12/16/82 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO TO: Mounds View Parks and R4 reat.on Commission 410 FROM: Bruce K. AndersoarAi e•t.• Parks, Recreat : -1110 F,1 a try DATE: December 15 , 1982 RE: Use of volunteers for winter flooding During the past two weeks, staff has received two requests from residents to volunteer their services as a flooding crew for both our pleasure and hockey skating rink facilities. After discussing the issue of using volunteers with our public works department, it appears that they feel the program could be bene- ficial and possibly be implemented in the City of Mounds View. The benefits of using volunteers in the winter flooding program are quite obvious, i .e . increased staff time for other projects , improved quality of ice and additional community involvement. Along with the benefits of using volunteers in the winter skating program, there are also some potential pitfalls in using volunteers such as misuse of equipment, city hydrants freezing up, lost equip- ment, increased liability , and potential conflict with city union operations . Staff has been involved with the extensive use of volunteers in the winter skating program while employed by the City of Maplewood III and found that the program, although has some potential problems, can be extremely benefical in providing services to the city resi- dents in as economic a manner as possible . In order that the pro- gram be initiated with as few problems as possible, staff would like to propose the following policy regarding the use of volunteers for winter flooding . 1 . All volunteer help would receive training through the city public works department, through the water department and the use and care of city equipment to include the following; a. Proper care and drainage of city hydrants . b. Proper procedure for draining and storing fire hose. c. Proper use of city equipment, including hydrant wrenches, city buildings and hose adapters . d . Proper flooding techniques to insure that not too much water is placed on the ice or that flooding is only occuring during • the proper weather conditions . 2 . That a responsible adult signs out the city equipment and assumes responsibility for any loss , stolen or damaged equipment, that either he or she may be charged for the equipment. 1111 3 . That volunteer flooding will coincide with existing city skating schedules so that proper ice will be available during the scheduled times. 4 . That the volunteer help will not detract or deter from the city ' s union personnelfrom receiving overtime pay when requested by staff .