HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-08-080 - Grass Cutting Acceptance and Responsibilities1
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Community Services
Report To: Community Services Committee
Date of Meeting: September 29, 2008
Submitted By: Jim Witmer
Director of Operations (ext. 2657)
Prepared By: Greg Hummel, Manager of Park Planning, Development and
Operations (ext.2598)
Wards) Involved: Ward 4
Date of Report: September 12, 2008
Report No.: CSD-08-080
Subject: GRASS CUTTING ACCEPTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
RECOMMENDATION:
For Information.
BACKGROUND:
As subdivisions are planned and developed, the parcel of land goes through many stages
before homes are occupied. Through the process, Developers are required to meet City of
Kitchener standards and timing so that the development process is efficient and effective for all.
Through Developers responsibilities in the subdivision agreement, boulevard sodding, tree
planting and parkland are completed based on the requirements of the subdivision agreement.
Parkland
Park grading and seeding is typically carried out in the first phase of development within new
subdivisions. Developers are responsible to fine grade and seed the park to approved grades
as set out in the approved grading plan. Once the park meets the requirements within the
subdivision agreement, the City of Kitchener is notified and a final inspection is carried out by
City of Kitchener staff. Typically the inspection is completed by Engineering staff and staff
representatives of Parks Operation. Upon successful final inspection, the City of Kitchener
takes on the responsibility for maintenance.
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Similarly to parkland development, boulevard sodding and tree planting is the responsibility of
the Developer to complete. As written in the City of Kitchener Subdivision Manual....'the
Developer shall maintain or cause to be maintained, all the landscaping including sodding, trees
etc. until such time as the Final Acceptance Certificate is issued by the General Manager of
Public works or his representative.'
Report No: CSD-08-080
REPORT:
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In the Doon Subdivision in the south end of Kitchener, works that were completed as part of the
subdivision agreement were being maintained by the Developer until such time as the Final
Acceptance Certificate was issued.
The Developer used this acceptance time to their advantage by maintaining the public areas to
a very high standard. The standard became very successful in the sales and marketing of their
development. As their development has been completed, the Developer has notified the City of
Kitchener that the maintenance will be the responsibility of the City starting in 2009. The Final
Acceptance Certificate has been approved.
Service standard levels within the Turf Maintenance Operations at the City of Kitchener are to
cut the boulevard grass when the height of the grass reaches 15 centimeters. This standard
was approved by Council in 2005. This time period is typically once every three weeks. The
level of service that has been provided for many years by the Developer is to cut the grass once
every week. Presently, this level of service is not attainable by our existing resources.
Through 2008, the contractor working for the Developer has systematically reduced the level of
service through the season from once a week to once every two weeks. This reduced standard
has been noticed by the residents of this subdivision and calls have been made to many
different departments at City Hall and in Operations. Our standards have been communicated
to the residents that have called and we have let them know that we will be maintaining the
public spaces within the subdivision in 2009. We have also indicated that our service standard is
to cut the grass once every three weeks or when the grass reaches a height of 15 centimeters.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no financial implications at this time.
Jim Witmer
Director of Operations
Greg Hummel
Manager, Park Planning Development & Operations