unknown comic...
"How many times have you shoveled your sidewalk after a big snowstorm and the plow comes by 50mph and pushes the big chunks right back on the sidewalk? When that happens my snowblower won`t go through it. And the snow is even heavier to shovel".

NO WONDER???... Where should that snow go??????? If you want your STREET CLEAR OF THE SNOW... ??? DO NOT BLAME THE PLOW DRIVERS!!!!! They are CLEARING THE SNOW FROM YOUR STREET!!!

If this irritates you, you should move to a warmer climate and you would not have to worry about this. This is WISCONSIN- It SNOWS.... it SNOWS HARD...... IF You have to complain about it....... you shouldn't be here!!!

hannah,
Sorry I haven't got back to you sooner. My sidewalk on my terrace is fine for the most part. What I would like them to do is not push the snow from the street around the corner, then turn the corner and pile it into my driveway and across the sidewalk. They could just as easily push the snow past my driveway and pile it along the street. They (the city snow plow workers) are using my driveway as a place to store snow off the street. Then I have to shovel the snow onto my yard. I am older and I have a heart problem. Try digging 5 feet of hard packed snow off the first 8 to 10 feet of my drive way.

One skull fracture lawsuit against your home owners insurance policy is going to cost you a great deal more than the time spent shoveling your sidewalk. Suck it up, be a man, and dust the cobwebs off that old snow shovel. Mow your grass while your at it, too.

ARE YOU KIDDING????? I don't shovel a little snow and I get a fine!!!! What about all the accidents that were caused because the city didn't plow the road??? I guess next time I'll just send the bill to the city, or better yet to the guys on the council who suggested this!!!!

WAIT A MINUTE I don't have sidewalks and everyone has to walk in the street. Does that mean with less that 3 inches of snow I have to shovel the road.

Looks like the woolly eyebrows, er, bears, are predicting a very cold, snowy winter this season!

Hey people . How many times have you shoveled
your sidewalk after a big snowstorm and the plow comes by 50mph and pushes the big chunks right back on the sidewalk? When that happens my snowblower won`t go through it. And the snow is even heavier to shovel.No wonder people
have heart attacks in the winter.

to eliminate cars being on the street when they do plow there is a simple solution odd even parking just like most cities do

tomcas/pete- so three of the five replied and the others you speak of that arent nice probably wouldnt even answer the phone. It seems three replied to me as well and the others really dont give a darn!

pete"hannah
Just a heads up they do not check or use these e-mail accounts I ask several Council members when I contacted them to resolve a issue"

then why did they reply in a timely mannor?

Help your elderly neighbors out.It can be a humbling experience.Someday you may need this kind of help.I wish the city would plow out the loop down at Kwanis pond. They can do the parking lot but cant go 50 yards more to do the loop. Ihave been stuck down there and nearly slid into those posts that are planted 4 feet apart from each other. It cost me 100.00 to get towed out. Maybe because it was on a Packer Sunday.What an outrageous cost.

Well Pete sorry but I used the email Hannah posted and I already got a response back. It does work to email them.

redder – Apparently you are unaware that Janesville is the city of the haves and the have-nots. Some have sidewalks, some have not. I find the biggest complainers are the have-nots.

Hey, City of Janesville, take care of our streets first before you decide to fine others!

Hannah thank you for the link, I just used it.

I hate to say it but as far as helping others out shoveling, I do and I dont care, but the word we are all missing is GREED, look at just about everything said it is all stemming from politics, government, and lawyers, everybody wants, wants, and wants more but not willing to help each other out

Pete

Sidewalks are not an eye-sore they offer benefits to kids and others and protect them from cars, if you did not have them then they would walk across your lawn and then trash your easement and you would be upset about that. If you dont like them then sell and move to the country. In the city they are neccisary, and functional. You own it, trust me, who pays for it you do. Its a non-debateable program if you cannt keep it safe then if someone falls on it your the one who is going to get the law suit. I really dont care what you do, your not a slave, your just lazy your choice, but there is a law on the books and you have to live within the law or move to some place the law doesnt exsist again your choice.

pete- you should tell everyone to use this instead- get them all in one shot!!

citycouncil@ci.janesville.wi.us

jtr- okay you can be rude to others but when called on it you call them rude WHATEVER- yes grow up besides take your own STAY ON TOPIC. dont call people adulteresses if they shovel the neighbors sidewalk!!

