Hi OPP,
This is a great time of year with the holidays just around the corner. Even though winter break is quickly approaching, there's a lot going on around OPP!
I recently had a cool opportunity to visit the Old Main bell tower and look out over the University. I wanted to send a shoutout to our team members who were involved in the process, including Christie Holloway, Greg Kufner and a bunch more. The team did great job in protecting this iconic asset. I also wanted to pass along my appreciation for the folks who spent time helping to clean up some of the facilities in the Nursing Building and getting that facility cleaned up a bit…well done!
Lastly, a major “Kudos” and heart felt thanks to those who took care of the Chandlee Building on such short notice. We recently lost steam services to the building during a real cold snap -- Darin Bressler, John Breezee, and their crews did a great job taking care of business until we could get steam services back up…you folks rock!
I had an awesome opportunity to participate in the Student Veteran Center open. As a veteran myself, it was great to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 15. This was a challenging project in terms of limited budget and tight schedule but our folks in the Reno crew did an awesome job making that happen. Kudos to the project team and all those folks who chipped in to make that a success!!! At OPP, we have one of the largest number of veterans of any unit on campus, and that's a point of pride for our organization so it’s great when we can take care of our student veterans and our folks on the staff as well. If you are a veteran, please feel free to stop in and check it out.
In e-Builder news, as we continue to move closer and closer to the Go-Live of Phase 2 on July 1, 2020, OPP project leaders are working now to close inactive projects by Dec. 31 and transfer active-past-May-2020 projects into e-Builder by Jan. 31. This is a massive undertaking on their part with downstream effects for other units within our organization. I really appreciate all the work everyone is putting into this transformation so we can make the Phase 2 Go-Live as seamless as possible. The links to SIMBA make this a real challenge but I’m confident we are going to be successful.
I wanted to send a reminder to everyone to be safe as rifle season gets underway this Saturday. In 2018 in Pennsylvania, there were 27 hunting-related shooting incidents, one of which was fatal. Please always be aware of your surroundings! This is a great time of year and should be fun for everyone…come back safe. I won’t make it out on opening day myself as I’ll be here for the game against Rutgers…a big thanks to all of our volunteers who are helping out, I recognize the sacrifice and appreciate your willingness to help us finished the season strong!
While on the subject of safety, be prepared as snow season approaches! Always wear the right gear and plan ahead. Many of our folks are vital to keeping campus up and running even when activities and classes are canceled. At University Park, our official sources of notification include
Penn State News
,
Facebook
,
PSUAlert
,
Twitter
, WPSU radio and TV.
On a personal note, I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving and having my in-laws up from Georgia. It's a great time to connect with family. I hope you have the chance to do that, too!
Cheers and happy Thanksgiving!
Bill
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Provide Excellent Facilities Services for Penn State
OPP Mission
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Integrity | Respect | Responsibility | Discovery |
Excellence | Community
OPP Values
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Jared Stake accepted a position as a maintenance worker, trees and shrubs. First day: Oct. 28
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Edward Harzinski accepted a position as a maintenance worker, utility. First day: Oct. 28
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Abby Kustenbauder accepted a position as a janitorial worker. First day: Oct. 28
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Annette Lose accepted a position as an administrative support coordinator. First day: Nov. 11
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Ashly Sumner accepted a position as a janitorial worker. First day: Nov. 11
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Kimberly Fanucci accepted a position as a groundskeeper, horticultural worker. First day: Nov. 11
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Lucas Aughenbaugh accepted a position as a janitorial worker. First day: Nov. 11
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Janis Himes accepted a position as a janitorial worker. First day: Nov. 11
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Ross Mayhew accepted a position as a janitorial worker. First day: Nov. 11
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Glenda Rupert accepted a position as a purchasing assistant. First day: Nov. 25
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Holly Martinchek accepted a position as a waste water treatment plant operator. First day: Nov. 25
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Jackie Mertiff accepted a position as a janitorial worker. First day: Nov. 25
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David Novak accepted a position as an IT project manager. First day: Nov. 25
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Daren Desch, area facilities maintenance mechanic. Congratulations, Daren!
