Plant Exchange February 2006 - Plant Operations

The PLANT Exchange
A bi-monthly newsletter by and for the Plant Operations Community
at the University of Michigan
Volume 14 / No. 4 / February 2006
Charles Clark – Hurricane Relief
Volunteer
My name is Charles Clark.
I’ve been employed with the
hospital for thirty years as a
carpenter in the maintenance
department. When I viewed
the destruction on TV from
the hurricanes, I wanted to do
something to help. Shortly
thereafter, I received an e-mail
asking for volunteers. I
responded right away and my
Volunteer Charles Clark
name was forwarded to the
Photo by Valerie Amo
American Red Cross. A Red
Cross representative
contacted me for more information about my skills and availability. I went
through a background check and nine hours of disaster relief training. Once
these requirements were completed, my name was listed on a national
waiting list for volunteer deployment.
On October 20, I received my call for deployment and I was assigned to the
Red Cross National Response Center in Falls Church, Virginia. I requested
two weeks of vacation and began this adventure on October 22. Any one
who knows me knows that I don’t talk a lot, so when I learned that my job
would be talking on the phone to hurricane victims, I was a little nervous!
During my two-week assignment in Virginia, I spoke with hundreds of
hurricane victims recording their case reports and passing that information
on to the caseworkers. I was also available to arrange for any assistance the
victims needed. I interviewed people who sat on their rooftops with their
children waiting to be rescued. Many of the people I interviewed had lost
everything.
At the National Response Center, we had nurses on duty to help those with
medical needs and counselors to respond to those with mental health issues.
The people I helped were always grateful for any assistance we could give
them, and that appreciation made all of our efforts worth it.
Exterior Paint Project:
A Real Success!
In June, Construction Services was pleased to
receive a work request for the President’s
Residence Exterior Paint Project. One of our
painters was selected to be an on-sight lead
person for the project, and a six week
schedule, with a crew of 12 painters, was
developed. The University Architect’s Office
selected the color and materials, and OSEH
was brought on board to oversee project
compliance with all OSEH regulations.
We began the project on July 18 which
included: the removal of any exterior items,
scraping off the old finish, priming the
building, and applying two coats of paint. The
final coat of paint was applied on August 19,
seven days ahead of schedule!
By Terry Burmeister,
Construction Services
A revitalized President’s Rresidence.
Photo by Terry Burmeister
The Call Center was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My co-volunteers and I took calls from victims of all three hurricanes
– Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. There were over 400 call agents working 24 hours a day in three shifts. I was scheduled to work from 11
PM to 7:30 AM and I must say that it was a little hard getting used to this shift! All of the Red Cross Volunteers bonded right from
the get go and we immediately felt like we were family. It was amazing how well we all got along. I also had some free time to do a
little sight seeing and was able to visit Washington DC several times. In fact, I saw Rosa Parks lay in repose at the Capital. What an
honor! I plan to keep my name active with the American Red Cross. I saw first hand what a great organization they are! Would I
volunteer with the Red Cross again? Yes, in a second! Next time, I’m hoping I can work in a relief shelter.
By Charles Clark,
Hospital Facilities
DIRECT
OR’S MESSA
GE
DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
What is the most important aspect of our work in Plant Operations? Is it Customer
satisfaction or job security, and benefits, is it staying within the budget or maybe
supporting the mission of the University, or is it employee relations and collaboration? Or
is it something else? I’m sure that if I asked 10 different members of the Plant Operations
team I’d get ten different answers. This is often true of the problems that we are
confronted in life such as illnesses or difficult relationships. We would love them to have
quick and easy solutions. Unfortunately, it is seldom the case at work and in our lives
when a simple yes or no, black or white answer will settle the issue. This is truer as the
situations we face become more complex.
Rich Robben, Director.
Photo by Valerie Amo
About the
Plant Exchange
The Plant Exchange is produced by
members of the Plant Operations
Division at University of Michigan.
Its purpose is to inform Plant
Operations staff and the University
community of activities, accomplishments and information about our
organization and the work we
perform.
