This week, I’m visiting a common topic, but one I have never written about before. Most of us do it and understand how time consuming this task can be. Mostly, it is accomplished while thinking about the important things that need to be done. But then you finally get finished. You take a deep breath and turn around looking at this common task that is now complete and you feel good.
You can see and understand how important this common job really is. But wait. Do not tarry long.
Because that common task is mowing grass. So, you must quickly move on.
Why?
Because you know the grass is growing, and you will soon have to return to this same ongoing business.
Every now and again, someone reminds me that such-and-such needs to be mowed. That is because most everyone is aware of the regular places. You know about Mountain View Cemetery, the Mausoleum area, the South Tank area, the Gazebo lawn on Main Street, the First Avenue Mini-Park, various green spaces – such as the one across from Lucy’s Grocery and Moore.
Some of you have noticed, the Town assists the State by mowing and trimming the Greenbrier River Trail where it passes through Marlinton.
I could go on about Ninth Street to the courthouse, the adjacent property between Ninth Street and Knapps Creek and other spots, like curbsides that now need tending. You already know these places.
Let me do like Paul Harvey and share “the rest of the story.”
Sam Dunn, Chief Sewer Plant Operator, prepared a maintenance schedule for me and it is eye-opening. I wanted to share it with you. Lots of folks wonder what town employees are doing when you do not see them for a while. Here goes:
Water Plant: Mow and weedeat once a week; and along the wall at Knapps Creek.
Intake: Clean out regularly and weedeat at least once a month.
Cemetery Tank: Mow and weedeat once a week or as needed.
Greenbrier Hill Tank: Weedeat once a month.
North Tank: Mow and weedeat once a month.
Brush Country Tank: Mow and weedeat once a month.
Brush Country Booster Station: Weedeat once a month.
North Booster Station at Campbelltown: Weedeat once a month.
Fire Hydrants: Weedeat around each (144) once a month.
Wastewater Lagoons area: Mow, weedeat and remove brush to avoid DEP violations. Mow once a week or every eight to 10 days, at a minimum.
CSO behind Marlinton Elementary School: Weedeat once a month, or as needed.
Fran Manor Pump Station: Weedeat every other week or as needed.
Second Avenue Pump Staton: Weedeat every other week. Mow inside the gate when mowing the adjacent lot.
First Avenue: Weedeat every other week. Mow inside the gate when mowing the outside lot.
Burns’ Pump Station: Weedeat every other week. Rake afterwards.
Edray Pump Station: Weedeat once a month.
So, now you know. But do not forget about the other common occurrence – rain.
It changes things.