Public Records Division/Public Information Services Division
Public User’s Meeting
October 18, 2006
2:00 p.m. - Remsen Building Conference Center

The Public User's Meeting was held at 2:00 p.m. in the 1st floor conference room 1D04/1D14 in the Remsen Building on the USPTO campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Martha Sneed, Director of PISD, chaired the meeting. There were approximately 3 members of the public in attendance.

Space Consolidation Briefing: Next Phase

Lisle Hannah attended the meeting to give a brief update on the next phase of construction in the Public Search Facility (PSF) as follows.

Barricades are being put up in preparation for the construction of a new emergency exit stairwell. The grand staircase will need to be closed for three weeks as a result. It should be reopened by November 13. The current core emergency stairwell will be opened up for public use during this time.

Carbon fiber reinforcements will be installed where the stairwell opening is to be cut beginning 10/23/06 in order to reinforce the floor. Fans will be used during the laying of the reinforcement material to control any odor from the adhesive used to adhere the material to the floor. If any member of the public has a problem with the odors they are encouraged to inform the PSF staff so that accommodations can be made for them. Work begins at 6:00am and continues until 2:00pm. Shot blasting will be done on weekends. A sound barrier will be installed to minimize noises due to the build out of the new stairwell. February 23, 2007 is the target date for the end of construction.

• Question: What is the level of toxicity of the epoxy used to adhere the carbon fiber reinforcement material?
• Answer: Very little to none, the odor may be offensive to some people though it is not strong enough to require the installers to wear masks or breathing apparatus.



• Concern: Construction should be done at night to decrease exposure to staff and the public. (Also requested copies of the construction specs, which were provided later that day.)

Public Search Facility Update

As a solution to a previous complaint that the lighting is too bright in areas of the search room, the lights will be turned off in a 'checkerboard' pattern to lessen the severity of the lighting.

No UPWS issues were brought up at the meeting or questions pertaining to product services.

Public Records Division Update

Nothing at this time.

The next Public Users Meeting will be Wednesday November 15, 2006, 2:00pm Remsen Building Conference Center, 1D04/1D14, 400 Dulany St.

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