http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&...
Have Fun

It should be very simple. If there is enough snow to plow your street you should shovel your sidewalk. 12 hours later is enough. If the city doesn't give a crap about your street, you shouldn't have to do your sidewalk. It is insanity to think that the sidewalks should be safer that the street. I do not see too many 1 1/2 ton people walking down the sidewalks risking to slide into someone and killing them. I won't be shoveling my sidewalk unless the street is plowed. You have a standard to set, you set a standard to follow.

gazettefan - well now you're just being rude. please grow up and try to stay on topic.

i also forgot to specify.
i do the sidewalks around the house,any entry way, the corners if you live on a streer corner, and the driveway all for ten bucks.
and trust me its going to cost alot more to get a snowblower and i make it look exactly the same. :D i do not do a half job

That's why it was deleted.

justintimberlakerules, your low-class comment befits your low-class status.

well last winter i was appaulled witht he way the city did the roads. everytime i had to get up at 5 in the morning to shovel there was always huge mounds of snow OVER the crosswalk. i not only had to chip away all of the ice on the big blocks of ice. but, throw all of the big almost 50 boulders onto our snow covered grass. and let me tell you that is not fun. and on top of that we had a policeman come to our house and complain about the way we shoveled our walks due to the fact that there was a huge practical, staircase of ice on the corner. the city should do a better job of plowing the streets let alone cleaning up their mess. and if anyone needs there walk shoveled this upcoming winter feel free to contact me. i charge a steady 10 per walkway. email me at nickel_simon@yahoo.com thanks :D

I shovel my walks and help my neighbors with theirs as do they with mine. However, there needs to be some common sense. Unless you live near a school there is no need to have 100% clear walks. Why anyone would attempt to walk in the weather we've had the last few years is beyond me. Go to the mall and walk if you are that desperate, get a treadmill, or prepare for the chance you might fall on your rear end. No amount of sidewalk clearing last year was going to make any walk 100% safe. If the city council is going to pass some type of measure, it needs to have specific guidelines and take weather conditions and location of the walks into consideration. If winds are blowing at 40mph walks aren't going to be clear, plain and simple. It seems like big brother is slowing creeping into every aspect of our lives. I'm preparing for the which side of my toast to butter proposal to follow.

Using inmates to shovel is a good idea, or those needing to do community service for their sentence. sitting around in a jail cell isn't going to do them any good.

So it is the number of posts, why would anyone keep track?

just trying to catch up with gfan .

jtr- sorry I wasnt keeping tract.I guess you are the only one who is obsessed. there would be less if you would stop being a donkey.

i dont know, im looking at that posts also,maybe im looking in the wrong place,lol.

im sorry mr. scott,they suspended my sisters license for not paying a recyling ticket,so i guess i shouldnt have assumed they would do the same with the snow removal,thank you for you info, it is appreciated.

melstew47-- Good point let the inmates do it, and I am confused Hannah has that many posts?

omg,im sorry,i need to retract a few things,such as,i must have missed a few posts,because some of you put nasty mean posts in here,so those post i do not like,an HANNA,youre right,that was a mean and nasty post that jtl put in here.

melstew47 - If you're fined for not shoveling your sidewalk and you don't pay, your license doesn't get suspended, it becomes a tax lien against your property and is added to your property taxes.

Hannah - I would like to congratulate you on post 5300. At the pace you're going you might be able to hit 5500 today. Good Luck!!!!!

all of you have great posts i loved them,bottom line here is,the city needs money, and the easiest way to get it is fining people.an what happens when you dont pay a fine?they suspend your license,then you have to pay more money,ive never lived in such a state that allows the bullcrap that goes on in this city an county,they cant even take care of their own problems and their telling us how they want things done.heres an idea,why dont the city council load up that workenders bus this winter,with a bunch of those inmates and some of their lazy kids,and help shovel some of these sidewalks that some people are not capable of shoveling,an to hell with getting union people to shovel,use the inmates and they can pay for their 50 bucks a day it cost to house them.and i looked at these guys they seem pretty strong,lets put a shovel in their hands, and they shouldnt have wasted the money on that ice arena,they should have used it for winter needs.

Maybe the city can trade in the street sweeper for a skid loader and dump the snow.

jtr- I would remove youre NASTY comment but I like others to see how nasty you are!!

bereasonalble- where would you like the plow truck to put the snow!!!!!!!

