William Ritchie CPE-CFA-LCS
Anonymous
Forum Replies Created
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In reply to: Temporary Lock Devices
Hi Chris.
Unfortunately, the fire and building codes/regulations have not caught up and do not assist us when dealing with building security issues.
Most Fire Chiefs, Building Commissioners and code compliant consultants are mostly concerned with egress out of the building and ADA compliance. As facilities managers we understand all the regulations but over the last ten years we had to deal with major security concerns.
My argument has always been if we can install chairs, desks, bookcases, door wedges, rope and other articles in front of doors to stay safe during lockdowns why not use hardware proper harware that is simple and reliable. It just does not make sense.
Clearly, there needs to be more ongoing discussions with those individuals who are the authorities of jurisdictions to find better solutions to these current security issues.
If I learned anything over the last 30 years in the facilities business is that there is always a Solution to every Problem. It just takes alot of time sorting through all the issues.
Good luck,
Bill Ritchie
Recently retired from the Town of Milton.
In reply to: Trying to determine salary ranges in 2023
H Chris.
The Town of Milton created a Town and School Facilities department back in 2011. The department has its own Town budget and assists the Asst Supt of Business with the school budget.
This position oversees 24 buildings and approximately 1 million sf of space. The direct reports are the Town Administrator and Superindent of Schools. Staff oversight is 37 Town and School staff. Salary range is $133,000-138.000.
Good luck.
Bill Ritchie
Recently retired from Town of Milton as Facilities Director.
In reply to: Refrigeration alarms
In reply to: Window film
In reply to: Classroom Doors
Hi Gretchen,
I always revert back to the building plans if available to see if the room and door is fire rated. Also, sometimes an old door is painted so you need to look carefully on the hinge side of a door for label markings. I have seen some fire doors that swing in and others that swing out based on the age of the building so you need to double check.
Good luck,
Bill Ritchie, Town of Milton
In reply to: Cooling tower water treatment
Hi Dennis.
We use Thomas Dolan of Boston Environmental Management Co. He is very reasonable. His email is Bemc2004@aol.com
Bill Ritchie
Town of Milton.
Director of Consolidated Facilities
617-898-4930
In reply to: AHERA -Testing & Programming firms
In reply to: Air Quality Testing
Hi Rob.
I performed air quality testing over the years in order to obtain just the basic of baselines on what was happening in certain spaces. Joe McDonough provide you with some good advice depending on the level of testing you need. Basic testing for CO, CO2, humidly and temperature is simple and you can learn a lot from just the basics within a space. Anything beyond this scope you really need a hygienist which is costly or contact your BOH for recommendation.
Remember, if you contact the Ma Dept of Public Health you will need to make the corrections if they find that a space has poor air quality. I used Ma Dept of Public Health twice in my career and they were professional and work with you on a proactive approach to solving issues. They are not punitive.
Bill Ritchie
Director of Facilities
Town of Milton.
In reply to: Quitting Custodians?
Hi Joe.
School and Town custodial positions were great jobs in the past with all the holidays, vacation time, pension and benefits. I believe we are seeing a huge shift in the industry for any of these labor based postilions. So many companies are offering huge incentives, a pay scale that has significantly increased and flexible workers hours to attract employee.
I do not see it getting any better in the future unless we start offering higher pay and more flexible shifts/schedules.
Bill Ritchie
Town of Milton
Consolidated Facilities Director.
In reply to: Energy Supply Pricing for 2023 and beyond
Hi Denise.
We are in the same boat with our electricity and natural gas contracts. The current energy market rates is definitely sticker shock. We are still under contract with Power Options after having five years of reasonable rates. We are receiving weekly rate updates and might have to go back out to bid if we do not see some downwards trends in the near, near future. I am unaware of another energy collaborative and will let you know if I have any leads.
Bill
Bill Ritchie
Town of Milton.
In reply to: Replacement clock system
Hi Bob.
I had to purchase 35 replacement clocks from the Rauland-Borg Corp a few years ago. They are working fine without issues.
Their contact information is http://www.rauland.com and the office number is 847-590-7000. We considered wireless but with over 600 district wide clocks we wanted to stay with the current plug and play system. If I recall, my IT Director said the new wireless replacement units have their own issues as well.
Good luck.
Bill Ritchie
Director of Consolidated Facilities
Milton Ma.
In reply to: Combined Facilities Departments (Research question)
Hi Joe:
Answers to your questions.
1, Municipality. Town of Milton Consolidated Facilities. Direct reports to Town Administrator and Superintendent of Schools. Department was created in 2011. We have 24 buildings and just shy of 950,000 SF. I built the department from scratch.
2, Are you a Director that manages 2 crews (1 for municipal buildings & 1 for schools) We have two departments-32 School Custodians and 12 Facilities Staff from town side. Within the department we have four unions. Custodial, DPW, Licensed staff and office support.
3, Do you manage 1 crew that performs maintenance and repairs at all buildings. Yes, all maintenance is 100% from town side. we hsare some of the snow removal and landscaping.
4, Or do you have some sort of hybrid system. We have two separate budgets. A town budget which I oversee 100% and a school budget which I oversee with Superintendent and Asst. Supt of Business.
Good luck,
Bill Ritchie Town of Milton
Consolidated Facilities
Hi Brian.
I contracted with Barbizon Lighting. They did two major projects over the last two years for me which was over $350,000. Another good company is Port Lighting and both of these companies are on the MHEC contract which helps with the bidding process.
Good luck,
Bill
Bill Ritchie
Town of Milton.
In reply to: Electrician
Hi James.
Milton hired and has used in-house licensed electricians for the last 10 years. It was a game changer for us as we save on down time as the in-house staff has some familiarity of the building and equipment which is vital.
The hourly wage is between $37.00-$40.00 per hour.
Good luck
Bill Ritchie
Town of Milton
In reply to: maintenance workers on 2nd shift
