Talking Stick - March/April 2009 - 22

FaCilities Even with hiring freezes and extra layers of approval, day-to-day maintenance has not been adversely affected even though auxiliary budget funds are being spread around to other departments at some institutions. Housing and residence life departments have been asked to give budget dollars back to the institution to help with other budget shortfalls. Von Stange, director of housing at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, says renovations and plan to increase the number of those projects.” needed to address some tuck pointing and caulking to our building exteriors that was part of our ten-year plan. Our pricing came back so well that we experienced a 35 percent savings off of the budget. This was so good that we decided to do more – in fact 18 more.” These bid savings allow for the funding of additional projects and continued attention to deferred maintenance. The economic downturn can also create an opportunity to fill vacant positions. Although colleges and universities may not be laying off in large numbers, contractors are laying off their trades employees because of the reduced work in construction and service calls. Obie Cordle, facilities superintendent for housing at Florida State University in Tallahassee, explains how layoffs in one area can provide a welcome opportunity in another: “We are getting calls and applications from individuals who have been employed by contractors who have worked on our projects in the past. These are trades professionals with more experience than we normally get in a position pool. Not only do they need a job, they are concerned about health care, retirement, work hours, and the work environment.” While starting salaries are below what most of these potential employees are used to, the benefits and steady work are important selling points. This may be the time to turn to projects that have the potential to save money or have a significant or reasonable return on investment. Upgrades to mechanical systems, new windows, more efficient lighting, and installation of low-flow shower heads and faucets are typical projects that can provide a return on investment and improve the quality of life in a residence hall. These projects can be funded in-house or be part of a performance contract. Although this cautious approach is realistic, other managers have had to push projects in the planning stage forward. “We are trying to get projects wrapped up that were planned or in the works just in case a bad crisis hits. Our goal is to not get caught in a bind,” says Bob Legate, associate director of facilities at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville: “Given the current fiscal THIS MAy bE THE TIME To TuRN To condition in pRojEcTS THAT HAVE THE poTENTIAL To Illinois, we SAVE MoNEy oR HAVE A SIgNIfIcANT oR are trying to be proactive REASoNAbLE RETuRN oN INVESTMENT. and look at all options in an that they may be asked to help “fund effort to be prepared.” In some cases, a position that may not be funded the issue is setting priorities and otherwise.” In some cases housing deciding how to the use the resources departments are being asked to directly that are available. Stange comments transfer money, which can be in excess on the difficulty of such choices: “The of a million dollars. In most cases, problem is, what projects to defer? We all of these situations appear to be have sprinkler and card access projects short-term responses to the economic in the hopper along with restroom and slowdown, credit crisis, and housing other infrastructure projects.” market collapse. This wait-and-see There are some positive mood is very prevalent, and the general opportunities being created by sentiment is hopeful, expressing a the economic downturn. With desire that short-term decisions don’t fewer construction projects in the become long-term trends. commercial sector, contractors are This attitude is being applied taking a closer look at all projects, to capital projects as well. New regardless of scope. Stange notes that construction projects are being delayed this is happening at his institution: because of funding difficulties, rates, “In our most recent pre-bid meeting or access to state revenue bonds. for a restroom project, our facilities Facility managers can choose to switch management project manager stated priorities to renovation projects so that it was the largest number of they can continue keeping up with general contractors in a pre-bid she deferred maintenance. “We have can recall.” Often bids are coming had to put a 600-bed residence hall below the project budget so that new construction project on hold contractors can have enough work due to funding issues related to the to keep their valuable employees. economy,” says Kyle Estes, associate “Buying jobs” can translate into director of housing facilities services savings if the project can be initiated at Texas State University, San Marcos: right away, as Todd Rasmussen, “Given this change in construction associate director of housing at plans, we shifted our focus to more Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, explains: “We 22 Talking STick

Talking Stick - March/April 2009

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