Meridian Facilities Services
Tom O'Berry
Maintenance & Operations Supervisor
Office: ISU Meridian 200
About the Meridian Facilities Team
Daily Facilities operations at the Meridian campus are managed by on-site Facilities staff, including dedicated craftspeople and managers. The team includes a licensed electrician and a licensed HVAC journeyman who provide routine maintenance and support for campus operations.
Specialized trades and licensed work beyond the scope of the on-site team are performed by qualified contractors or by Maintenance & Operations staff from Pocatello as needed. Capital projects and major renovations are supported by a Project Manager based in Pocatello, who works closely with the Meridian Maintenance & Operations Supervisor to coordinate project planning and execution.
General Repairs
Many service requests involve routine maintenance and general repairs. Common examples include:
- Burned-out lights
- Sticking doors and lock repairs
- Heating and cooling (climate control) adjustments
- Unusual odors (gas, smoke, electrical, etc.)
- Water leaks
- Plumbing repairs
- Spill response
- Damaged flooring
Routine maintenance and building or equipment repairs are requested through the Work Request system. Work requests provide a written record that allows repairs to be prioritized and scheduled efficiently. Emergency and urgent repairs should be reported by phone and are addressed as quickly as possible.
Maintenance Painting
Maintenance painting is performed on an as-needed basis to protect surfaces such as wood and drywall from deterioration. Routine building inspections are conducted to evaluate the condition of painted surfaces and determine maintenance needs.
In general, offices, laboratories, and other low-traffic areas are repainted approximately every 10 years, depending on wear and condition. High-traffic areas may require more frequent painting based on usage and observed damage.
When an office becomes vacant, the space is assessed, cleaned, and any necessary wall repairs are completed before repainting in preparation for the next occupant.
Lock Shop
For the Meridian campus, keying and access control are supported through Main Campus Operations staff. Requests to move, add, or modify locks and keys should be submitted through the Work Request system to the Lock Shop for processing and completion.
Custodial Management
Our Custodial staff serve as the front-line connection to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The team is committed to continually enhancing the campus and its facilities by maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all.
A custodian’s role goes beyond routine cleaning and upkeep. Staff are encouraged to take personal pride and responsibility in the care of their assigned buildings, ensuring that facilities remain functional and well-maintained at all times. Any damage to buildings or equipment should be reported promptly. This includes issues such as malfunctioning light switches or doors that stick or squeak, noisy radiators or air conditioning units, and cracked or broken windows, which should be reported to a supervisor.
To support a high standard of sanitation, custodians utilize modern professional cleaning equipment and follow current CDC guidelines for effective disinfecting practices throughout the campus. The following sections outline more specific procedures for classrooms, restrooms, offices, hallways, and other assigned areas.
Grounds Management
We strive to maintain a beautiful campus featuring well-kept trees, flowers, shrubs, and lawns for the enjoyment of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. A welcoming and attractive campus is often the first impression prospective students experience when visiting the University. Research shows that the impressions formed within the first 15 minutes of a campus visit are critical in influencing a student’s decision to enroll at an institution of higher education. Ultimately, students choose to remain at their selected university based on both the quality of academic programs and the condition of campus buildings and grounds.
The Meridian Grounds Department is responsible for the following areas of maintenance and care:
- Litter and waste control
- Turf maintenance
- Weed trimming
- Edging
- Fertilization
- Weed control
- Irrigation systems
- Arboriculture (tree care)
- Shrubs
- Parking lot maintenance
- Snow and ice removal