Town Of Waterford. Maintenance Handbook. Policies and Procedures

Transcription

1 Town Of Waterford Maintenance Handbook Policies and Procedures Updated February 2006

2 4. Any breakage, repairs, or impedances to proper usage are to be reported to the Foreman and/or Director immediately. Any equipment, vehicle, and/or tool that is not in proper working condition is not to be used. 5. All proper safety equipment required with the operation of that equipment, vehicle, and/or tool is to be used at all times. 6. All accidents are to be reported in full to the Foreman, ASAP. 7. All equipment, vehicle, and/or tool are to be used in compliance with Town Policy, Town Ordinances, State Law and/or Federal Law or regulations. This includes speed limits, seat belt usage, parking regulations, OSHA, etc. 8. The use of town vehicles and equipment is limited to Recreation and Parks business. The exception is the coffee break/lunch procedure. 9. The operator of any vehicle or equipment must be a Town Of Waterford employee. 10. NO equipment or vehicle can be operated without the proper, valid State of Connecticut Licenses. As mandated by Town policy, copies of licenses will be required. III. Ground Maintenance 1. Overview The grounds maintenance for the Town of Waterford is the responsibility of the Recreation and Parks Commission. Our mission is to keep the grounds and the grass to function as designed, especially play areas, and to have them be pleasing to the eye. Safety is our first priority. The grounds are to be maintained free of litter, dangerous debris, and other equipment or material defects which may be dangerous or hinder proper use. Since we cannot always be everywhere each day concerning the total of 500+ acres each day or even the 300+ acres we maintain weekly, we encourage residents to let us know of conditions which may be substandard. This is especially effective at the schools. Secondly, all maintainers are to let us know if they observe any potentially dangerous or sub-standard conditions concerning grounds. Any condition determined to be dangerous is to be rectified immediately if possible. By possible, it should take the maintenance crew on site, with the tools, material and equipment with them, no longer than a half hour of time to correct the condition. If that is not the case, they (the park maintenance crews on site) are to notify the park foreman or the Recreation and Parks office of the situation and be given direction. If signs are required or other notification of the problem and/or possible isolation of the area by saw horses, cones, tape, etc. is necessary, it will be done as soon as possible. 2. Definition of Terms A. FERTILIZATION: The majority of the fertilization is performed by contracted services. Sports Turf-Fertilizer is selected by use on athletic fields, i.e. over-used turf under stress. A better price can be obtained and mix-ups avoided when using one type. It can come from any number of manufacturers. It will be a chemical product with an approximate percent composition (analysis and grade) of 20% nitrogen, 5% phosphorus and 10% potash. Soil tests indicate amount of P and K. The product is to be dry, to be spread with a cyclone type spreader. The product is to be a controlled, slow released (12-16 weeks) type with a volume of spread of approximately 60 lbs per ½ acre. The particles are to be coated for slow release such as wax, polymers, etc. The low volume means less bags and weight to store, transport, and broadcast, thus reducing man-hours and needed space. Athletic fields may be fertilized up to four times a year (late spring through mid to late fall). If the fertilizing is done twice a year, the rate for the first one will be at slightly less than 100% as indicated on the bag so as to give a substantial safety factor in case of a quick

3 drought. If there is a second fertilization, it will be at approximately 75% as directed. Our intent is to keep the turf slightly hungry. A grid will be pre-set by maintainer so striping will be avoided. Any spillage is to be cleaned up immediately. Fertilization on lawns will be once a year when possible, using approximately 60% to 80% of rate indicated on bag. This is to be done in late spring or late fall. Fertilization is not be done on any inclines of over 4-1 or not at all on inclines leading to any body of water. Fertilization is to be done when the grass is dry. Fertilization of shrubs or trees will be at the drip line in amounts dictated on the bag, when possible. B. LIMING: Soil tests for ph give recommendation to lime application. Our goal is between 6 and 6.5. Liming with powder is very messy and must be highly monitored because it can get on nearby vehicles, causing complaints and gets into operators eyes, throat, skin, clothes and shoes. The pettelized lime is much too expensive. Except for smaller isolated areas, contracting this out is preferred. Liming to be done in seasons other than dead of winter or heat of summer. C. AERATING: Aerating the soil releases toxic gases from soil, improves wetting capacity, reduces