Download - Facilitator January 2010
Facilities Services
~ Dedicated to a Spirit
of Service ~
Did you know that….
♦ There are more than
12,000 locks on campus
- this includes tradi-
tional brass keys, card
access, desks, file cabi-
nets, etc!
♦ It always snows when
the grounds crew
schedules a training
event off campus!
The Facilitator
January 2010 Volume 2, Issue 2
Inside this edition:
Treated Salt 2
Zone Shop Shuffles Em-
ployees 2
Steve Benchik, Associate
Director of Facilities,
Retires
2
Recognizing the Effort 3
A Word from Assistant
Vice-President for Facili-
ties & Planning
3
Dawn Rowe Wins the
2009 Gloria and Van
Quaal Award
4
Lights On! 4
Curtailment 4
Many people have wondered about
the broken window on the façade of the ISC
and we want to take this chance to explain
the saga (and delay) behind the repair.
Shortly after the ISC opened in 2007, a crack
was noticed inside one of the panes of the
glass façade on the building. The timing of
the defect caused much debate regarding the
responsibility for repair, i.e. was it a war-
ranty issue or not. Subsequently, Clayton B.
Obersheimer, Inc (C&O Glass) was con-
tracted to replace the glass. This company
had provided the original glass and would
therefore be familiar with the composition of
the glass and the intricacies of the installa-
tion. Because this is a special order glass it is
only manufactured periodically, and thus not
readily available on demand. Several at-
tempts were made at manufacturing the
glass as we patiently, and sometimes impa-
tiently, waited while one error after another
plagued our efforts to replace this eyesore on
one of our signature buildings. The first replacement was broken in shipping, then one was
sized incorrectly, and later yet another arrived with the wrong edge detailing. The latter
piece was sent for modification by the contractor as they believed it could be re-worked. That
attempt caused the glass to shatter during the effort dictating yet another re-order. Steve
Benchik in Facilities Services was overseeing the replacement and weathering the test of
patience these repeated errors brought with them. Since the contractor was responsible for
all the measurements and manufacturing coordination, they bore the responsibility and cost
for the delays as we waited several months between each piece until the last piece of glass
came in with everything correct. Finally, after more than a year’s time, the installation was
scheduled, a lift ordered, and the much anticipated installation was completed on November
18th. At this point we wish that this could be “The End” and put behind us but less than a
month went by before the newly installed glass was showing signs of failure. C & O Glass
came back to campus a few days before the holidays to further assess the issue and subse-
quently met with Facilities Service managers. Based upon that discussion, additional design
expertise will be brought in to help assess what would cause this same piece to fail yet again
in an attempt to craft a permanent fix. We look forward to a final repair and an end to the
saga in coming months.
The Continuing Saga of Window Replacement in
the Integrated Science Center
Mike Ellis assists C&O Glass with the ISC window repair.
SUNY Geneseo has switched to using
100% treated salt. The salt we are
purchasing is treated with liquid mag-
nesium chloride. Treating the salt low-
ers the eutectic temperature of salt
which means that it will melt ice at
lower outdoor temperatures. Many
users have concluded that because of
the enhanced performance, treated salt
can save 20 to 40% over the course of
the winter. We have used over 300
tons of untreated salt in previous years
and anticipate using approximately
225 tons of treated salt this year.
Treated Salt
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 2
The new semester will begin with the maintenance helpers, a.k.a. “zonies” being moved to new “zones” for cross-training
purposes. Please welcome these guys and gals to their new zones – they are as follows:
Sam Maggio, Bruce Reichard, and Dana Passamonte will maintain Zone A which includes Milne, Newton, Bailey,
Brodie, Roemer House, and the ISC.
Rich Menard & Ed Straton have Zone B areas including South Hall, Welles, Wads. Aud, Erwin, Fraser, Sturges,
Blake A, B, & C and Saratoga.
John Nickerson, Cookie Jackson, and Roy Franchi are in Zone C taking care of Holcomb, Merritt, Schrader, Col-
lege Union, and Clark.
Roy Meissner & Todd White are assigned to South Residential Village, Nassau, Niagara, Onondaga, Suffolk,
Wayne, and Red Jacket.
Tim Freas has North Residential Village comprised of Lauderdale, Erie, Genesee, Ontario, Putnam, Seneca, Wyo-
ming, and Letchworth.
