From: Ronnie Smith, Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance
Subject: Hurricane Katrina Recovery – Update #45
Posted: June 22, 2007

The final environmental remediation and duct cleaning at the Dental School is moving into the final stages. The crews have worked long hours in difficult conditions to complete the work in a timely manner. They have been able to stay well ahead of the contractors doing the ceiling tile and grid replacement. Details of their progress and the related testing are detailed below.

The project to replace the ceiling grid and tile in the Clinic and Administration Buildings has ramped up and the crews have worked out the details of how to complete the work efficiently. This contract requires significant coordination between the crews installing the grid and the tiles, and the subcontractors who are installing and moving light fixtures, relocating sprinklers, and installing the new flex ducts and diffusers in the new ceiling grids. Good progress has been made and we expect the pace to pick up some as the coordination details are worked out.

Behind the scenes, we have been making plans to make significant changes and improvements in certain areas that will positively impact on the security of the LSUHSC campuses. Improved exterior lighting and an aggressive expansion of the use of the institution’s campus-wide access control system are at the heart of these initiatives. An extensive and detailed update on this work is provided below. We firmly believe that the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and campus visitors is crucial.

We are also seeking to make improvements to the facilities used by the students and faculty in a continuing effort to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Significantly, we have issued a contract to replace the old morgue coolers with modern, state of the art coolers and related equipment. We’re also upgrading the audio/visual equipment in the Multi-Disciplinary Labs to take advantage of the latest technology and network connectivity.

We’ve recently received the final versions of Section 406 Hazard Mitigation proposals that will provide better protection to all of the elevators around campus should we ever experience another flooding event. The proposals will provide a control system that will allow Facility Services staff to automatically elevate elevator cabs to preset levels and keep the cabs and cables above flood water levels from a single central location. The proposal will also install float switches that will automatically lift the cab should water be detected in the elevator pits. The cost/benefit is substantially favorable, so we anticipate that the proposals will move through the various FEMA review queues with little questioning. As soon as we get the official approvals, we’ll develop the bid specifications and seek to get a contract awarded.

Here are highlights of work that has been accomplished since our last update was posted two weeks ago.

Project to Make Temporary Repairs to the Dental School:

• The final environmental remediation and duct cleaning contract is progressing smoothly. The focus of the work has shifted to the Administration Building.
  • When the contractor completes their duct cleaning or their remediation cleaning of an area, an independent environmental consultant must inspect the spaces and test a variety of samples to verify that the cleaning has been thorough and that the spaces are suitable for occupancy. The requirement for some re-cleaning is common.

• Remediation Status:
  • Clinic 1st Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Clearances have been received.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 2nd Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results have been received and passed.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
      • Both AHUs are operational.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are clear.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 3rd Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results have been received. One unit passed and one unit required recleaning.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
      • One AHU is operational.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are clear.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 4th Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results have been received and passed.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
      • Both AHUs are operational.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are clear.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 5th Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results have been received. One unit passed and one unit required recleaning.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
      • One AHU is operational.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are clear.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 6th Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are clear.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 7th Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are clear.
      • The containment has been removed.
  • Clinic 8th Floor:
    • Duct work cleaning is in progress.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
    • Test samples are to be taken.
  • Admin 2nd Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • One unit passed and one unit required recleaning.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.
  • Admin 3rd Floor.
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • One unit passed and one unit required recleaning.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.
  • Admin 4th Floor:
    • Duct work has been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.
      • The interior insulation has been coated/encapsulated.
    • Interior spaces have been cleaned.
      • Test results are pending.

• The project to upgrade the network infrastructure continues to progress.
  • Boe-Tel is pulled network cable from the 1st floor up to the 2nd floor into the Clinic cubicles.
  • Boe-Tel is removing the old network cables before Landis closes up the ceiling.
  • Work is currently under way on the construction of the new network/telecom closets on floors 2 through 8 in the Clinic Building.
    • The build out of each closet includes the installation of plywood back planes, gypsum board and rack installation.
  • The demolition of the old IT closets is underway in the Clinic building.
  • Cores have been drilled on floors 2 through 8 and sleeves have been installed on floors 2 through 6.