surface tension, stimulates root growth and improves response to fertilizers. Aerating will occur on athletic fields and highly trafficked (compacted) lawn areas at least one a year. We strive for two (2) to three (3) procedures per year. It is to be done whenever possible except winter, but preferably in mid-spring, late summer and mid-fall. Each procedure will mean aerating once in one direction and again in another contrasting direction. Weight will be applied to aero-way (solid line) as needed to penetrate four (4) inches of tine into the turf. This method fractures the undersurface of the soil. A chain link drag can be used to smooth out surface irregularities as needed. If possible, aerating should occur prior to liming, fertilization, over-seeding, and top-dressing. Usually, aeration of spring and summer used ball-fields will occur in the fall and visa-versa for fall used fields. Top-dressing after aeration is preferred since it neutralizes thatch by infusing with top-dressing machine. D. SEEDING: This procedure will occur in the spring and in the fall. In most cases a mixture of the latest resistant types of grass with approximately the same percentage amounts (33% of tall fescue, rye, and bluegrass will be applied. Application for over-seeding on established ball fields will usually be with the over-seeding machine at a rate prescribed by the turf condition, i.e. 25 to 50 lbs. per acre. Over-seeding will occur on worn areas requiring such and not everywhere. If possible, a light coat of top-dressing will follow over-seeding to protect seed from birds, keep it moist, and to establish better roots right away. Seeding new areas, smaller areas, or special areas, may require a different seed, i.e. a quick germinating rye(s). The soil is disturbed, landscaped, broadcast seeded (with hand cranked broadcast seeded), raked in, salt marsh hay spread, fertilized and watered. Watering is not always possible. The area should be marked off to protect it from foot traffic. Liming will follow within days or visa-versa with fertilizer. E. VERTICAL CUTTTING: The over-seed machine will slice the soil with or without seed, therefore is used to vertical cut sod to give a temporary relief of surface compaction, and a limited exchange of gases. However, it will expose the thatch. The thatch should be removed by raking. Since this is usually labor intensive, to hand rake, it seldom gets done except in small areas (See #3-Aerating for thatch control). F. TOP-DRESSING: Adds good soil material to the present soil surface to smooth surface between grass clumps, infusing thatch material to make it a positive material rather than an inhibiting grass growing material by decomposition, and covers newly sown grass seed protecting from birds, giving moisture to seed, and establishing better initial roots. This is to be done as needed on highly turf areas (ball fields), which need to be essentially smooth. This is done during the off season of the ball fields, on highly compacted foot traffic areas, tire ruts, diggings by crows

4 or skunks, etc. A dry, double screened topsoil mixed with approximately 25% to 50% medium fine sand is to be used with a drop spreader in large areas. It can be done by hand in smaller areas. The depth is as needed to make a smooth surface, usually ¼ to ½. G. MOWING: All mowing is to be done at 2 ½ except for special purposes, i.e. areas for paint lines on ball fields, Field Hockey, etc. Mowing is to be done on ride-on mowers, to include trimming as much as possible. Hand mowing and hand trimming are to be done only where it is impossible to do with ride-on mowers. Clippings are not be collected but are to be returned to turf for supplemental fertilization by decomposing. Excess clippings are to be left on turf surface to dry for at least one to two days. At that time, the ride-on mowers will return and re-mow, scattering the excess clippings. All areas are scheduled to be mowed once a week, please refer to the seasonal mowing schedule. When weather or schedules interrupt the schedule, special arrangements will have to be made to get an area mowed in a timely fashion. Mowing machines are to be re-equipped with sharpened and balanced cutting blades at least once a week. Trimmers, such as weed eaters, are to be carried by mower crew and used before moving to the next area, on any over-grown area, which detracts from the appeal of the area. Blowers are to be carried by each crew to blow off clippings on pavement areas as necessary. The ride-on mowers will not mow on slopes greater than 4 to 1 and operators must judge the safety of all slopes when it is wet for safety reasons. Mowing personnel will visually over-view area to be mowed for obvious hazards, litter, and especially park or school users and make necessary corrections or adjustments to their mowing schedule. All litter, rocks, etc., are to be picked up and properly disposed of as the mowing process is happening. Extra fuel will accompany the mowers. All breakdowns will be immediately communicated to the Park Foreman. Daily inspection of