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A Quarterly Employee Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 1, Feb. 2016 If you could travel back in time, what would that mean to you? Meet the Fleet Students I would go back and meet my grandpa. I would ask about his experiences and get to know him. Jackie Wang I’d go back to 1969 when we landed on the moon. What an exciting and inspiring time for science and engineering. Devon Whittier Brady Dornfeld I would go to the 1991 World Series, because then I would know what it’s like to be a Minnesota sports fan and actually win a championship. Miranda Becker I’d go back to when the first European ship showed up on the coast of “the New World” so I could see pre-Imperialism American civilization. Austin Bliese I would go back to 1973 because all the best American muscle cars were produced from ‘67-’72. Eliot Buscaglia I’d travel to Sicily to meet my ancestors and try all of the different food. William Selby I’d go to the ‘70s anywhere in the US because I would’ve loved to see that time in person and enjoy all the energy society had. Delaney Kelleher I would go back to when Martin Luther King was alive because I think it would be cool to be a part of such a huge. I’d go to the 1940’s because of the style, products were made with pride, and America was a dominant presence in the world. Erin Adams I’d go to the Medieval Era. It may be cliche but I love tales of knights and kings & would love to witness it firsthand. Patrick Zeimet I’d go to the 1920s to experience the exciting night-life and to see first hand the cultural changes that were taking place that inspired books like the Great Gatsby. Graham Smith Not pictured: Paul Kraus, Tegestu Eddle, Seth Jensen, and Josh Nielsen
Transcript
Page 1: Newsletter- Fall

A Quarterly Employee Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 1, Feb. 2016

If you could travel back in time, what would that mean to you? Meet the Fleet Students

I would go back and meet my grandpa. I would ask about his experiences and get

to know him.

Jackie Wang

I’d go back to 1969 when we landed on the moon.

What an exciting and inspiring time for science

and engineering.

Devon Whittier

Brady DornfeldI would go to the 1991 World Series, because

then I would know what it’s like to be a Minnesota

sports fan and actually win a championship.

Miranda BeckerI’d go back to when

the first European ship showed up on the coast of “the New World” so I

could see pre-Imperialism American civilization.

Austin BlieseI would go back to

1973 because all the best American muscle

cars were produced from ‘67-’72.

Eliot BuscagliaI’d travel to Sicily to meet my ancestors and try all of the different food.

William SelbyI’d go to the ‘70s

anywhere in the US because I would’ve

loved to see that time in person and enjoy all the

energy society had.

Delaney KelleherI would go back to when Martin Luther King was

alive because I think it would be cool to be a part of such a huge.

I’d go to the 1940’s because of the style, products were

made with pride, and America was a dominant

presence in the world.

Erin Adams I’d go to the Medieval Era. It may be cliche

but I love tales of knights and kings &

would love to witness it firsthand.

Patrick Zeimet

I’d go to the 1920s to experience the exciting

night-life and to see first hand the cultural changes

that were taking place that inspired books like

the Great Gatsby.

Graham Smith

Not pictured: Paul Kraus, Tegestu Eddle, Seth Jensen, and Josh Nielsen

Page 2: Newsletter- Fall

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After working for the U of M for 30 years, Bill Roberts decided it was time to retire.

Many PTS employees, family, and friends helped Bill celebrate and say goodbye at his retirement party in the University Recreation & Wellness Center in December 2015.

Bill began his journey in 1985 working for Fleet Services and ended it as the PTS Business Analyst.

During the party, Bill presented his plans for retirement. He plans to stay very busy. You can find Bill taking care of his lawn, reading, traveling, golfing, doing wood work, and spending time with his wife and cats.

We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Bill Roberts cuts his cake at the retirement party in the University Recreation and Wellness Center

Above: Many friends, family, and coworkers came to the retirement party. Left: Ross Allanson presents plaque to Bill

Bill Roberts Retired

Two PTS Staff HighlightedTwo PTS staff members were showcased recently across the U of M campus.

