Healthcare Facilities Management Society of New Jersey, Inc.
Serving Healthcare Since 1949



***General Membership Meeting***

Minutes to the Meeting of
Thursday, May 19, 2005

President Joseph Berlesky, CHFM called the meeting to order on Thursday, May 19, 2005, at the Galloping Hill Inn, Union, New Jersey commencing at 6:06 p.m. Self-introductions were made. A moment of silence was observed for our troops. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

SOCIAL SPONSOR

Our social sponsor for tonight is The Livingston Hardware Co. Thank you to Mrs. Margaret Nesby.

EDUCATIONAL SESSION TOPIC

Our education program was part two of a two-part series by John DiGirolomo, CHFM. His topic was “Facilities Management Review of Common Codes and Standards.” There was a slight change in format in that tonight John used diagrams and photographs to illustrate code issues found in the NFPA Life Safety Code, 2000 edition. Prizes for correct answers given to John’s questions were donated by the evening’s sponsor, Livingston Hardware.

A handout on pertinent LSC Sections was prepared by Mr. Joe Glaski of Bergen Regional Medical Center.

As we experienced last month, there was a fast paced and lively discussion regarding some of the issues of the LSC. The educational hour was well received by all in attendance and sparked good conversation during the dinner break that followed immediately after the program was presented.

JUNE 2005 MEETING EDUCATIONAL TOPIC

The next meeting, Thursday, June 16, 2005, will feature Mr. Anthony Monaco of The New Jersey State Department of Health. His topic will be Legionella, but any health department question you may have regarding state regulations will be welcomed. Mr. Monaco is always an interesting speaker. Please invite your Infection Control and Central Sterile Supply Departments.

DINNER BREAK AT 7:15 P.M. FOR 45 MINUTES

EDUCATION

The 42^nd Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition is July 10-13 in Anaheim, California. Check the ASHE website for details.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Robert Thompson reports that we are solvent. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted subject to auditing.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Minutes are available online at www.hfmsnj.org. Secretary Ben DiFranco, CHFM, will send out two meeting reminders; one with and one without attachments for each month’s meeting. Committee and Officer reports are not being sent to Ben in a timely manner. Please submit your reports electronically to Ben DiFranco, CHFM, at Ben.DiFranco@ehmc.com

MEMBERSHIP

Pete Appelmann reports that we have one candidate to propose for a regular membership tonight. He is Mr. Joseph Glaski of Bergen Regional Medical Center. A motion to accept was made by Bill Anderson and was seconded by James Corueil. The motion was approved by unanimous consent.

AD JOURNAL

The new Ad Journal Chairman was appointed by President, Joseph Berlesky. She is Mrs. Margaret Nesby of Livingston Hardware. She has asked three members of the group to serve with her: Richard D. Ciullo of Ashland Specialty Chemical Co./Drew Industrial Division, James Corueil and Victor Arencibia, R.A. All accepted. Anyone wishing to help in this endeavor can call Margaret Nesby at (732) 247-1492, Tuesday through Friday. I am sure she will appreciate the help. You may be asked to help. Please do not be shy if you have ever wanted to help on a committee. Here is your chance. The work on this journal needs to be completed by October of 2005 and the finished product will be handed out at our November 2005 Holiday Party.

ADVOCACY

Robert Roop, P.E., reported JCAHO is seeking “ public comments” on the standard EC4.2, Emergency Management Standard. Please go to www.JCAHO.org to read the proposal and make your comments.

Please copy your comments to Robert Roop, P.E. at rnr@criteriumlockatong.com so he can create a position for our organization. Let your voice be heard! Robert also has a link on our website making it easy for you to send him your comments.

Bill A3897 is a new bill being proposed to license HVAC contractors. Robert will investigate this Bill. You can read more about Bill A3897 at the following web address: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp or you can visit the state’s website at www.nj.gov.

The ambulatory dialysis proposal requiring emergency generators was not challenged or supported by HFMSNJ. We did not make a comment concerning this Bill.

