City Of Warsaw Files Suit Over City Hall HVAC Systems
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — The City of Warsaw has filed a civil suit against multiple defendants after alleged poor installation of HVAC systems at City Hall.
On Dec. 16, 2011, the City of Warsaw entered into an AIA contract for remodeling of City Hall. Primarily, the contract was with Harold McComb & Son, Fort Wayne. The other defendants, which include Phoenix Mechanical, Garrett; MechTec/David Worthman, The Villages, Fla.; Indiana Thermal Solutions, Indianapolis; and Scearce Rudisill Architects, Warsaw, were involved as subcontractors in the contract’s performance.
According to court documents filed Oct. 22, the contract’s performance resulted in HVAC systems that were improperly installed, installed out of conformity to contract documents or negligently installed.
The alleged non-conformities resulted in malfunctions, degradation of other system parts and building installations, all of which are ongoing.
Correctly installing the system will cost the city at least $725,000. The City of Warsaw has also suffered out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $55,000 from temporarily addressing system failures.
The original contract called for the installation of “instant” hot water heaters in the city hall’s restroom facilities. The hot water heaters were installed for 110 voltage when they should have been wired for 220 voltage. Court documents state the faulty installation of hot water heaters has caused multiple failures and replacements, as well as anticipated future problems.
Summons have been filed for all five defendants in this case.