Tony Bittner, Fleet shop manager, is featured on the U’s Driven to Discover page at driven-to-discover.umn.edu (this is the U’s overall marketing campaign with TV, radio and print advertising). He’s a SUPERstar!

Ben Schnabel serves on the University’s P&A Senate’s Information Technologies Committee. He was asked about his experience and his answers were published in the December 2015 issue of P&A News (an e-newsletter distributed to all P&A employees).

It’s good to see PTS staff being recognized for their efforts to make the U work!

Page 3: Newsletter- Fall

“HI’S” & “GOODBYE’S”!Welcome Lisa Raduenz, Assistant Director for Alternative Transportation/Fleet/Transit

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U of M Named Platinum Bicycle Friendly University

PTS Announces Two New Parking LotsOne of the new lots, Lot C32 is located behind the Wallin Medical Biosciences Building, which is near 6th Street SE and 21st Avenue SE. The lot offers 109 parking spaces and opened in November 2015. Contract space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The second parking lot is across the street from the new M Health Clinic and Surgery Center along Fulton Street. This lot has 118 spaces and will offer patient parking through a lease with the M Health Clinic and Surgery Center.

The League of American Bicyclists recognized the University of Minnesota with a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) award, joining more than 100 visionary colleges and universities from across the country.

“The University of Minnesota is thrilled and honored to receive this award!” said Steve Sanders, Parking and Transportation Services’ alternative transportation manager. “Moving up from our previous Gold designation to Platinum status is exciting for us. Our biking community grows annually and we do our best to respond in kind and to serve their needs. Our population really takes advantage of our amenities, including our on-campus bike center and ZAP! programs.”

This year’s award entry highlighted our maintenance team’s efforts to maintain campus bike racks and lockers. Additionally, our transportation engineer, Yilun Xu, worked diligently to include campus bike facilities, specifically in the Pleasant Avenue reconstruction project.

This award program provides a clear roadmap to building a BFU and the application has become a rigorous educational tool. The four award levels – platinum, gold, silver, and bronze – provide a clear incentive for universities to continuously improve.

With the announcement of 49 new and renewing BFUs from 31 states, the U of M is part of a cutting-

edge group of colleges and universities across the United States transforming campuses and communities. There are now 127 BFUs in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

“In its fourth year, we’ve seen the Bicycle Friendly University program reach an exciting level of growth and momentum, as more and more campuses support bicycling in new and innovative ways,” said Amelia Neptune, the League’s Bicycle Friendly University program manager. “From bike storage inside dorm rooms to bicycle-powered music festivals, we

applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard of what a bicycle-friendly campus looks like.”

Page 4: Newsletter- Fall

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PTS LIGHTING PROJECT MOVES AHEADThe three-year-long lighting project that was started in effort to conserve energy is close to completion.

To improve energy conservation, the parking structures around campus were converted to light emitting diode (LED) fixtures. The lighting controls will have an estimated life of 16 years.

The project replaced high pressure sodium lighting with LED lighting and a smart control system. The new system allows for real-time alerts whenever a light is malfunctioning.

Additionally, the project has two different sensors: daylight-sensing and motion. The daylight-sensing feature allows the fixtures to turn off when the natural light meets lighting standards. The motion sensor detects vehicle movement and pedestrian activity and then dims when the facility is not occupied.

The LED retrofit has resulted in significant fincancial and sustainability impacts. PTS projects an annual savings of $475,340 (including an average maintenance savings of $25,000).

Thus far, PTS has finished Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project. Phase 3 is in progress. Eight ramps and garages have been converted-- Washington Avenue Ramp, 19th Avenue Ramp, 21st Avenue Ramp, 4th Street Ramp, East River Road Garage, Art Museum Garage, Delaware Garage, and University Office Plaza Garage. In the final stages of Phase 3, parking lots are scheduled for summer 2016.

The new lighting system not only conserves energy, but it is also part of our plan to keep our mission promise of providing safe and convenient access to the University for everyone. Our customers’ personal safety and security is always the number one concern.

SOUNDING BOARD

Idea/Issue: Can safety vests have more pockets or bigger ones? This would be helpful for events! 6/8/15 AnonymousResponse: Because we are looking to purchase new vests, we are looking into this suggestion now.