When they plow it goes on the terrace when no terrace- there is a driveway. WHERE DO YOU THINK IT would land DUH. Would you like a small skid steer to follow behind the big plow to empty every driveway as they pass. HOW much in taxes do you think that would be???

jtr- maybe you cannot read sarcasim and got this idea from when somebody told me "my lover" was gazette fan because I agreed with a post of his. what ever your problem is go away.

jtr- IF Pete is my husband as you have so intelligently stated - NOT

Maybe youre the one with open marriage
"On City workers 'pick up' overtime

Posted on October 6 at 10:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Pete - You are so smart. I think I'm falling in love with you."


maybe Pete is your husband or are you just a tramp

Come on people this is ridiculous - if you own a home take some PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY & shovel & while your at it be neighborly and help out others. When it snows, my son & I actually enjoy helping out the neighborhood - no matter how cold it is outside we feel warmer for helping out.

There is no pleasing some of you - how about this? The City Plows all streets AND all sidewalks BUT in order to this they'll have to cut a few services to pay for it. We'll start with: carry your own crap to the dump everyweek and charge say $20 for every bag- That should about cover the expense of people being lazy.

We should have a sign up for the elderly and disabled peopl that need there sidewalks shoveled/grass mowed etc. and it should be a requirement that is you get assistance from the government that you put in so many volenteer hours each month.

I live on a corner and when the steet is plowed, they come around the street on the side of my house, turn right and push the snow right infront of my driveway and leave it. It blocks my driveway and sidewalk. Sometimes the pile is close to 5 feet tall. I dig myself out and if it snows again I go through it again. You would think the drivers would be more considerate, but I have called and complained and it has not helped. I think the drivers need training. I also think there should be a tax break for the number of snow days we have to keep the sidewalks clear for everyone. At least the city should pay for our out of pocket hospital expenses if we have a heart attack when trying to dig ourselves out from the pile of hard packed snow the city snow plow drivers leave us. They need to have a little consideration.

jtl- my husband has a log in name on here but doesnt blog often becuase he CANNOT STAND people like you!!!

Hanna I apologize I miss read your comment.

I see what is wrong with people .
jtr has a nasty comment about helping my neighbor clean the sidewalk.

Why is it that helping the neighbors with sidewalk DISTURBING. If that is disturbing to help people to you It is YOU that needs help.

wannabee- why are you jumping on me?

"wanabee - good point"
I didnt say YOU sit on your butt. WHY so defensive?

jtr- as I said but you cannot ever "understand my writing" I dont know pete so back off with your rude comments. My husband has enough to shovel at work.

My guess is YOU WOULD NEVER just help somebody.

I didnt know buy helping my neighbor move snow I get accused of"open marriage"

Where Do you get off saying such things??

DONT LIEBLE ANYBODY- you cant read that stuff either?!!!

I agree not many people walk down my street if they do they walk in the street, and the kids walking to school is minimal. We have sidewalks but no one seems to use them they prefer the street.

You know what is really funny? As I have driven around Janesville, one hardly ever sees anyone walking. Oh, there are a few here and there along with a jogger or someone taking the dog out but generally, the sidewalks are hardly used. Business' need to keep their areas clear but I would guess that approx 95% of the sidewalks in this city hardly eversee a steady stream of foot prints upon them. Sidewalks should be cleaned but remember, the person that is walking also has the responsibility to watch where the step.

Ok hanna, are smoking crack you do not know me I do not watch soaps and my weight is not an issue. I am saying with all the things going on like, oh lets see a sex offender or two in the neighborhood, people without jobs looking to take advantage of an elderly person, and many more crimes going on. Some people do not feel safe to ask someone for help.

Right on Wannabe! I completely forgot about not being able to see to turn corners. That was definitely an issue last year as well.

wanabee - good point. It makes me sick that if an elderly person lived next to somebody they would even HAVE TO ASK for help!!!! just help them FOR FREE and feel good about it when youre done and maybe lose a pound too. Oh that is right you might miss your soap OH NO!!

and yes I do my neighbors sidewalk . They are QUITE capable but if I am out there first I do it. She has small children and it may be hard for her to get out there with them and hubby goes to work very early. Sometimes I get the same in return.

DONT FORGET THOSE HYDRANTS- even if theyre NOT yours it may be your home that burns to the ground if you dont!!

Hanna asking for help sometimes is not easy for people to do, especially in this society, people are mean and you are dreaming. I would help someone without a second thought but not every one has a good heart. Did you not read earlier this week a woman was nice to someone and got robbed.