the mowing areas will take place prior to and after the mowing day. See Mowing Procedures in Section IV. H. SOD: Installation Sod is squares or strips of turf-grass with an inch or so of soil. When installed properly, it gives instant turf. It is used when time is of the essence, when slopes need to be secured from erosion and/or where a very uniform turf is required. Sod is installed butted together, tightly, over good scarified topsoil. Topsoil can be added to seams for better transition from strip to strip and other adjacent areas. Once installed it can be lightly rolled. It is to be watered daily until rooting has been established. I. WATERING: Since there are currently no sprinkler or irrigation systems under Town jurisdiction, other than Little League North & South and Spera Field, (plans to irrigate fields forthcoming), watering is by hand or lawn sprinklers. A water cannon is available at the Waterford High School fields and is used during drought conditions on that campus. Watering is done mostly to hold dust down on skin areas, to make daily maintenance of ball fields possible, and to water small areas. During droughts, fire companies are requested to water fields as much as possible. Whenever possible, watering is done in the morning or evening for more effectiveness. J. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: The Recreation and Parks Commission is committed to doing the turf, shrub, flower beds and ornamental tree management in an efficient, economical and safe manner to perpetuate the beauty of the Town and its playability. We seldom use chemicals other than lime, fertilizer, and Round-Up on any areas. Latex paint and making chalk are used to line ball fields. All those chemicals can be bought over the counter and are applied strictly according to the directions. If any situations become severe enough to require herbicide, pesticides, or fungicides, a licensed applicator is contracted. No chemicals are applied on any slopes near water retention areas thus avoiding any chemical run-off. Grass is mowed at 2. inches so rooting is better, less watering is required, and the soil remains cooler, thus using nature as much as possible for better turf. Some ball fields are mowed at less than 2.5 inches during their season to enhance the playability of that sport. Aerating, top grasses, and neutralize thatch. Compost piles are maintained at Waterford Beach and Stenger Farm and is used to fertilize and as potting soil for new tree and shrub plantings. All grass, plants, trees and shrubs are to be certified

5 as the most resistant to local and recent pests. Re-design poorly, thought-out park and school areas to make easier to maintain. Suggesting plants, other landscape design material and defining structures to reduce labor intensive work, such as trimming and hand mowing when new parks or play areas are being conceived. By requesting the use of the large bucket loaders and backhoes from Public Works, we are able to more fully utilize the talent of our work force by doing projects in-house, hence saving monies. Volunteer groups such as garden clubs and community interest groups maintain the garden areas at the entrance to Waterford High School, Waterford Beach Park, the flowers in front of the Public Safety Complex, Quaker Hill Green, Mago Point, and other areas where appropriate. Two (2) areas of wild flowers are matched for color and types of seed flowers to be very attractive to birds and insects. Stenger Farm is mowed twice a year with clippings remaining to form nutrition for future grass growth. Shrub beds are mulched and wood chipped in the spring to prevent weeds. Street sand is removed each spring from all turf areas, adjacent to paved areas to soil deterioration and run-off pollution. 3. Ballfield Maintenance The ball fields, under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Parks Commission will be maintained to a condition that is safe for the type of sport to be played on that field. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone any Recreation and Parks activity on any ball field, which is not in a safe condition due to vandalism, over-use, or weather. In addition, we reserve the right to cancel or postpone any practice, game, or recreational use of any school activity on ball fields under the jurisdiction of Recreation and Parks. We will advise the Board of Education representatives, as to the playability and the maintenance capabilities of our department to make a ball field safely playable. We reserve the right to refuse to try to prepare a ball field for safe play, if conditions seem overwhelming/impractical. Yearly maintenance on ball fields and heavily used play areas will include aeration, over-seeing worn areas, fertilization, liming (if PH indicates), top dressing and edging baseball and softball fields. Also, this may include some contracted pesticide or herbicide treatments. Weekly maintenance on ball fields and heavily used play areas will include mowing, trimming and paint lining during season. Daily maintenance will include dry lining, repairs to player caused divot or hole areas, garbage and litter pickup, smoothing skin areas on baseball and softball fields. 