June 22, 2009

Building Project Update: Things are moving along well in spite of the rainy days. They have managed to work fairly steadily on the storm water management systems in the rear of the property and have completed Trap #2 and have a lot of the dike work constructed in the sediment erosion system. Each phase of these storm water basins is inspected regularly by state and/or county inspectors so no work is allowed to progress until an inspector has approved that it is done to proper code. Work has now moved to the front portion where they have constructed a twin culvert system and installed a locked gate system to the property. The office trailer arrived and county inspectors allowed the stripping of dirt for the building platform even though the building permit is yet to be granted. They have also begun digging the large pond basin in the back.

The final architectural plans for the building were submitted to the county this week. This has been an ongoing process whereby plans are submitted and comments by reviewers are made. We act on those comments and resubmit. Montgomery County has been very responsive and cooperative. This final submission, assuming no further commends, should lead to the granting of the building permit this month.

The comments from reviewers have been minor for the most part although there have been some adjustments made that have meant the relocation of electrical boxes, adding a set of stairs, or inserting additional access/egress for the disabled. There have also been some compulsory elements for LEED certification (“green” building). Since these cause changes to various sub-contractors, we have purposely held off the final cost presentation of the project until these are incorporated. The bidding process has been going well with a high interest and quantity of bidders. We have every reason to believe we will see a good number for the building portion. The building committee should be meeting in the next two weeks to hear the cost projection for the building portion.

There is still quite a bit of paperwork mostly involving utilities, but some forest conservation, that is being processed daily concerning bonding, permit applications, permits, and various agreements. There should be some utility work started over the next several weeks for gas lines, utility poles, sewer, and highway work.

If there are any questions concerning the project or its progress, please contact Merle Poirier, 301-384-2424 or poirierm@gc.adventist.org. Thank you for your continued support both financially and through prayer. It is appreciated!—Merle Poirier, chair, building committee

Merle Poirier, chair

Building Committee

Spencerville Adventist Church