Tuesday Staff Meeting Highlights August 25, 2009

Attendance

Present: Lynda Boomer (via phone), Gerry Dobbs, Deborah Dohm, Robert Ellerhorst, Ron Flinn, Gus Gosselin, Jenni McManus, Robert Nestle, Andy Smith, Brian Watts and Barb Wilber
Absent: Roy Simon
Guests: Jaime Galindo, Thomas Huberty, Kathy Lindahl, Jay Pearlman and Nate Webb
Action: The minutes for Aug. 18, 2009, were approved.

Agenda Items

• Jay Pearlman of Sightlines reviewed the Go Green portfolio of data. Discussion centered on the best method of presenting the information to make it as useful as possible to institutions.
• Ron Flinn reported on the recent vice president’s meeting which was held via the internet.
  • One topic was on service centers used for academic units at Ohio State.
  • The complete budget book has been distributed to each unit. We are asked to review all functions that are rated at priority levels two and three in other units and comment on how their reduction or elimination might affect our own operations.
  • There will be a headline meeting held every two weeks between the monthly meetings for the vice presidents.
  • Units are asked to consider the reduction of minor items such as: retirement parties; business class travel; the purchase of water; etc. Are there are expenditures of this type that we might reduce or eliminate.
  • Dave Byelich reported that the 46,500 enrollment is on target.
  • Fred Poston recently toured Owen Hall and Mary Mayo Hall and was impressed with alterations.
  • Our own Brandon Baswell and Trhile Brown are highlighted in articles on the Inclusivity web site. See the articles at http://inclusivity.msu.edu/
  • A new salary system is being launched by HR. Our first opportunity to review it will be through the Unit Rep Meeting.
• Flinn referenced the upcoming meeting with Olin Health Center staff. Jenni McManus has received feedback from her e-mail query that will be useful in the meeting. If there are other concerns about injury treatment services contact McManus by the end of the month.
   

Roundtable Discussion Items

• Gerry Dobbs reported on his meeting with both RHS and DPPS Parking for Landscape Services annual request for funds.
• Two Landscape Services group leader positions were posted and then cancelled due to incorrect language.
• Andy Smith reported plans are still underway for activities around the 9/11 Safety Drill Down. More information is forthcoming.
• Smith reminded all that staff should be lined up for hearing conservation.
• Smith is working with various department representatives to obtain vehicle and trailer gross weight data. The intent is to assure the most effective utilization of the vehicles for various job assignments as well as assure employees are properly certified throughout the Division.
• Bob Ellerhorst noted parking regulations are being enforced in gravel lots.