Mailing Address
U-M Plant Operations, 326 E. Hoover,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1002
Phone: 734.764.3400
Fax:
734.763.2590
Email: [email protected]
Web:
www.plantops.umich.edu/
PlantExchange/
February 2006, The University of Michigan Plant
Operations
Editor: David Juddge
Co-Editors: Mary Diskin and Eric Ogden
Web Manager: Mike Skora
The Regents of the University of Michigan
David A. Brandon, Ann Arbor; Laurence B. Deitch,
Bingham Farms; Olivia P. Maynard, Goodrich;
Rebecca McGowan, Ann Arbor; Andrea Fischer
Newman, Ann Arbor; Andrew C. Richner, Grosse
Pointe Park; S. Martin Taylor, Grosse Pointe Farms;
Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor; Mary Sue Coleman, ex
officio
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/
affirmative action employer, complies with all
applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX
of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The University of
Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless
of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or
ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation,
disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and
admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed
to the Senior Director for Institutional Equity and
Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Office for
Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services
Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 481091432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388.
For other University of Michigan
information call 734-764-1817.
I bring this up now because I want to remind everyone in Plant, that it is by following a set
of principles and values that do not change over time that one is able to deal with difficult
issues is a consistent manner. When your decisions are principle driven, you are less
likely to look back and second-guess yourself. You can even feel comfortably making a
difficult choice because you have a good foundation for your decision. It works this way
here in Plant Operations we have a set of guiding principles that should drive our decision
making, sound principles that we can stand on and have sure footing as we tackle difficult
problems. Our Plant guiding principles are these:
Focus
We exist to serve the needs of the University through partnerships and mutual
understanding.
Integrity
How we do our work and how we relate to each other are of paramount importance. Our
conduct must conform to the highest, uncompromising standards of trustworthiness and
character. We will never knowingly make decisions that harm people or that are not in the
best interest of the division or the University.
Respect for People
Respect for people and their intrinsic worth is the cornerstone of our relationships with
one another, our customers, and our suppliers. We appreciate the diversity of the human
family and recognize our differences as sources of collective strength and wisdom.
Empowerment
We are a Plant Operations team. Team members are stakeholders in the success of the
enterprise and must be involved in the decisions that affect their work lives.
“Empowerment,” with its freedoms, responsibilities and boundaries, describes the
intended work culture. Empowerment requires competence, sharing of information and
ongoing learning. We are dedicated to becoming the best workforce in our industry. A
person seeking to improve service to a customer will not be blamed for taking reasonable
risks.
Innovation
We are a learning organization. We recognize that improvement of ourselves, our work
processes and our methods is essential to our success. We must be creative. We must
challenge our own thinking. We must seek to learn from our mistakes.
Responsibility to Environment
We will respect the physical environment that we share. We will wisely use and preserve
the resources at our disposal by reducing waste, recycling, and whenever feasible, using
recycled materials.
With these principles as a base, we can take on any issues that should cross our paths. I
urge all members of the Plant Ops team to consider theses statements when dealing with
each other and the day-to-day workings of the department. We will all be the better for it.
Thanks,
2
University of Michigan Plant Operations
“We Make BLUE GO!”
The Plant Exchange
February 2006
BUILDING SER
VICES
SERVICES
Safety Recognition and Year End Celebration —
A Huge Success!
On Wednesday, December 14th, Plant Building Services hosted a Safety Recognition and Year End Celebration at the
Four Points Sheraton. The celebration featured a buffet breakfast and guest speakers Tim Slottow, Executive VicePresident, and Dr. James Duderstadt. The celebration also included quartet music, a talent show, a D.J., and lots of
door prizes.
Special thanks to The Seven Habits Ambassadors, a Plant Building Services employee committee. The Ambassadors
planned and executed the entire celebration which was well received by all!
By Eric Ogden,
Building Services
RETIREMENT CELEBRA
TION
CELEBRATION
Retirement Celebration
Five more retire from Plant Operations: Pompeo Cascioli, 21 years of service (Facilities Maintenance); Sue Sterling,
16 years of service (Work Control); Cedomir Stankovic, 11 years of service (Building Services); Dragica Stankovic,
10 years of service (Building Services); Flora Agnew, 17 years of service (Building services). Each retiree was
presented with a signed and decorated plaque by the Associate Director or Manager of their respective departments.
