The Future of Court Avenue - Jeffersonville, Indiana
Newsletter- Fall
1. A Quarterly Employee Newsletter Volume 11, Issue 1, Feb. 2016
If you could travel back in time, what would that mean to you?
Meet the Fleet Students
I would go back and
meet my grandpa. I
would ask about his
experiences and get
to know him.
Jackie Wang
I’d go back to 1969 when
we landed on the moon.
What an exciting and
inspiring time for science
and engineering.
Devon Whittier
Brady Dornfeld
I would go to the 1991
World Series, because
then I would know what
it’s like to be a Minnesota
sports fan and actually
win a championship.
Miranda Becker
I’d go back to when
the first European ship
showed up on the coast
of “the New World” so I
could see pre-Imperialism
American civilization.
Austin Bliese
I would go back to
1973 because all the
best American muscle
cars were produced
from ‘67-’72.
Eliot Buscaglia
I’d travel to Sicily to
meet my ancestors
and try all of the
different food.
William Selby
I’d go to the ‘70s
anywhere in the US
because I would’ve
loved to see that time in
person and enjoy all the
energy society had.
Delaney Kelleher
I would go back to when
Martin Luther King was
alive because I think
it would be cool to be
a part of such a huge.
I’d go to the 1940’s because
of the style, products were
made with pride, and
America was a dominant
presence in the world.
Erin Adams I’d go to the Medieval
Era. It may be cliche
but I love tales of
knights and kings &
would love to witness
it firsthand.
Patrick Zeimet
I’d go to the 1920s to
experience the exciting
night-life and to see first
hand the cultural changes
that were taking place
that inspired books like
the Great Gatsby.
Graham Smith
Not pictured: Paul Kraus, Tegestu Eddle, Seth Jensen, and Josh Nielsen
2. 2
After working for the U of M for 30 years, Bill
Roberts decided it was time to retire.
Many PTS employees, family, and friends helped Bill
celebrate and say goodbye at his retirement party
in the University Recreation & Wellness Center in
December 2015.
Bill began his journey in 1985 working for Fleet
Services and ended it as the PTS Business Analyst.
During the party, Bill presented his plans for
retirement. He plans to stay very busy. You can
find Bill taking care
of his lawn, reading,
traveling, golfing,
doing wood work,
and spending time
with his wife and cats.
We wish him the
very best in his
future endeavors.
Bill Roberts cuts his cake at the retirement party in the University
Recreation and Wellness Center
Above: Many friends, family, and coworkers came to the retirement
party. Left: Ross Allanson presents plaque to Bill
Bill Roberts Retired
Two PTS Staff Highlighted
Two PTS staff members were showcased recently
across the U of M campus.
Tony Bittner, Fleet shop manager, is featured on the U’s
Driven to Discover page at driven-to-discover.umn.
edu (this is the U’s overall marketing campaign with
TV, radio and print advertising). He’s a SUPERstar!
Ben Schnabel serves on the University’s P&A Senate’s
Information Technologies Committee. He was asked
about his experience and his answers were published
in the December 2015 issue of P&A News (an
e-newsletter distributed to all P&A employees).
It’s good to see PTS staff being recognized for their
efforts to make the U work!
3. “HI’S”&“GOODBYE’S”!
Welcome Lisa Raduenz, Assistant Director for
Alternative Transportation/Fleet/Transit
3
U of M Named Platinum Bicycle Friendly University
PTS Announces Two New
Parking Lots
One of the new lots, Lot C32 is located behind the
Wallin Medical Biosciences Building, which is near
6th Street SE and 21st Avenue SE. The lot offers
109 parking spaces and opened in November 2015.
Contract space is available on a first-come, first-
served basis.
The second parking lot is across the street from the
new M Health Clinic and Surgery Center along
Fulton Street. This lot has 118 spaces and will offer
patient parking through a lease with the M Health
Clinic and Surgery Center.
The League of American Bicyclists recognized the
University of Minnesota with a Platinum Bicycle
Friendly University (BFU) award, joining more than
100 visionary colleges and universities from across the
country.
“The University of Minnesota is thrilled and honored
to receive this award!” said Steve Sanders, Parking
and Transportation Services’
alternative transportation
manager. “Moving up from
our previous Gold designation
to Platinum status is exciting
for us. Our biking community
grows annually and we do
our best to respond in kind
and to serve their needs.
Our population really takes
advantage of our amenities,
including our on-campus bike
center and ZAP! programs.”
This year’s award entry
highlighted our maintenance
team’s efforts to maintain campus bike racks and
lockers. Additionally, our transportation engineer, Yilun
Xu, worked diligently to include campus bike facilities,
specifically in the Pleasant Avenue reconstruction
project.
