Snowplowing at RRC

Hello RRC Members!

With the weather getting closer to freezing we may get some snow, so it’s a good time to share information regarding snow plowing at the RRC. We contracted with C&M Nursery to plow snow for the RRC this winter. A brief update on this was shared at the November General Meeting, however I wanted to put the details into a Bulletin for the convenience of all Members:

• C&M will automatically plow the RRC grounds if we get three (3) inches or more of snow. That amount is the right depth for their plow blades to work effectively and that level of snow is deep enough to be problematic if it isn’t plowed.
• C&M has a big list of customers, so they plow according to a prioritized customer list. The time they plow each customer will depend on three things: (1) weather conditions, (2) number of customers on their list and (3) pre-set arrangements with customers. If they need to plow at RRC, they will plow in the afternoon. If you need to come out in the morning, be aware that it may not be plowed until later in the day.
• The cost for plowing RRC will be $125 per hour. They will invoice us every time they plow.
• The priority for plowing will be the main gate and the road that runs between all barns. The goal is to make sure everyone can access their horses and take care of them. Second to that, they will plow the road between the barns by dressage/jump arenas so people can safely get back to the main gate. Note: Other areas of RRC may not be plowed unless necessary, including the road that runs behind the arena or the trailers parked by the fence (on Van Giesen).
• Important Note for Barn Owners: please make sure you don’t have any plants, equipment or furniture (benches/chairs) within 2-3 feet of the road running between the barns. These items slow down the plowing (which increases our bill) and makes the plowing less efficient. Please move all stall mats that are too close to the road. The person plowing cannot see them under the snow so the plow may drag your mats to another location. Both the snow plow and the mats are expensive, so please move any mats within 2-3 feet of the road. Both RRC and C&M are not responsible for damage to any items left in range of the snow plow and the person plowing is not responsible for moving any items back to the barns.
• The person plowing will do their best to remove snow from critical areas, however they will have to create a few snow piles. We walked the grounds with them and talked about placement of plowed snow. They will do their best to locate piles in strategic locations, however heavy snow may impact the size and location of plowed snow. If you have concerns about where the plow driver is piling the snow, please do not ask them to move the snow. Instead, contact a Board Member. You can call the RRC cell number or email the Board at: Board@richlandriders.org.
• Due to the City of Richland plowing to clear Van Giesen, we may get snow accumulation at the main gate. C&M will do their best to remove enough snow to allow access to RRC, however please be aware we cannot control the City plowing work. If this becomes a problem we will call the City.
• C&M has other services available to barn owners and Members who have trailers parked on the grounds. That includes the following: hand shoveling and/or de-icing ($45 per hour). C&M will directly invoice Members for these services. This may be helpful for snow accumulation around barns or trailers.
• Because our roads are gravel-based, snow plowing and/or inclement weather may create holes or depressions on roads within the grounds. Be on the lookout for any low areas or holes when walking or driving on the road. On this note, the RRC Board would like to thank Eric for filling some pot holes in the road by the front gate. He took the time to fill up his wheelbarrow with gravel and personally repair these holes. This effort was greatly appreciated; we encourage everyone to help keep RRC in good shape!

A reminder regarding the ramp in the manure dumping area: this ramp is wood and thus it may become slippery in icy/snowy conditions. A galvanized bucket containing de-icer has been placed at the bottom of the ramp for everyone’s convenience. Please inspect the walkway before you try moving a loaded wheelbarrow up a snow or icy ramp.