All retirees received a memory book engraved with their name that fellow employees recorded best wishes and
memories. Also, they were given retirement cakes made to order for each to take home.
Congratulations Retirees ~ It’s just the beginning!
By Betty Alberts,
Plant Operations
From left to right: John
Gleason, Dragica Stankovic,
Cedomir Stankovic, Ginny
DuFour; Pompeo Cascioli
(center) with his brother John,
and his wife Carmela; Sue
Sterling (standing) with her
Mother Diane
Photos by Betty Alberts
June 2006 Retirement Celebration Planned
The Plant Operations Retirement Celebration Planning Committee has scheduled the next retirement celebration for
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at the Kipke Conference Center in the Campus Safety Services Building. The upcoming
retirement celebration will honor Plant Operations employees who have retired recently or will be retiring in the
upcoming months. If you plan to retire in the near future and would like to be honored at the celebration, please contact
the Retirement Planning Committee representative for your area: Betty Alberts-Plant Administration; JoAnn BrummettBuilding Services; Jeanette Craft-Construction Services; Gina Flowers-Facilities Maintenance; Von Hardesty-Work
Control; Dawn Schulz–Grounds & Waste Management; and, Lisa Sheldon-Utilities & Plant Engineering. Please mark
your calendars for the June 7 retirement celebration and plan to attend to honor your co-workers in Plant Operations.
A department-wide announcement will be made in May.
By Lisa Sheldon,
Retirement Celebration Planning Committee
University of Michigan Plant Operations
February 2006
http://www.plantops.umich.edu/PlantExchange/
3
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
New Project Assistants
This past Fall, Construction Services welcomed three new Project
Assistants: Mike Petit, Mike Folk, and Samantha Brandt.
Mike Petit actually worked for Construction Services in the past
dating as far back as 2000. He worked as a regular temporary
Laborer, and then as a contract Laborer with Great Lakes Carpentry.
Mike is a graduate of Fredonia State University, which is located just
outside of Buffalo, NY. He majored in History with a minor in Sports
and Athletics with emphasis in coaching. For two of his college years,
he was a member of the school’s hockey team (the Blue Devils) where
he played left wing. For a couple of years, Mike worked with
Pathway Financial and in early 2004 he went to work with DMJ
Cultured Stone and Masonry, which he owned and operated. Mike came back to the U this past September, but this
time as a full-time employee. His office is located in the B2 level of U-H. On a personal note, Mike became a firsttime father to a son (Lane Michael) this past August and is engaged to be married in July to his fiancée Jody Roberts.
Like most Michiganders his hobbies include golfing, hunting, and fishing.
Mike Folk began his employment in September ’05 at the same time as Mike Petit.
Mike Folk is a true native of Ann Arbor. He graduated from Huron High school and then
went on to attend The University of Michigan. He earned his Bachelors of Science
degree in Architecture and is currently working on his Masters of Science in Construction
Management at EMU. He plans to graduate in ’08. Prior to his employment here, for
seven years Mike worked at Cornerstone Design, which is an architecture firm located
on the west side of Ann Arbor. On May 20, 2006 Mike has plans to marry his longtime
sweetheart, Rachel Kitchel, whom he met at church. In his free time Mike’s hobbies
include woodworking and playing the piano. One additional special note, Mike has
come full circle and now works in the same building he was born in – U of M Hospital.
He truly bleeds Maize and Blue. Go Blue!
Samantha Brandt came to work for Construction Services at the
University Hospital October, 2005, after previously working for
O’Neal Construction as a Project Coordinator. She was with O’Neal
for a little more than a year. Samantha is a Western Michigan
University graduate and has resumed her studies at EMU. She
received her Business Administration degree with a major in Marketing
and a minor in Real Estate Finance. While at EMU, she is working on
her Masters in Construction Management. During her years at
Western, she worked as an intern for WWMT-TV in Kalamazoo as a
promotions & media relations intern with the Kalamazoo Wings hockey
team. This past summer she was married to Rick Brandt. The two
have one child, a black lab named Cooper. During her non-working
hours Samantha can be seen playing goalie for the ‘Frozen A$$ets’ which is a women’s recreational ice hockey team
www.frozenassetshockey.com, scrap booking, or watching U-M football and softball games.