4. Lawn Area Maintenance The lawn areas of the Town are to look in good condition and be free from any obvious hazards such as broken glass, or other litter materials. Yearly maintenance will include one (1) fertilizer application, to be determined. The PH will be tested every two (2) to three (3) years and addressed as per the results of those tests with up to one lime application per year. This would be at any convenient time other than the dead of winter or middle of summer. Other turf problems will be addressed as tests or observation dictates. Street sand deposited during the winter storms will be broomed off of the edges of paved areas in conjunction with Public Works sand removal schedule. Tire ruts will be addressed according to the area and severity of the disturbance. If possible, they are repaired as soon as practicable. Spraying of Round-UP will substantially reduce trimming time. This is to be done at the base of fences and buildings once or twice during the growing season. Weekly maintenance for lawns includes mowing and trimming. During times of bad weather or when maintenance is being, trimming may be postponed for a week. Litter pickup, that is not obvious, is done by the person mowing as soon as the litter is observed. Each operator shall carry a small trash receptacle on his/her mower. Daily maintenance on lawns is negligible.

6 5. Flower and Shrub Bed Maintenance Most of the work on these beds is done seasonally. The wood chips are planned to be placed around and in the beds as soon as the leaves, litter and in some cases, street sand from winter storms is removed in the spring. The weeds and remains of weeds from the previous season are removed at this time. The shrubs are trimmed in the late spring or early summer. Only the very obvious weeds are addressed throughout the summer since it is so labor intensive to remove them by hand. The shrub beds at Quaker Hill Green and Mago Point Park are maintained by volunteer groups and are very much appreciated. If a shrub is in poor health, victimized or under any other stress the plant is accessed as to repair ability or replacement. Shrubs that are perceived to have a potential health problem will be fertilized. Annual flowers are planted in some locations. 6. Trees and Ornamental Trees Trees, other than ornamental trees or street trees, will be trimmed if branches/dead wood is reachable from the ground with extended trimming tools. If a ladder can be secured from the ground, it can be used in limited situations. Standing, dead trees are to be removed as discovered. Chain saws are not to be used on ladders. Trimming or tree removal will be done with the Public Works bucket truck, whenever possible. The Parks Foreman, for all removal and trimming of standing trees, will make assessment for safety. Downed trees, which are acceptable for wood burning stoves, will be cut into moveable lengths and transported to the wood road. Most trimming and tree removal, except for dangerous situations will be done in late fall and winter. Ornamental trees will be trimmed and shaped as need arises. Trees, which look to be under stress, will be fertilized in the spring or fall. Trees that are dead or not healthy enough to be attractive will be removed and replaced. Ornamental trees are to have a grass free and wood chipped area around them, so they can be mowed around with a ride-on mower. A contractor will be hired when necessary. May 2001 Tree Evaluation Procedure The Recreation and Parks Commission is dedicated to the safety of buildings, vehicles, fences, shelters, people pets etc. in our parks. To that end, we will annually inspect the trees located in parks where buildings, vehicles, fences, and/or people and their pets are likely to be in the common use of the park. In addition, maintenance will inspect trees for potential safety conditions after severe storms. The condition(s) of the trees will be evaluated and the condition neutralized according to the evaluation. INTRODUCTION Trees add to our enjoyment of outdoor experiences whether in forests, parks or urban landscapes. Too often, we are unaware of the risks associated with the defective trees, which can cause personal injury and property damage. Interest in defective tree management has increased in recent years due to safety and liability concerns resulting from preventable accidents. Recognizing defective trees and taking proper corrective actions can protect property and save lives. A "defective tree" is a tree with structural defects likely to cause failure of all or part of the tree, which could strike a "target." A target can be a vehicle, building, or a place where people gather such as a park bench, picnic table, street, or backyard. Because of the natural variability of trees, the severity of their defects, and the different sites upon which they grow, evaluating trees for hazardous defects can be a complex process. When in doubt, consult an arborist.

