[HISTORY: Adopted by the Department of Public Works of the
Town of South Hadley 6-20-2013 as Policy No. 002. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Department of Public Works regulations — See Ch. 315.
The following standards are to protect all parties, including,
but not limited to, the following: the Town of South Hadley, citizens,
property owners, taxpayers, agencies, subsidiaries, individuals, corporations/businesses,
boards and committees. It is in effect as dated.
Employees must articulate in a written report as to any claims
of private property damage. Such a claim may be made by an individual,
business, group or other public employee as well, that damage or a
dangerous situation due to the action or inaction of the Town and
or its various departments has occurred or exists.
The individual reporting the claim shall be directed to send
a letter describing the basis of said claim to the Town Administrator.
No affirmations or opinions of fault or responsibility in respect
to the Town should be expressed or insinuated by an employee. If such
an assertion is made by an individual employee without full authority
to make such an assertion, that employee may be held personally and
financially responsible for such a claim and any ensuing costs awarded
to the claimant.
The claimant should be directed to contact the claimant's insurance
company, legal counsel or the Town Administrator's office for
further explanation. The employee will not express an opinion and/or
a determination as to cost, fault, cause or remedy.
No work shall be done on private property except those properties/parcels
considered to be in an easement or a right-of-way. This policy may
be set aside in the event of a state of emergency or similar circumstances
called for by the appropriate authority.
No public equipment, vehicles, materials or tools will be used on private property under the same parameters expressed in § 406-5 of this policy.
Any instruction to perform tasks on private property, other
than the exceptions expressed, must be stated in writing and signed
by the Town Administrator and Department of Public Works Superintendent.
Any violation of this policy may result in discipline up to
and including termination of employment.