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Cheers
Grounds Management Award
For the second year in a row, Penn State was recognized with an Honor Award from the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) as part of the society's 2019 Green Star Awards competition! The award was given in the University and College Grounds category for exceptional grounds maintenance. Congratulations to our grounds maintenance crews!
Check out the story via Penn State News
.
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Great GameDay
Rob Gavlock
, supervisor, first custodial shift, reached out to recognize tech service custodial and custodial supervisors who were instrumental in supporting the recent ESPN College GameDay experience on the HUB Lawn:
These folks worked behind the scenes to provide excellent facilities services to support a nationally televised event. Thank you for all that you did!
Custodial staff who assisted during ESPN College GameDay:
Danielle Steele
(Supervisor)
Dave Minarchick
(Supervisor)
John Pudliner
(Supervisor)
Jamie Adams
Tim Snyder
Keith Blake
Jen Brezler
George Meyers
Matthew Huntington
Jessica Ortegon
Glenden Sweely
Shane Ekdahl
Arnel Ocampo
Chandler Mayhew
Christopher Dick
Mark DeLuca
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In the News
Electric vehicle owners will find a new location for charging and reduced charging rates when visiting Penn State’s two on-campus hotels.
Transportation Services recently partnered with the Office of Physical Plant and Hospitality Services to add two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations near The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center at Innovation Park. These stations include four plugs: three for general use and one for vehicles with valid ADA placards or license plates only. The new EV charging stations are in the visitor parking lot on the west side of the hotel. Check out the story via
Penn State News
.
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Project Showcase: Student Veteran Center
The newly renovated Ritenour Building is now home to the new Penn State Student Veteran Center and includes a student lounge, a student veteran study area, and multi-use rooms that will provide space for student veteran organizations, support groups and programming. An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held Nov. 15.
Check out some photos via Penn State News!
Whitney Sitzabee, a former Air Force Key Spouse, had numerous opportunities to help many families through long and difficult deployments. “Our family experienced seven combat tours and I know, and greatly appreciate, the sacrifices that our families make in support of our Veterans. It’s great to be part of a ceremony like this and to have a place for veterans and their dependents to go.”
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D&I Insight
Do you want to become more involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in Finance & Business? There is currently an opportunity to serve on two F&B Strategic Priority Team subcommittees: The Black History Month Subcommittee and the Hispanic Heritage Month Subcommittee. This would require attendance at occasional subcommittee meetings throughout the year and logistical activities leading up to the annual event associated with each celebration. This is a great opportunity to have fun, become involved, have an impact, and broaden your network across Finance & Business. Please contact Maddy Cantu at
mac56@psu.edu
if you are interested in becoming involved.
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Safety Spotlight: Getting Ready for Winter Weather Work
Here are some reminders about dressing for the weather and staying strong, healthy,
and safe this winter. Remember to report areas of concern to the Work Reception Center
Frostbite and hypothermia
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Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by loss of body temperature.
o
For example, exposed skin can start to freeze at just 28 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) and deep frostbite can cause blood clots and even gangrene.
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Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, confusion, lightheadedness and profuse sweating. Without medical treatment the victim can lose consciousness.
Wear the right gloves for the work you are doing
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Gloves should have enough insulation to keep you warm and prevent frostbite, but be thin enough so you can feel what you are doing if you are manipulating controls or tools.
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Gloves which are too thick can also make your hands and wrists work too hard trying to hold on to objects, causing possible repetitive strain injury.
Dress in layers
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Layers of light-weight clothing keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothes.
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Remove layers as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiring which can lead to chills or hypothermia later.
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Wet clothing is 20 times less warm than dry clothing.
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Wear a hat. As much as half your body heat can go up in steam off the top of your head.
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Protect your ears from frostbite (wear a hat that will cover your ears or use ear muffs)
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Check your winter wardrobe for entanglement hazards such as scarves, loose sleeves, and dangling drawstrings.
