Thursday, March 16, 2000
Advisory board for stadiums pursued
Commissioners split on idea
BY DAN KLEPAL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
An idea to create an advisory group of construction experts to help Hamilton County make decisions related to building two professional sports stadiums got mixed reviews Wednesday.
Commissioner Tom Neyer fully supported the idea — floated by Commission President Bob Bed-
inghaus — while Commissioner John Dowlin was more reserved.
The reaction was predictable, as similar splits have happened time and again over stadium issues brought before the commission.
Mr. Bedinghaus' idea is to have a “construction advisory group” of unpaid volunteers examine all aspects of the county's dealings in building two stadiums.
He also would have the group look into whether the county should proceed with hiring a project manager to represent its interests during the construction of the Reds ballpark.
Mr. Dowlin said that the need for a project manager is clear and that a firm should have been the county's first hire — not its last. An architect and construction manager already have been hired for the ballpark.
“We need to have one person focused and dedicated to bringing the project in on time and on budget,” Mr. Dowlin said. “The project manager represents the taxpayer.
“The architect isn't our person. The construction manager isn't our person. The project manager is our person.”
County Administrator David Krings recommended that the commission hire Gilbane Building Co. as the project manager for the Reds stadium.
Mr. Neyer said perhaps an interim agreement should be worked out with Gilbane to avoid hamstringing the advisory group — if it is formed.
But if the group is formed, it should not stop the current design of the Reds ballpark, Mr. Neyer said.
Commissioners agreed to discuss the idea more at Monday's staff meeting.
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