Ascot Park, Ballfield, Electrical

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Date: 12/11/92 From: Tim Rhay CERMTWR - RIS1 To: Dick Morgan CERMRAM - RISI John Etter CERMJFE - RIS1 Renee Grube CERRRLG - RIS1 Claude Banker CEWMCLB - RIS1 Lauren Chouinard CERSLDC - RIS1 Subject: Potential Hazard Situation At Kincaid Fields One of the field lights at Kincaid South blew down in the recent wind storm. The light in question was located on the third base side of the field, near the players' seating. When it fell, it landed 1.5 ft. from the bench. It came down "ballast first" and buried itself approx. five inches into the ground. The reason for the blow -down was obvious, as a piece of the crossarm to which the light was attached accompanied it to the ground. This wood is clearly rotten and could no longer hold up against the strain. It also is obvious that the wood was not treated with a preservative. We will order a replacement crossarm and a new light fixture (the impact dama- ged it severely - probably beyond repair). Replacing the crossbeam will re- quire rental of a "high lift" and is impractical until spring, when soil moist- ure levels make access to the pole feasable again. There will then be a need to re -wire the light. Hopefully, we can coordinate our work with the electri- cians and have a qualified person on site so only one visit is necessary. The above, while expensive, probably falls within the realm of "legitimate maintenance costs ". However, this incident raises a larger issue which I feel is well beyond the bounds of "normal maintenance ". Logic would indicate that the rest of the crossbeams are of similar construction - i.e. not treated with preservative. Therefore, it is possible if not probable that the rest of them will begin to fail, creating more potentially hazardous situations. Prudence would dictate that all of the crossbeams be inspected /replaced. This is a job of sufficient scope /specialization that it should be contracted and budgteted as an item distinct from the maintenance program. As field lighting levels at Kincaid are minimal at best, it might also be an appropriate time to examine upgrading the lighting. Again, this is a special- ized field and the services of a competent expert /firm would likely be required to do it correctly. I am, of course, only too aware of the financial situation of the City. I also understand that the type of work being discussed is not inexpensive. It would be better if it was not necessary, but the blow -down of one light is a signal we can not afford to ignore. 'At the very minimum, the crossarms need to be in- spected and /or replaced with treated timbers. (These need to be, "pre- drilled" and then treated so that rot does not begin in the bolt holes, so it is neces- sary to know how many fixtures will be attached and where on each corssarm when they are ordered.) Again, such a project will require a contractor with the experience and equipment to do it properly. I will forward further information as to the number of crossarms, demensions of the lumber, number of lights, etc. I can circulate pictures of the light and the rotten wood, if necessary.