Building Committee meeting October 24, 2018

[Gordon Jacobs]

I would like to have this meeting and have it at my apartment, which is physically accessible.  The address is 130 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. 214.  Meeting is at 7:00.

I’d like to review and discuss 1) Shanna Ratner’s Draft Request for Qualifications/Proposals (sent separately), 2) a modified version of that draft (also sent separately) and 3) what I’ve learned about the Barb Evans reports that I sent in an earlier email.

Barb Evans of Knight Consulting Engineers, Inc. did those structural assessment sample reports using what she called “limited observation”.   I believe these are much closer to what we are looking for as a low cost, first step and deserve closer examination.  Engineer Evans defines “limited observation” as follows (the bold font is mine for emphasis):

“Since the building is complete and finished, with most, if not all, structural systems concealed, and since we are not expected to perform demolition, this will be a limited observation based upon evidence readily available at the time of the site visit.   In addition, since the client wishes to limit the number of hours spent on the assessment, the visit is not intended to be an exhaustive check, or a detailed inspection, but rather is to allow us to become generally familiar with the quality and condition of the structure and to determine, in general, if the exposed structure is serviceable and/or if repairs are recommended.  The Client understands that a limited observation cannot reveal every detail of a structure that might be of interest.  The Engineer will use his skill and judgment to provide an informative and unbiased report.  The verbal and written reports by the Engineer are not to be construed as guarantees or warranties of the condition of the buildings and grounds.  Calculations of structural capacities will not be included unless specifically requested.”

I’ve learned that Barbara has 30 years experience in doing this kind of work, but by no means is she the only engineer that could perform in this manner.

I believe that the bullet points and questions in the earlier drafts might be all that Barb or her equal would need to get the study underway.  I estimate the cost for doing this would be less than $2500.  What I like about this as a first step is that we have the chance to get at the basic question of building safety for relatively few dollars.  It does not require a formal RFP or arranging for a walk through with a group of contractors and certainly doesn’t preclude doing a fuller RFP after we have a better feel for the building’s problems.

Gordon

Gordon Jacobs

gordo...@gmail.com