Western Kentucky University

Department of Facilities Management

 

Human Relations Council Minutes

22 March 2007

 

 

The Human Relations Council (HRC) met on Thursday, March 22, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in the DFM Conference Room, with Tom Riley, Director of Facilities Management conducting the meeting.

 

Those members present for the meeting are as follows:

 

            Robert Elrod-Auxiliary                        Robin Kennedty-Shulda-E&G BSA

            Phil Kinser-Alternate               Nathan Hale-Electric

            Nathan Brindley-Plumbing      Dan Chaney-PDC                   

            Danny Eakles-Paint                 Daniel Jolly-HVAC

 

Those members absent from the meeting were:  David Blankenship @ Carpentry; Joey Taylor @ Grounds; Steve Keown @ Zone Maintenance

 

The first item brought before the council in Old Business was discussion of the Phase 2 Computer Training, with Director Riley reporting this training will be an ongoing discussion.  He also reported IT sends out electronically a monthly training schedule which is free for all WKU employees to attend.  It was requested this training be posted on all three bulletin boards.

 

The next item for discussion was an update of Phase I Basic Computer Training, with Director Riley asking Robert Elrod if the Housing personnel had computers they could utilize.  Elrod reported they could utilize computers at Gilbert Hall, Keen Hall and SW Hall. 

 

Riley reported pay raise information will be distributed electronically this year to all campus employees. 

 

It was also reported Asbestos Training will be placed online and employees will need to know how to access their email and TOPNET accounts, to access this training.  The council requested someone from IT attend a departmental meeting and provide a brief overview of how to access email and TOPNET.

 

Riley reported if there are any DFM employees needing computer training, to contact Pat Butler.

 

The next item for discussion was on Day Parking Permits for vendors and contractors, with Riley reporting we now have ten Day Parking Permits in our front office, if needed.

 

At this time, discussion was held regarding communication between PDC and DFM being an issue, with Riley reporting both areas are now partnering in an effort to eliminate this problem.  Process Improvement Meetings have now been scheduled for the purpose of identifying problems and resolving them for both areas in a timely and effective manner. 

 

Phil Kinser reported a recommendation was made to Angie Jackson, Fiscal Services Manager, to have a parking spot in the dock area designated solely for vendors so they can unload their

 

 

 

supplies and take them directly to the stockroom.  Riley was in favor of this recommendation, and will discuss logistics of this recommendation with Jackson.

 

Riley reported credit card expenses incurred for the month of February were at an all time high of $100,000, with the norm being between $65,000 and $75,000.   The primary purpose for establishing the Preferred Vendor List is to utilize only certain vendors, and therefore, eliminating emergency runs, and decreasing credit card usage. 

 

The next item for discussion was an update on additional DFM staffing, with Riley reporting he will attend a meeting with Dr. Tice, John Osborne, and Brad Wheeler next week for the purpose of discussing staffing issues.  He further reported we no longer maintain a five day work week, but have become a seven day work week department, and are currently looking at how to cover extra shifts.

 

Riley reported PM Ben Johnson is overseeing the ESPC Contract for electrical repairs for PS1; there are no new developments at this time.

 

The next item for discussion was on the Astra Scheduling Program, with Riley reporting this program will be utilized to assist in scheduling summer maintenance work, and summer cleaning in classrooms.  Riley reported he is scheduled to attend a BSA Group Meeting on Monday, March 26, to discuss summer cleaning projects.

 

The next item for discussion was the Boom Truck emergency brake with Riley reporting this matter has been assigned to the Safety Committee for resolution.  Discussion was also held regarding all the departments which use the Boom Truck, with Riley reporting the BSAs will now utilize the truck to clean high windows, and will therefore, need proper training.

 

In new business, Riley reported the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) will be offered online this year, with the Health Fair scheduled for April 13 from 7:30 – 11:00 a.m., at Preston Center.  In order to earn a vacation day, employees must complete the HRA, attend the Health Fair, and attend one of the follow-up sessions. 

 

In other business, Eakles requested parking on Dogwood be designated for DFM staff only.  Riley reported the side closest to PS1 was designated for DFM vehicles.  Discussion was held at this time, that three parking signs designated for DFM have been removed and anyone can park in these three spots now.  Riley will look into this matter and present for discussion at the next P&T Meeting.

 

Chaney reported Schneider Hall will be finished by August as students are to arrive sometime that month.  Discussion was also held regarding the progress of Smith Stadium and the Health Services building.

 

Riley reported House Bill (HB) 1 has not passed.  The Legislature is to return for a Special Session on March 27 and 28, and further reported there is a good chance this bill will not pass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There being no further official business conducted, the meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Butler

Administrative Assistant

 

xc:       HRC Members

            DFM Managers