If you are elderly ASK for help. If you dont have the money to pay somebody ask them to JUST BE NICE and help me for no reason more than being a fellow neighbor. WHY DOES everything have to be done for money. Cant people just be nice for free anymore????????

i say gives those who WONT shovel a fine AND A shovel and if still not cleared ANOTHER fine. Why do it for them!!!

I know that I have to shovel my sidewalk; I also know that when the plow goes by I need to do it again. However, the city should be held responsible for streets and city sidewalks.

I do not like not being able to see when turning a corner. I do not like slipping and sliding all over a road that is not plowed. Therefore, I think if the city cannot do its job that I pay for, then the city should be ticketed and sued if their lack of responsibility causes me to be hurt. Just as I am liable for my sidewalk not being shoveled and someone falls.

It's our civic duty to shovel our sidewalks and mow our lawns. That said, I find it telling that the council wrings its hands over offending the union that represents our city employees by even discussing private contractors to do the work but exhibits so little concern over how offensive their stance on this may be to city residents who are referred to as delinquents. Whose interests are you elected to serve? Who is working for whom?

spikesmom
Oct 15, 2009 at 11:37 p.m.
Suggest removal justin - that is way better than anything I could have said!!
justintimberlakerules
Oct 15, 2009 at 10:56 p.m.
Suggest removal Pete - What exactly do you need explained? Again you list a statistic backed up by no proof what-so-ever. You are known on these boards as the poster of baseless claims and the human telephone book. I'm sure the conversations that you and Hannah have at home are very intellectual.

Spikesmom- this is the CHEERING I am speaking of.

sorry jtr I dont know Pete and youre comments about me are getting old. YOu cannot stop bashing me I havent even commented here.

I agree GET THE WALKS CLEARED. If somebody needs help HELP THEM. If they dont need help and are just lazy kick them in the butt!!

I saw a sidewalk on milton av last year. It had a 12 inch ramp to get onto it. and RENTERS SHOVEL YOUR WALKS!! If it is taken care of by your landlord you would know. If it is and they dont get their soon enough get of the couch and do it!!


If you wait till the city plows to do your sidewalk that it just stupid. yes it may get plowed back in . That is life. You cannot control that snow in a plow truck unless you would like them to drive 5 mph and then NOTHING would ever be plowed. Do it right away before people walk on it and it too wont be as hard to shovel it.


There is salt stuff that WONT rein your precious cement!!!!!!!!!

"So people complain when the city doesn't plow the streets and they complain when to do plow the streets but pile up snow in their driveways. You can't win in this city."

Where are all these complaints about the city plowing snow into a driveway? If the city expects me to be "Johnny on the spot" when it comes to shoveling my sidewalks in the interest of public safety, that's fine, BUT, the same should go for the city when it comes to plowing, salting and sanding the roads, for the same reason, public safety. After all, it is my tax money that is supposed to be paying for this service so that I can safely travel to and from work so that I can make money, some of which is used to pay the city their taxes. Seems that dynamic is completely lost on many out there, including the City Council.

So let me get this straight, the same council that is going to plow LESS snow for the taxpayers wants to hold the same taxpayers MORE accountable for shoveling snow of the city sidewalks? Yep, sounds like Janesville city government alright.

So people complain when the city doesn't plow the streets and they complain when to do plow the streets but pile up snow in their driveways. You can't win in this city.

Hey Redder,

I'd hire you to plow my driveway if you are interested. Last year, my neighbor never plowed or shoveled their side of the shared driveway and I shoveled my own side. As a result, since I was unable to drive straight on into my driveway (busy street), I broke the axle on my car trying to cross over the area where they neglected theirs. It cost me all sorts of grief and the City couldn't do anything about it. I'd pay someone to come and plow the entire drive if it would save me the unnecessary grief again. That neighbor never even shoveled their sidewalk either. And to make things even more irritating, they'd use my side of the driveway just to get up enough to get to theirs. So they trespassed on my property instead of being responsible for their own. Talk about a jerk. Anyway, if anyone knows anyone that could provide plowing for a reasonable price (I can't afford a lot as mine is the only income), please let me know.

everyone quit whing an shovel your sidewalks completly. It always an experience when i ride my electric wheelchair in winter an someone shovels just a path!! does me no good!

