Testimony of Robin-Eve Jasper
Acting Director
Office of Property Management

Adrian M. Fenty
Mayor

COMMITTEE ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Councilmember Carol Schwartz, Chairman

Friday, September 26, 2008

10:00 a.m.

Room 500
Council Chamber
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004-3003

Good morning Chairperson Schwartz and members of the Committee on Workforce Development and Government Operations.  I am Robin-Eve Jasper, Acting Director of the Office of Property Management (OPM) and I thank you for the opportunity to testify on “Contract No. DCAM-2007-C-0092 Change Orders Approval and Payment Authorization Act of 2008.” 

On Monday April 30, 2007, tragically, a three alarm fire gutted the interior of the historic Eastern Market.  Fourteen (14) merchants were displaced and are now operating in the East Hall, a temporary structure in the Hine parking lot across 7th Street from the Market. 

Building and community safety became an immediate concern after the fire.  As a result, the District had to act swiftly to secure the building.  The Council agreed, and on an emergency basis we entered into a contract with Minkoff Company, Inc. to stabilize the building, install a temporary roof, and install a permanent roof at the South Hall (all damaged by the fire). 

Once the contractor started to replace the South Hall roof, which was extensively damaged by the fire, it was determined that there were substantial problems with the North Hall roof as well.  Most notably, the North Hall roofing was determined to be the first slate to be installed, making it over 100 years old.  It was quickly apparent that the North Hall roof was at the end of its expected service life. 

Replacement of the old and deteriorated North Hall roofing is essential to avoid a more costly re-roofing project in the near future. 

Allowing the same contractor to repair both the South and North Hall roof at the same time will benefit the District.  The contractor is already mobilized on the site, complete with scaffolding, and is able to provide slate from the same quarry to match the South Hall roof.  The same craftsmanship and materials will allow for uniformity in the outward appearance of the roof and maintain consistency during the restoration. 

In addition, Minkoff Company Inc, has especially well positioned knowledge of the North Hall roof through their installation of the roof for the South Hall. 

Since they have already performed good work at a suitable price, using them to restore the North Hall roof at this time will further benefit the entire restoration of Eastern Market.  The District looks forward to a fully restored market and the return of a historic community asset. 

Thank you for this opportunity to testify.  I welcome any questions you may have at this time.