Please give a warm welcome to Mike, Mike, and Samantha!
By Cathy Newton,
Construction Services
44
University of Michigan Plant Operations
“We Make BLUE GO!”
The Plant Exchange
February 2006
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Riser Replacement
On November 21, 2005, Construction Services began a very challenging project. For 47 days, excluding
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, Construction Services managed a project that replaced 22 sanitary risers
effecting 82 Intensive Care Unit rooms in the UM main hospital. Due to the sensitive nature of the areas impacted, the
project required a 24/7 work schedule. Every other day a new riser was replaced, effecting 6 patient rooms on
average. In addition to receiving new sanitary risers, these rooms were repainted, outfitted with orders management
computers, new ceiling tiles, patient lock boxes, and were also fire stopped to comply with current codes.
The project was an outstanding success! The project finished early, under budget, and the users were ecstatic with the
performance of the Construction Services staff! The nursing staff was so pleased with the work they had a luncheon to
thank the crew for their efforts. In fact, they were so impressed with the outcome; Construction Services is now
putting together a schedule, to begin in mid-February, to replace the 45 sanitary risers serving the 500+ Acute Care
beds in the main hospital. This schedule will not be quite as intense as the ICU schedule; however, the importance of
the two projects is equivalent.
By Greg Detmer & Mike Petit,
Construction Services
C.A.R.E.
Taking C.A.R.E. To New Levels
C.A.R.E. ON-LINE! Nominations for the coveted Silver Arrow Award, Ideas 20/20 program submissions, perusing
the updated C.A.R.E. catalog, and placing orders are now all possible on-line. The C.A.R.E. team recently created
two more award levels (6 & 7)! We also updated the catalog with new items. Tom Sullivan and Ed Linderman
suggested that the C.A.R.E. team add health and electronic items. Their ideas added to the spirit of our recognition
program. Tom and Ed each won 4 coupons for their ideas!
Now available are a digital blood pressure monitor, a CardioChek™ blood chemistry analyzer (Level 7), a portable
DVD player, Thera-band® Physioballs (Level 2), and a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System).
Please let us know how the program can serve you better. Email us at [email protected].
By Pam Smith,
C.A.R.E. Program Administrator
C.A.R.E. Testimonial
Dear C.A.R.E. Program:
Thank you for your rapid response to my recent C.A.R.E. coupon redemption! I had to put in this rush order for a
Wenzel Insta Bed Airbed when I learned my son and his family of five would be coming in from Wisconsin to spend the
Christmas holiday with me. As soon as I hung up the phone with him, I jumped online to the C.A.R.E. Program Online
Catalog, chose the item I wanted, filled out the award redemption form, and two weeks later my award had arrived!!
Under Comments on the redemption form I wrote that if the item I requested arrived in time, I would tell everyone
about my experience. Since my airbed arrived in time for my grandchildren to sleep comfortably, I can enthusiastically
say “Online Redemption is GREAT!!!”
By Marvin Pettway,
Grounds & Waste Management Services
University of Michigan Plant Operations
February 2006
http://www.plantops.umich.edu/PlantExchange/
5
PLANT OPERATIONS DIVERSITY COMMUNITY
Black History Month - Yes Or No?
On a recently aired Sixty Minutes’ program, world acclaimed news reporter
Mike Wallace asked Oscar winning actor Morgan Freemen his views on black
history with regards to appointing a month to pay tribute to the accomplishments
of one’s race and celebrate their heritage. Freeman’s answer, once again,
fueled the fire in the stove and heated up the glowing embers regarding the
debate on observing black history month.
This debate started back in 1926 when a Black historian, Dr. Carter G
Woodson, PhD, who studied and graduated from both Chicago and Harvard
Universities, decided to take the challenge upon himself to initiate the first
celebration of Black History and honor the birthdays of both Fredrick Douglas
and Abraham Lincoln. However, it was Dr. Woodson’s vision for the future that colored (black) people would not need
a week to be recognized for their accomplishments and their contributions in the growth of this country. He felt that the
accomplishments of the black race should be included and taught in a general education curriculum. This parallels
Freeman’s views. In 1968, Huey Newton, Bobby Seals, Stokey Carmichael, and the revolutionary party, Black
Panthers, brought the debate to a new level, and, in 1976, the week observance went from seven days to the whole
month of February.
