McClung’s View - Capital Incompetence June 6, 2006

[posting]

McClung’s View - Capital Incompetence June 6, 2006

Less than a week has passed by since the crowing of the LVEC crowd over their success in ramming through the mega-project. But it is passing strange that more revelations on the city’s continuing ineptitude on the project management front have now surfaced in the Assessment of the Grand Theatre Redevelopment Project released to Council today.

Its hard not to contemplate that the next commissioner to move or disappear in the corporate reorganization of city hall may well be Commissioner Thurston, Community Development Services, who was tracking the project.

The LVEC project already seems to have sidelined Commissioner of Finance and Corporate Performance, Gerard Hunt, who recently suffered a heart attack. His role in the continuing financial review of the Grand over the last year is unclear.

The city was hung out to dry in the accounting evaluation provided by the city’s own auditor, KPMG.

In KPMG’s own words:

“The city has seven major projects underway at the present time. Consultations revealed that the projects are in competition with each other for the City’s scarce resources, consultants, contractors and funding (both from the City and through fundraising)…. While we applaud the City for following through on its initiatives related to infrastructure and recreation and culture and undertaking such significant projects, the volume of projects may have some detrimental effects on management resources. Consultations revealed that there may be a lack of available staff with project management experience to champion these projects successfully, due to the concurrent initiatives, and Management’s current workload.”

Despite the efforts of many $100K plus salaried senior city employees and project consultants, the auditor noted that “Key project risks are not being formally identified and clearly communicated”.

Can we have much confidence in the city administration as they issue future platitudes about their abilities to manage the LVEC, Multiplex or the Memorial Centre planning?



A full copy of the Grand Theatre Redevelopment Assessment Project can be found below.

[Exhibitionist]

The one (1) "general" report on the status of the Grand Theatre Project, reveals to the general public the politic's/ interest groups and lack of experience (and REALISM) - to renovate a old 19th century building ON BUDGET.

The report covers these key PROJECT construction stages:

- project requirements / or scope
- resources (both budgets alotted and project management assets)
- budgeted and non budgeted requirements
- stakeholders and their influence(s)

Your main point: Suggesting the City Staff are the ones to blame and are not prepared / or experienced (is untrue)

It is NOT just there was "lack of project management" - as the MAIN reason behind the increase in cost of the Grand Theatre.


If you READ the report it says "the cost overruns are due to factors BEYOND THE CONTROL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT".

Some History: and the report verifies...

From the beginning: the Grand Theatre renovation project - was basically rubber stamped, with NO debate:

a) approved by heritage "interest groups", the Kingston general public and finally by council.

b) A climate of - "do what ever it takes to make the Grand - "Grand Again"
- certainly shouted by theatre groups, ad-hoc committee members and residential supporters - was the projects slogan.

c) The ad-hoc committee - scope, timelines and involvement in the project were diverse and not necessarily reflective of the projects true scope. Especially when it comes to construction/renovation (of 19th century buildings) In other words they were mostly "theatre people" that knew little about construction/or renovation of any buildings let alone a very risky OLD building. (that had little maintanence done by management over the past 30 - 80 years)

d) There was not enough resources alocated (both financial/expert's/committee liasoning etc.) communicating (time)
to have preliminary and monitoring stages adhered to. i.e opening up high risk areas of the building for accessment.

e) Toxic material removal, roof and foundation (structural costs) were not within the 9 million budgeted costs.

So, in other words their was an interest groups "dream" of a brand new (old) Grand theatre - with not enough money, expertise and to much community (interest group political will) for such a risky top to bottom renovation project.

Interest groups strike again!

Just like when (interest groups) induced the move from a greatlocation @ Anglan Bay site to a restrictive North Block site for the LVEC.

Remember - the building costs the same! BUT - it is now 30% less of a building (sq ft ) and restricting the "multpurpose opportunities".

Anglan Bay would have easily provide the sq ft to make it the BEST location for the success: both in terms of construction, operational needs, marketing revenue and frankly best for the taxpayer investment.

Interest groups in this TOWN are meddling in affairs they no little about - especially projects of these types!