This award program provides a clear roadmap to
building a BFU and the application has become a
rigorous educational tool. The four award levels –
platinum, gold, silver, and bronze – provide a clear
incentive for universities to continuously improve.
With the announcement of 49 new and renewing
BFUs from 31 states, the U of M is part of a cutting-
edge group of colleges and universities
across the United States transforming
campuses and communities. There
are now 127 BFUs in 42 states and
Washington, D.C.
“In its fourth year, we’ve seen the
Bicycle Friendly University program
reach an exciting level of growth
and momentum, as more and more
campuses support bicycling in new
and innovative ways,” said Amelia
Neptune, the League’s Bicycle Friendly
University program manager. “From
bike storage inside dorm rooms to
bicycle-powered music festivals, we
applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard of
what a bicycle-friendly campus looks like.”
4. 4
PTS LIGHTING
PROJECT MOVES
AHEAD
The three-year-long lighting project
that was started in effort to conserve
energy is close to completion.
To improve energy conservation, the
parking structures around campus
were converted to light emitting diode
(LED) fixtures. The lighting controls
will have an estimated life of 16 years.
The project replaced high pressure
sodium lighting with LED lighting and
a smart control system. The new system
allows for real-time alerts whenever a
light is malfunctioning.
Additionally, the project has two
different sensors: daylight-sensing and
motion. The daylight-sensing feature
allows the fixtures to turn off when the
natural light meets lighting standards.
The motion sensor detects vehicle
movement and pedestrian activity
and then dims when the facility is not
occupied.
The LED retrofit has resulted in
significant fincancial and sustainability
impacts. PTS projects an annual
savings of $475,340 (including an
average maintenance savings of
$25,000).
Thus far, PTS has finished Phase 1 and
Phase 2 of the project. Phase 3 is in
progress. Eight ramps and garages have
been converted-- Washington Avenue
Ramp, 19th Avenue Ramp, 21st Avenue
Ramp, 4th Street Ramp, East River
Road Garage, Art Museum Garage,
Delaware Garage, and University Office
Plaza Garage. In the final stages of
Phase 3, parking lots are scheduled for
summer 2016.
The new lighting system not only
conserves energy, but it is also part of
our plan to keep our mission promise
of providing safe and convenient access
to the University for everyone. Our
customers’ personal safety and security
is always the number one concern.
SOUNDING BOARD
Idea/Issue: Can safety vests have more pockets or bigger ones? This
would be helpful for events! 6/8/15 Anonymous
Response: Because we are looking to purchase new vests, we are
looking into this suggestion now.
Idea/Issue: Rather than have personal clickers for full-timers (or perhaps in
addition), more clickers should be purchased for each car 8/8/15 Steven M. and
Katie H.
Response: Operations will get more of these.
Idea/Issue: Better PTS apparel for staff. Vote on design ideas and include all staff
opinions 6/30/15 Anonymous
Response: We understand concerns about this. When apparel is ordered, many
factors are considered during the decision-making process including the number
of pieces ordered, cost per piece, and average longevity of employee status. It is
not possible to include all staff in the process, but opinions are gathered from a
sampling of individuals.
Idea/Issue: Sharp edges on doors in office. Round off edges? 9/11/15 Art K.
Response: This has been completed. If you spot a problem, let Sandy know.
Idea/Issue: Purchase and distribute hand sanitizer stands by all public/office
space access points. 9/11/15 Art K.
Response: PTS has hand sanitizer bottles in the supply closet at TSB’s third floor
and in attendant booths.
Idea/Issue: Not enough packing tape hand dispensers to use for posting signs.
Buy a couple to keep in the storage room for operations use. 12/20/15 Steven M.
Response: Operations has resolved this issue.
Idea/Issue: There should be more variety in the beverages available. Get some
Country Time Lemonade from Sam’s Club and put it in the kitchenette for every-
one. 1/11/16 Anonymous
Response: PTS provides free coffee and tea in the kitchenettes at TSB, Fleet, and
Maintenance.
Idea/Issue: Handicapped parking symbols painted on the cement of the first
level of Oak St. Ramp are very hard to see. I parked in one and didn’t realize un-
til I got out of my car. Repaint or post signs in front of the spots. 1/21/16 Peyton
Response: Facilities staff looked into this concern and will remove the remaining
floor outline in the spring. Painting on concrete requires constant maintenance,
so PTS decided to use signs which are the only code requirement.
Idea/Issue: C50 is closing. Start operating a valet service in front of Bierman
Fieldhouse Athletic Building. 1/25/16 Anonymous
Response: Yes, Lot C50 is closing. PTS does not delve into valet operations due
to liability concerns and location challenges.