I'm not saying I'm not gonna shovel because I will shovel, I am just saying that the city needs to be responsible also, I don't want to drive on icey slippery roads because the city isn't plowing, I want to be safe when I drive to and from work and when I have my family in the car. Why is that so hard to understand. I am a responsible homeowner I shovel when it snows and mow when the lawn needs it.

yes--it goes into driveways,where else would it go? the plow drivers have many roads to plow and someone has to be last--they don't know when you have done your driveway.

One other thing enforce the parking when plowing and issue the tickets for those who choose to leave the car in the street. this would generate alot of money for the needed money to keep our streets plowed and safe for the drivers.

Also they plow their snow back into my driveway after I have done my part as to shoveling and if they would slow the trucks down a little it would not fly far enough to recover my sidewalk.and pack my driveway so hard that it is a Back breaking to redo!!!

if it only snows a half inch I tend to just leave the snow on the sidewalk, throw on a bit of salt and let it melt off. The 1/2" of snow does not hinder anybody from walking. Why should I be fined for this when it seems to be the exact same strategy that the city uses to "maintain" its streets?

When people don’t shovel, the snow turns into ice and people fall on the ice.” Well when tne city don't plow the same happens with roads and streets. Yes the sidewalks in many areas need to be shoveled and so do the streets if they want sidewalks done then I hope they do the streets. This is kind of a two sided mouth in this article one day we read an article about the city not plowing if only 2 inches so if we only get 2 inches do the people have to shovel? I have always kept my sidewalk shoveled.

This town is filled with people who bitch about anything. Just shovel your damn sidewalks already. Take responsibilty for being a homeowner. It makes no difference who installed your sidewalk. It's there. What's next? You won't shovel your sidewalks because the Chinese language program is being forced on your children since GM was shut down? People blame others way too much on something they themselves are responsible for in the first place.

Our "former" city manager, King Steve, was instrumental in mandating city sidewalks. Why is it that he and his wife often walk in the street where sidewalks are available. Seems a little hypocritical to me.

I just can't believe what I'm reading here. Some of you just don't understand the basics here. Your not going to shovel unless they plow your street? Hmmm, common sense says every time the plow goes by its costing me money. The more the city spends the higher your taxes go. Then you complain about how much money the city spends for the winter budget plowing roads. Its a no win situation. Some of you really need to stand back and take a look at the TOTAL picture. If the city showeled your side walk who do you think is going to pay for it? YOU the tax payer. DUH!

http://rocknetroots.blogspot.com/2008/02...

Read This PLEASE - WAKE UP CITY COUNCIL! So you want to "get tough" on those that don't shovel sidewalks. I live in the city in an area with no sidewalks and they are going to cut back on plowing. So now when I have to go for a walk(where there is NO sidewalks)I will have to walk in the city street that they are now probably not going to plow because they want to cut back on plowing. I have had to call city council members last year just to get our street plowed after snow storms. If you are cutting back on plowing, then put sidewalks on both sides in ALL city neighborhoods! I moved here from another city that had sidewalks and cannot believe that I have to walk in the street where cars go speeding by. Final point I will be checking the city council members that want to "get tough" to see if they shovel their sidewalk in a timely manner.

spikesmom I shovel my sidewalk every snowfall but I think the city should also keep the streets safe. It can get dangerous when the
streets turn to ice and you have to drive on them. Why shouldn't the city be held responsible for taking care of the city roads when we have to be held responsible for shoveling our sidewalks. I don't know about you but I would really like to be safe driving to and from work in the winter.

Welcome to WI people!! enough said lol

Being a property owner requires responsibility. That seems to be lost on certain individuals. As long as there are excuses, people will use them. If you can't physically maintain your property, hire somebody who can. If you can't financially maintain your property, sell it. If you don't like sidewalks and the effort it requires, move in to the rural area. Some of you people would bitch if you were hung with a new rope.

The city mandates a sidewalk, which the property owner nearest is forced to take all responsibility & liability for, even though the property owner does not necessarily benefit from its existence. In fact, some potential property owners may view sidewalks as an undesirable deterrent to owning property. If the reason is to provide a path for public foot commute, then it should be treated just as the public streets are for vehicle traffic. Public tax dollars should be used, not fines, to clear where volunteers do not do the work. If the citizens do not want tax dollars used in this way, then pressure should be given to not add, or even eliminate, sidewalks. There is no difference between city streets/ road right-of-way and rural Sate/County/Town roads in my opinion. Any road right-of-way (an area dedicated for public highway) should ultimately be maintained by the general public, not a select group of property owners.
A more detailed comparison would be rural road ditch maintenance (brush, mowing, trees). I would gladly challenge any invoice or fine for the maintenance. In fact, I am concerned about my ability to work in the road right-of-way without permission from the municipality & the liability that I assume, as anyone should, even though I do it.
Again, I say if the purpose of sidewalks is to benefit the general public, then the general pubic (as a whole) should pay for it. If the general public's cost can be reduced by the maintenance assistance of a nearby property owner, then it should be welcomed, not required. For those that would like to argue that sidewalks are not in the road right-of-way, I say to you that I do not want a mandated sidewalk on my property (yes I do also own property in the City of Janesville with sidewalks along it and I do not feel the asset is greater than the burden).

