“Outside Look” at Snow and Ice Control in Omaha - American Public ...

4/26/09Top 5 Citizen Interview Comments1. General satisfaction with major streets’ snow and ice control andgeneral dissatisfaction with minor and residential streets2. Generally ineffective pre-season public information efforts by thecity, adequate to good during a storm3. The city could make better utilization of equipment andtechnologies4. Increased resources, personnel and equipment, are identified asthe greatest needs to an improved snow and ice control program5. The public is generally negative towards a tax increase or higherfees for city services but many felt if significant snow and icecontrol program improvements can be attained, they would besupportiveRecommendations1. Develop a more comprehensive public informationcampaign regarding Omaha’s Snow and Ice ControlProgram, utilizing:a. Pro-active media contactsb. Providing citizens with information packetsc. Utilizing Public Service Announcements (PSA) opportunitiesthrough local cable TV providersd. Upgrading snow and ice control materials on the City’s websitee. Continue e-mail notifications to Omaha businesses on weather,street conditions and city’s plan for early dismissal of employeesdue to driving conditionsf. Explain to the public their responsibility to ensure that sidewalksare cleared of snow and ice in a timely fashion and the city’sprogram to clear those, on a complaint basis, that aren't’ clearedby the property ownerg. Make these recommendations and the reports available to thecitizens of OmahaRecommendations2. Update the Snow Program Manuala. Identify program goals by streetclassificationb. Document salt or salt additive and abrasiveapplications rates by storm typec. Incorporate information contained inseparately provided “narrative description”into official program manual2009 NASC