Kathleen Brady, Vice President for Facilities Services and Civic Affairs, explained her departments and fielded questions at the Student Government Association senate meeting last night.
Brady began her presentation by elaborating on the role of the seven departments she oversees.
One of her largest departments is Building Services, Frost Campus. This department directs the maintenance on campus as well as such projects as the blue emergency lights, emergency phones in elevators and an online work-order request service. Over 36,000 work orders are handled each year.
Another department Brady administers is the Dept. of Public Safety directed by Jack Titone. DPS handles 33,000 calls per year, as well as 15,000 escorts.
Other departments under Brady include Design and Construction, Service Operations, Custodial Services, Grounds and Materials Management, and Building Services Health Sciences Campus.
Overall, Facilities Management and Civic Affairs operates on a $21 million budget. Following her presentation, Brady answered questions from the Senate.
Senator Nick Fagan inquired about the use of the “pasture” on the
corner of Laclede and Vandeventer.
“At this time, there are no definite plans,” said Brady.
In reference to rumors that a museum would be built there, Brady replied, “No donor at this time has been identified.”
Other rumors have been that more Village Apartments are being constructed, but Brady said that those plans were “never brought to [her].”
Marchetti Towers Senator Mike Fullenkamp asked, “What is the average work order turn-around time?”
Director of Building Services Frost Campus Mike G’Sell replied, “It depends on the priority. An elevator down, fire equipment and such are our number one priorities. Heating is usually answered in several hours. We can’t turn everything quickly due to the workload.”
Comments were made in relation to delayed shuttle service.
“We’re looking at the whole shuttle service,” said Brady, suggesting possible solutions such as adding shuttles and extending times.
“We’ve got an abundance of ideas, we just have to sift through them,” added Brady.
Todd Stonewater, Arts & Sciences senator, explained his distaste for a jackhammer outside his apartment early in the morning during midterms week. “It was midterms and it woke up many of us. Could you kind of restrict work until 10 or so?”
“I certainly think we can be more understanding,” said Brady.
Senator John Mueller asked for information regarding a possible Bi-State contract for lower Metrolink and bus fares for students.
Brady said that the process was almost finished, explaining that it would be $65 per semester and there would be a validation sticker on the SLU IDs.
Fullenkamp requested better communication about the heating and cooling on campus.
“We tried to be more flexible, but it’s hard,” Brady said.
“Our dates are usually October 15 and May 15,” added G’Sell. “If you’re on the south side, you’ll be warm. If you’re on the north side, you’ll be cold.”
Brady concluded her discussion saying, “We’re happy to help anyway we can.