I am from south of the bordar, and I am ALL FOR private contractors not only doing sidewalks, but also residential streets! I know how to contract on there, but would rather save the drive! ;) (and you'd get better service!)

I think there's a point when it makes more sense to leave some snow on the streets instead of gathering it up in piles where it's less likely to melt. I live on Center Avenue, and it's not uncommon for me to have to clear the entrance to my driveway 6 or 7 times per snowstorm just to keep up with the plows that make MULTIPLE passes. They come down the street in teams, one following behind and to the side of the the one in front. This collects and redistributes the snow to the sides of the street and into the gutters, which results in a very clear street surface, but at what cost? Last year the piles of snow on the terraces in my neighborhood were so high that backing out of any of the driveways on the block was an absolute hazard! Of course I realize that Center Ave. is a busy street and needs to be plowed. But I don't think it needs to be done more than 3 times each storm -- especially when other areas of town don't seem to get plowed until days, or weeks later.

"When the city plows my street, I will shovel my sidewalk. If there is not enough snow to plow, there is not enough to shovel".
Well Said!!

justin - that is way better than anything I could have said!!

Pete - What exactly do you need explained? Again you list a statistic backed up by no proof what-so-ever. You are known on these boards as the poster of baseless claims and the human telephone book. I'm sure the conversations that you and Hannah have at home are very intellectual.

how about i will shovel my sidewalk if it snows more than three inches or the plow, plows my street, otherwise tough luck. If the city doesn't "shovel" my street why should i have to shovel the sidewalk that i never wanted to begin with!

So people only want to shovel if the city plows the street first? That's mature. While I think that the city could do a much better job of plowing ALL streets in Janesville and actually ticketing and towing cars left on the street during a snow emergency, they do have how many hundreds of miles of streets to take care of, as compared to 90 or 100 feet of sidewalk in front of most people's homes? I've lived in Janesville for 35 years and I've never understood the "all about me" attitude here. It snows, you shovel. Seriously, what is the big deal?

I walk to work EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!! I would appreciate it if other property owners would shovel their sidewalks. Even my children help out when we need to shovel the sidewalks. When the sidewalks are cleared off, it is GREATLY APPRECIATED by all!!!!!!

“delinquent lawn mowers” That's funny.

Hey! Look at the picture of a plowed and almost dry street that precedes this article.
What’s up with the snowy sidewalk?
Is that a city sidewalk plow being delinquent?

If they want to get so tough on the sidewalks...I suggest they get tough on the streets first.

That means not just ticketing vehicles on the street after a snow but TOWING them so the street can be plowed as it should be.

I'm shaking my head in disbelief.

When the city plows my street, I will shovel my sidewalk. If there is not enough snow to plow, there is not enough to shovel.

I know in some towns there is "selective" enforcement on sidewalk shoveling depending on "who" you are...When this happens, get out the camera and do some walking....that solves that problem.

Thank you people its good to see some people in this town are decent...I am gaining some respect for humanity in Janesville anyway. And your right get outside and get your blood flowing...we are all to fat anyway it will do you some good, plus maybe you can help someone, and do a nice thing

Boy, what a bunch of winer's. Want some cheese with that wine? What's your favorite wine? "I don't want to do it".

Get out side one in your life and get some fresh air blowing between your ears, you many have a better out look in life.

Get over it

On my street, I usually take my snowblower about five houses down from mine in each direction to help out my neighbors. They do the same for me if they get out there first. I think the city just needs more of that kind of neighborhood cooperation and help.

spikesmom, shouldn't the city be just as responsible with the streets, its just as
dangerous if not more driving on streets that
haven't been plowed and left to turn to ice, if I have to shovel every snow fall then I think the city should also have to plow the streets to make them safe for me and everyone else to drive on.

