#Stately: Door To Be Propped "Open"

by Olivia LaSarde
November 29, 2006

Staff Services has electronically announced that effective December 4, the door to the first floor copy room will be propped open, allowing faster entering and exiting to the area and providing better airflow.

In a prepared statement issued Monday afternoon, Staff Services Officer Janice Berry asked for support in the Business Office's latest venture to improve working conditions and safety. "The door to the room should be propped open at all times. It is a heavy door and a few people have complained about pushing or pulling to get in and out of the room."

The decision whether to allow the door to loudly bang when closed or having it constantly propped open has been a long, tedious debate, best remembered for Business Operations Administrator Brant Huffaker's memorable "quit slamming that damned door" speech last April.

Extensive research by the gravity committee indicated that for a door to stay in the "open," or "out of the way," position, a special door wedge would be required. Budget allotted for one such wedge to be purchase at Ace Hardware on South Main, for $1.59, according to sources. The bill will go to the Legislature when it next convenes to discuss how taxpayers will pay for the wedge.

"With the door open, please be considerate of other employees by keeping the room neat and the noise levels to a minimum," Berry said, in response to the majority who fail to clean up after themselves or fill the copiers with paper.

"This will also assist us in eliminating the complaint that the copy room is too hot. By keeping the door open, air should circulate better." Berry said. "Let us know if you have questions. Thank you."

No timetable has been set for the operation but a source with the staff services office said that like most tasks involving the office, minimal time should be required. The copy center will remain open during the procedure. A small plastic sign will mostly likely be attached to the door following construction asking users to abstain from closing the door except in dire emergencies, the source said.

Overall reaction to Berry's e-mail was met with lukewarm interest.