It was at this time that many were looking for there own identity and wanting to be recognized. The Woman’s
movement started, the Gay and Lesbian society began to solidify and stand for their rights, and a third group of people
who also sought recognition were Native Americans. These three minority groups and others had been granted a day, a
week, or a month for observing their race, heritage, or cause. Women celebrate their history in March, the society of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) have June as pride month and celebrate their history in October, with
the eleventh being National Coming Out Day. November is granted as the American Indian Heritage Month (AIHM).
There is currently a proposal that has been passed by the House, for January to represent the Jewish people.
Mr. Freeman implied that racism will continue as long as we continue to have Black History month and celebrate the
differences in peoples’ races and their heritages. It should be made clear that neither of these two gentlemen wanted to
forgo the teaching of Black history, but to place it in this nation’s melting pot of all races and cultures. We can take that
a step further by including one’s sex or sexual orientation, one’s religion, or whatever may set us apart from our
neighbors. It is the choice of each individual, to stand with courage and discuss and educate others about these matters.
Renowned Black Nationalist, Marcus Gravy once said, “A person without a history is like a tree without roots.”
By Bill Love,
Plant Operations Diversity Community
6
University of Michigan Plant Operations
“We Make BLUE GO!”
The Plant Exchange
February 2006
PLANT ACADEMY
Plant Academy Graduation Class of June 2005
The 8th graduation ceremony of the Supervisor Leadership Certification Program was held at the Plant Operations
Management Forum at the Michigan Union on December 6, 2005. Eighteen (18) facilities staff members received their
certificates during this special event.
Jeff Colley, representing the graduates, spoke of the importance of education and the rare opportunities we have in
Plant Operations through Plant Academy. This graduating class also included 3 members from OSEH and Facilities
Users Network (FUN). Please join us in congratulating the graduates below:
GRADUATING CLASS
Building Services
Darryl D Betts, Custodial Area Manager
Lukeland S Gentles, Business Manager
Theresa D Gleason, Business Office Manager
Donald F Ossenheimer m, Stockeeper III
Carl D Smith, Building Service Warehouse Manager
James R Talley, Custodian Supervisor
Larry D Utley, Maintenance Mechanic II
Facilities Maintenance
C Jeffery Colley, Plumber
Paul M Knafl, Elevator Mechanic
Gerald L Pepi, Materials Project Coordinator
Grounds & Waste Management
Alexander D Sulzer, Horticulture Specialist
Plant Academy
Anna M Balhoff, Senior Training Assistant
Plant Administrative Services
Beverly A Bricker, Info Sys Admin and Planning
Manager
Jorge F Palacio, Systems/Database Administrator
Plant Academy Graduating Class of June 2005 of the
Supervisor Leadership Certification Program
Luke Gentles, Alex Sulzer, Anna Balhoff, Darryl
Betts, Gerald Pepin, Jeff Colley, Jim Talley, Denise
Bell, Rich Robben, Paul Knafl, Judy Witter, Steve
O’Reilly, Jorge Palacio, Bev Bricker, AJ Dziak, Sarah
Ely (Not pictured: Terri Gleason, Don Ossenheimer,
Carl Smith, Larry Utley)
Photo by Irena Milenkova
Utilities and Plant Engineering
Judith A Witter, Accountant Lead
Occupational Safety and Environmental Health (OSEH)
Stephen M O’Rielly, Senior OSEH Representative
Facilities Users Network (FUN)
Denise M Bell, Manager Facilities – MCare
Anne J Dziak, Office Manager – Business School
If you are interested in completing or starting your certification please see LearnerWeb or our website at http://
www.plant.bf.umich.edu/director/Academy/
By Anna Balhoff,
Plant Academy
University of Michigan Plant Operations
February 2006
http://www.plantops.umich.edu/PlantExchange/
7
FA
CILITIES MAINTEN
ANCE
MAINTENANCE
ACILITIES
VOICES of the Staff
In early December, VOICES core representatives met with President Coleman,
Executive Vice President Tim Slottow, and senior administration to give an update of the
program’s progress. Momentum is building as the VOICES program nears its one year
anniversary. Representative teams are uncovering a wealth of information including best
practices from several University and corporate entities. Communication between teams
is beginning to take place to curb duplication of work and to create integrated programs.
