etc) and when weather improves, shoppers come out in groves and spend-spend-spend. One store owner claims he was closed for three days, on the first day he was open, he profited more then in any normal 5 day period. More spending means more tax dollars.

So cities actually make money during blizzards? Seems reasonable

[bretthexum]

uuh I don't think OKC does residential streets either... When I was on Edmond roads on Thursday and Friday they were no worse than downtown OKC.

I wasn't implying OKC did residential streets either. I think the plows should be out until every street is hit - even residential streets. OKC, Edmond, everywhere. That's why the schools are closed for 4 days - because of the impassible residential streets.

[jn1780]

Actually, they gain. Several store and resturaunt owner's claim they save money when forced to close (wages, utilities, etc) and when weather improves, shoppers come out in groves and spend-spend-spend. One store owner claims he was closed for three days, on the first day he was open, he profited more then in any normal 5 day period. More spending means more tax dollars.

I don't think they gain, but I think the amount of money the city loses is not as much as people think. Demand is just pushed back a few days. The time of year also makes a big difference. A blizzard two or three days before Christmas would have a bigger impact than a blizzard in February.

[hipsterdoofus]

I wasn't implying OKC did residential streets either. I think the plows should be out until every street is hit - even residential streets. OKC, Edmond, everywhere. That's why the schools are closed for 4 days - because of the impassible residential streets.

I don't think that is even remotely feasible...

[rcjunkie]

I don't think that is even remotely feasible...

It's feasible, all OKC has to do is spend millions to buy 50--60 snow plows, use them 1 or 2 times every other year, park them at Street Maintenace at SW 15th & Portland and let them rust away, now that's spening money wisely.

[Lord Helmet]

I wasn't implying OKC did residential streets either. I think the plows should be out until every street is hit - even residential streets. OKC, Edmond, everywhere. That's why the schools are closed for 4 days - because of the impassible residential streets.

I live in Denver. Obviously we get a ton of snow...and the city is well prepared to deal with it, but they never do residential streets. I'm not sure any city does.

[bretthexum]

I live in Denver. Obviously we get a ton of snow...and the city is well prepared to deal with it, but they never do residential streets. I'm not sure any city does.

Every city in MN and WI does residential streets. And rcjunkie - that's not what I mean. I mean the plows weren't even out once the main roads were done. Just have them keep working.

But if you're happy with deathtrap roads and no school 4 days after a storm... whatevs.

[kevinpate]

... But if you're happy with deathtrap roads and no school 4 days after a storm... whatevs.

My last at home kiddo thought it was pretty cool to have an extra class break, until he realized how his post-grad plan for a program in Dallas will be cramped hard if they only add days to the end of the calendar. Suddenly he was more than happy to get things going again on Friday. Looks like he'll be ok for Dallas. I think Norman will stretch days, not the end of the year (unless we get another big dump.)

[rcjunkie]

Every city in MN and WI does residential streets. And rcjunkie - that's not what I mean. I mean the plows weren't even out once the main roads were done. Just have them keep working.

But if you're happy with deathtrap roads and no school 4 days after a storm... whatevs.

I'm more then happy with the way OKC cleared the roads, the worked only on major streets / snow routes, and thats all that should be expected.

You would have them start on residential streets, how would you decide where to start, and how would you handle the backlash from the areas that were neglected.

[hipsterdoofus]

Every city in MN and WI does residential streets. And rcjunkie - that's not what I mean. I mean the plows weren't even out once the main roads were done. Just have them keep working.

But if you're happy with deathtrap roads and no school 4 days after a storm... whatevs.

You act like since they have the plows, it doesn't cost money to run them. Even if they ran them after the main streets were plowed, they don't have enough to get residential streets treated. How would you suggest they order them? By House value? By neighborhoods with kids with bad grades that really need to go to school?

[bretthexum]

You act like since they have the plows, it doesn't cost money to run them. Even if they ran them after the main streets were plowed, they don't have enough to get residential streets treated. How would you suggest they order them? By House value? By neighborhoods with kids with bad grades that really need to go to school?

I realize it costs money. Look at the article from Tulsa. If you're happy with 3 school days out of 10 (plus the cost of the parents taking vacation days since there's no school), and millions in lost business then it's all good. The first storm was absolutely ridiculous while I was here. 96 hours later and even the main roads (minus Broadway) are pure ice and mostly one lane either way. The plows I did see weren't even dumping any sand/salt while plowing too.

As for prioritizing - many cities have a plan. Many usually start close to the home base and work their way out. And work until it's complete or melted. People that live in the boonies shouldn't expect to be plowed right away. And yes I know that costs money. But more than the alternative??

[td25er]

Every city in MN and WI does residential streets. And rcjunkie - that's not what I mean. I mean the plows weren't even out once the main roads were done. Just have them keep working.

But if you're happy with deathtrap roads and no school 4 days after a storm... whatevs.

Your comparison is two northern states? Just wow...

[td25er]

I realize it costs money. Look at the article from Tulsa. If you're happy with 3 school days out of 10 (plus the cost of the parents taking vacation days since there's no school), and millions in lost business then it's all good. The first storm was absolutely ridiculous while I was here. 96 hours later and even the main roads (minus Broadway) are pure ice and mostly one lane either way. The plows I did see weren't even dumping any sand/salt while plowing too.

As for prioritizing - many cities have a plan. Many usually start close to the home base and work their way out. And work until it's complete or melted. People that live in the boonies shouldn't expect to be plowed right away. And yes I know that costs money. But more than the alternative??

Name some with links.

[bretthexum]

Your comparison is two northern states? Just wow...

I was responding to Lord Helmet which said that Denver doesn't do residential states. Of course I am not comparing the 2.

It seems you all are fine with the snow removal. Not here to change your mind - just give my opinion from someone visiting OKC.

[hipsterdoofus]

I realize it costs money. Look at the article from Tulsa. If you're happy with 3 school days out of 10 (plus the cost of the parents taking vacation days since there's no school), and millions in lost business then it's all good. The first storm was absolutely ridiculous while I was here. 96 hours later and even the main roads (minus Broadway) are pure ice and mostly one lane either way. The plows I did see weren't even dumping any sand/salt while plowing too.

I am not sure they you do realize it costs money? I mean you say you realize that but then you are like "gosh darnit, they better run equipment til the streets are clean" - I realize it is your tax dollars, but they can only go so far. If you don't like it, the I suggest maybe you run for city council on the snow cleanup ticket...

[bretthexum]

I am not sure they you do realize it costs money? I mean you say you realize that but then you are like "gosh darnit, they better run equipment til the streets are clean" - I realize it is your tax dollars, but they can only go so far. If you don't like it, the I suggest maybe you run for city council on the snow cleanup ticket...

Like I said - I'd be happy to pay a little extra in taxes to at least have some funds for private contractors to help with removal if storms came

[hipsterdoofus]

Like I said - I'd be happy to pay a little extra in taxes to at least have some funds for private contractors to help with removal if storms came

Maybe you should go by city hall and make a donation...