Street Sweepers in the Middle of FEB in Minnesota

In my experience governments like to use up their budgets so they can justify the same - if not more - revenue needs for the next year.

:(

If it was your home, or mine, we would put that money to better use. At the very least we would set aside for the next winter when it might actually be needed.

PS: My city just put all new - tall - palm trees in road medians. The next hurricane that comes will knock them all down. It's happened several times since I've lived here in the last decade. Why not just put hearty, squat bushes that are low maintenance with low water needs?

That's how I feel when I see hotel/grocery stores/apartments..you name it...watering their lawns WHEN IT'S RAINING!!!! Seriously?
I wonder if they are sweeping to get the sand off the road? (do you sand in your state?)
L.

Having just spent 6 years in MN, I get what you are saying. Crazy! The only thing I can think of is that they are worried about the grit being a danger to cars sliding on it when stopping. Otherwise, I've got nothing.

Contact the local news stations and pose that question. I have Kare 11 on my FB. They are always asking for story ideas. :)

I totally get what you are saying, because this time of year in Minn. everyone is up in arms about how we are running out of money for snow removal, so this year seems like it should put us ahead for NEXT year.
I wish funds could be better used too.

Sweeping the grit off the road now is very optimistic of them.
There's still plenty of time left in the season for freezing and you need the grit on the roads for some traction.
I guess these guys are being paid for road maintenance and would normally be plowing streets but since there's nothing to plow right now, they'll drive the next vehicle available even if it's the wrong season for it.
("We're paying them - they'd better be doing something/anything for it.")
They should be clearing storm drains or picking trash on roadsides but that's too 'manual labor'.

Okay, I live in Minnesota, too.

Have you considered how much money has been SAVED this year by not having to plow...like...at all? Especially with gas prices being so high...I am sure there is a LOT of money left in this years budget for winter maintenance. These are city workers who are getting paid, regardless. Might as well have them do something, right?

And personally, I appreciate the sand and grit off the road for the sake of my car. However, I do not have your problem, since they have definitely have not swept MY street. I wish they would...I'd like to see something for my tax money...I mean, if you aren't going to plow, do something else. The workers are getting paid...we ought to be getting something.