Did you notice the library siding flopping in the breeze? One has only to look at the process and problems with the library remodel to question the county board’s judgment, decision-making and irresponsible spending of tax dollars in using ORB Management and their affiliates in any more projects.
We were told using ORB would save us money but that was not the case as we paid about double the cost per square foot of the going price when construction was slow.
During the process Commissioner Fritz Sobanja had to pull rank to stop construction to address concerns. At that time I suggested we hire an independent inspector to re-inspect the inspection of the inspector ORB provided. ORB claimed their guy was absent for a day or so but let’s get real – that was not the truth. Anchor bolts that attach walls were inadequate, nailer backing was missing, shoddy insulating, etc. Construction is a process that took weeks; ORB’s inspector was out to lunch!
I’ve only been at the library once. As I walked in the new entry the ceramic tile with cracking grout caught my attention, as I know that should not be normal. The recent rain showed problems in the design or craftsmanship as it flooded when the co-op parking lot didn’t. What will happen when we really get a storm or some wind? Lastly, who is responsible for the landscaping? It’s clear no one used a rake before they planted the weeds. Where’s your volunteers? What happened to curb appeal?
Personally I would not rehire ORB to build an outhouse, let alone a community center. We budgeted $9.5 million; where does the rest of the money come from when the bill doubles the going cost? Will we have to fix it before it opens? Will it flood? Will the floors be cracking? Will the siding fall off and hit someone?
Tod Sylvester
Grand Marais
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