Eye protection
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Keep your safety eyewear from fogging up in the cold. Use anti-fog coatings and wipes that are appropriate for your eyewear.
Footwear
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Look at the soles of your winter footwear. Your shoes or boots should have adequate tread to prevent slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
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Slow down when walking across slippery surfaces and be especially careful on ladders, platforms, and stairways.
Eat up!
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This does not mean a high fat diet, but one with enough calories and nutrients to give you the fuel you need. Always start with a hearty breakfast.
Rest
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Get plenty of rest. Working in the cold and even traveling to and from work in the winter takes lots of energy. Be sure to pace yourself when shoveling snow.
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Materials Acquisition Team
Bill Sitzabee has been listening to input and in response, has established a team to identify and prioritize issues that are impeding efficient and effective material acquisition.
The team includes members from OPP Stores, Work Control Division, and Buildings and Grounds. Team Members include: Chuck Dills, Vic Huber, Peggy Shaner, Scott Webster, Dave Brown, Joel Myers and Bruce Smith.
Over the next 4 to 6 months, the team will be engaging all stakeholders involved with material acquisition to explore opportunities with our processes, systems and participants. Improvements will be developed and implemented in a manner and timeframe that accounts for all stakeholders and competing or complementary initiatives such as SIMBA.
Input will be gathered with surveys, focus groups and interviews – but you can also provide input by contacting the team members directly or by communicating with the team’s sponsors: Terri Parker, Kristin Sykes, Mark Miller, Phillip Melnick and Ian Salada.
In the interim, there are some processes in place that can be better utilized to increase efficiency.
DID YOU KNOW?
Although technicians have multiple options to request and receive items from OPP Stores, below is the preferred order for efficiency:
Options to place an order
- EzMax mobile
- Maximo desktop requisition
- Email (oppstoreroom@psu.edu)
- Fax: 814-865-2920 for office
- Fax: 814-865-2930 for the counter/storeroom
- For emergencies, call the counter at 814-863-7110
- In person at OPP stores
Delivery options
- Delivered next day to site or shop
- Delivered same day to site or shop
- Request immediate delivery from OPP Stores
- Pick-up at OPP stores after preordering
- Walk into OPP Stores
Training can be arranged by your supervisor. OPP Stores can also pick up and deliver parts from local suppliers.
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HYDRONICS TEAM MAKING AN IMPACT
Penn State OPP's hydronics team is doing work to reduce operating costs and optimize cooling water processes. The University, in partnership with SUEZ, recently conducted a year-long evaluation of water quality in its cooling towers to determine optimal operating parameters. The resulting improvements reduced water consumption by at least 4.5 million gallons and reduced chemical usage by 15 percent while preserving important capital equipment. SUEZ also estimated Penn State has added over $300,000 in value to its operation in 2019 through five main treatment programs SUEZ helps it operate. For the work, the hydronics team received Proof-Not-Promises Award from SUEZ.
“For years Penn State has been on the forefront of water conservation and reuse. This project is the latest example showing organizations can continue to make meaningful improvements toward achieving sustainable water use,” said Nathan Hamm for SUEZ – Water Technologies & Solutions. “Penn State’s team should be extremely proud of its results.”
Historically, the University has relied on well water for drinking water and in mechanical systems that provide climate control in university buildings. In 2017, the university constructed a new water treatment plant to treat the well water for use across the entire campus. Because the quality and variability of the new water was unknown, Penn State’s team embarked on a study to determine if the treated water from the new plant would vary, and how that variation could be managed to extend the lifespan of capital equipment.
Using data from SUEZ’s analytical laboratory, as well as online monitoring through the SUEZ InSight asset performance management system, the teams were able to monitor makeup water quality over the course of a full year and determine new operating setpoints for the towers.
The results were significant. Overall tower cycles were increased from 2.75 to 3.25, resulting in a 15 percent reduction in water usage, which saved approximately 4.5 million gallons of water and $60,000 annually at the main chiller plants alone; and 15 percent reduction in chemical usage, saving $70,000 campus-wide.
