FM explores taking on Lean

In mid-October AVP Mike Perez and a small group of his directors and direct reports visited the facilities group at the University of Washington. The purpose of the trip was to take a behind the scenes look at how Lean, an organizational process improvement approach which believes people are our greatest resource, is implemented in an organization similar to our own. Moving forward, the group is researching a number of process improvement methods with the goal of identifying the best fit for FM. More information to come in the January newsletter.

Caught in the Act

These employees have recently been recognized for going above and beyond expectations in Customer Service, Teamwork, Innovation, Safety, or Excellence

Bob Norwood, Dennis Denham, Nate Miles, Matt McCoy, Josh Singleton, Kevin Toeniskoetter, Bob Wilson, Josh Peay, Lonnie Medina, Sara McBride, Jayna Gelsinger, David Mead, Missy Tyrrell, Shireen Ghorbani, LeRoy Winn, Michael Whittaker, David Quinlivan, Liz Blackner, Tim Snideman, Ranaq Srivastav

Snow Removal Crews

It’s that time of year again!  Three dedicated crews are gearing up to make campus safe on snowy winter days.
Transportation
This crew consists of eight full-time employees who often rotate to plow snow in 12-hour shifts. They keep roads open and plow high-use parking lots, moving snow piles to improve parking access and traffic flow. Transportation works closely with parking services to respond to customers’ needs.
Roads and Parking Lots
•         8.7 miles of roads
•         Parking lots:  90 totaling 182         acres
Landscape Maintenance
These 50 employees hand shovel stairs, entrances, curb cuts, and handicap ramps, and de-ice sidewalks, confined spaces, narrow ramps and small walks.  They also manage sidewalks and patios.  In addition to daily snow removal, they plow and salt during special events on campus.
Stairs, Walks, and Ramps
•         63 miles of sidewalk
•         807 sets of stairs
•         182 buildings
•         63 ADA ramps
Custodial Services
This crew takes care of the entrance ways for 112 buildings on campus. They use salt and ice melt so that entryways are safe for people going in and out of buildings.  
Please thank these crews when you see them and report any concerns to Dispatch at 1-7221. 

Transportation Supervisor Todd Ryan clears snow on a wintry day.

FM Monthly Tidbits and Numbers

Holiday University Closure Days
Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013
Friday, Dec. 27, 2013

FM Scholarship
Applications are due by Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 for Spring Semester

Service Project
Facilities has given over 500 blankets through the FCO service project.

Janus Awards

The Janus Award was presented to the Business Crew led by Crew Leader, Gene Shelley for the month of October. The team topped other crews with the highest score on the SMART Inspections for the month!

In The Spotlight

Veterans Among Us

This month we take time to acknowledge the veterans currently employed across Facilities Management. There are 34 staffed veterans who are a part of our FM community. We recognize those who served our country for their strong work ethic and valor in service.

Currently, there are over 1.4 million active members of the armed forces. One of those is our own John Palo of Facility Operations who recently returned to active duty with the Navy. He will return to Facilities at the end of his tour.

Facilities has veterans that bring a variety of skills and experiences. They served as radiomen, worked in missile security, and instructed basic training.

To mention a few we acknowledge Dennis Denham, Tom Christensen and Joseph Harman for their time in the armed services.

Next Monday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day. We thank you for your service and sacrifice and we acknowledge all whose lives have been touched by war and conflict.
 

2013 FM Service Project: All Roads Lead to Home

Last year, Facility & Construction Operations worked through the University Veterans Support Center to provide donations of over 80 “magic blankets” and other in kind items to the Veterans Hospital and Veterans Nursing Home.

This holiday season Facility & Construction Operations will be making “magic blankets” and collecting items for The Road Home and their Community Winter Shelter in Midvale. Your donations will provide comfort for families and individuals to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.

Last year, 6,725 individuals (including 659 families with a total of 1,223 children) were sheltered in their facilities. There is no question that the shelter they provide saves lives. The Road Home is open every day of the year and will shelter anyone in need. They do not turn people away and make room for everyone who needs a safe, warm place to stay.

The Midvale shelter houses up to 80 families at a time, increasing the outreach of the program from 20 to 100 families. This additional space allowed The Road Home to provide services to 336 families in 2012 and it is anticipated the numbers will be even higher in 2013.

Items being collected through December 10, 2013 are new baby bottles & formula, diapers (sizes 3-5), coats & jackets for men, women and children, new underwear, gloves, socks and warm hats. We recognize that these items may be the only presents families receive.

We would like to thank everyone in Facility & Construction Operations for your contributions whether it is through your time or financial donations. Collections will continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2013. We appreciate your continued support and are looking forward to seeing what this group can accomplish this year!

Last year, 6,725 individuals (including 659 families with a total of 1,223 children) were sheltered in their facilities.  See events for additional volunteer opportunities.