Wayne Miller
Anonymous
Forum Replies Created
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In reply to: Refrigeration alarms
When I was in Hudson we did the same as Bill R. Our alarm company put temperature sensors in all of the walk-ins and if the temp rose too much it went to Central Station and they went down the call list. Food Service was FIRST on that list. If you do go that route make sure they don’t put the sensors too close to the heat tapes on the doors. (Just sayin’…..voice of experience.) Good luck.
In reply to: Architects for Kitchen Walk In freezer replacement
Denise,
If you have a refrigeration contractor I would start there. You probably don’t need to go the architect route. As Alan mentioned above, we used our staff to demo and our contracted refrigeration company did the rest. Since they do this everyday it was easy especially if you are retrofitting into an existing space. Good luck with your endeavor.
Wayne Miller
In reply to: Cooling tower cleaning
In reply to: window repairs
Window Services, Inc., 662 Washington St., Holliston, MA 01746 · 508-429-2012 · http://www.WindowServicesInc.com
In reply to: Boilers – What are the good manufacturers?
Although originally a European company, I believe Lochinvar, LLC is located in Lebanon TN. and there are at least 10 or 15 distributors around New England so parts shouldn’t be a problem. A lot of facilities swear by them but as with everything there’s always someone who has had a bad experience. Another brand with a fairly good reputation you might look at is AERCO Benchmark series. They are a WATTS Co. subsidiary and WATTS is everywhere. Just a starting point. Getting a good engineer to steer you in the right direction is always a good idea. Good luck with your project and if anyone else has any helpful info, by all means, please chime in.
In reply to: Membership Committee
Stephen,
The Board of Directors serve a two year term. The Treasurer serves a four year term. All of the positions will be up for election at next year’s meeting during the annual fall conference/expo. Please let us know if you are interested in throwing your hat in the ring. Thank you for your interest.
Wayne Miller, Past President – MFAA
In reply to: Boilers – What are the good manufacturers?
Hi Sean,
You don’t say what you are replacing. Gas? Oil? Forced hot water? Hopefully you are looking at condensing boilers if they are gas. Buderus, Viessmann, Riello, all good for condensing boilers. You’ll want to start with a good mechanical engineer to CYOA. Text me if you want to chat and I can call you back. My cell is on the webpage.
Wayne Miller, Retired
In reply to: Walk in freezer replacement
In reply to: Water fountains
I will offer this information based on the MASS Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10.00. Section 10.10: “Table 1: Minimum Facilities For Building Occupancy” requires for educational facilities that you provide 1 drinking fountain per 75 students/occupants. I think that the best scenario for “bubblers”/drinking fountains is to replace the fountain nozzle with a gooseneck spout and provide disposable cups or it can be used for personal water bottles. Bottle fillers should be OK with proper cleaning. But that’s just my opinion. You should verify any modifications to your plumbing or fixture counts with the authorities having jurisdiction which is your Board of Health and your Plumbing Inspector. Hope this helps. Good luck with your endeavors and stay safe.
Wayne Miller, MFAA President (for a little longer)
In reply to: Municipal building Reopening plan
Good Morning, Peter,
When using the message board if you haven’t updated your member info page, please do so and please include your full name, district/city/town in your message so people will know who they are responding to. Actually this goes for all members who haven’t. Thanks. Stay safe and healthy.
Best Regards,
Wayne Miller, President
In reply to: Reporting Structure for Custodial Staff
Hello All,
Thank you, Joe, for finding and sharing the article. I will have it put on the web page. And thank you for signing your forum submittal with your full name and your district. Everyone should try and remember to do that. I believe the actual law is MGL 71, section 59B so anyone can print it and give it to their superintendent/principal if they disagree. When I started in Hudson years ago the school reform legislation had just been enacted and fortunately we had a superintendent that was savvy enough to know that principals are educators not building technicians and left the custodial staff under the direction of the facilities department. I guess he was right……. Old habits die hard so good luck with your endeavors but at least the legislature thought it was important enough to override the governor’s veto.
Wayne Miller, MFAA President
Hudson Public Schools
In reply to: RTU Ballpark
In reply to: RTU Ballpark
Hi Jon,
You’re probably going to need a little more detail before you get a ballpark response. How many tons? One, five, twenty? How many stories? You’ll need a structural engineer’s stamp for the added weight to the roof since it’s an add-on not a replacement and you’ll have to cut the roof to add the curb. I think your best bet would be to call your mechanical company and ask. Good luck with your project.
Wayne Miller, Hudson Public Schools
In reply to: HVAC Controls Vendor
Bob,
Here in Hudson we have used Automated Logic (formerly known as Yankee Tech) since 1998 when we renovated and added on to one of our elementary schools. We have made them a proprietary spec in two of our new schools. We now have them in 5 of our 6 schools and the town side has put them into a couple of the town buildings. Although they are no longer the family owned business that they were when we started with them they are by far one of the more user friendly and innovative systems. They are very responsive to service and they have a great customer education program. They are not afraid to show you how to do things yourself unlike many of the other platforms who keep “secrets”. They are in many state buildings also such as the new Worcester Court House, the Fish & Wildlife Headquarters building in Westborough and UMass-Amherst. I would give them a look-see. Hope this helps and good luck with your project. I’ll put my contact info down below just in case.
Wayne Miller, MFAA President
Cell: 978-257-1188 wmiller@hudson.k12.ma.us
In reply to: Work-Life Balance
All the questions and answers and in particular, these, are the reason that everyone needs to take the time to come to the monthly meetings and especially the Fall Conference/Expo so that you can talk face to face, one on one.
I agree with Mike and Steve though. There is no simple answer. It’s the nature of the beast. As for the low bidder issue, go take the MCPPO classes. At least you’ll know the “why” even if you don’t agree. As for Mike’s answer, just remember you never see a motorcycle parked in front of a therapist’s office.
Wayne, Hudson Public Schools