I don't have a perfect answer for this issue, but there does need to be enforcement to some degree. There's a couple houses at/near the intersection of Memorial and Milton Ave that NEVER shovel and that ticks me off. My kids are older now and don't walk that way but it's been an issue for several years along that area. When my kids went to Adams, I shoveled the side walk along that way even though it was blocks from my house.

It really cracks me up. I have to plow at work and I plow at home, or snowblow my sidewalks and my drive then i jump back in the truck and do the neibors that the city burys in at the end of their drives, then I do the older lady who cannt down the street then I do anybody who asks nicely, and all for you got it FREE. WHY you ask because its what my Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma taught me to do. I ask one thing, what the hell is wrong with you people? Do you have any respect for anyone including yourself, its call community. To be honest yes the city could do better but what about helping someone in need, this city is going to hell in a hand basket, and all we talk about uis a UNION contract. I say fire all of you so called counsil members, fire the city manager have a mayor run for an election and then if he can not get the job done he wont get elected again. This city care zero about its residents and only about its taxes.

I'm sorry, but if you don't want the responsibility of shoveling snow in the winter and mowing your lawn in the summer, then don't be a homeowner. Sell your house and move into an apartment. And all you able-bodied people out there...if you have a neighbor, even two or three houses away, or or if you don't have a sidewalk but your elderly neighbor across the street does, maybe take the time to help out and shovel every other snowfall. I don't understand how people don't care that others can't safely use sidewalks during the winter because they can't be bothered to clear them. I can't believe someone said on here that they don't care if someone has an accient on their sidewalk. Grow up. Before anyone asks me, yes I do shovel the sidewalks of neighbors that I know aren't able to always do so. Someone did it for me once and I was very grateful.

"And for all of you who will tell me to get a monster truck and quit whining, I'm talking about the city not plowing for weeks after multiple snow falls which is ridiculous no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving."
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I agree. A 4x4 has no more traction on ice than any other vehicle, except for four tires spinning rather than two. I remember one time I hit a patch of ice last winter with MY truck in 4-by and slid into the curb, which made all my guns fall out of the gun rack....

Glad they haven't put sidewalks down my street yet. One less thing I have to worry about this winter. Make sure you clear your walks early so I can get out for my morning walk.

Just HAD to buy/build a fancy new two story house in the suburbs, being ungratefull that you had the means to do so, and then bitch about your self-centered state of affairs? As if you were so naive as to think progress wouldn't catch up with you sooner or later?
Take your rose colored glasses off, dumbells.
Takes 15 minutes to shovel an average sidewalk. Get used to it or develop a protest group that meets every Sunday at your nearest McDonalds Restaurant.
If you see a city owned sidewalk being neglected, plow it yourself and then send THEM a bill.

As money gets tight for everyone, we are facing a return to personal responsibility. There is snow and ice in the winter, no one, including the city doing streets and curbs (walking) is going to keep it clear it all the time. You are responsible for wearing snow boots and watching for ice. Look less for others to protect you and don't assign blame. Take personal responsibility.

So what happens if you go out of town for a week?
" Oh gee Aunt Martha, Sorry to leave I gotta fly back home, 'cuz it snowed, and I don't want to get a ticket and a bill".
I faithfully used my snow blower each time it snowed last year, and each time the city faithfully came down the street and plowed my sidewalk ( and those on most of the block ) under. So if the city buries my hard work, I can still be fined for not cleaning up their mess? There are people here who can barely afford to stay in their homes as it is, they are elderly, the have owned homes here and paid taxes all their lives, and they have trouble shoveling snow as it is...let's help them by ticketing them, have someone clean their walks, and then billing them some amount they probably can't afford. What are you guys thinking? You can't even get together on getting the streets cleared, but you want to get tough on us?! When is the next election? Remember - A Chicago mayor lost her job based on snow issues.

I invest a lot of time, energy, and money shoveling and snowblowing the sidewalks of four properties, so I don't think it's really out of line to ask other property owners to do the same. Many times you have rentals where the owner has not made snow shoveling responsibilities clear to the tenants. (This should be spelled out in the lease, but often isn't.)
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Being elderly or disabled isn't an excuse for property owner, either. If they can't physically do it, they need to arrange for a neighbor or enterprising teen to do it. These are plentiful in my neighborhood, in fact, for all the effort I put into my property, I have a steady stream of people looking to do the work.

Am I responsible for the extra two or three feet the city snow plows leave on my sidewalk as the clear the street? Especially the HEAVY, WET TYPE of snow that we get.