Idea/Issue: Rather than have personal clickers for full-timers (or perhaps in addition), more clickers should be purchased for each car 8/8/15 Steven M. and Katie H.Response: Operations will get more of these.

Idea/Issue: Better PTS apparel for staff. Vote on design ideas and include all staff opinions 6/30/15 AnonymousResponse: We understand concerns about this. When apparel is ordered, many factors are considered during the decision-making process including the number of pieces ordered, cost per piece, and average longevity of employee status. It is not possible to include all staff in the process, but opinions are gathered from a sampling of individuals.

Idea/Issue: Sharp edges on doors in office. Round off edges? 9/11/15 Art K.Response: This has been completed. If you spot a problem, let Sandy know.

Idea/Issue: Purchase and distribute hand sanitizer stands by all public/office space access points. 9/11/15 Art K.Response: PTS has hand sanitizer bottles in the supply closet at TSB’s third floor and in attendant booths.

Idea/Issue: Not enough packing tape hand dispensers to use for posting signs. Buy a couple to keep in the storage room for operations use. 12/20/15 Steven M.Response: Operations has resolved this issue.

Idea/Issue: There should be more variety in the beverages available. Get some Country Time Lemonade from Sam’s Club and put it in the kitchenette for every-one. 1/11/16 AnonymousResponse: PTS provides free coffee and tea in the kitchenettes at TSB, Fleet, and Maintenance.

Idea/Issue: Handicapped parking symbols painted on the cement of the first level of Oak St. Ramp are very hard to see. I parked in one and didn’t realize un-til I got out of my car. Repaint or post signs in front of the spots. 1/21/16 PeytonResponse: Facilities staff looked into this concern and will remove the remaining floor outline in the spring. Painting on concrete requires constant maintenance, so PTS decided to use signs which are the only code requirement.

Idea/Issue: C50 is closing. Start operating a valet service in front of Bierman Fieldhouse Athletic Building. 1/25/16 AnonymousResponse: Yes, Lot C50 is closing. PTS does not delve into valet operations due to liability concerns and location challenges.

Your suggestions and observations from the Idea Box.

Page 5: Newsletter- Fall

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Kudos Corner: reCognizing PTs emPloyees for exTra efforT!Our staff regularly goes above and beyond to get the job done and help people out. Here are

some of those stories and comments from some satisfied customers!

12/4/15Hello, I was riding the 3826 campus connector from the St. Paul campus to the Minneapolis campus at around 2 P.M. today. I’d like to let you know that the driver of the bus was very diligent while performing his job. His alert driving effectively avoided a collision with a semi that ran a red light. I do not know if this is the proper email to recognize this driver and hope that it finds its way to the right people so that he knows that his active driving is appreciated. Thanks,David Morse

11/19/15Hi, Karrie: I want to say a HUGE “thank you!” again for taking such great care of our donors this morning. What an impressive gesture on such a busy day. You really came through for not only our donors, but me, and the Foundation & University as a whole. I really do mean I owe you a coffee, or tea, whatever your preference! Total lifesaver… Thank you, again! You are fantastic. Best,Kalison Penovich, University of Minnesota Foundation

11/18/15Hello, it occurred to me that a few months ago, at this time of day, the campus connectors were so packed that it was virtually impos-sible to get between the campuses. I have experienced no such issue in over a month. I’m sending this as a thank you to everyone who helped manage the routes and fixed the issue. You guys have done a stellar job and I hope you can keep up the good work! Thank you, Gregory Jacobs

11/17/15Ross----good morning and I wanted to thank Linda on your team there for helping me yesterday with a complex parking card is-sue I brought to her that she resolved for me with a great deal of customer service attitude. And she also engaged me with your team there on another service issue I had and they all were very con-siderate to work with -- not sure they hear this often enough but wanted you and them to know! Thank you for a great experience with our parking team! Wayne G. Mueller, Carlson School of Management