• The contract to replace the ceiling tiles and grid in the Clinic and Administration Building is well underway.
  • Landis has all of the new ceiling tile installed on the 2^nd floor of the Clinic Building except at the sprinkler heads.
  • Ceiling grid and tile installation is nearly complete on the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floors and continues on the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th floors of the Clinic Building.
  • The installation of the new HVAC flex duct is nearly complete on the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th floors and continues on the 5^th floor.
  • Frischhertz has nearly completed reinstalling the lights on the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floors and continues working on the 5^th and 6^th floors.
  • Additional damaged junction boxes and lights were discovered on the 6^th and 7^th floors and a change order is being written to address the needed repairs.
  • Firetrol continues to reposition and add sprinkler heads as necessary on the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floors and continues on the 5^th floor.

• Schindler Elevator has been working on completing repairs to the three passenger elevators in the Administration Building.

• The contract to restore the Central Sterilization function in a 3^rd floor space has been awarded and the initial phase of work has begun.
  • The structural demolition has been completed.
  • The electrical and mechanical demolition is also finished.
  • Frischhertz has removed old conduit from the 3rd floor area where the new Central Sterilization unit is being constructed.
  • The new ducts are being installed, and the walls are laid out.

• The emergency generator was successfully tested and training on the equipment was conducted for 5 LSUHSC Facility Services employees.

• The repairs to the exterior site lighting and the electrical work necessary to power the parking lot controls are continuing.
  • Old subsurface wires have been pulled and the damaged light standards have been dismantled.

• The replacement doors and frames needed for the 1^st floors of the two buildings have been delivered and the installation work has started.

• A change order proposal to replace a number of HVAC inline dampers in the buildings has been received and approved. The contractor is ordering the needed parts and materials. Installation is anticipated to begin by the end of next week.

• A change order proposal to make repairs to the compressed air line running through the utility tunnel from the Power Plant to the Clinic Building has been received and approved. Repairs should begin shortly.

• A proposal to replace the 1^st floor ceilings in the Clinic and Administration Buildings has been prepared and submitted.

• The architects have submitted a proposal for additional testing of the roofs on the two buildings. This testing will assist in accurately determining the extent and nature of the storm related damage.
  • Once the scope of the damage is aligned with FEMA, plans will be developed and bid to complete the permanent repairs.

Project to Make Temporary Repairs to 1542 Tulane Ave.:

• Arc Mechanical continued the installation of the domestic hot water pumps.
  • They are also installing the heat exchangers for domestic hot water.
  • Ordes Electrical is installing disconnect panels for the domestic hot water circulating pump.

• Arc Mechanical is installing one of the new air compressors in the rear of the basement.
  • Ordes Electrical is installing disconnects for the new air compressors and air driers.
  • Ordes is also running conduit to the disconnect panels for the air compressors and the air driers.

• Arc Mechanical started the installation of new pipe to the condensate pumps.
  • They are welding in new pipe and valves for the condensate return pumps.
  • Ordes Electrical is installing the wire to the condensate return pump and is installing the disconnect panels for the pump.

• Stratos Elevator is making the final repairs and running on Elevator #3 in preparation for a follow up visit by the State Elevator Inspector. The wrong governor cable had been sent and installed. It is being replaced.
  • The safety chain is being installed on Elevator #3.
  • Stratos is installing the new floor call buttons. 　
  • The replacement controllers for Elevators #7 and #8 have been received on site.
  • Stratos has begun the repairs to Elevator #2 by removing the damaged cab.

• Ordes continues running conduit between the new 480V panels and the switchgear.

Downtown Campus Landscaping Project:

• All 23 irrigation valves around the Lions/LSU Clinic Building and the CSRB are now wired into the controller.

• All of the irrigation zones have the underground pipe installed and terminated.　

• All of the irrigation zones around the CSRB are complete, fully operational and are on auto via the controller.

• 26 Savannah holly trees were planted around the CSRB and the Lions/LSU Clinic Building.

• All of the crepe myrtles were planted around both the Lions/LSUHSC Clinic Building and the CSRB.　

• 62 juniper plants were planted around the flag pole area of Lions/LSU Clinic Building and the planting is complete.

• The final grading was completed around CSRB.　

• Edging is being installed and additional planting is being done around the CSRB and the Lions/LSU Clinic Building.

MEB Cafeteria Project:

• All of the HVAC duct work has been fabricated and installed.

• The circular terrazzo floor section has been poured in the center of the space, and the 2^nd portion of the terrazzo floor has also been poured.

