From: Meneses, Pedro <pedro.meneses@montgomerycountymd.gov>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2017 5:24 PM
Subject: Re: Vending: Apologies & Clarifications
To: Bulla, Tamera <tamera.bulla@montgomerycountymd.gov>
Cc: <christinelsdunn@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 16, 2017 5:00:05 PM
To: Meneses, Pedro
Cc: christinelsdunn@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Vending: Apologies & Clarifications
Captain Meneses -
We are happy to report the candy machine is fully repaired and Sam is working hard to keep it well stocked.
Sam mentioned that you made a specific request for a type of coffee and creamer. As mentioned below, in order to continue to be able to provide the free coffee, we work to minimize the costs. We strive to purchase the least expensive name-brand coffee and supplies. Sam is limited by a set budget. While he can accept requests for the candy machine (within the set price ranges) he's not able to upgrade the coffee or creamer without authorization from our Treasurer.
If you have specific coffee/creamer requests, would you please direct them to Christine Dunn for cost analysis, etc. We never want to pressure poor Sam, as he is juggling a lot for us all already.
We understand that some folks/shifts may wish to purchase their own coffee and flavored liquid creamers, which is certainly an option. Let's just be sure to coordinate a process by which free coffee is always available.
Thank you. Tami
Sent: Thursday, October 5, 2017 12:48 PM
To: bvfd@googlegroups.com; Meneses, Pedro; Cook, Scott; Clemens, Craig
Cc: Nate Hilliard; leclairsam@yahoo.com; christinelsdunn@gmail.com
Subject: Vending: Apologies & Clarifications
Vending Update
All Station Personnel -
The BVFD apologizes for any inconvenience associated with the candy vending machine being OOS. We have a repair contractor scheduled for tomorrow to try and replace a faulty circuit board. Unfortunately, since the machine was moved, we have been unable to get it functioning again. We are hoping for good news tomorrow!
This is also a good opportunity to explain station vending operations.
Soda Machine
The BVFD signed a contract many years ago with Pepsi to have an in-station soda machine. It requires that we purchase most beverages directly from Pepsi (to keep the machine) although we do try to buy from lower cost options as often as possible. We try to keep the soda costs as low as possible for all personnel. When managed well, a small profit is generated which offsets the cost of the BVFD providing FREE coffee around the clock.
If you have problems with the soda machine (or want to make a special request), please contact FF Sam Leclair.
Candy Machine
About ten years ago, the BVFD invested in a used Candy Vending Machine. Even though there is a fully-stocked 7-11 right next door, we understand the convenience of keeping some snacks within the building. We invested $1,500 in purchasing the machine, even though the proceeds might never cover the cost of the machine. Again, we try to keep the costs low and any proceeds go towards paying for the coffee the BVFD offers around the clock. We know that the machine has not been kept well stocked, as there has been frequent turnover of the responsible Member. The Board of Directors has authorized repair costs up to $500 and established a new, responsible party to keep it stocked.
Once repaired, problems regarding the candy machine (or special requests) may be directed to FF Nate Hilliard.
Oversight
The Board of Directors recognizes the need to better manage these two resources. It was an Agenda item for the October Board Meeting. Board Treasurer Christine Dunn has agreed to provide oversight. Should there be any concerns that Sam and Nate can not swiftly resolve, please feel free to contact HP. Her e-mail is ChristineLSDunn@gmail.com
Free Coffee
The BVFD supplies coffee for free for all station personnel. As explained, the cost of this is offset by the vending machines. The commissary fund often falls short of covering the costs and other volunteer funds are used to continue this courtesy. To ensure we can maintain the Courtesy Coffee service, we must purchase the coffee, creamer, and sugar at the lowest cost possible from wholesale/club sources. We can not afford to typically purchase the coffee from Giant or provide the refrigerated flavored creamers. If we are running low on coffee, please alert Sam or Nate. If we run out of coffee, the BVFD can authorize the purchase of a can of coffee at Giant to hold us over. But, please help ensure we keep the costs as low as possible.
House Fund/Commissary
As another courtesy, I recently authorized FF Dan Fields to occasionally purchase "staples" on the BVFD Giant Account.
The BVFD wishes to try and keep the kitchen functional with the basics, such as butter, salt & pepper, condiments, foil, plastic wrap, etc. We have budged $40 - $50 a month, if needed to support everyone.
Again, we apologize that the vending operations have not been kept fully stocked. Hopefully we have implemented a plan of improvements. Your input, comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome.
THANK YOU for your continued support and participation in the BVFD.
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BVFD" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email tobvfd+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
No comments:
Post a Comment