John Carney & Brian Wood will maintain Central Residential Village, Alleghany, Livingston, Jones, Monroe, Steu-
ben, and Mary Jemison.
Zone Shop Shuffles Employees
Steve Benchik, Associate Director of Facilities Services, will officially retire on Jan. 20, 2010. Steve began his career at
SUNY Geneseo in Sepember,1996 with many responsibilities, including overseeing building maintenance, heating plant,
and garage operations. He was also the Building and Fire Safety Code Compliance Manager ensuring the College’s com-
pliance with both New York State and Federal rules and regulations regarding commercial building operations.
Steve will take with him a vast amount of institutional knowledge that we have come to rely on over the years. He was
knowledgeable, insightful, realistic, and persistent…..the glue that holds us together! He was very adamant in making
his point when issues involved economic and sustainable building operations.
Over the years Steve’s pride and joy was the Wilson Ice Arena. At the beginning of each fall semester, Steve would tire-
lessly check on the preparation of the ice to ensure the conditions were optimal for the Geneseo Ice Knights.
Among those who will miss Steve the most are the secretaries; he always remembered
them with thoughtful gestures and never forgot to give them a pat on the back for all the
work they do.
We know there won’t be anything lackadaisical about Steve’s retirement; he plans on
spending his time skiing, bike riding, traveling with his wife Sue, and dog Molly, spending
time at their Adirondack camp and enjoying their grandsons, Adam and Alex.
Although it is a challenging farewell for Facilities, we wish Steve all the best in retire-
ment!!!!! We’ll miss you Steve!!
Steve Benchik, Associate Director of Facilities Services, Retires
SUNY Geneseo Salt Barn
Paul Straton plows & salts TT Lot
Facilities Promotions, Retirements, Hires
Recognizing the Effort….a note from Kirk Spangler
Page 3 The Facilitator
A Word from Assistant Vice-President for Facilities & Planning —
George F. Stooks
Semester of Change
The beginning of 2010 brings with it changes to the Facili-
ties & Planning department. After 14 years of service Steve
Benchik will be retiring. We wish Steve well as he leaves to
spend time with his family and grandchildren, skiing, and
at his cottage in the Adirondacks to name but a few of his
pursuits.
Steve’s departure, combined with the budget issues we are
all dealing with, dictate a combination of reorganization
and re-alignment of duties. Most of these will appear seam-
less to you, our customers, but communicating change is a
critical element to a successful transition.
The notable changes are as follows:
Kirk Spangler will move up into the Associate Director’s
slot and will oversee the zone and core shops along with
continuing management of custodial operations.
Darlene Campbell will assume responsibility for manag-
ing Stores and Receiving. Darlene has been working closely
with this area over the past two years, and it is a natural fit
under her role as Business Manager. In addition, Darlene
will serve as the Fleet Manager, another function closely
related to her primary role.
Bill McDevitt will take on the management of the Garage
operations in addition to his Grounds responsibilities.
Chuck Reyes will be designated as Code Compliance Coor-
dinator, a role that he has effectively been doing for some
time; it simply was not formalized as required by state
code.
Other changes that we will see over the coming months in-
clude re-opening the search for a project manager within
Facilities Planning. With three major building renovations
in design, as well as the college stadium and a plethora of
smaller projects, getting Facilities Planning to full strength
is critical. The search for the position that was formally
known as the Utility Manager will also be renewed. With
the departure of Steve Benchik goes a significant level of
experience and institutional knowledge in mechanical and
utility systems. This void, combined with the ever increas-
ing demand in the sustainability arena, dictates filling the
utility position as Asst. Director for Sustainability and
Campus Utilities.
As you can see, the spring 2010 se-
mester will be one of significant
change. Elsewhere in this issue
changes that took place within the
zone shop at the start of semester
break are outlined. Please bear with
us as we adjust while continuing
our efforts to deliver quality ser-
vices and facilities to the campus
community.
As we close yet another year in our busy lives I would like to take the opportunity to rec-
ognize and thank all of the staff members of Facilities Services. We seldom take time to reflect on
what we have accomplished; both at work and in our personal lives. We are so consumed with our daily regi-
ments that we take for granted those we work with, and fail to recognize and appreciate those at home who
love and support us. My hopes are you will take a second or two to reflect, appreciate, and recognize those in your life that
make a difference or are simply there to offer a smile and a hello and if needed a kind ear. Tell those you care for that your
life is enriched because they are part of it!!