If they want it done quickly, do it like the City of Whitewater, they are very quick and efficient about enforcing snow removal ordinances. If you don't have your sidewalk shoveled by 8pm of the day following a snowfall, you get a notice, and a contractor will be out the next day to shovel if it isn't shoveled by the resident. Basically, you have 24 hours to shovel or risk having to pay the city contractor.

Thanks to the city council, I got a new sidewalk a couple of years ago. I didn't want it, but it was shoved down my throat anyway. Now, if I don't plow it after a 1 inch snowfall, I could get fined. How about those streets in the city that don't have a sidewalk? Am I forced to walk in the street and risk being hit by a car? Fortunately, I'm able to clean my own driveway but if I clean it right away, I have to go out later after the plows have filled it in. What is the reasonable time for the streets to be plowed? It seems that our city government has no long term plan to deal with the sidewalk issue. You've got two choices. Either everyone gets their own sidewalk OR no one get a sidewalk. What is it going to be?

The last few years have been tough. Even if you shoveled, the snow would blow back onto the sidewalk within hours in some cases. Granted, there are those who just plain ignore their sidewalks, but there are many who just don't have time to shovel six times a day because of drifting snow. In addition, I'm not paying a premium for salt that doesn't eat through my sidewalks and driveway. If someone has to walk in the kind of weather we've had over the last few years, they should understand the risk. I always shovel, but it's often a losing battle.

What about those who are disabled and cannot shovel their own sidewalks? Are the tenants responsible then or do the landlords take responsibility at that point? I'm all for a clean and safe sidewalk, but not everyone is physically capable of shoveling. If the city has to hire someone to shovel, why does it have to be a union worker who shovels? I could use the extra cash, and I love to shovel, believe it or not...

And as for plowing, alternate side parking will help clear the entire street, and not only the middle, as current practice provides. Trying to find a decent place to park downtown is near impossible for my disabled friend; he can barely walk with crutches without snow and ice. And we can't always do it for him, even though we try. Alternate side parking will help aleviate the congestion caused by the snow emergency parking regulations, and reduce the amount of tickets issued for violation. There are other ways to generate revenue in Janesville besides from snow emergency and unshoveled sidewalk violators.

jvldss... That's exactly what I was thinking the whole time I was reading this article. And what happens to streets that are left unplowed for too long... ice builds up and accidents happen. Or if that doesn't happen, your car sustains unnecessary wear and tear or damages from the build up of ice. And for all of you who will tell me to get a monster truck and quit whining, I'm talking about the city not plowing for weeks after multiple snow falls which is ridiculous no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving.

Listen if more people where good neighbors and helped out and shoveled the sidewalk next door when you know someone that is unable or no one is living there then we would not be having this complaint now would we

Couldn't agree more Sandman.

my family and i are going to have a meeting, closed session, and determine how many inches of snow have to fall before it is deemed important to shovel our sidewalk. it is expensive using that snow thrower and it takes time, and both translate into money. sure there might be some accidents, but that is the risk one must take in the time/money/effort equation. wait, why not just wait and go by what the city does. they have experts that figure that out. i blow when the city plows.

Ok, the city doesn't have to plow unless it snows more than 3 inches, but if residents don't shovel their sidewalks they get fined? Something stinks.

Sorry, I didn't ask for your sidewalk, and since installed, your city-wide sidewalk "plan" has fizzled.

These council members want to get "tough on sidewalks," but the city wants to cut back on plowing? I see few people walking in the winter, and many, MANY driving. And where there are no sidewalks in this city WITHOUT a plan), people still have to walk in the street! Plowing the streets is a primary service that people pay property taxes for here in WI.

And long grass? Come on -- the city is the worst offender! Thanks for all the uncut "green belt" (aka open storm sewer) thistle!

Take care of your own mess first, council. GET THE STREETS PLOWED! Do you have far too much time on your hands, or are you merely splurging with taxpayer's money on a spa make-over for a terminal patient?

And let's not even talk about millions for the ice arena ... STOP WASTING OUR MONEY!

And who determines what's acceptable. Do I want a private company who gets paid by how many properties they shovel to make that determination, NO!

Well if that's the case, why don't they just pay me to shovel my own sidewalk????

What is the recourse for residents whose streets are not plowed in a timely manner. Last year the amount of unplowed roads was unacceptable. Can we hire contractors to clear them and then send the city the bill?