The University Record, January 30, 1995
Procedure set up for reporting outdoor lighting problems
The University has set up a new system for use by individuals and units to report campus lighting problems.
In an early January memo to deans, directors and departments heads, William B. Krumm, associate vice president for business operations, noted that “adequate lighting is an essential element of security for the campus community.”
“Adequate levels of lighting do not necessarily mean more lighting or higher lighting levels,” Krumm noted, but rather those that meet accepted standards of intensity, direction, placement and uniformity.”
Krumm said that the Department of Public Safety and the Maintenance Services Department perform routine surveys to identify malfunctioning lights and areas of deficient lighting that may vary with foliage changes or changes in hours and the intensity of interior building lighting.
The following procedures should be followed with respect to lighting problems:
- Reporting: Lighting deficiencies and problems should be reported to the Zone Maintenance Service Desk, 747-2059, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. A voice mail message may be left during nonbusiness hours. Direct reporting also may be made via e-mail to LightsOut@umich.edu.
- The location of the light should be described as precisely as possible, and if the problem is due to foliage intrusion, that should also be noted. Providing a name and phone number also would be helpful, in case there are any questions.
- Response: If the problem is due to foliage intrusion, the report will be forwarded to the Grounds and Waste Management Department for correction.
- An electrical engineer will review other problems and compare collected data with accepted national standards and U-M safety policies and practices. If warranted, changes will be made and the person who reported the deficiency will be notified.
- Appeal: If the person reporting the deficiency disagrees with a decision that present lighting is adequate, an appeal may be made to the Outdoor Lighting Advisory Committee via Krumm at wbk@umich.edu, or by calling 764-3402.
The Outdoor Lighting Advisory Committee provides policy guidance in responding to lighting deficiency reports and hears complaints from those who feel the response was inappropriate.
Members of the committee include the director of Plant Operations, the University Planner, representatives from the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Dean of Students, and a student.