[McClung]

While I can certainly see the direct links to 'interest groups' in projects such as the LVEC, the linkage is certainly less apparent in the Grand Theate project.

The Grand has enjoyed wide public support in Kingston for decades. A number of philanthropic individuals have maintained a strong and continuing interest in the theatre. But they ultimately do not manage or control the renovation project currently under way. This is clearly the responsibility of upper management in the Corporation of the City of Kingston. All budgets and capital improvements for the theatre are approved by City Council.

Heritage buildings often face significant remedial costs as they age. The scope of the repair work and costs for the Grand do not seem unreasonable in this context. But the lack of project and financial management by city staff of this and other projects raises a number of troubling questions.

[Florence]

An 'interest group' is not an 'interest group' when it is, in the mind of the beholder, a 'legitimate expression of public opinion'.
Come on guys - everyone has an opinion - all are legitimate. It is up to Council to decide if the interests are representative of the city as a whole and will benefit the city.
Council decided that the Anglin Bay site was not in the interest of the whole city.
Council decided that the refurbishment of the Grand was in the best interests of us all.

Anyone who has been involved with a renovation knows about overages. But this city has more embedded knowledge in this area than any other. Clearly a bad job was done of estimating. Someone's head should roll.

[Exhibitionist]

If you READ the KPMG report by an independent auditor - you will discover the reality of the issues:

1) heritage groups initiated the project - but had little money to do the work (taxpayers became investers.)
2) there was no business plan and an ever expanding priority list
3) ad-hoc committee with no experience in renovation / old buildings were the directors
4) local community, theatre supporters support the project
5) council rubber stamped the project in a matter of weeks, with complete political and "public support"
6) ah-hoc committee guided the process, influences the projects direction and scope (wish list)
7) investigation of the building was not all encompassing
8) old building are high risk renovations

9) Mr. Anderson a consultant of KPMG reported to council it is notthe lack of project management with the Grand Theatre project. “The cost over-runs are largely attributable to factors beyond the control of project management,” he said

10) The LVEC - was influenced by interest groups such Kingstown KCAL, and KTA that induced public support to move the Anglan Bay site (after 100's of thousands of dollars spent) to the North Block site.

11) The LVEC is now 30% smaller - but the cost is the same? And it also limits the multipurpose opportunities of the building. So, yes interest groups who no little about facilities like these have influenced both the type of renovation, building and location. NOT THE CITY!

[Emerald]

*************? No sense in ranting unless you have some constructive suggestions. Unless it makes you feel better, of course - and that has to be worth something.

[Exhibitionist]

"Constructive" suggestions:

If the following initial stages are not in place or found unrealistic, cost prohibitive or not thought of "as necessary"
for the launch of ones project. (DO NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROJECT)

And if the initial stages have been completed and a reasonable outcome is communicated properly:

DO NOT TRY (as an interest group)

- TO INFLUENCE A PROJECTS INTEGRATY OR INITATIVE WITH MISINFORMATION OR SELECTIVE CRITEQUING OF said:

BUSINESS PLANS, STUDIES AND INDUSTRY EXPERTS


STAGES:

1) Evaluate a realistic project needs accessment and offer an appropriate preliminary report on the project. (i.e scope of work, location, preliminary costs, forecast of usage, mini business plan etc.)

a) Interview and utilize "experienced industry personel" for expert advice on a project ...

(i.e industry trends, usages, experience of other similar projects) - BEFORE launching your interest groups "campaign".

2) Read ALL the available reports, research and consider all outcomes.

3) Actually investigate - other facilities, similar in scope and usage

4) Develop a plan - business plan, marketing and financial plan....

6) Review the cost estimates and funding requirements - before launching your fundraising, project grants and funding from council...or banks!

5) Communicate the project with the stakeholders, board members - both in verbal and project management
software, visual schedules, and regular production meetings.

6) If the project ot initative seems of minimum risk and funding is in place, and the public is behind the concept, initative and "vision"....

7) Setup a project management team including - estimating, costing program to track the financial transactions against the estimated costs of ones project.

8) Monitor the project as it moves through the stages of the project

9) Stick to the plan, business plan and project scope

10) mitigate any overages with a reserve fund

11) Support the actual stakeholders, contractors, community and project staff with regular updates
- that are necessary (not mini- managing info) - just the main stages of work progress.