Thanks to “all of you” for the work you perform each and every day on behalf
of Facilities Services. In ending, an interesting quote: “Nothing will be the
same as it is today.” Make the most of today!
Steve Benchik will retire from his position as Associate Director of Facilities Services on Jan. 20th. Steve has been a
dedicated employee of the College for many years and will be missed. Best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement!
Jim Coburn moved from his Maintenance Assistant position with the residence hall zones to the Heating Plant as a
Plant Utilities Assistant in October 2009. Jim has worked at the College for over 20 years.
Deena Smith returned to the Central Stores office in December 2009. She has been an employee of Geneseo since June
of 2008. Welcome back!
Joseph D’Agostino joined the Custodial staff as a night/weekend Cleaner, and Randy Smathers began as a Janitor on
the residence hall day shift. Welcome!
Dawn Rowe is the 2009 recipient of
the Gloria and Van Quaal Out-
standing Quality Service Award. The
award was established in 1997 and
recognizes an individual in the Divi-
sion of Administration & Finance who
has had a consistently high level of
performance during his/her career,
has had a recognizable and meaning-
ful impact at the College, and who
serves as a role model for others.
Dawn has been employed at the Col-
lege for 30 years and in her current
position as Secretary II in the Facili-
ties Services Department for the past
3 years. Dawn is always the cool,
calm, can-do person who never lets
you down when attention to detail is
required. Congratulations Dawn!!!
Dawn Rowe Wins the
2009 Gloria and Van
Quaal Award
Work Control Center ……... 5662
George Stooks, AVP Facilities &
Planning ……………….…….5663
Kirk Spangler, Associate Director of
Facilities Services …………. 5662
Bill McDevitt, Assistant Director of
Grounds ………………...…… 5681
Chuck Reyes, Environmental Health &
Safety Director ………………..... 5512
Darlene Necaster, EHS Officer.. 5812
Jeffrey Kaplan, R.A., Director of Facili-
ties Planning ……………….…… 5511
Dave Norton, Project Manager.. 5511
Darlene Campbell, Bus. Mgr ..... 5918
Volume 2, Issue 2 Page 4
Facilities & Planning Management Staff
CURTAILMENT 2009-2010
Ongoing budget issues prompted a curtailment of Energy Consumption during
the holiday break beginning December 23rd and ending January 4th. Although
the Heating Plant has an advanced Energy Management System, activating this
curtailment was a major undertaking. Managerial support and involvement
from Steve Benchik and Kirk Spangler paved the way in planning the event.
Jay Ezard’s and Bill Cox’s superior mechanical knowledge of this campus and
their coordinated supervisory
efforts allowed the plan to be
implemented smoothly. The
Heating Plant monitored the
buildings during the curtail-
ment to ensure sensitive oper-
ating equipment did not fail.
A Facilities team effort al-
lowed this program to be effi-
ciently executed. Kudos to all
involved on a job well done!
Did you know that certain light bulbs are hazardous to the
environment when disposed of improperly? Fluorescent
bulbs contain mercury, metal halides contain mercury and
lead, and high pressure sodium contains mercury and lead.
SUNY Geneseo generates these wastes and must dispose of
them either as hazardous waste or recycle them with a com-
pany recognized by the New York State Department of En-
vironmental Conservation. Have you ever wondered how
much electronic bulb waste SUNY Geneseo creates in a
year?
♦ We had one pick up last year which consisted of 9 pal-
lets weighing over 3234 pounds.
♦ We disposed of 2628 four foot straight bulbs equivalent
to 10,512 feet.
♦ In addition, we disposed of 881 compact bulbs and 43
high intensity discharge bulbs for a total bulb count of
3552.
The standard incandescent bulbs we currently enjoy in our
homes are terribly inefficient and are being passed out only
to be replaced by compact fluorescent (CFLs) bulbs. Al-
though much energy and therefore money will be saved by
fluorescent bulbs, the savings will be offset by the much
higher cost of CFLs. In addition, consumers will need a
special place for disposal or else the waster will end up in a
sanitary landfill not designed for such wastes, possibly pol-
luting the environment.
Submitted by Chuck Reyes, Director of
Environmental Health and Safety.
Lights On!
Heating Plant—Energy Management Desk