Quelab New Building Update

November 10, 2024

Hello Everyone.

Weekly update on the status of Quelab 3.0 at 1511 Central NE.

CURRENT STATUS

1. INSURANCE: We still have several agencies working on obtaining. A possible semi solution may be available shortly. With the winter storm we were unable to make contact with a potential new agent with a different solution.
2. ELECTRICAL: Progress continues in the overall building. Most of the setback from the sewer flood has been repaired. This week they did most of the wiring for the machine shop and the break room. Next week they will finish most of the upstairs except the woodshop and CNC router.
3. HVAC: Continues to be a code and interpretation issue. The winter storm exposed all the open holes again and extensive water damage throughout the building. This time our crew did the patching and covering with tarps as well as clearing all the loose debris that has remained on the roof. The HVAC crew has started to remove the remnants of the vandalized systems. Next week most of the old trash will be removed from the roof as well as from internal wet spots. 
4. SECURITY: Adam Ivey is continuing to replace and rebuild the low voltage system. All the doors are access coded and now have magnetic locks activated. The fire alarm system which we have to have completely operational is starting to come together. FOBS are being issued to an expanding core of stewards. More cameras have been emplaced.
5. CONSTRUCTION: Not a lot of construction was accomplished last week because of the work necessary to combat the storm damage. However, all the doors have now been framed in at least. The asbestos abatement in the back lot where a roll up door will be placed was accomplished. The roll up door has been ordered and will take at least a month to arrive.
6. OVERCROWDING: The Fiber Arts, Laser Cutter and Design Arts rooms have been cleared of extraneous material and are being organized and set up by their stewards. We are still working on getting the venting for the laser cutter and 3d printing rooms and hope to have more progress this week. The emphasis next week will be on clearing the garage/donation area so we can use it as a gathering place for orphaned material and items.
7. FINANCES: This continues to a closely watched constraint on our activities. As stated previously, some want to do things may be delayed extensively. 

PROJECTIONS

1. We still cannot make a projection as to full opening of Quelab because of the insurance and HVAC issues. We are working these issues as aggressively as possible. 
2. The ventilation issue for the laser cutter has not been solved yet. We still expect to have the laser cutter open with controlled access shortly. When we do, it will be available for member use under very controlled circumstances. It is now up to the Fabric Arts and Design Arts (3d printing and large format printing) stewards as to when and how they want to allow very limited and controlled access. Because of #1 above, access is a situation by situation decision by the president and the appropriate stewards.
3. This week the emphasis will be on finishing construction and major decluttering and reorganization. The North parking lot will be cleaned up more as well as the garage. 
4. For security, insurance and access issues, the board will be enforcing our by-laws requirement to have a current photo (not avatar), address, phone number and emergency contact on file. Everyone will also be required to annually SIGN a copy of our waiver. We will start documenting these within the next couple of weeks. 
5. Depending on #1 above we hope to start orientations for stewards and existing members prior to Thanksgiving Day and for new members around the first of December.

If anyone has questions, I am available at any time via phone or email.

Darrel Knutson

Chief Cat Herder

darrel @ quelab.net