CODES AND STANDARDS

There was no official report from this standing committee at the meeting.

NEWSLETTER

Charles Church was not in attendance this evening. He is currently on vacation. Therefore there was no report. Bill Anderson volunteered to help with the newsletter if others will contribute articles.

SAFETY

James Corueil gave a handout at the front door. The handout is a step-by-step method of checking the standard convenience receptacle (120 volt, 15 and 20 Amp.) according to the NEC 99, Chapter 4. The 2005 NFPA99 Healthcare Facilities Code Standard is found on page 26 at 4.3.3.2, “Receptacle Testing in Patient Care Areas.”

LEVELS OF AFFILIATION

This committee needs an appointed chairman and committee member. Please come forward now and notify President Joseph Berlesky if you are interested.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Bridges Run for April 29, 2005, was completed and quite successful. Frank Keller’s team handed out 100 pairs of blue jeans, food, and toiletries. Please continue your donations to build up supplies for the next run on August 19, 2005, to New York City.

The deck is waiting for approval. The details will be announced as soon as possible.

Our other project to help the widow of our friend and long-time member, Bill Berkeyheiser, is pending. Robert Roop, P.E., will let us know when the time has come to assist. Most likely, this will be in July, 2005.

VENDOR LIASON

Friday, August 12, 2005, is our day at the races at Monmouth Park Racetrack. We have reserved space at the Grandstand Picnic Area. Monmouth Park is at Oceanport, New Jersey. The cost is $42.00 per person. Attendance is limited to persons over 21 years of age. It is a rain or shine event. There will be no trade show or booth set up. It will be just food, fun and a chance to network. Mary Padgett is awaiting payment for reservations. Kindly send them to her at Diversified Fixture, 1930 Swarthmore Avenue, Lakewood, New Jersey, 08701.

GOLF OUTING

The golf outing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2005, at the Fox Hollow Country Club. The Cost is $225 per golfer. For persons attending who are having dinner only and not playing golf, the cost is $75.00 per son. There is only room for 120 golfers. IF it rains, Roger Ennis, our Chairman, will pick a rain date. Lunch is at 11:00 a.m. and Dinner is at 5:30 p.m.

WEBSITE

We are honored to have our webmaster, Mr. Steve Albin, with us tonight. He reviewed with the membership our website via his laptop and our LCD projector. All of our members in attendance agreed that we need more content. Many possible additions were discussed, some of which were forms, P & P, JCAHO Survey results and comments, DOH & DCA Inspections, message board to post questions, job openings and resume postings and even our very own “yellow pages.” Clearly a lot of content for the good of our order can be posted for all to use.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

George Thomas, FASHE, CHFM, is with us tonight after his knee surgery and is looking well. He is glad to be here with us tonight.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business to report.

NEW BUSINESS

A general comment was made to the members from President Joseph Berlesky. He advised that this organization does not endorse any product or service. Likewise, no officer of this organization is allowed to use the HFMSNJ for an endorsement for any product or service.

GOOD OF ORDER

The State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is starting a Statewide Investigation and Re-Education campaign to see why recycling rates are down. Hudson County in Northeast New Jersey is the first county to be looked at and others will follow. There are many public hearings scheduled. How is your recycling effort?

JCAHO is starting to look at fire alarm panels. JCAHO has found some facilities with many unresolved troubles in their systems. They are looking at the age of the system and the maintenance including the physical appearance. Keep your inspection; testing records and service reports in impeccable order.

Remember the EC Surveyor is concentrating on the following JCAHO areas: 5:20, 5:30, 5:40, 7:30 and 7:40.

Do not be afraid to challenge any issue that seems to be inconsistent with the rules and regulations you know. Tell your surveyor you would like the Code Reference numbers. Remember; present yourself in a confident and professional manner. Your SOC should list those hard to get at places where you need fire stop.

The State of New Jersey is checking your oil fill caps for proper color. Green is for heating oil and yellow is for diesel oil. To check the information you need for this subject, go to www.dep.nj.gov.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:00 P.M.

6/10/05