Control board OKs 26 change orders

Grant requests for improvements at five businesses also were approved.
By KANTELE FRANKO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city's board of control approved 26 change orders for the convocation center totaling $188,770, but city officials say the additions will not increase the cost of the center.
At a meeting Thursday, the board approved seven orders for cost reductions and 19 orders requesting additional money. The change orders involve four of the arena's major contractors:
U Bruce & amp; Merilees Electric, the New Castle, Pa., company handling the facility's electrical work. The company's 11 change orders yielded a net cost increase of $110,742.
U Ohio Steel Industries, the Columbus-based company providing structural steel for the project. Seven change orders, all for additions, totaled $62,703.
U Roger Kreps Drywall and Plastering, the Boardman company handling the installation of metal paneling and drywall. The company requested four change orders, with a net cost increase of $6,109.
U D & amp;G Mechanical, the mechanical contracting company from West Middlesex, Pa. The company's four change orders increased its costs by a net $9,216.
But city officials say the $188,770 will not increase the cost of the facility because the center's budget provides a $1 million contingency.
The board also approved three other purchases for the convocation center -- 40 bicycle rack barricades from New Orleans-based Friedrich's Custom Manufacturing; a commercial washer and dryers from Belenky Inc. of Akron; and additional security equipment from Vector Securities in Boardman. Those purchases totaled $16,918.
The convocation center is expected to be finished by late October. The arena's projected construction cost is $45.38 million.
Fa & ccedil;ade renovations
Also at the meeting, the board approved requests for money for exterior improvements at several local businesses. Companies pay 60 percent of the improvement costs, and the city pays the rest with federal funds under its fa & ccedil;ade renovation program.
Windhaven House, which provides living facilities and a variety of services to about 35 elderly and physically or mentally disabled adults at two buildings on Glenwood Avenue, will receive $14,500.
Briels Flowers Inc., a florist on South Belle Vista Avenue, was approved for $9,098.
Fireline Inc., an Andrews Avenue company that manufactures materials that withstand intense heat, will get $6,180.
Brilex Industries, and its affiliate Boltech Inc., which share facilities on Crescent Street, will receive $79,000, including a $60,000 performance grant. The companies design, construct and install machines for other businesses and will purchase additional property and expand their contract capacity using some of the grant money.