7 INSPECTING TREES Inspect trees under your responsibility every year. Tree inspections can be done at any time of year, leafon or leaf-off. To be thorough, inspect trees after leaf drop in fall, after leaf-out in spring, and routinely after severe storms. Inspect trees carefully and systematically. Examine all parts of the tree, including the roots, root or trunk flare, main stem, branches, and branch unions. Be sure to examine all sides of the tree. Use a pair of binoculars to see branches high off the ground. Consider the following factors when inspecting trees: ^ Tree Condition: Trees in poor condition may have many dead twigs, dead branches, or small, offcolor leaves. Trees in good condition will have full crowns, vigorous branches, and healthy, fullsized leaves; however, green foliage in the crown does not ensure that a tree is safe. Tree trunks and branches can be quite defective and still support a lush green crown. ^ Tree Species: Certain tree species are prone to specific types of defects. For example, some species of maple and ash in the Northeast often form weak branch unions and aspen is prone to breakage at a young age (50-70 years) due to a variety of factors, including decay and cankers. ^Tree Age and Size: Trees are living organisms subject to constant stress. Pay particular attention to older trees, which may have accumulated multiple defects and extensive decay. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Defects are visible signs that the tree is failing. We recognize seven main types of tree defects: dead wood, cracks, weak branch unions, decay, cankers, root problems, and poor tree architecture. A tree with defects is not hazardous, however, unless some portion of it is within striking distance of a target. Dead Wood: Dead wood is "not negotiable" -- dead trees and large dead branches must be removed immediately! Dead trees and branches are unpredictable and can break and fall at any time. Dead wood is often dry and brittle and cannot bend in the wind like a living tree or branch. Dead branches and tree tops that are already broken off ("hangers" or "widow makers") are especially dangerous! Take immediate action if: ^ A broken branch or top is lodged in a tree. ^ A tree is dead ^ A branch is dead and of sufficient size to cause injury (this will vary with height and size of branch). Cracks: A crack is a deep split through the bark, extending into the wood of the tree. Cracks are extremely dangerous because they indicate that the tree is already failing. Take action if: ^ A crack extends deeply into, or completely through the stem. ^ Two or more cracks occur in the same general area of the stem. ^ A crack is in contact with another defect. ^ A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is cracked. Weak Branch Unions: Weak branch unions are places where branches are not strongly attached to the tree. A weak union occurs when two or more similarly-sized, usually upright branches grow so closely together that bark grows between the branches, inside the union. This ingrown bark does not have the structural strength of wood, and the union is much weaker than one that does not have included bark. The included bark may also act as a wedge and force the branch union to split apart. Trees with a tendency to form upright branches, such as elm and maple, often produce weak branch unions. Weak branch unions also form after a tree or branch is tipped or topped, i.e., when the main stem or a large branch is cut at a right angle to the direction of growth leaving a large branch stub. The stub inevitably

8 decays, providing very poor support for new branches ("epicormic" branches) that usually develop along the cut branch. Take action if: ^ A weak branch union occurs on the main stem. ^ A weak branch union is cracked. ^ A weak branch union is associated with a crack, cavity, or other defect. Decay: Decaying trees can be prone to failure, but the presence of decay, by itself, does not indicate that the tree is defective. Advances decay, i.e., wood that is soft, punky, or crumbly, or a cavity where the wood is missing can create a serious hazard. Evidence of fungal activity including mushrooms, conks, and brackets growing on root flares, stems, or branches are indicators of advanced decay. A tree usually decays from the inside out, eventually forming a cavity, but sound wood is also added to the outside of the tree as it grows. Trees with sound outer wood shells may be relatively safe, but this depends upon the ratio of sound to decayed wood, and other defects that might be present. Evaluating