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Send it to CB#6205.
QWhat happens to obsolete computers and equipment sent to surplus? If they aren't sold or auctioned, is any consideration given to donating them to a nonprofit foundation that recycles them within the United States or abroad?
AAll computers and equipment that are declared surplus by University departments are sold through the State Surplus Property system. In most cases, the surplus property is sold through a competitive bidding process with the property going to the highest bidder. Nonprofit organizations, such as churches and schools, can purchase the property directly without going through the competitive bidding process, if the property is to be used by the nonprofit organization. North Carolina law does not permit donating state property to private, non-profit or other state organizations.
Kelly Reed, Associate Director, Materials Management and Distribution
QDo University police officers take periodical physicals, and, if so, are there certain minimum standards they must meet?
AThe University's police officers, just like all sworn police officers in North Carolina, are required to pass physical examinations before they are sworn into their positions. These exams measure numerous standards related to job responsiblities. However there are no state requirements for subsequent physicals. Besides police officers, Carolina's Public Safety Department has security officers, who are nonsworn personnel and are subject to the same personnel policies as all other University and state employees.
If anyone has questions about the Public Safety Department, please contact me at 6-5730 or dlg.psafety@mhs.unc.edu.
Don Gold, Director of Public Safety
QWhat is the schedule for the Office of Information Technology's diesel power backup system located by the Phillips Hall loading dock? They seem to fire it up every Friday afternoon. It is extremely noisy and disturbing. If this is a routine procedures, could it be scheduled to take place outside of normal work hours?
AThe diesel motor that supplies emergency power to the OIT Phillips Computer Room is tested once a week by the staff of the Physical Plant. The weekly testing is needed to keep the batteries charged and the motor in good condition for quick starts during power emergencies. We selected Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. because we thought that this would cause the least disruption to classes without incurring overtime for the Physical Plant staff involved in the test. While it is possible to schedule this test to take place after normal working hours, we did not do so because of the inconvenience to the Physical Plant staff and the extra expense involved. However, we want to be good neighbors, so if we need to find an alternative time please let me hear suggestions. I can be reached at 2-5649, or by email to bill_fuller@unc.edu.
Bill Fuller, OIT Computer Operations Manager
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