Staff members are becoming more engaged overall in the process.
This has been a unique opportunity for many employees to become more aware of how
issues are handled within the University Staff. In addition, those who have not traditionally been engaged in working
with these issues can offer a fresh perspective and contribute to creative solutions to benefit the entire University.
Preliminary committee recommendations are anticipated later this spring.
Both President Coleman and Executive Vice President Slottow reaffirmed the University’s commitment and support for
the VOICES program. They noted that it has been encouraging to observe the enthusiasm generated by this initiative.
Visit the VOICES website at http://www.umich.edu/~hraa/voices/ for more information.
By Tim Kennedy,
BAS
& Valerie Amo,
Facilities Maintenance
Water, Water, Water, Where Does It Come From?
A safe and dependable water supply is often taken for granted. Keeping it flowing is a large responsibility for many in
Plant Operations.
All of the water that the University consumes is purchased
from the City of Ann Arbor. In FY 2005, the University
purchased 1,102,495,152 gallons of water, at a cost of
$6,714,000. The water flows through City owned
underground piping to University owned piping. This
piping is commonly referred to as water mains. The
Utilities Department in partnership with the Facilities
Maintenance Plumbing Shop operates, maintains, and
repairs over twenty miles of water main piping and over
350 water main valves.
Since FY 2000, the University’s water main system has
experienced 51 breaks. Repairing severed water mains is
a multi-shop effort which includes: the Grounds
An impressive fountain was created by a water main
Department, the Plumbing Shop, Construction Services
break near the Auto Lab Building on North Campus in
and various other shops such as High Voltage, and
March of 2005.
Photo by Gary Ernst
Outside Lighting which have utilities that must be crossed
to reach the broken water main. There are several causes
for water main breaks: old piping, the freeze-thaw cycle, and over-pressurizing the system. In many cases, breaks
occur during extremely cold weather, which increases the difficulty of making the repair in a safe and timely manner.
By Gary Ernst, Mary Gaul, and David Beurer,
Facilities Maintenance
8
University of Michigan Plant Operations
“We Make BLUE GO!”
The Plant Exchange
February 2006
UTILITIES & PLANT ENGINEERING
Regional Chilled Water Plant at Hatcher
Coming soon…The next installment in the master plan for regionalization of
chilled water systems on campus.
This spring, the Hatcher Chiller Plant will begin providing chilled water to
Hatcher Library, Clements Library, Tappan Hall, and the President’s Residence.
Using a very large crane, the project is replacing two 30+ year old chillers (and
associated cooling towers and pumps) with two new larger chillers in the 9th floor
penthouse of Hatcher. This past summer, the other buildings were connected via
underground piping; a good portion being directional-bored under the backyard
of the President’s Residence. In the very near future, the piping will be extended
to serve Shapiro Library and the expanded Art Museum.
By Mark Mau,
Utilities and Plant Engineering
A large crane lifts a pump.
Photo by Mark Mau
Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Program – Our Road Map
In the seven years since its inception, the FCA program, managed by Utilities and Plant Engineering (UPE), has
become the University’s roadmap for tracking facility condition and making decisions on facility needs. Initially
compiled from 1998-2001, the FCA database contains information on 277 buildings, over 25 million gross square
feet, with a total facility replacement cost of over $6.3 billion.
While the initial assessment was done by an outside consulting firm, the continuing success of the program is largely
due to the ongoing work and cooperation of Facilities and Operations teams. Ten teams, consisting of Facilities
Maintenance foremen, UPE engineers and AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) representatives, are
arranged by category: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, building exteriors, etc.
The continuing process focuses on identifying and bringing attention to the highest priority needs. Every project
entered into FCA includes a detailed scope, category, budget, and priority. Shops often send information on specific
needs through their foremen or directly to engineering, and are called on by the FCA team members to provide input.
