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CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
40 TEMPERANCE STREET
BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO
LIC 3A6 TELEPHONE 623-3379
REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
MEETING HELD JANUARY 21 1985
ADMIN. 4 - 85
SUBJECT: Report on frequency of grass cutting
on Northumberland and Newcastle,
Board of Education playing fields
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. That Administrator's report ADMIN. 4 - 85 be received;
2. That Administrator's report ADMIN. 4 - 85 be referred and
considered in conjunction with the 1985 budget discussions.
BACKGROUND AND COMMENT:
During the spring and summer of 1984, complaints were received with respect
to the level of maintenance that was afforded certain facilities operated
by the Northumberland and Newcastle Board of Education. Particular concern
was expressed with respect to the frequency of grass cutting at the
Courtice High School. From time to time complaints have also been received
with respect to other Board of Education playing fields.
As a result of these complaints, the matter was raised at Council and
a report on the issue was outstanding. Discussions with the Board of
Education has been extended over the fall -and winter period with little
progress being made. It is appropriate to report on the matter in
conjunction with the consideration of the 1985 budget.
The Board of Education forwarded charts and tables concerning the
frequency of grass cutting that was undertaken last year. In forwarding
this information they have indicated that they cannot increase the
frequency of grass cutting within current budget arrangements.
If such a move were to be considered it would have to be done on a contract
REPORT 4 - 85
In meetings with technical officials it was indicated that
with respect to the Courtice playing field,
the problem of grass cutting is compounded in the spring of the
year due to poor drainage conditions. As a result of these poor drainage
conditions they are unable to get grass cutting equipment on the field
until late May or early June.
In discussing possible solutions to this drainage problem, it was indicated
that it would cost approximately $100,000 to rectify the situation.
It was further suggested that it is unlikely that the Board of Education
would look favourably on such improvements when the bulk of their capital
improvements were focused on classrooms.
When we examine our own Community Services grass cutting activities, it is
clear that the resources are operating at capacity. If the Town were to
consider, on a contract basis, cutting grass for the Board of Education, we
would have to obtain additional manpower and equipment.
It is likely that such arrangements would cost more than
contracting additional grass cutting out to private individuals.
The 1985 budget is being-pr-epar-ed-without-add-iti-ona-1_funds being allocated
for additional manpower and equipment. It may be appropriate once the 1985
budget has been established,to pass a resolution requesting the Northumberland
and Newcastle Board.of Education to,wherever possible, increase the
frequency of grass cutting.
In the longer term as the population of the Courtice area increases, it
would be appropriate to consider the development of a community
park with adequate playing fields to meet the needs of the local residents.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
David S. nston, C.I.P.,
Chief Adm nistrative Officer
DSJ:nof