[Imc] Desperate plea for Keys

[Danielle Chynoweth]

Right now, with a set of keys one block from the IMC during bizness hours,
I act as a point person for folks needing to get in without keys.  This
happens frequently.  I'm happy to formalize this and say - if you want
keys during the day, come see me.  I would like to keep my keys and I
would like to continue to provide this service.

I am at 115 W. Main St, 2nd floor at OJC Technologies.  This is just above
the French restaurant in downtown.

thanks,
Danielle


On Sat, 14 Sep 2002, Mike Lehman wrote:

> I was asked why it wouldn't be easier to just make more keys. That is a
> good question, so here are a number of reasons why it is better to
> appropriately distribute the keys we do have, rather than spending more
> money to make keys.
>
> It is actually an interaction of a number of circumstances.
>
> We have been trying to hold off investing any more money in the current
> front door lock. Remember the issue with locking the door from the
> inside awhile back? We would eventually like to get that resolved, with
> a new lock, but this won't happen until things are in better shape
> financially. So investing in more keys for a lock that we hope to change
> in the not too distant future seems like a bad idea.
>
> I'm sure that any money we could spend on more keys would be better
> spent on what it'll take to buy a new lock. But this is an issue that is
> also associated with the possible purchase of the buildiing, which will
> need to be resolved before a decision can be made on the whole issue of
> the plans for the front entrance. If it is going to be a few years
> before it is rebuilt (which we thought might have been accomplished this
> year), I would support getting the new lock to satisfy the already
> established desire. I think the best all-around solution would be a
> digital electronic lock. This would allow us the greatest security, for
> the smallest and most flexible long-term investment. I know we don't
> have the money for that now.
>
> There is also the issue of having enough staffers. If everyone just has
> a key, there is little incentive to staff the place. Right now, there
> are a number of people who formerly staffed, but still retain keys.
> That's convenient for them, but imposes an unneccessary burden on
> others, when having the key back would allow the IMC to be open longer,
> satisfying more people that wander in off the street (and coincidentally
> satisfying most of the needs for access of those who don't staff, but
> still have keys.) The IMC was meant to be a public space and the
> investment in keys has to prioritize this function. Having lots of keys
> turns it into more of a private club than I think most of us should feel
> comfortable with.
>
> Having too many keys floating around IS a security issue. The more out
> there, the more the investment will be if one is lost or stolen under
> conditions that make it likely that we need to change the lock. If this
> should occur, it will be an expense we'll just have to eat, it sure
> won't be budgeted for, and the more keys out there when it happens, the
> more expensive it'll be.
>
> Keys are a dead investment with no return, unlike many other things at
> the IMC which we would find better places to invest money in, in terms
> of the return on the investment. If we were swimming in cash, this
> wouldn't be an issue, but the opposite is the case, unfortunately.
>
> Plus, you turn in your key, you get your $20 deposit back.
>
> BTW, I will support making more keys, if it turns out that we actually
> need more to keep the space staffed. The person who asked the question
> does not have a key themself. But I do. I use it for gaining access to
> do maintenance, but this is an ocassional need that I can work around
> (although I am also the first person who might be called in an emergency
> and it may be a good idea for me to have it for that reason alone,
> rather than worrying about how I'm going to get the door unlocked.) If
> need be, I am willing to give up my key (I admit it, I don't have time
> to staff right now) if need be so that a staffer can have it.
>
> Other opinions are welcome.
> Mike Lehman
>
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-- 
| Danielle Chynoweth
|
| Art Director * OJC Technologies * www.ojctech.com
| City Council Member * Urbana City Council * www.city.urbana.il.us