the safety of a decaying tree is usually best left to trained arborists. Take action if: ^ Advanced decay is associated with cracks, weak branch unions, or other defects. ^ A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is decayed. ^ The thickness of sound wood is less than 1" for every 6" of diameter at any point on the stem. Cankers: A canker is a localized area on the stem or branch of a tree, where the bark is sunken or missing. Cankers are caused by wounding or disease. The presence of a canker increases the chance of the stem breaking near the canker. A tree with a canker that encompasses more than half of the tree's circumference may be defective even if exposed wood appears sound. Take action if: ^ A canker or multiple cankers affect more than half of the tree's circumference. ^ A canker is physically connected to a crack, weak branch union, a cavity, or other defect. Root Problems: Trees with root problems may blow over in wind storms. They may even fall without warning in summer when burdened with the weight of the tree's leaves. There are many kinds of root problems to consider, e.g., severing or paving-over roots; raising or lowering the soil grade near the tree; parking, or driving vehicles over the roots; or extensive root decay. Soil mounding, twig dieback, dead wood in the crown, and off-color or smaller than normal leaves are symptoms often associated with root problems. Because more defective roots are underground and out of sight, aboveground symptoms may serve as the vest warning. Take action if: ^ A tree is leaning with recent root exposure, soil movement, or soil mounding near the base of the tree. ^ More than half of the roots under the tree's crown have been cut or crushed. These trees are dangerous because they do not have adequate structural support from the root system. ^ Advanced decay is present in the root flares or "buttress" roots. Poor Tree Architecture: Poor architecture is a growth pattern that indicates weakness or structural imbalance. Trees with strange shapes are interesting to look at, but may be structurally defective. Poor architecture often arises from storms, unusual growing conditions, improper pruning, topping, and other damage. A leaning tree may be defective. Because not all leaning trees are dangerous, any leaning tree of concern should be examined by a professional arborist.

9 Take action if: ^ A tree leans excessively. ^ A large branch is out of proportion with the rest of the crown. MULTIPLE DEFECTS: The recognition of multiple defects in a tree is critical when evaluating the tree's potential to fail. Multiple defects that are touching or are close to one another should be carefully examined. If more than one defect occurs on the tree's main stem, you should assume that the tree is extremely defective. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS Corrective actions begin with a thorough evaluation, if a defective situation exists, there are three recommended options for correcting the problem: move the target, prune the tree, or remove the tree. Move the Target: Removing the target is often an inexpensive and effective treatment for correcting a defective tree. Easily moved items like play sets and swings, RV's, and picnic tables can be placed out of the reach of the defective tree with little effort and expense. If the target cannot be moved and a serious defect exists, consider blocking access to the target area until the defect can be properly eliminated. Prune the Tree: A defective situation may be caused by a defective branch or branches, even though the rest of the tree is sound. In this case, pruning the branch solves the problem. Prune when: ^ A branch is dead. ^ A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is cracked or decayed. ^ A weak branch union exists and one of the branches can be removed. ^ Branches from a sharp angle, twist, or bend. ^ A branch is lopsided or unbalanced with respect to the rest of the tree. ^ A broken branch is lodged in the crown. Remove the branch and prune the stub. Pruning a tree properly early in its life is a good way to effectively avoid many potential problems when the tree is older and larger. When done correctly, routine pruning of trees does not promote future defects. If done improperly, immediate problems may be removed, but cracks, decay, cankers, or poor architecture will be the ultimate result, creating future defects. We recommend that the "natural target" pruning method be used. This pruning method is fully described in How to Prune Trees (Bedker, O'Brien & Mielke, 1995). Remove the Tree