CF-TownC CHC-CS 860317 HOWARD U. FREEMAN, INC., 1424 E. Grauwyler I P.O. Box 151657 1 Irving, Texas 75015 1 (214) 438-6044
Commercial Builders
March 17, 1986
O'Brien, O'Brien, Callaway
3131McKinney Avenue
Suite 800
Dallas, Texas 75204
Attention: Mr. Richard J, Bertani
Re: Coppell Town Center
Dear Rick:
I am in receipt of a copy of your letter to Ed Powell, the City
engineer, dated March 13, 1986. I would like to respond to the items in your
letter. ·
Karl Korn, Larry Lieneke and I were all involved in the drafting of
the Schedule, dated March 11, 1986, that was presented to you. While you and
we both want to complete the project by April 15, 1986, it is simply'not
possible. ~'
One of the factors that can affect all construction projects is
changes to the work. The number of changes and timely response by all parties
to these changes is essential so as not to delay the project. In addition, if
the issuance of changes continues even in the later stages of a project, this
causes further delays. Materials cannot be procured on time, and disruption
and accelleration occurs.
Listed below is the status of all the proposals as of this date.
HUF ARCH DATE
PC# ~ DESCRIPTION SUBMIT TIME C.O./DATE REMARKS
1 Struct. Clarification - - - Void
2 SX-1 Add Piers @ Limestone 04-29-85 0 1/6-28-85
......... 3 ....... Pier Depth & Casings 01-14-86 4 Open
4 Accessibility Standards 06-26-85 0 - Rejected
5 Unforeseen Sub. Conds. 12-13-85 76 Open
6 Head Track at Walls 06-28-85 0 - Void by P.C. #33
7 Auditorium Seating 07-24-85 Void Not released 'til
January, 1986
8 08/2/ Ice Storage Facility 08-16-85 - Rejected on
85 09-10-85 09-27-85
HUF ARCH DATE
PC% 9 DESCRIPTION SUBMIT TIME C.O./DATE REMARKS
9 Electric Locks 08-23-85 0 2/3-11-86
10 Alternate Lighting Pkg. 09-03-85 0 - Void 01-10-86
11 Revised Base Plates 09-21-85 0 3/3-11-86
12 Changes-Water Service 09-26-85 0 - Void
13 Type V Light Fixture 09-27-85 0 Void 01-10-86
14 Hardware Changes 01-06 86 0 Open - POTENTIAL
DELAY
15 Omit Type ¥ Fixtures 01-10-86 25 5/1-30-86 Time Rights Rsvd.
16 Replace Fittings/Vault 10-17-85 0 Open
17 ASI 2 Waterproof Showers 01-O2-86 2 Open
18 ASI 2 Modify Drywall Part. Not Submitted
19 Chilled Water Pumps 10-19-85 0 - Rejected
20 PR 3 Delete K Fixtures 10-31-85 0 - Void 01-10-86
21 PR 1 Misc. Revisions 11-26-85 58 Open - POTENTIAL
DELAYS
22 ASI 3 Revise Electric Room Not Submitted
23 Relocate Door 103 No Change
24 ASI 6 Correct Corner Steel Work by Others
25 PR 2 Change Handrails 02-18-86 Open - POTENTIAL
DELAYS
26 Entry Pavers 01-06-86 - Void 02-12-86
27 PR 13 Misc. Changes/Rm. 144 01-21-86 0 Open - POTENTIAL
/' DELAYS
28 PR 10 Counter & Door 01-21-86 0 5/1230-86
29 PR 9 Provide Cntr./Rem. Door 01-21-86 0 5/1-30-86
30 PR 11 Block Enclosures 01-21-86 Open - POTENTIAL
DELAYS
31 PR 12 Delete Glass Wall 01-21-86 0 Open - POTENTIAL
/ DELAYS
32 PR 2 Window Police Commun. 02-i4-86 Open - POTENTIAL
DELAYS
33 RACO Ceiling Trim 0 4/3-11-86
34 PR 12 Delete Piers/V Fixtures Void by P.C. 915
35 PR 13 Computer Room Changes 02-24-86 - Open - POTENTIAL
DELAYS
Proposed Changes 3, 5, 14, 16, 17, 21, 25, 27, 30, 31, 32 and 35 are
still open. Proposed Changes 14, 21, 25, 27, 30, 31, 32 and 35 are a
potential ~elay i~ not responded to immediately. I would also llke to remind
you that Proposed Change 8 for the ice storage facility delayed the ordering
of H.V.A.C. equipment for several months. Light fixture changes may cause us
a delay. In addition, the auditorium seating was not released until January
1986 which may also cause further delay. At this point, all changes must
i~m~e~diately be resolved_ and no further changes should be made.
As I told you at the project a short time ago, it has been our
experience that roofing subcontractors in general are a problem. When it was
discovered that the wrong insulation was applied by the roofing subcontractor,
we immediately advised him that this must be corrected. He took about a week
to respond but the insulation and roofing has been replaced and reinstalled.
We regret this problem, but we did act immediately.
At the present time, we do not see drywall manpower as a problem,
but we must have responses to changes that involve drywall.
As for submittals, since January 1, 1986, we have submitted the
following:
1. Hinge submittal from Terrill Manufacturing.
2. Stair ballister.
3. Auditorium seating plan which has not been returned and may
delay this item. The seating had not been released by your office until
January 1986.
4. Grout color of ceramic tile.
5. Drug hopper.
6. Toilet accessories and partitions were resubmitted because the
original subcontractor went out of business.
You make strong references to personnel changes on this project. We
do not believe this to be a relevant issue. Bobby Paret left our company to
go to graduate school. Bob Rushing left by mutual agreement. We were not
unhappy with his work, nor did we question his experience or ability. He did
have a problem in complying with company policies with respect to in-house
paperwork. Both Jeff DeBois and Randy Menard left the com[~ny on their own to
seek employment elsewhere. I think you will agree that we cannot control this
in a free enterprise system.
I have been familiar with this project from its inception. Larry
Lieneke is still assigned to this project. Joe Bosquez is extremely capable
and is a definite asset.
I have worked for a major national contractor for many years and it
was not unusual for one project manager to start a project and have another
finish the same project. There are many reasons for this, but it never really
is a problem.
As for Mr Freeman's involvement in this project, you can be assured
that he is and has been involved. It is Co~pany policy that he is made aware
of the progress and problems on all projects. We have staff meetings and
various reports that keep him advised of the status of the project constantly.
I now wish to address what I consider to be the constructive portion
of this' letter. We will do the following to expedite this project.
1. Larry Lieneke will be available to spend the major portion of
his time on the project to assist Karl Korn.
2. I will also continue to monitor this project.
3. I request that we have regularly scheduled weekly meetings with
recorded minutes and an agenda until the project is substantially complete.
The meetings should be at the same time and day weekly and should be as short
as possible. Problems can be quickly resolved at these meetings.
4. Resolve all outstanding changes immediately.
5. Lastly and most importantly, work as a team to complete the job
as soon as possible. Everyone must have a positive team player attitude.
Your response will be appreciated.
Yours very truly,
cc: Mr. Ed Powell - City of Coppell
Howard Freeman
Larry Lieneke
Karl Korn