Department of Homeland Security's US Citizenship and Immigration Services issued an update on the Form I-9 revision. The previous form was set to expire March 31, 2016.

USCIS will publish the revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, by November 22, 2017. Employers may continue using Form I-9 dated 03/08/2013 N. through Jan. 21, 2017. By Jan. 22, 2017, employers must use the revised form. Employers should continue to retain and store previously completed forms for existing and former employees in accordance with guidance provided on I-9 Central.  

Form I-9 is required by employers in order to document verification of the identity and employment authorization of each new employee (both citizen and noncitizen). Find a copy of the currently accepted form at www.uscis.gov.

For updates on this issue, subscribe to the LAB or visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central.

A new ordinance in Fort Collins related to fugitive dust that went into effect November 1, 2016 impacts landscape companies. It applies to leaf removal and saw cutting. See: Dust Prevention and Control Manual. 

The City of Fort Collins has offered to provide ALCC members with a training session to discuss the ordinance, clarify compliance, and answer questions specifically about leaf blowers. ALCC is working with the City to schedule this session so that members' questions can be addressed.

CORRECTION: The City is NOT forming an advisory group to look into any possible ban of leaf blowers (or other maintenance equipment) at this time, as previously noted in this post.

According to conversations with the City of Fort Collins:

• They are actively reaching out to stakeholders regarding the Fugitive Dust Ordinance that went into effect Nov. 1.
• The City is interested in providing a training class for our members about this ordinance, what's involved with compliance and to answer questions you may have. 
• The City is NOT considering a ban on leaf blowers at this time.
• And the City isn't currently forming an advisory group to gather input on lawn and garden maintenance equipment regulations.

We apologize for any confusion and unnecessary distress caused by the previous post. ALCC appreciates the City's patience in taking calls from concerned members as a result of that post or our email to members. We appreciate the City's efforts to clarify the situation with us and also their willingness to help inform our industry about this recent ordinance pertaining to fugitive dust.

If you have questions about this ordinance, please contact Jenna Channel, Assoc. Environmental Planner at 970.416.4235 or [email protected].

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The latest draft of the Boulder County Hauler Ordinance update, which includes landscapers, is now available. View or download the update here.

This will be going before the Commissioners in a public hearing in the near future, and Boulder County is still open to feedback.

To share your feedback, ask questions, or get updates on the date for the upcoming public hearing, contact Leigh Ratterman, Zero Waste Sustainability Specialist for Boulder County, at 720-564-2238 or [email protected]. 

You can review the latest draft of the proposed changes here .

Previously on the LAB:

Boulder County proposed changes to hauler ordinance affect landscape companies

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As election day approaches, ALCC shares its position regarding several Colorado amendments up for vote. While not actively lobbying for or against these measures, the green industry is interested in the outcome of voting and offers these recommendations:

As election day approaches, ALCC shares its position regarding several Colorado amendments up for vote. While not actively lobbying for or against these measures, the green industry is interested in the outcome of voting and offers these recommendations:

This year, landscape companies relying on the H-2B guest worker program to fill seasonal positions with foreign nationals have been “counseled” by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that the role of supervisor is being redefined. Owners who have hired H-2B workers for as many as 20 years say DOL’s position defies logic, common sense and standard industry practice.

Facing a labor shortage, some landscape companies have looked to additional methods of rounding out their workforce while grooming the next generation of the industry.

The gardens at William Roberts School, in Denver’s Stapleton area, were recharged with the help of industry volunteers during ALCC’s Day of Service in 2015. That day, the Denver Chapter built 12 new edibles beds, renovated two existing edibles beds to make them wheelchair accessible, and planted a native and low-water demonstration garden. The edibles gardens were to be used as an outdoor teaching lab for part of the school’s curriculum. Each student grade level has adopted and is caring for a bed, and all students tend the dedicated garden of the principal.

Under the FLSA, employers may be penalized for making improper deductions from the pay of exempt employees. Exempt status may be lost for the entire job classification if the employer has a practice of making improper deductions.