• The majority of the new stud walls and the fur downs in the ceiling have been constructed.

• The drywall has been installed on a majority of the new stud walls and the ceiling fur downs.

• The new air handling unit has been delivered and installed.

Student Parking Lot Re-Surfacing:

• Work has begun on a contract to pave Student Lot #2 and #3 with asphalt.

CSRB Temporary Vivarium Repairs:

• The contractor has begun work on the project. The initial phase of demolition is underway.

Campus Security Enhancement Project:

LSUHSC has undertaken a series of significant projects to improve the overall security environment of the campus. Specific work includes the enhancement of exterior lighting around the buildings and in the parking lots, and significant expansion of the campus-wide access control and security system. This state of the art system allows for flexible and sophisticated control over the access to buildings, selected interior rooms and areas, provides integration with digital security cameras, emergency intercoms, scream alerts, etc. All of this will provide significantly better security for patients, students, faculty, staff and visitors. Accomplishments and plans for the future are highlighted below:

• Plans for enhanced exterior lighting on the downtown campus have been finalized and the implementation is already underway. Plans for enhancements to the Dental School campus lighting are being developed and finalized.
  • New lighting has already been installed in Student Lots #2 and #3.

• All of the door locks on the rooms, suites, and apartments in Stanislaus Hall and the Residence Hall have been replaced.
  • The new locks utilize the resident’s LSUHSC ID card plus a private PIN for entry.

• Sister Stanislaus Hall
  • The fully integrated Access Security System became operational on June 4^th, 2007.
    • Enhancements to further limit access to selected areas are continuing. An example would be limiting access to dorm floors to residents and authorized staff.
  • Features that have been installed include surveillance cameras and recorders, proximity card readers that read the LSUHSC ID, door sensors, scream alerts and emergency intercoms.
  • Proximity card readers will be installed in the elevators to allow access to individual floors to be limited to residents
    • Centralized monitoring of the system by the LSUHSC University Police has begun.
  • Residence Hall
    • Conduit and cable is being installed to connect the surveillance cameras and recorders, proximity card readers, door sensors, scream alerts and the emergency intercoms.
    • Proximity card readers will be installed at the elevator doors on both the 1^st floor and 2^nd floor of the Residence Hall.
    • Proximity card readers will also be placed at exterior entrances to the building, including the side gates to the second level to control general access to the building.
  • Walk To Wellness
    • Proximity card readers will be installed on the connections from the elevated walkway to the Medical Education Building, the Lions/LSU Clinic Building, the Nursing/Allied Health Building and the Resource Center.
    • Installation of access control devices is also planned for the stairwell from Gravier Street to the Walk-To-Wellness at the University Hospital Medical Office Building and for the elevator/stairwell leading from the Walk-to-Wellness to Gravier Street closest to Claiborne Ave.
  • The old stand alone access control system used in the CSRB will be replaced with the campus wide system. This will allow all of the campus buildings to be controlled, secured and monitored in a consistent fashion with the campus-wide unified system.
  • Proximity card readers will be installed at the 1^st floor entrances to the stairwells in the Roman Street Garage to limit access to the upper floors to LSUHSC employees only.
  • The existing old surveillance cameras on the Walk-To-Wellness and Roman Street garage will be replaced with a digital video management system (DVMS) that will be integrated with the campus-wide security system.
  • All of the loading docks serving the downtown campus buildings have been surveyed and plans are being made to secure those areas with access control devices and surveillance cameras.
  • A site survey of the remaining CCTV surveillance system at the Dental School has been completed. Further evaluation and recommendations for implementing access control and CCTV capabilities has been requested from the access control contractor.

  Morgue Cooler:

  We have initiated a project to replace the cooler in the morgue located in the MEB.

  • Bids for a new cooler were solicited and the contract was awarded.
  • The cooler is currently being manufactured.
  • The installation of the new cooler is being planned to begin in mid-August.

  Multi-Disciplinary Labs AV Equipment:

  Significant enhancements to and modernization of the audio/visual equipment are being made in the Multi-Disciplinary Labs (MDLs) located on the 4^th floor of the MEB.

  • All of the new LCD monitors, high resolution projectors, and motorized screens have been installed in Labs #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6.
  • The main switch and the centralized control center are being wired; connecting all of the devices together.

We encourage you to follow the details of our progress through the daily updates which are posted on the web site.