Tractor Use Policy

Current version approved: August 2020

INTRODUCTION
The tractor is a significant asset for the co-op. Purchased for $32,393.27 in March 2013, the tractor is jointly owned by MLC and CLI. Five members donated a total of $625 toward the purchase price as well. Because of this, it is important to have a use agreement to manage this important tool.

Town Council is the governing body and has designated two people to be responsible for the tractor. The first is the TRACTOR COORDINATOR (TC). This person is responsible for coordination of use among members and implementing policies and procedures. The second person is the TRACTOR MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR (MS). The cost of maintenance of the tractor is covered by assessments by all MLC members excepting NWK members. The MS will assist the TC with training others and be solely responsible for routine tractor maintenance as defined in the tractor operator manual.

USE POLICY
Generally, only co-op members and members of Sunrise Community with a valid driver’s license, and who are trained and approved by the TC or MS, may use the tractor. Persons who have completed tractor training are considered “certified”.

Members interested in using the tractor must participate in training in order to learn the tractor and its implements and become certified. Once a member demonstrates competency on the machine and / or implement, they are certified by the TC or MS.

Members who have existing tractor experience may request expedited training in order to become certified.

A master list of approved tractor operators will be maintained by the tractor coordinator as well as Town Council.

OPERATOR POLICIES
Generally, the tractor will be operated on the co-op property, which includes the NWK, and also Sunrise Community.

The cost to use the tractor for personal use is $35 per machine hour for Co-op members who pay Road & Tractor assessments, $45 per machine hour for members of NWK and Sunrise Community, subject to sales tax.

For every machine hour of volunteer tractor work for MLC – including road and common land improvements – the operator has the option of requesting payment at $35 per machine hour for hours worked or volunteering these hours to the community.

Before using the tractor, users shall complete the sign-out sheet and checklist. After use, the tractor shall be returned cleaned and ready for the next user. Any damage or maintenance needs must be immediately reported to the tractor coordinator. Failure to use the tractor in a responsible manner may result in removal from the approved operators list.

Training and Certification

Only certified operators may use the tractor. The TC and/or MS shall determine who is eligible. Certification requires the following:
– Read and sign the Tractor Use Agreement (Jan 2022).
– Read and become familiar with the Tractor Use Handbook and User Agreement.
– Participate in tractor training including the use of all implements.
– Agree to pay for any damages resulting from improper use of the tractor or implements when used for private purposes.
– Operate the tractor in a safe manner as described in the Use Agreement
– Clean and refuel the tractor after use.

EXCEPTIONS:
Any exceptions to this policy shall be approved by Town Council.

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