Your suggestions and observations from the Idea Box.
5. 5
Kudos Corner: Recognizing PTS Employees for Extra Effort!
Our staff regularly goes above and beyond to get the job done and help people out. Here are
some of those stories and comments from some satisfied customers!
12/4/15
Hello, I was riding the 3826 campus connector from the St. Paul
campus to the Minneapolis campus at around 2 P.M. today. I’d like
to let you know that the driver of the bus was very diligent while
performing his job. His alert driving effectively avoided a collision
with a semi that ran a red light. I do not know if this is the proper
email to recognize this driver and hope that it finds its way to the
right people so that he knows that his active driving is appreciated.
Thanks,
David Morse
11/19/15
Hi, Karrie: I want to say a HUGE “thank you!” again for taking
such great care of our donors this morning. What an impressive
gesture on such a busy day. You really came through for not only
our donors, but me, and the Foundation & University as a whole. I
really do mean I owe you a coffee, or tea, whatever your preference!
Total lifesaver… Thank you, again! You are fantastic. Best,
Kalison Penovich, University of Minnesota Foundation
11/18/15
Hello, it occurred to me that a few months ago, at this time of day,
the campus connectors were so packed that it was virtually impos-
sible to get between the campuses. I have experienced no such issue
in over a month. I’m sending this as a thank you to everyone who
helped manage the routes and fixed the issue. You guys have done
a stellar job and I hope you can keep up the good work! Thank you,
Gregory Jacobs
11/17/15
Ross----good morning and I wanted to thank Linda on your team
there for helping me yesterday with a complex parking card is-
sue I brought to her that she resolved for me with a great deal of
customer service attitude. And she also engaged me with your team
there on another service issue I had and they all were very con-
siderate to work with -- not sure they hear this often enough but
wanted you and them to know! Thank you for a great experience
with our parking team!
Wayne G. Mueller, Carlson School of Management
12/18/15
Hello Ms. Cullen... I wanted to thank you directly for allowing Art
the time to speak on the NPA webinar Snow Removal Planning
and Prep on Tuesday the 15th. He did the presentation by himself
because our second speaker backed out at the last minute. He did a
great job and really hit it out of the park. He is an excellent speaker
and really showcased his expertise. In fact, in my opinion it was
the best and most informative webinar we have done in the last
four years. Thank you again to you and your staff for recommend-
ing him as a speaker...
Lawrence McFadden, MBA, National Parking Association
11/9/15
Hello, I wanted to commend the driver of the St Paul Campus
Circulator. She drove the circulator this morning. She always
makes my morning and is so sweet to all of the students. Please
let her know that she is appreciated by students and really adds
to the polite, friendly culture of St Paul campus. Thanks!
Jonathon Swan, Food Science and Nutrition
11/4/15
Wonderful positive feedback about parking/traffic at the recent
concert. Thanks for your help!
~ Christine Tschida, Director of Northrop
11/2/15
I just wanted to write to tell you what a great job everyone did at
your venue for the Marina and the Diamonds concert this past
Friday. My daughter and I drove up from Iowa and most con-
certs we attend parking is such a hassle. I had purchased tickets
for the show and parking ramp. I figured I’d have to find a place
to park in order to go up to the box office to pick up my tickets
and I fully expected this to be a pain. I had found the parking
ramps but couldn’t find the auditorium so I stopped and asked a
gal standing outside the parking ramp wearing a vest and a radio.
She was very friendly and a huge help. She checked her list for
me to tell me which ramp I was in and informed me that I could
go right in to park. This was such a huge help for us not to have
to find parking just to pick up our passes from the box office.
Kudos to you for doing it this way. Also after the show the police
did such a fantastic job with getting traffic through. Being out
of the area I get very nervous coming and going from concerts
in the cities because both vehicle and pedestrian traffic are both
usually a nightmare. Everything went perfectly smooth and truly
could not have been better. Lastly the sound in the the Northrop
was fantastic. I’ve been to the cities for many concerts in venues
both huge and small. Even though we were in the very top row
we could hear better at the Northrop than than anywhere else
we’ve been in the Twin Cities. In the future I will be sure to keep
an eye out for other good shows and will definitely visit your
venue again and tell others to check it out. Thanks for a really
great pretty much stress free night, nicely done everyone at the
Northrop!
~ J. Luther
[Dillon and Farhiyo: Thanks for all your doing in regards to
Northrop events and parking. As you can see it does make a dif-
ference. Please share with your team… ~ Ross]
1/29/16
Thank you to so many who clearly have helped to deliver the
‘wow’ in their interactions with our community throughout
2015.
~Ross
