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