12/18/15 Hello Ms. Cullen... I wanted to thank you directly for allowing Art the time to speak on the NPA webinar Snow Removal Planning and Prep on Tuesday the 15th. He did the presentation by himself because our second speaker backed out at the last minute. He did a great job and really hit it out of the park. He is an excellent speaker and really showcased his expertise. In fact, in my opinion it was the best and most informative webinar we have done in the last four years. Thank you again to you and your staff for recommend-ing him as a speaker...Lawrence McFadden, MBA, National Parking Association

11/9/15 Hello, I wanted to commend the driver of the St Paul Campus Circulator. She drove the circulator this morning. She always makes my morning and is so sweet to all of the students. Please let her know that she is appreciated by students and really adds to the polite, friendly culture of St Paul campus. Thanks!Jonathon Swan, Food Science and Nutrition

11/4/15 Wonderful positive feedback about parking/traffic at the recent concert. Thanks for your help!~ Christine Tschida, Director of Northrop11/2/15 I just wanted to write to tell you what a great job everyone did at your venue for the Marina and the Diamonds concert this past Friday. My daughter and I drove up from Iowa and most con-certs we attend parking is such a hassle. I had purchased tickets for the show and parking ramp. I figured I’d have to find a place to park in order to go up to the box office to pick up my tickets and I fully expected this to be a pain. I had found the parking ramps but couldn’t find the auditorium so I stopped and asked a gal standing outside the parking ramp wearing a vest and a radio. She was very friendly and a huge help. She checked her list for me to tell me which ramp I was in and informed me that I could go right in to park. This was such a huge help for us not to have to find parking just to pick up our passes from the box office. Kudos to you for doing it this way. Also after the show the police did such a fantastic job with getting traffic through. Being out of the area I get very nervous coming and going from concerts in the cities because both vehicle and pedestrian traffic are both usually a nightmare. Everything went perfectly smooth and truly could not have been better. Lastly the sound in the the Northrop was fantastic. I’ve been to the cities for many concerts in venues both huge and small. Even though we were in the very top row we could hear better at the Northrop than than anywhere else we’ve been in the Twin Cities. In the future I will be sure to keep an eye out for other good shows and will definitely visit your venue again and tell others to check it out. Thanks for a really great pretty much stress free night, nicely done everyone at the Northrop!~ J. Luther[Dillon and Farhiyo: Thanks for all your doing in regards to Northrop events and parking. As you can see it does make a dif-ference. Please share with your team… ~ Ross]

1/29/16Thank you to so many who clearly have helped to deliver the ‘wow’ in their interactions with our community throughout 2015. ~Ross

Page 6: Newsletter- Fall

A publication of University of Minnesota

Parking and Transportation Services, intended to keep employees informed

about department news.

The communications team welcomes story ideas, submissions, editorials, and feedback. Please e-mail [email protected] or write to:

Parking and Transportation Services, 300 Transportation and Safety Building, 511 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Communications Team:Jacqueline Brudlos, advisor

Katie Bogensberger intern/writer

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

This publication is available electronically or from 100% post consumer waste.

© 2015 Regents of the University of Minnesota

CamPus zone Pass reminder!

The Campus Zone Pass needs to be tapped at the Go-To Card readers before each METRO Green Line

trip. Remember to tap your pass!

REMEMBERParking and Transportation Services is on the ParkMe App, designed to instantly find close and cheap parking available.

Checkout the “stoplight” •Green cheap facilities near you •Yellow moderate prices • Red higher prices

Download the app at parkme.com.

PTs Had TalenT To sPare aT Coffman Bowling evenT

Farhiyo Ahmed, Gina Jackson, Lonetta Hanson, Karrie Sundsmo, and Emily Paulson enjoy lunch before bowl-

ing at the PTS Staff Appreciation Event

Tyler Burger, Joel Cramblit, and Dillon Fried preparing to throw strikes!

Thank you to all who came out to the January 21 Staff Appreciation Event at Goldy’s Game Room!

Austin Bliese, Kevin Kolles, Rob Spector, and Barry Robertson chow down on the barbeque cuisine before

bowling

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