For the past couple weeks we’ve been going over our “Pillar Projects” or those key projects that will enable FM to be in a stronger position in a tight budget. They include:

* Energy Management
* Parts & Procurement
* Custodial
* Operations & Maintenance

This week we will examine our Custodial Pillar. With over 500 folks working in almost every building in campus, our Building and Grounds staff has a huge impact. We will look for efficiencies in four areas.

Review Maroon Standards – We will examine what is called for in the Maroon Standards versus what we actually deliver to make sure they are aligned. For example, we need to make sure that if we are providing special event weekend coverage that we receive funding for that service.

Develop Service Level Agreements (SLA) – An SLA is similar to a contract you would have with a vendor. When someone roofs your house, you sign an agreement that lays out what work they’ll do, when they’ll do it and how much it will cost. FM is establishing baseline SLA’s with our customers with an eye to adding services if they wish. Additional service will generate additional revenue for FM. A good example is the Carlson School of Management. They wanted extra custodial day “policing.” FM has agreed to provide that service for an added fee.

Focus on Public Space – We will be talking with Deans/Customers about using more of our resources (time) in public areas like entrances, bathrooms and classrooms instead of office space. While far from agreed to, we think we can make a strong case for stretching our labor dollars further in areas that impact everyone. In practice this might mean asking folks to remove their own trash from offices (like they currently do their own recycling) and using those hours to clean a building’s bathrooms an additional time.

Technical Solutions – Sometimes it’s not about working harder but about working smarter. We will explore technical solutions that may require an upfront investment but could save money or allow us to shift resources in the future. A great example is purchasing riding floor equipment. Where applicable, they allow someone to clean more area quickly with less wear and tear on their body.

Great Performance – Dave Upsher

When our students move into the dorms, it goes without saying that they bring a lot of stuff with them - computers, couches and clothes to name a few. Of course most of that stuff gets carried in boxes, which means cardboard, everywhere. A couple of weeks back Dave noticed the superblock was overflowing with cardboard. He alerted John Sundsmo who asked if Dave could keep his packer truck rolling a few hours past his shift. Dave gladly kept at it and tamed the cardboard mountain. I appreciate Dave’s flexibility and sticking with the job until it was done. Thank you Mr. Upsher!

Keep up the good work.

Mike