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January 2004 Report

SANCTUARY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY THIS MONTH!

Construction Manager – A monthly project coordination meeting was held on December 19, 2003 between the NCC and O’Neal Construction, Inc.  Punch list items on the three auxiliary buildings continue to be addressed.  The roofer completed a modification to the roof over the atrium to install gutters and downspouts.  HVAC controls and dampers were further adjusted and we are now experiencing better heating in the atrium and auxiliary buildings.  In the Sanctuary, the carpenter completed wall board joint tape and joint compound application.  Only minor repair and touch up areas remain to be addressed.  Installation of interior wood trim progressed in December.  Interior doors were also installed.  The window sections were installed in the walls between the Sanctuary Naos and the cry room and the library.  Painting work was essentially completed in the Sanctuary.  Fixture installation of plumbing, mechanical and HVAC items is nearly complete.

The marble work on the Solea, Solea steps and Altar areas is nearly completed.  Ceramic tile in the Sanctuary bathrooms was completed.  Vinyl tile was installed in various Sanctuary areas.  The Sanctuary carpet was delivered on December 15.  Unfortunately it was the wrong color we had  selected and the correct carpet material had to be re-ordered.  The problem was attributed to the carpet manufacturer who recently changed their color numbering system.  Installation of the correct material is scheduled to begin January 16.  The chandeliers from 414 North Main will be reassembled in early January and suspended in the Sanctuary Naos.

Schedule – O’Neal Construction plans to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for the Sanctuary by January 9.  The first service in the new Sanctuary, or Thyranoixia will be held on Sunday, February 22.  The pews are expected top be installed in late January.  Some of the old pews from 414 North Main will be used in the choir area and choir practice room.  The rest of the pews will be either sold or donated.

Landscaping – A critical work day was held on December 13 to stabilize the site soils.  Straw was spread on the property and seed was planted on the front berm areas.  Check dams were also installed on the property to slow rainwater and reduce surface run-off.  To participate in our Parish tree sponsor program, please Michael Challis at 734.971.6186 or e-mail Mike at mdchallis@aol.com for more information.  Work days will resume in spring of 2004 to continue the beautification of our Parish grounds.

Iconography - The Iconography Committee met several times in December.  Selections of the pew materials and finishes were made.  Recommendations were also made to the NCC for chandelier height in the Naos.  Informational Sessions will be held with the Parish beginning in February 2004.  A temporary Iconostasis is being constructed by Parish volunteers.

Construction Manager Termination – We are happy to report that a settlement with Bernco Inc. was reached through mediation on December 23, 2003.  Parish representatives, attorneys and consultants met for over 12 hours to arrive at the settlement.  The Parish will receive $116,610 on a payment basis, and the lien on our property filed by Bernco will be discharged.  The parties also agreed to release each other of any future claims for arbitration or litigation.  Arriving at this settlement is a big relief for the NCC and the Parish Council.  Our financial and man-power resources can now be better focused on completing the project and beginning the Liturgical use of our new Sanctuary.

Financial Position - A summary of the New Church Building Fund dated January 5, 2004 follows this report.  The financial summary illustrating current revenues and expenses versus the project budget has also been updated.  The “Re-Allocated Budget” column indicates that we are presently expecting to run about $65,000 over the project budget.  This increase is due primarily to actual costs for the parking lot extension and front drive drop off being about $25,000 more than estimated and our legal expenses running $30,000 over what was budgeted.  Our “Gap” or additional pledges and fund raising stands at about $770,000.  The Bernco settlement amount of $116,610 has been added to the revenue side of the financial summary as have $18,645 in deposits to the County being held in escrow accounts.  These deposits will be released once the site grass comes up in the spring and summer of 2004.  Please note that specially funded items also have their dedicated revenue collection line items identified in the summary.  We still have about $500,000 yet to collect on our pledges.  Please consider making payments to help improve our cash flow situation.

Parishioner Participation – Parish volunteers have constructed risers in the choir loft area.  Thanks to Louis Chiatalas for leading this effort.  Volunteers have also assisted with moving church pews.  Special thanks to Theo Michos and Dean Bairactaris for the furnishing of labor and equipment towards site improvements during the month of December.  Look for postings in the Sunday bulletin and on the Parish web site at:  www.stnickaa.org  for details of upcoming work party events.

Capital Campaign – The Capital Campaign Committee met in December to plan and coordinate fundraising activities for the Building Fund as well as the Pew Donation Program, Landscaping, Commemorative Walkway, Memorial Garden, and Iconography portions of the project.  A mailing on the Pew Donation Program was distributed to the Parish in late December.  Many thanks to the James Reader family for their donation initiating the Pew Donation Program.  Donations are being received for advertisements and greetings to be displayed in the Thyranoixia Commemorative Book.  A second mailing has been sent to Parishioners about the Commemorative Book.  We thank Parishioners and friends for their continued support.

We have reached the final stages of construction and our construction loan will soon be converted to a low interest equity line or mortgage.  It is highly desirable to minimize this amount to the greatest extent possible.  We do not wish to burden our Parish operating budget with monthly loan payments.  NOW is the time to take a moment and reflect upon our financial contribution to the project.  Is there an opportunity to give a little more?  How can we help reduce the “Gap” so that our end loan is as small as possible?  Thank you again for your loving and generous support to date.

Communications – Please visit our Parish web site at:  www.stnickaa.org  for updates, articles and photographs of related events.

Submitted by Chris Patselas on behalf of the NCC.

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