With an audience of about 50 persons looking on, Convention Center Authority solicitor Kris Hausner started the LCCCA meeting by recommending that discussion be limited to what needs to be done to open the complex, in part “because discussion concerning past events could prejudice the Authority in the future.” Chair Art Morris then explained that “All board members have been advised of this before hand” and that “I intend to follow the solicitor’s advice.”
Thomas Smithgall of High Real Estate, representing the Construction Manager, listed the various “Life Safety” tests that must be successfully performed before the City Fire Marshall will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) which permits training to begin. Smithgall said the target date for the twin inspections are May 21 and May 22.
Mark Moosic of Interstate Hotels, the manager of the convention center and hotel, then described to the Board what would occur once occupancy was permitted. He said it normally takes four to five weeks to open to the public after the issuance of a CO, but he is confident all can be accomplished in two and a half weeks. When pressed about the shortness of the training period by a member of the audience, Moosic explained that the new staff would be initially supplemented and, in part, led by experienced workers drawn from Marriotts throughout the region.
Smithgall described a long list of “Life Safety” items that had to be tested and successfully coordinated before opening. As an example, he described the smoke test, which must confirm that the exhaust duct system can quickly evacuate smoke in every public area.
Other tests are required for the eleven elevators and three escalators, the sprinkler system (tested with air pressure, not water!), fire pump, auxilliary generators, the kitchen fire suppression systems, fire alarms, locks and automatic door opening devices.
Smithgall also described extensive work yet to occur on East King and South Queen Streets to sidewalk, curbs and streets. Some that impact ingress and egress are conditions for a CO. Other, such as road re-paving, can be postponed to a more propitious time.
Smithgall said “It’s an orchestra piece when all is done.”
Moosic further reported: “We have been able to extend the pre-opening budget by another month but will still fall within the pre-opening budget….We have 141 associates hired or made offers to; thirty-two on staff right now.” He indicated about 90% are full time with benefits—a higher percentage than originally anticipated. Also, he said a few positions are yet to be filled.
In response to an inquiry from a member of the audience, Morris estimated that approximately 97% of the project is completed.
Audience member Bonnie Miller bypassed the ground rules by inquiring, “Who is going to be responsible for losses due to delay? Who is going to pay for additional costs pertaining to the delay?”
Morris explained that there is no single General Contractor for the project. (Editor’s note: This is by government requirements setting a limit to the size of any one contract.) He said there are 19 individual prime contracts. Calculating expenses are very complicated but every month the Finance Committee carefully reviews change orders and how they affect cost of the project, according to Morris.
It was clear from the solicitors and Morris’s opening remarks that, for now, every effort is being concentrated in getting the project opened. The time for pointing fingers and contemplating litigation will have to come later.
