July 19th Progress

July 19, 2001

All,

I want to update everyone on the progress of the construction on our new shelter. We are now six weeks into the construction and are about 45% complete having spent about $85K. All of the walls are framed and some dry wall is in place. The plumbing and electrical are starting to come together. The HVAC systems are about 20% complete and the new windows have been installed. The cement block kennels are finished except for the doors and all of the floors have been prepared for the epoxy coating. The old existing bathrooms did not meet code and had to be removed completely and we started over with them. We also have had to make several minor changes to the plan when we discovered that the field conditions were not exactly like the engineering drawings, some doors have been relocated and some of the wall positions were adjusted slightly. The water/sewer and electrical services were activated for the building and the charge to hook-up to the sewer was over $4,000.00 (unexpected expense). We have also added fiberglass paneling and vinyl baseboard around the perimeter walls of the kennel area, $1450.00.

One major change was made when we discovered a serious problem with the lighting in the kennel area. After the cement block walls were erected and the power to the building was connected the lights (existing mercury vapor) were turned on we could see that the lighting was inadequate for the space. Large areas were not lighted properly and there were dark shadows everywhere. This would not serve as good place to house animals. We have decided to add florescent strip lighting along each side directly in front of the kennels. This modification will cost $2834.26 but must be done to provide the proper environment for our animals.

The construction work is still on schedule to be completed by the end of August or early September and our contractor is doing a great job. We will have an animal shelter that we can all be proud of and will provide an excellent place for our animals to live until they find that forever home.

Regards,

Jack Moore