Before cutting a tree down, carefully consider the alternatives. The effects of removing a tree are often pronounced in landscape situations and may result in reduced property values. Tree removal should be considered as the final option and used only when the other two corrective actions will not work. Tree removal is inherently dangerous and is even more serious when homes and other targets are involved. Removal of defective trees is usually a job for a professional aborist. CABLING AND BRACING Cabling and bracing does not repair a defective tree, but when done correctly by a trained arborist, it can extend the time a tree or its parts are safe. Done incorrectly, it creates a more serious hazard. Cabling or bracing as treatment for a defective tree will not be done unless the tree has significant historic or landscape value, and only with the Director's written orders. TOPPING AND TIPPING -- POOR PRUNING PRACTICES Topping is the practice of pruning large upright branches at right angles to the direction of growth, sometimes used to reduce the height of the crown. Tipping is the cutting of lateral branches at right angles

10 to the direction of growth to reduce crown width. Both of these practices are harmful and should never be used. The inevitable result of such pruning wounds is decay in the remaining stub, which then serves as a very poor support to any branches that subsequently form. Trees that are pruned in this manner are also misshapen and esthetically unappealing. IV. Mowing Procedures 1. Recreation and Parks Property A. Maintain the grass height of the areas within its maintenance jurisdiction at an attractive and functional height throughout the growing season. In most cases this means mowing once a week all the mow-able park lands, school grounds, municipal grounds, and the ball fields of certain co-sponsored programs. See section V. B. Duties: 1. A safe and timely mowing operation is our foremost objective. Therefore the following procedures will be followed at all times. a. Never mow or operate a mower in an area where play is taking place, be it children or adults. If this situation arises, notify the mowing crew leader before entering the area. The crew leader is to request the group to move either temporarily or for a longer period of time so the mowing crew can move into that area. b. The mowing machine operator is not to leave his assigned machine unless it is turned off and the key is removed. The machine is to be secured when not in operation. c. Before mowing, check the area for rocks, cans, bottles or other objects that may become flying objects and endangering others, may cause damage to the mower, jeopardize the safety of the operator and/or cause damage to vehicles, buildings, etc. The operator should remove these objects upon discovery and before mowing. d. Carry out assignments as directed. If others request additional work beyond, the assigned scope of operation refer that person to the mowing crew leader. In all but very minor cases, do not take on additional work without direction of the crew leader. It is the intent to stay on schedule. This is not possible if we are continuously diverted from our primary mission. e. If the mowing crew leader cannot quickly resolve any problems at the site of operation, he is to contact the Foreman as soon as practicable for resolution. If the Foreman cannot resolve the problem, he is to notify the Director. f. Common sense and a friendly manner either solve small problems or maintain small problems as small problems. g. Do Not mow wet grass. 2. A seasonal mowing schedule will be formulated each spring, summer and fall as necessitated. The Foreman will be responsible for day-to-day assignments, according to that schedule. The Director, or his/her designee, will do re-scheduling or modification of the schedule, due to rain or special events. 3. The Director will schedule parklands, which are to be mowed two (2) to three (3) times a year, such as Stenger Farm Park. 4. It is the aim of the Department to complete all required trimming as is required at that site during the same time as the mowing operation. The mowing crew, as part of their Standard Procedure of Operations, is to do the entire trimming before leaving that mowing site. If that is not possible for various reasons, the Foreman will schedule trimming to be completed at each site as soon after the mowing as possible. To insure the mowing crew can trim and remove the clippings, they are to carry with them, as standard equipment a weed-eater for each man and a hand held blower for each man.

