State building work called a ‘life safety’ issue

Monday, Nov. 8, 2004 | 9:37 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Kenny Guinn has told the state Public Works Board to "move as quickly as possible" to remove the faulty outside tile on the Sawyer State Office Building in Las Vegas.

About 50 of the large tiles have fallen off and one nearly hit a man in the parking lot. Another 50 tiles have been removed and webbing has been placed on the side of the building to catch other falling tiles.

The state Board of Examiners Friday recommended $1 million be used from an emergency fund to start removing the remaining tiles and to seal the outside of the 7-year-old building. The Board of Examiners consists of the governor, Attorney General Brian Sandoval and Secretary of State Dean Heller.

Kevin Senn, the lawyer representing the public works board in the case, said this was a "life safety" issue to make sure there are no injuries from the falling tile. He said one tile crashed onto the pavement, leaving a big hole. Bits of the tile flew into the trouser cuffs of a man nearby, Senn said.

Senn said mediation is scheduled for those involved in the construction of the $29 million building. The state has filed suit in District Court in Las Vegas against the general contractor Precision/Kitchell, the tile contractor Carrera-Marble Co., and architect Luchesi-Galati. Guinn said, "We should have a good chance of getting our money back," in talking about the faulty construction.

"There's been a terrible mistake by somebody," the governor said.

Senn said the testing has been done on the building and the contractor, subcontractor and architect were present to observe. And the testing was videotaped.

Guinn questioned whether the state's case would be weakened by allowing the contractors and architect to observe the testing. He said the state doesn't get to see the opinions of the experts from the other side.

Senn told the governor that "Nothing we have done will erode our position in the courts."

The governor suggested a fence be put around the building and that landscapers not be allowed close to the structure.

The recommendation for the $1 million goes to the Legislative Interim Finance Committee that meets today to consider giving final approval.

Gus Nunez, deputy manager of the public works board, said the project would not have to go through the normal bidding process. He said the board could contact some contractors, get prices and estimates on how fast the work could be completed.

The public works board has $1.7 million in other maintenance funds and is confident it will be able to negotiate a contract for $2.8 million to remove the tiles and seal the building.

The 2005 Legislature will be asked for $10.1 million to apply a new exterior to the building. And it will cost another $278,270 to take care of the building's expansion joint calking problem, officials said.