[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

In Sharon we have in-house maintenance techs. that are part of the custodial union. Custodians perform small repair tasks, maintenance techs work on keys, locks, door hardware install maintenance, construction, etc. Maintenance techs make about the same or just a touch more than our Head Custodians do per their contract.

These maintenance techs are separate from our in-house licensed tradespeople who fall under a different union at a much higher rate of pay.

I agree with Jim and earlier posts, don’t try to save a few bucks by having people without the right skill-set and capacity perform the higher level maintenance work.

Good luck,
Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hi Kevin,

I worked with them in 2015 on my lift station for my new Middle School in Sharon. They did great on this install, struggled a bit with commissioning, and after 1 year warranty was up I eventually stopped calling for tech support on computer recognition system that was problematic from day 1.

I can’t blame them for design issues related to operation. The work and install was done well and in accordance with plans and specs.

Good luck. I would not have any reason to disqualify them. Just keep an eye on closeout.

Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

I have used one of our sponsors (Frank Corp.) for many years and have been extremely satisfied with their work, price, and professionalism.

Call Lenny Santos.

https://oldmfaa.avatar-development.com/sponsor/frank-corp-environmental-services/

Good luck,

Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hi again everyone,

To make Wayne’s life easier you can register at the following link. Take less than a minute and lets us have a better idea on head count and having name badges printed before you arrive.

Thanks
Ken
https://oldmfaa.avatar-development.com/?p=33026

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hey Bob,

OSHA has exercise and precaution before lumbar support on their site. I’d also give a call to Dept. of Labor Standards and ask for their opinion on this.

https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vii/otm_vii_1.html

If you do provide and they hurt their backs while not wearing then you can write them up for not following safety procedures. They are sometimes their own worst enemies….

Good luck,
Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hi Michael,

Warning….Good rule of thumb is solar array has 20-25 yr life cycle so you should be installing it on a roof that is no older than 3-5 years.

UMASS Amherst as part of DCAMM are installing huge arrays all over campus that include carports. Size certainly is a benefit for their buying power.

https://www.mass.gov/solar-information-programs

As Alan mentioned, give a call to MADOER and learn some more about it. We have only installed arrays in Sharon as part of a MACHPS bldg. project to get points. Other than that the town in installing a huge array on our old landfill as most of our other roofs don’t have the structural components to handle the additional load. Too old!!!

Good luck,
Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hi,

Sharon has formed a trade union in FY16. Current pay structure is:

HVAC Tech: $29.77
Plumber: $31.58
Electrician: $34.51

HVAC $ is too low to get anyone to apply. Other two have been around forever which is why their rates were higher during negotiations.

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

IRN will be at our EXPO. They recycle used furniture. They do a bunch of work with Diamond Relocation and are a good source to eliminate tossing furniture that less advantaged schools might be able to use.

IRN – The Reuse Network: Emerson Lennon elennon@irnsurplus.com

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hi Wayne,

Use DCAMM’s contract evaluation form. Even if this isn’t going to DCAMM it is a well organized and recognized document that will hold up in court.

http://www.mass.gov/anf/property-mgmt-and-construction/design-and-construction-of-public-bldgs/contractor-certification/contractor-eval-forms.html

Good luck and see you in a couple weeks in Hyannis. Almost 100 people registered!!! Largest event we have ever held. Don’t miss out people!!!!

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

We still have plenty of spaces for the morning golf outing at the Conference Center. Email me direct so I set up our grouping for networking fun with a little golf mixed in before our lunch and classes on Tuesday.

$20 per person morning of. Email me to lock in your spot: exec@massfacilities.com

Thanks and look forward to seeing you all at the event.

Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hey Jenna,

In Sharon smaller projects (anything under $200K +/-) we manage in house, generate bid specs, bid project, and oversee the work.

Anything up to $500k that doesn’t require an OPM we will bid out either architectural or MEP engineering services and they will act as our CA.

Over $500k town by-law has building committee take over project and requires an OPM and Architect.

Good luck,
Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Sharon has had the dumpsters for a couple of years now. Haven’t had any trouble and have generated a couple of thousand bucks back to our recycling program.

Good luck,
Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

Hi again,

I sent in an email to Mary Dozois from DLS (friend of MFAA) to get her interpretation on the whole shorts situation. I’ll post her response when I get it.

Thanks
Ken

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

I’m with Alan,

Fuss and Oneil Enviroscience. They are extremely professional and I’ve worked with them off and on for a better part of 15 years and have been satisfied with their work.

They are also and MFAA Sponsor and their contact info can be accessed from our sponsor page.

Robert L. May, Jr.
President
Fuss & O’Neill EnviroScience, LLC | 146 Hartford Road | Manchester, CT 06040
860.646.2469 x4701 | rmay@fando.com | cell: 617.778.3768

[Ken Wertz, MFAA Exec]

PPE…. personal protective equipment. They shouldn’t even be wearing them during the summer let alone school year. This is typically something we always overlook but if push came to shove they would be wearing pants especially while stripping and waxing floors.

Dept. of Labor Standards, who enforces job site safety for schools, would likely tell you pants. You may want to give them a call for an interpretation.

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/labor-standards/

Good luck. You may want to warn your union and look into it further