Saturday, October 02, 1999
Arbitrator awards Lakota schools $1.78M to repair leaky roofs
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
UNION TOWNSHIP— Lakota Local Schools have been awarded $1.78 million from a contractor, its insurer and an architectural firm to repair leaky roofs at Cherokee and Independence elementary schools.
The award followed 17 days of hearings in late July and early August by a three-member panel from the American Arbitrators Association. It ends a five-year disagreement over who was responsible for the roofs, which began leaking soon after the schools opened in 1994.
“I am glad we went through this process and I'm glad it's over,” Superintendent Kathleen Klink said Friday.
Arbitrators determined that general contractors Warm Bros. Construction Co. and Insurance Co. of North America were liable for just over $1.5 million, and architects Steed-Hammond-Paul Inc., were liable for about $267,000. Paperwork for the settlement was sched uled to be filed Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court, said Columbus attorney Michael S. Holman, of Bricker & Eckler LLP, representing the schools.
“We are not appealing the decision,” said Michael Dingeldein, a principal architect with Steed-Hammond-Paul. “We're in support of the district and we take responsibility for our part.”
A spokesman for Warm Brothers declined to comment.
Mrs. Klink said the district was seeking more than $3 million, which included money to have both roofs removed and rebuilt, attorney fees and administrative costs. The award doesn't reimburse the district for expenses incurred thus far, including replacing ceiling tiles and other repairs made at district expense, Mrs. Klink said.
“It wasn't built properly,” Mr. Holman said. “The major problem is with the metal roof and rubber gutters. We've got enough relief to rebuild the biggest problem.” Barring any delays, repairs may be completed next summer.
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