The Command Center Saga Continues: Part II
General Information
Congratulations to Taos town manager Oscar Rodriguez and Taos police chief Kenneth Koch for demonstrating common sense in utilizing existing space for the relocation of the Police Department. This paradigm shift in official thinking could save thousands of dollars for town taxpayers.
Still, the town’s elected officials are trying to justify a move to the new Command Center by referring to the “9-1-1 Solutions, LLC (9-1-1S) Report.” It is important to evaluate every report to determine if it is objective. Unfortunately, the 9-1-1S report is biased.
As an architect I was contracted to evaluate various buildings in northern New Mexico for possible occupancy by the State of New Mexico, satellite offices. During my analysis, I checked for code compliance and provisions of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The State of New Mexico contracted with me to design the first and only school for autistic children at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training Center. In other words, I have the qualifications and experience to analyze the existing police and E- 911 facility, and the new building.
Kit Carson Command Center
The discipline of the 9-1-1S “is setting the standards in emergency communications.” The technicians are not architects and therefore hired RMKM (the same architects who designed the Kit Carson building) to analyze the
buildings. While observing an architect from the firm do a cursory walk through the Mary Medina building, he made a number of presumptions without investigating, objectively, the real condition of the structure. Neither the real condition of the Mary Medina building nor the E911 building is known at this time, due to ignorance and biased reports.
RMKM originally stated the new building was just a shell and now they claim the facility was designed to facilitate the enhanced E-911 emergency telephone system. If that claim is the case, why does the proposed move require new construction work before the move can be made?
The KCEC building is short on electrical requirements; the mechanical room is unacceptable; and security controls need to be installed. The KCEC building consists of an upper mezzanine space, which overlooks part of the lower floor. The high ceiling creates a space that does not serve working conditions due to sound problems and exposure: the acoustics are terrible.The lower floor is partially below grade. The glass wall needs cover to prevent pedestrians from peering into the workspace.
Existing Police Building and E-911 Center
The police building was constructed in the 1960’s under a lease agreement between Saki Karavas and the US Postal Service. It was constructed in compliance with all codes and government regulations. I was a practicing architect in the 60’s and codes and safety requirements were in effect; the ADA was not. The E- 911 building was added approximately 11 years ago. At that time the town also did an extensive upgrade of the police building.
Once the police department is relocated the town will have approximately 5,500 square feet of space; an amount equivalent to the new building. RMKM architects estimated it would cost approximately $1.5 million dollars to bring the building into compliance. Wow! That is more than the cost of the new Kit Carson Command Center on a cost per square foot comparison. See the bias?
If the architect had performed “due diligence” including talking to the architect that designed the existing E-911 center and the upgrade of the police building, he may have discovered that the building meets all codes. The roof system is a Class A, and the ceiling deck is fireproofed. The ceiling tiles are fire resistant and do not have asbestos nor does the rest of the building.
The electrical supply and panels have been inspected by the state and found to be code compliant. The heat exchangers on the roof apparently are not working, but apparently they have not been maintained for about four years. The lack of maintenance can be corrected. The equipment room wiring was carelessly installed but otherwise the room is fine.
I estimate it will cost approximately $50,000 to relocate the five existing dispatch stations into the new area within the space vacated by the police. Offices and training rooms already exist. ADA compliant restrooms are not required since public access to the building is not allowed. However, if ADA restrooms would be desired (but not required) one of the three existing restrooms could be converted. The building is sound.
Site Safety
Luis Reyes said on KTAO Radio that an E-911 dispatch center could operate out of a cardboard box. Now the game has changed and site security is desired. Buildings can be compromised regardless of location. Does anyone believe that E-911 in Taos would be the target of a terrorist? The new site is isolated and even though there is a chain-link fence on three sides of the property, the fencing facing Gusdorf Road is built out of latillas. The architect describes the building as having concrete walls but fails to mention that the north and south walls consist of storefront glass. A security wall with a controlled gate can be installed at the existing facility and provide more security if desired.
Exit
I am hopeful that the county and other users of the E-911 services will consider what I have presented. I have studied the complete package presented by 9-1-1 Solutions, LLD and would be happy to discuss the report with any interested party. Anyone may contact me at: 575-737-9410 or 575-770-3522 (cell).
Gene Sanchez