12) And last but not least - don't waist taxpayers funds on heritage interest groups projects that are unrealistic of success.

[Lydia]

I agree special interest groups are NOT THE WAY TO GO.

I will add a few more to ************* list.

1: DOWN TOWN BUSINESS MAN/WOMAN'S ASSOCIATION.


Having added another group, I DO NOT INCLUDE THE TAXPAYER / RESIDENTS OF THIS CITY.

Just maybe it is time for Howard Stone's Taxpayer's Association to set something up where the ORDINARY PERSON can get involved with discussions on how things should happen and be paid for?

Oh wait, That is EXACTLY what Howard Stone's Taxpayer's Association is all about.

[Exhibitionist]

:mad: Oh wait, That is EXACTLY what Howard Stone's Taxpayer's Association is all about.


Any lobby groups such as the KTA are part of the political enviroment. They have influenced many a budget and many a politician throughout history. And will in this tiny town.

Aggressive or not they are basically salespeople with influence from industry, commerce, interest groups i.e enviromentalist to tobacco farmer union.

I find they are a necessary evil. But, rather 19th century in their tactics and mentality for change.

I still believe these "part time councilors" and "part time groups" such as the KTA need to take their mandate much more seriously than just "serving their own ego". But actually being much more prepared for issues regarding public funding and or the political landscape as we have it.

I frankly have found KTA rather nieve and also 19 century in their beliefs. Their individualist rights and lack of perspective is rather counterproductive. They expect high quality local services to be paid for by the fairy god mother, while they seem to easily take trips to Florida every year.

As I have indicated: Canada is one of the least tax countries in the developed world. So, what is your argument about?

[Lydia]

Any lobby groups such as the KTA are part of the political enviroment. They have influenced many a budget and many a politician throughout history. And will in this tiny town.



Aggressive or not they are basically salespeople with influence from industry, commerce, interest groups i.e enviromentalist to tobacco farmer union.
EXACTLY, THEY ARE FROM THOSE GROUPS BUT SO IS OUR SOCIETY AND FUTURE LEADERS OF THIS CITY.

I find they are a necessary evil. But, rather 19th century in their tactics and mentality for change.

EXACTLY, THEY ARE NECESSARY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE HAD A BETTER SOCIETY AND WORKED VERY HARD TO HAVE QUALITY OF LIFE AS COMPARED TODAY'S VALUES. THAT IS THE REASON THEY ARE AMOUNG THE MOST FINANCIAL STABLE.


I still believe these "part time councilors" and "part time groups" such as the KTA need to take their mandate much more seriously than just "serving their own ego". But actually being much more prepared for issues regarding public funding and or the political landscape as we have it.

HERE IS WHERE I AGREE FULLY WITH YOU. THESE COUNCILORS AND GROUPS SHOULD AND SHALL BECOME FOR SERIOUS ABOUT SERVING ALL TAXPAYERS AND VOTERS. THEY WILL HAD THE VOTERS DECIDED WHAT THE IMPORTANT ISSUES ARE. THEY WILL KEEP OUR COUNCILORS HONEST, FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE TO ALL OF US.

WOULDN'T IT BE WONDERFUL TO HAVE BOTH PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME GET TOGETHER AND BRAIN STORM ABOUT PROJECTS AND DEAL WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THINGS BEFORE THIS CITY WASTES FINANCES THAT WE DON'T HAVE. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO PUT IN ON THE TABLE THE WHYS AND WHY NOTS LISTENED TO AND DEALT WITH BEFORE COUNCIL MAKES A DECISION AND GETS THE HIGH PAYING CONSULTANTS INVOLVED.

************* YOU CAN TELL US EXACTLY WHY YOU WANT THINGS AND I COULD TELL THEM EXACTLY WHY I DON'T WANT THOSE THINGS BECAUSE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN OUR EXTREME VIEWS, THERE IS THE TRUTH AND REAL SOLUTION. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED WITH THE TAXPAYER'S ASSOCIATION. LOL LOL I CAN HEAR YOU NOW. LOL LOL


I frankly have found KTA rather nieve and also 19 century in their beliefs. Their individualist rights and lack of perspective is rather counterproductive. They expect high quality local services to be paid for by the fairy god mother, while they seem to easily take trips to Florida every year.