Administrators and the academic community have come to rely on the FCA data as a road map of the overall
condition of our campus. Architects, engineers, and planners rely on FCA as a resource for developing project scope
of major renovations. Facilities and Operations (F&O) management uses the prioritized database in making facility
decisions and requesting and implementing funding for infrastructure improvements.
At the completion of the surveys in FY01 the process had identified over $2 billion in repair/ replacement projects.
The General Fund component accounted for over $800 million of the total.
The road map from overhead shows a continued improvement of the overall GF campus condition. The Facility
Condition Needs Index (FCNI), calculated by taking the total cost of needs for a given facility and dividing by the
replacement cost for that facility, shows general overall campus improvement. This is due largely to major renovations
and the addition of new buildings to the database.
Continued on Pg. 12
9
University of Michigan Plant Operations
February 2006
http://www.plantops.umich.edu/PlantExchange/
GROUNDS & WASTE MANAGEMENT
Gear up for RecycleMania!
This is the first year the University will be participating in the RecycleMania competition.
RecycleMania is a ten week
competition between our University and other colleges and universities from across the country. We are participating
in the “Per Capita Classic,” which measures the number of recyclables collected per student living on campus. This is a
tough competition between participating universities with some of the highest recycling and waste diversion rates in the
country. A few of these competing schools include Ohio State University, Harvard University, and Brown University.
The University has selected to focus on Residence Halls, Residential Dining, and On-Campus Apartments measuring
paper and mixed container recycling. It begins January 29 and runs through April 8. The winner of the competition
claims a recycling trophy and bragging rights for the year!
REdU redoes UM Recycling
A fairly recent initiative is beginning to impact the recycling program at the University. Our campus, with the help and
support of the students, faculty and staff has recycled 36.4% in 2005, which is up from 35.9% in 2004. The Recycling
Education at the University (REdU) initiative has been working to make the recycling program more ‘user-friendly’ as it
continues to divert waste from entering the landfill. REdU is a group of staff who serve as recycling contacts for their
departments and offices. The bimonthly meetings begin with an educational presentation regarding a current recycling
topic. Following the presentation, a discussion session ensues during which questions and recommendations can be
raised. This information can then be brought back to the department by the representatives. REdU meetings are also a
great time for department representatives to find out more information about the upcoming RecycleMania competition.
If you are interested in becoming a representative for your building or department, please email Waste Management
Services at [email protected] for more information. Meetings are held bi-monthly on the third Tuesday from 2-3 pm
and locations vary. Please visit www.recycle.umich.edu for the agendas, minutes, and meeting locations.
By Laura Claus,
Waste Management Services
Trading Places For A Day
You can really learn a lot about the jobs others do by “walking in their shoes” for a day. GWM is providing
opportunities for crew members and supervisors to experience each others’ jobs for a day. I took my turn on October
20th and planted flower bulbs on Ingalls Mall with Linda Hawkes, Mary Nix, and
Cari Jones. The day started at 6:00AM gathering tools, sorting bulbs, and marking
out the planting areas. As first light approached, we started putting the bulbs in the
ground. The first thing that struck me was the speed at which the work was done!
I couldn’t keep up with the rest of the crew. The second thing was how much
focus was required. The bulbs all look the same when they’re not in bloom and
you really have to pay attention to get the colors in the right locations.
Pictured from left to right: Marvin
Pettway and Kenn Rapp
Photo by Bill McAlister
I want to thank Linda, Mary, and Cari for letting me spend the day with them. I
got the chance to get dirty, a little sore, and to learn about something they do for
the University. More importantly, it gave me the opportunity to get to know them
better as coworkers and friends. This winter several people have signed up to
spend a day with me and see what I, as a landscape architect, experience during a
day. The beauty of the University’s grounds is achieved by the collective effort of
many people. Trading places with co-workers for a day allows us to better
understand the contribution we all make. I can’t wait to see my bulbs this spring!
By Kenn Rapp,
Grounds and Waste Management
10
University of Michigan Plant Operations
“We Make BLUE GO!”
