Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/73811
volunteer activities daily from dawn to dusk. "The event was gratifying," he says "and it really showcased what the Township has to offer." At this time of year, Tab spends more time in the office allocating field times to user groups and managing resources than on looking after turf but overall management is a big part of his job. In a conversation en route to a Board meeting a couple weeks ago, Tab was discussing an issue that he had raised at the monthly parks crew meeting concerning other TOL department employees who were recently terminated over time theft. He reminded his employees that the public is watching and if they were doing something they should not be and it gets reported ……"it opens up a big can of worms". TAB CHATS WITH LYALL SHERMAN, A USER GROUP VOLUNTEER WHO HAS JUST FINISHED MOWING A BALL DIAMOND AT ALDERGROVE ATHLETIC PARK "Firstly I would speak with the employee's immediate supervisor," Tab says, "and if they do not have an explanation, I would then go to our GPS software to track the movements of the employees work vehicle or equipment." The TOL has installed GPS sending units in all of its vehicles and equipment, mainly as a tool for data collection only, for example, how long to mow a specific field or park, however if an issue arises about an employee then the GPS can be used for investigation purposes and that data collected can be used for discipline. Continued From Page 24 overseeing 59 plus sportsfield complexes and an impressive number of ancillary facilities including 8 fieldhouses, 25 tennis courts, 5 skate parks, 6 sportsboxes, 1 running track, 1 grand stand, 5 spray parks and 48 playgrounds. That's not all though. There are 101 parks and conservation areas including 3 cemeteries and multiple greenways, 170 km of multi- use trails and a boathouse on the Fraser River to take care of. While touring together, we seemed to pass one of his sites every few minutes. I can't imagine how each could be personally inspected in a single year; I don't think I would remember where they all are! Of course, the TOL has a great crew looking after things but perhaps not as much labour as you might think. Lead by Turf Foreman, Kevin Fraser, Infrastructure Foreman, Jerry Kotanko, and Cemetery Supervisor, Kevin Bunnett, a crew of 17 full time employees plus 11 seasonal full timers are tasked with caring for the Township's outdoor recreational assets that total over 1100 acres. operating expenditures come in at Annual only $3,700,000, encouraging Tab to use some innovative ideas that one normally wouldn't think of in a municipal setting such as engaging user groups to help maintain fields, in particular, ball diamonds. Tab, his wife and two teenage daughters call Langley home and are a big part of the community. Take for example when the 2010 BC Summer Games came to town, Tab not only had many special preparations and extra duties tied to preparing the sporting venues for high level competition, he also involved his entire family to help with a variety of If golf course superintendents have members and daily fee players to scrutinize their work, imagine the feeling of being under the microscope as every single taxpayer watches your every move, many of which are armed with their telephone and ready to call the town office reporting anything they feel isn't quite right. Tab takes it all in stride as part of the job and understands the reality of municipal work and that it's all part of pride in the community. On servitude with the WCTA, "It's just something I wanted to do and be part of," Tab states adding, "it's a great learning experience and hopefully I can help steer the association through some of our more challenging times." With a dedicated group of directors behind him and the tireless work of the previous boards before, I'm sure our members would agree that Tab is well on his way to achieving that goal.