“With this project, we’ve improved our understanding of makeup water fluctuations,” said Bob Puzak Utility Services Manager , Pennsylvania State University. “Ultimately, that means better system reliability, better water conservation, and a decreased load on campus wastewater facilities. It’s a home run.”
The Proof-Not-Promises Award recognizes customers for making significant improvements in industrial operational performance. SUEZ works with customers to design and meet strategic business goals that result in proof, not promises. The award is evaluated in a three-tier selection process that examines the goals of a project, and its operational and financial benefits.
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One of OPP’s missions and strategic plan goals is to develop meaningful performance measures that guide our decisions to maximize our efficiency across many aspects of stewardship. Here is the KPI of the month:
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e-Builder Update
Phase 1 is Live!
Training
If you have not done so, please review the training schedule
here
and register via LRN. It has been most effective for participants to attend
in person.
Phase 2 ‘Cost’ in Progress
Pride teams are working diligently to ensure a successful Go Live July, 2020. Development and user acceptance testing is underway for numerous processes. Check out the OPP e-Builder
website
for more information.
OPP’s e-Builder Hub
The system administrators (Michelle McMullen and Jessica Dubler) are in the process of moving to the new e-Builder Hub location (106E) this week.
***OPEN HOUSE***
Please stop by the new e-Builder Hub location (106E) between 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on
Friday, Dec. 13
for an open house celebration! Everyone is welcome to see our new location and get answers to any questions they may have.
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Health and Wellness Focus
Did you know? Penn State offers a free and voluntary resource in the Employee Assistance Program! More info:
Health Advocate
is a free and voluntary resource that has been provided for benefits-eligible employees, their spouse, dependent children, parents, and parents-in-law. Eligible family members do not have to reside with the employee in order to participate.
Health Advocate offers two valuable services, accessible through one phone number, 866-799-2728:
EAP+Work/Life program
- A licensed EAP professional can provide short-term counseling by phone, email, or in person to help you better cope with personal, family and work issues. You and your eligible members will still have up to 5 in-person visits per issue. On the work/life side, specialists can help you locate the right support services, from childcare and eldercare to legal and financial help.
Healthcare Help
- You have unlimited access to a highly trained Personal Health Advocate (PHA), who can help you navigate the healthcare and insurance systems, efficiently and dependably. The PHA can help you find the right providers, negotiate fees on uncovered medical bills, locate second opinions, provide cost comparisons for medical procedures and much more.
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Did you know that OPP had a connection to the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals? Nationals 1B/OF Matt Adams grew up not far from here in Philipsburg, Pa. Matt’s dad, Jamie is a janitorial worker in District 41.
Matt attended Slippery Rock University where he still holds the career record for highest batting average (.473). He was drafted in the 23
rd
round in the 2009 draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, and made his MLB debut on May 20, 2012. At 6’3”, 245-pounds, his teammates aptly nicknamed him “Big City." Since then, he’s played in over 800 MLB regular season and playoff games, and has hit 116 career home runs.
Jamie said that he can’t describe the feeling seeing his son play Major League Baseball. To have seen him once in the World Series with St. Louis in 2013, and then again in 2019 beating the Houston Astros in seven games is something not many dads get to experience. One of his fondest memories as an MLB dad was this Father’s Day, where they got to play catch on the field prior to the start of the game. Matt then proceeded to hit two homers, and had 7 RBIs during that game!
Matt’s looking for a new team in 2020, as the Nationals bought out his contract after the World Series, but at 31 years old, there’s plenty of hits still left in his bat. Watch the MLB news for his new landing spot, and keep any eye out for him on ESPN's SportsCenter!
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On Nov. 15, OPP's arborist crew and the electrical crew helped the Borough salvage a large white fir tree that was scheduled for removal as part of the west campus construction. The tree was installed at the Allen Street gates in preparation for the annual lighting ceremony, which took place Nov. 22.
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