The Plant Exchange
February 2006
WELLNESS
Ring in a Healthy New Year
With the New Year, you have a new opportunity to nurture your mind, your body and your spirit. Improve
your overall health with these 10 steps:
• Eat a healthy diet. Consume less saturated fat and cholesterol. Eat more fruits and vegetables – at least five
servings per day.
• Get tested. Routine screening tests can help save lives, so ask your doctor which tests you need each year.
• Exercise. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Quit smoking. In addition to tripling the risk of dying of heart disease, smoking is associated with an increased
risk of cancer, lung disease, early menopause, infertility, and osteoporosis and pregnancy complications.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Manage your stress level. Plan fun activities, get enough sleep and find time to relax every day. Talk to your
doctor, a counselor or a friend if you have too much stress.
• Make connections. Create a support system of family members and friends. Build a connection to your
spirituality as well – whether that is to nature, your inner self, or a higher power.
• Take protective measures in your everyday life. For instance, wear your seat belt, use sunscreen, and
check your smoke detector batteries.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
By Gregory Lambert,
Health and Wellness Coordinator
Source: Mayo Clinic – Health Quest, January 2006
Periodized Resistance Training for Long Term Success
On October 25, 2005, the Grounds and Waste Management Department held a seminar called “Periodized
Resistance Training for Long Term Success” which was developed and presented by Michael Stack, Certified
Master Personal Trainer and graduate of University of Michigan’s Division of Kinesiology.
Michael’s motivating seminar was just what the Grounds Department needed to help jump start their fitness routines for
the upcoming winter months. There were over 30 attendees at the seminar!
Here are just a few topics that Michael Stack’s seminar covered:
•
•
•
•
•
•
How Resistance Training fits into the big picture of total fitness
Benefits of Resistance Training
Basic Training Principles
Resistance Training Program Design Variables
Periodization of your Workouts
Functional Biomechanics
The Grounds and Waste Management Department has just accomplished their one year anniversary for their Exercise/
Fitness Facility (November 2005).
By Greg Lambert,
Health and Wellness Coordinator
11
University of Michigan Plant Operations
February 2006
http://www.plantops.umich.edu/PlantExchange/
INSIDE THIS
EDITION
3
Retirement
Celebration
6
Black
History Month
8
Water, Water,
Water
10
RETIREMENT CELEBRA
TION
CELEBRATION
Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)
Program – Our Road Map (Continued from Pg. 9)
A closer view (operations & maintenance) of the road map shows some potholes ahead.
In our GF buildings, $348 million in projects have been funded over the past seven
years, but during the same period, $114 million in new projects have been identified.
Our current backlog for GF buildings stands at $567 million of which $122 million are in
high priority needs.
By Mike Bowen,
Utilities and Plant Engineering
This chart,
shown to
the Regents
each year,
shows a
general
improvement
of our GF
campus.
Recyclemania!
The PLANT Exchange
University of Michigan - Plant Operations
326 E. Hoover, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1002
The Plant Exchange
Director of Plant Operations
Richard W. Robben
Editor
David Judge, Building Services
Co-Editor
Mary Diskin, Plant Operations
Design & Layout
Eric Ogden, Building Services
Contributing Writers
Betty Alberts, Plant Operations
Valerie Amo, Facilities Maintenance
Anna Balhoff, Plant Academy
David Beurer, Facilities Maintenance
Mike Bowen, Utilities & Plant Engineering
Samantha Brandt, Construction Services
Terry Burmeister, Construction Services
Charles Clark, Hospital Facilities
Laura Claus, Grounds & Waste Management
Greg Detmer, Construction Services
Gary Ernst, Facilities Maintenance
Mary Gaul, Facilities Maintenance
Tim Kennedy, Facilities Maintenance
Gregory Lambert, Wellness
Bill Love, PODC
Mark Mau, Utilities & Plant Engineering
Mike Petit, Construction Services
Marvin Pettway, Grounds & Waste Management
Ken Rapp, Grounds & Waste Management
Lisa Sheldon, Work Control
Pam Smith, C.A.R.E.
University of Michigan Plant Operations
“We Make BLUE GO!”
The Plant Exchange
February 2006