11 2. Board of Education Properties A. DO NOT mow or operate in any area where children or adults are playing. B. DO NOT leave machines running or idling when operator is not with the machine. SECURE YOUR MACHINE AT ALL TIMES. C. DO NOT leave keys in machine ignition when operator is not with the machine. D. CHECK all areas for rocks, cans, bottles, etc., to avoid the hazard of flying objects and to avoid mower damage. This is more important around people, buildings, and vehicles. E. If a school function interrupts assignment significantly, notify the Foreman as soon as possible for re-assignment. F. Carry out assignments on school property, as directed by the Foreman. Refer all other additional work requests to the Foreman. In all but minor cases, DO NOT take on additional tasks at the work site. G. DO NOT argue with school personnel regarding whether or not you should be carrying out assigned work. If a conflict of scheduling cannot be easily resolved, refer back to the Foreman for further direction. H. USE COMMON SENSE BE SAFE! V. Park Classifications Park Classifications based on National Recreation and Park Association Standards, which identify level of maintenance required by the park s use and purpose. Mode 1 Park State of the Art Maintenance associated with areas such as public squares and governmental grounds. 1 Town Hall: approximately # acre of mowing, trimming, and general landscaping -Vets Memorial Field men s and women s lighted softball field -Veterans Memorial Green -Rope Ferry War Memorial -Civic Triangle Park pond, gazebo, basketball courts, tot park, and some trails. -Police Department: -Youth Services -Town Library -Jordan Park Green 2 Waterford High School 64 acres 3 Clark Lane Middle School 50 acres 4 Southwest School 20 acres 5 Oswegatchie School 26 acres 6 Cohanzie School 15 acres 7 Great Neck School 5 acres 8 Quaker Hill School 10 acres 9 Community Center 60 acres Mode 2 Park High level maintenance associated with well developed parks areas with reasonably high visitation. 1 Leary Recreation Complex 32 acres; maintenance of dugouts, storage, fencing, restroom facility, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, soccer field, basketball court, fitness trails, picnic area, and child s playground.

12 2 Waterford Beach Park 100 acres including 1200 of waterfront. Maintenance includes trimming, mowing and general landscaping of grounds, restroom cleaning, up keep of pavilions/picnic area, and boardwalk to beach. Parking lot contains dumpsters that are monitored for removal. Cleaning/raking of beach frontage during in-season. 3 Pleasure Beach 88 waterfront, gate and entrance maintenance, and 100 yards north of entrance is a 20 car parking lot requiring maintenance of trimming and split rail fence updates. 4 Kiddie s Beach -.20 acres 5 Dedrick Field 4 acres Mode 4 Park Moderately low level of maintenance associated with undeveloped, remote, or low visitation. 1 Ridgewood Park 2 Mago Point Park 3 Quaker Hill Green 4 Gardiners Wood Road Park 5 Marilyn Road Park 6 Vauxhall Street Extension 7 Jordan Mill Park Mode 5 Park High visitation natural areas such as trail systems 1 Stenger Farm 100 acres of open space containing walking/biking/fitness trials, cross country skiing, and fishing porch on the pond. Anticipated addition of restrooms in Barry Farm 145 acres 3 Sportsman Club 46 acres VI. Emergency Operations Plan The Recreation and Parks Department has major responsibility for: 1. Providing recreational programs for people during extended emergencies and in shelters. 2. Assisting in light rescue operations 3. Assisting in debris clearance 4. Assisting other departments in emergency situations 5. Assisting with emergency transportation o the extent of the departments capabilities 6. Perform other appropriate emergency response duties as may be assigned by the First Selectman or the CADRE. 7. Responsibilities as assigned to ll departments and agencies VI-D of the Emergency Operations Plan.