YOU MAY BE RIGHT THAT THE KTA ARE RATHER NIEVE AND 19TH CENTURY,INDIVIDUALISTS, LACKING PERSPECTIVE, COUNTEPRODUCTIVE. I DON'T SHARE THAT VIEW POINT HOWEVER, THEY DO EXPECT HIGH QUALITY OF LOCAL SERVICE. SINCE YOU BELIEVE THAT OF THEM, WHY DON'T YOU AND THE DOWNTOWN LOCAL BUSINESSMAN JOINT THE KTA AND MAKE IT A BETTER WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND EDUCATE THE LOCAL RESIDENTS/TAXPAYER.

INSTEAD OF TRYING TO GO BEHIND PEOPLE'S BACK AND BUY THE COUNCILER'S VOTES, BRING THEIR GREAT IDEAS TO THE PEOPLE FIRST AND THEN TO COUNCIL. YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE TRULY WANT TO LEARN AND SUPPORT OUR BUSINESS PEOPLE AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS. HECK IF THAT HAPPENED JUST MAYBE THE RESIDENTS IN THIS CITY WOULD ACTUALLY HELP SUPPORT IDEAS AND NOT HAVE TO SPEND TIME PUTTING DOWN THEM. JUST MAYBE THE ONLY THING COUNCILERS WOULD NEED TO DO AND MAKE DECISIONS ON IS WHICH PROJECTS THE BUSINESSMEN AND RESIDENTS WANT TO HAVE CREATED, ENDORSED, SUPPORTED. WHY NOT WORK TOGETHER FIRST BEFORE TRYING TO INFLUENCE COUNCILORS AND THEN WASTE TIME FIGHTING ISSUES AFTER THE HIGH PRICED CONSULTANTS GET INVOLVED.

OH WELL, IM NOT A PLAIN ORDINARLY KTA MEMBER. LOL LOL
As I have indicated:

[Exhibitionist]

:rolleyes:

So, what is your argument about? Why we should need a KTA???? - is this why you say (I) or (we) NEED you????

i.e Interest groups...such as the KCAL, KTA.............


EXACTLY, THEY ARE NECESSARY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE HAD A BETTER SOCIETY AND WORKED VERY HARD TO HAVE QUALITY OF LIFE AS COMPARED TODAY'S VALUES. THAT IS THE REASON THEY ARE AMOUNG THE MOST FINANCIAL STABLE.


B.S - that is the biggest laugh I have ever heard.

The "financial stability" you seem to be your claim to fame , has alienated and impoverished 9/10ths of this planet for the past 100 years.

i.e Slavery and self proclaiming ego may have made your grandfather rich. But, poor in judgement and little gain I hear in compassion for the "lesser man".

And to suggest (our capitalistic values) are "lesser" to your ..despot rulers style of society is insulting!

By the way -

As I have indicated before on may occasions: Canada is one of the least taxed countries in the developed world.



************* YOU CAN TELL US EXACTLY WHY YOU WANT THINGS AND I COULD TELL THEM EXACTLY WHY I DON'T WANT THOSE THINGS BECAUSE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN OUR EXTREME VIEWS, THERE IS THE TRUTH AND REAL SOLUTION. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED WITH THE TAXPAYER'S ASSOCIATION. LOL LOL I CAN HEAR YOU NOW. LOL LOL

WHAT you want me to speak to those capitalist pigs!!!!!!

You may THINK KTA are "pennie wise" but they fail to grasp the basics of "long term planning" when it comes to the LVEC.

They have already proven to me how their "interest group" could do such little research but launch a damaging frickin campaign against the Anglan Bay site location, waisting thousands of dollars and we get 30% less of the building for the same cost!

I would be happy to come and speak to them - about this basic math.

But, they are old crotchty grimpers with to much time on their hands. And would be so set in their ways they would deny they had anything to do with THAT!

My recommendation at the end of the discussion would alo end up suggestiing...they take up a hobby
like bungy jumping or better yet - sky diving!

