Healthcare Facilities Management Society of New Jersey, Inc.

Serving Healthcare Since 1949

 

 

*** General Membership Meeting***

 

Minutes to the Meeting of

June 15, 2006

 

            President John DiGirolomo, CHFM, called the meeting to order on Thursday, June 15, 2006, at the Galloping Hill Inn, Union, New Jersey, commencing at 6:12 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Self-introductions were made by all in attendance.

 

 

TOPICS OF DISCUSSION

 

SPONSOR

 

            The sponsors for this evening’s event are Nalco and Freeman White.

 

EDUCATIONAL SESSION TOPIC

 

            Damon Greeley, P.E., of Freeman White was our presenter tonight. Mr. Greeley’s presentation was about utilizing work order and raw data to direct your workforce and maximize your staff’s productivity.

 

DINNER BREAK AT 7:02 P.M.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

There was a fantastic response to the membership survey; 66 people responded. Harry Segner will analyze the responses and report to us in September.

 

The golf outing was very successful this year. Thank you to Roger Ennis, Margaret Nesby and Mary Padgett for their efforts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT-ELECT’S REPORT

 

            There are a few spaces available for the Chubb Fire Protection Seminar. The cost is $100 person. Contact Ben DiFranco if you are interested in attending.                    

           

All members should utilize the HFMSNJ website to keep themselves up-to-date on meetings, events and activities in addition to obtaining information on vendors who support us.

 

The new HFMSNJ logo pins were available at this evening’s meeting.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT

 

            Rick Ciullo requested that all Committee Chairs please submit their reports to him electronically at rdciullo@ashland.com.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

Bill Anderson advised that we are solvent.

 

EDUCATION AND EVENTS CALENDAR

 

            No meetings scheduled for July & August. Have a pleasant summer.

 

ADVOCACY

 

Robert Roop, P.E., advised that comments are needed regarding USP 797 in reference to costs of operation and upgrade to meet this standard. It is requested that all members please reply to this survey. Call Robert Roop for further information.

 

The generator-testing requirement of a four-hour test every three years becomes effective July 1, 2007.

The Fire Alarm letter to Commissioner Jacobs is in its final draft requesting the NJ testing requirements for fire alarm systems to be in step with current NFPA 72 standards.

           

ASHE

 

            A reminder was announced that the ASHE annual conference would be held July 9^th through the 12th in Boston, Massachusetts. HFMSNJ will receive the Gold Award for affiliation for the 17^th consecutive year. John DiGirolomo, CHFM will be a co-presenter at a seminar reqarding ED design.

 

            John DiGirolomo, CHFM, indicated that ASHE membership packages are available on the ASHE table located in front of the meeting hall. All members are encouraged to join ASHE.

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

           

            There were no new candidates for membership at this meeting. The new Society pins were handed out to members in attendance. Everyone on the “waiting list” was sent information regarding the new “2 For 1 Membership Drive” which is in effect until 2007.

 

Fred Minick mentioned the engineer to vendor ratio was low and that we need to bring additional Engineers on board. John DiGirolomo and Pete Appelmann urged vendor members to solicit Engineers for new membership.

 

 

LOGO

 

            The new graphic for the logo has been voted on and approved. Pins featuring the new logo will be available next month, June 2006.

 

WEBSITE

 

            Oscar Gonzales reported that the website is running properly.

           

LEVELS OF AFFILIATION

 

Our documents were submitted as required by ASHE. Our chapter was awarded the GOLDLEVEL Status for the 17^th consecutive year. 

           

EAB

 

            James Corueil advised that the group will meet the week of June 18, 2006.

           

GOLF COMMITTEE

 

            Roger Ennis reported that the golf outing at Fox Hollow was completely sold out. He would like to extend his thanks for all the people and companies that helped make the 4^th annual outing a success

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE

 

            Frank Keller advised that the next Bridges Run would be in mid July. Donations of non-perishable food and gently used clothes are greatly appreciated. He is still looking for a project through Catholic Charities and would welcome any ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION COMMITTEE

 

            George Thomas indicated that we only have one nominee for Facility Manager of the Year. This must be completed by September 2006. Please submit your nominations. Anyone interested in nominating someone can find the application on the HFMSNJ website.

 

 

DOH UPDATES

 

Surveys by the Center for Medicare Services

 

            The following are some of the areas inspected:

 

* Humidity in critical care areas

* Emergency assistance alarms.

* They inspected general conditions in the psych wards. They also checked on door

operation in the unit

* Ice machine cleaning records were scrutinized.       

 

 

JCAHO UPDATES

 

           

Dale Woodin of ASHE has reported that George Mills, Senior Engineer of JCAHO is soliciting comments regarding the burden that facilities will face in converting their SOC PFI information into the new electronic form required in 2007. He will use this survey information to try to create an import software tool. Contact George Mills by mail.

 

EVENTS

 

           

Chubb laboratories advised that they could only accommodate thirty-five people for this event. If you are interested, please e-mail Ben DiFranco, CHFM, at ben.difranco@ehmc.com. The cost is approximately $100 and seats are filling up fast.

 

Our All-Day Seminar will take place on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at the Galloping Hill Inn. This year’s topic will be The Electronic Statement of Conditions (a requirement in 2007) presented by Safety Management Services. The cost is $150.00 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. Please e-mail Ben DiFranco, CHFM, directly to reserve your seat. Six (6) vendors will sponsor the Seminar. Everyone is encouraged to visit all of the sponsors’ displays at the seminar. Vendor contributions are what make programs like this possible.

 

            Our Holiday gathering this year will be held on Friday, December 8, 2006. It should be noted that we would have a regular meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2006.

OLD BUSINESS

 

There was no old business to report.

           

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

            There was no new business to report.

 

 

 

GOOD OF THE ORDER

 

            Robert Roop, P.E.’s son graduated from college. Joe Rawson welcomed a new grandson. Congratulations to everyone. John DiGirolomo, CHFM announced that a position is available in Westchester County and to contact Tal & Associates at 914-244-7100 for information.

Congratulations to Oscar Gonzalez and John DiGirolomo for receiving SASHE status!

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:36 P.M.