Code violations, disputes delay Justice Center completion

Adrienne Packer

Friday, Nov. 9, 2001 | 10:59 a.m.

Completion of Clark County's most expensive -- and troubled -- project is expected to be delayed again partly because of fire code violations and ongoing disputes involving subcontractors.

Only about 30 workers have been at the site of the $140 million project that includes the expansion of the Clark County Detention Center and construction of a new Regional Justice Center.

Clark County spokeswoman Gwen Castaldi said today that the slowdown was caused by the installation of fire dampers that did not meet city of Las Vegas codes.

"It has ramped down because of a number of matters they have been trying to resolve," Castaldi said. "It will probably be a week or two before they're back at it."

Disputes between subcontractors, who have filed lawsuits against each other, have also plagued the new judicial and jail complex.

Assistant County Manager Mike Alastuey danced around questions Thursday about reports that a subcontractor walked off the site of the detention center expansion project.

"I've had no formal indications that anyone has left the job site," Alastuey said. "I have heard that informally."

County administrators would not necessarily be told if workers left the site of the project, but Alastuey said he plans to meet with the general contractor and project manager next week.

Alastuey confirmed that the project will not be finished by May as planned, but the county is working with the general contractor to set a spring date. The detention center was initially expected to be completed by the end of the year.

AF Construction's Paul Faulkner did not return phone messages.

In May, county administrators downplayed reports of disputes between subcontractors, but commissioners agreed to hire a consultant to watch the project's progress and report back to the county.

The board agreed to pay Marty Solomon $100,000 to advise the district attorney's office on delays.

Alastuey said the county manager's office is working with the DA's office and the contract manager, Jacob Facilities Inc., to determine whether the county needs to get involved with resolving disputes.