Catch my drift?

OH WELL, IM NOT A PLAIN ORDINARLY KTA MEMBER. LOL LOL

I don't get your last remark. But, I still respect you as a human being. (Except if you support KCAL or KTA)

[Lydia]

Oh Good, I'll go skydiving only if i can TAKE YOU UP THERE AND THROW YOU OUT OF THE PLANE. LMAO

You are a hoot, cranky, insulting, argumentive and just plain pain in the assets. lmao but i like you despite yourself. :rolleyes: :D

[DickTindal]

McClung's Comments Go Too Far:
It is fair game to comment on the project management capabilities of the City. But when a dedicated public servant (Gerard Hunt) has a heart attack, the only appropriate response is to wish him a speedy recovery. The suggestion that his misfortune was caused by a particular City project is inappropriate speculation that adds nothing to the central issue being addressed.

[Exhibitionist]

A little respect is warranted. I agree.

Mr. Hunt seems like a honest man. And one that has gained some respect.

I can only wish him the best of health and a speedy recovery. :)

[Peter Walker]

In the case of Mr. Hunt, I suggest that a LOT of respect is warranted.

I worked closely with Mr. Hunt on a committee dealing with a particular issue for about a year. I found him to be one of the most astute, hardest-working, honest, and fair-minded individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. In the end, his leadership allowed the committee to achieve concensus amongst widely divergent interests, and to produce a result that was clearly in the best interests of the residents of the city.

Mr. Hunt is a credit to his chosen profession of senior public sector management, and the residents of Kingston are very fortunate to have the benefit of his services. Mr. Hunt can always be counted on to work hard and with extreme ability, and to always act in the best interests of all Kingstonians.

[Lydia]

Mr. Hunt is the ONLY person, I totally respect because he knows what he talks about and ISN'T willing to compromise his views because he ACTUALLY knows and understands issues and costs. I respect him fully.

Peter, I am glad you responded to this link, Good for you and thanks for sharing.
:o

[Florence]

Hi - I certainly agree on Mr. Hunt. We are lucky to have him.

Are you the guy who spoke last evening at the KEDCO session? If so would you please comment on the benchmarking question.

http://www.kingstonelectors.ca/forums/showthread.php?p=6890#post6890

found under Jason's view somewhere in the discussion forum.

thanks

[doramider7]

:rolleyes:

So, what is your argument about? Why we should need a KTA???? - is this why you say (I) or (we) NEED you????

i.e Interest groups...such as the KCAL, KTA.............




B.S - that is the biggest laugh I have ever heard.

The "financial stability" you seem to be your claim to fame , has alienated and impoverished 9/10ths of this planet for the past 100 years.

i.e Slavery and self proclaiming ego may have made your grandfather rich. But, poor in judgement and little gain I hear in compassion for the "lesser man".

And to suggest (our capitalistic values) are "lesser" to your ..despot rulers style of society is insulting!

By the way -

As I have indicated before on may occasions: Canada is one of the least taxed countries in the developed world.




WHAT you want me to speak to those capitalist pigs!!!!!!

You may THINK KTA are "pennie wise" but they fail to grasp the basics of "long term planning" when it comes to the LVEC.

They have already proven to me how their "interest group" could do such little research but launch a damaging frickin campaign against the Anglan Bay site location, waisting thousands of dollars and we get 30% less of the building for the same cost!

I would be happy to come and speak to them - about this basic math.

But, they are old crotchty grimpers with to much time on their hands. And would be so set in their ways they would deny they had anything to do with THAT!

My recommendation at the end of the discussion would alo end up suggestiing...they take up a hobby
like bungy jumping or better yet - sky diving!

Catch my drift?

OH WELL, IM NOT A PLAIN ORDINARLY KTA MEMBER. LOL LOL

I don't get your last remark. But, I still respect you as a human being. (Except if you support KCAL or KTA)Oh Good, I'll go skydiving only if i can TAKE YOU UP THERE AND THROW YOU OUT OF THE PLANE. LMAO

You are a hoot, cranky, insulting, argumentive and just plain pain in the assets. lmao but i like you despite yourself. :rolleyes: :D