Status of Phase 1 Project (7/21/2008):
* Design Development and construction drawings were completed in late July, 2007
* Project Specifications/Bidding Documents were mailed to contractors in August
* Bids were received from 3 general and 3 individual contractors on Aug. 31, 2007
* Bids were reviewed and rejected by the Project & Capital Team on Sept. 4.
* A new list of potential small contractors was given to Panich & Noel, Nov. 1
* Round 2 Bidding materials were distributed at end Nov.-Dec. to potential contractors.
* The new bids were received and opened for review on Jan. 22, 2008 (was 1/15)
* The Project Team reviewed and accepted the Bid2 results on Jan. 29, 2008.
* On Feb. 5, 2008 the Board of Ministry approved recommending the project to the church.
* An Open forum was held on March 5th, 6 pm to discuss all aspects of the project.
* A Special Business meeting was held on March 16 (snow delay).  Project was approved (91%).
* Banks were visited Mar. 27 and 28, and we await their official construction loan offerings.
* Site surveying to consolidate the church property has been completed.
* A property appraisal will be completed once a financial institution is selected.
* A pre-construction meeting was held with all contractors and architect on April 10.
* Of four banks interviewed Williamstown Bank was selected as the preferred financing institution.
* The hearing before Parkersburg Zoning Board went smoothly and the project will go forward.
* Ground Breaking was held Sunday, May 25th.  Construction to start in early June.
* Construction began on June 26, 2008.  The Pin Oak tree was removed on June 30th.
* The elevator pit has been dug and the foundation laid.  Corridor foundation is in progress.
* The A/C condensors for the sanctuary and Chapel were moved the week of July 14.
* Color choices have been made for carpeting and the women's restroom.

Discussion:

If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact: Tim Lindstrom, chair,
EBC Project and Capital Improvement Team

Update: 7/13/2008:
Here is an approximate accounting of the finances received toward this program and project
since 2004, and the funds expended getting to this point.

In 2004, the full Master Plan was approved. 
             A total of $37,282 was given, and only $6,633 expended.
In 2005, $18,532 was given, and 
             $13,691 was expended (feasability study & initial campaign fee).
In 2006, $86,325 was given ($5,387 before campaign pledges), and
             $25,026 was spent (campaign).
In 2007, $119,040 was given and
             $42,695 was expended toward project development and bidding.
In 2008 to date, $70,222 has been given, and
             $65,516 has been spent on project development and construction purchases.

So since 2004 we have covered a a total of slightly over $176,339 in costs getting to this
point wihtout additional debt or burden to the operating budget.  Of this total amount
$64,153 has gone toward the Master Plan, architectural fees and related expenses;
$  3,835 has gone toward asbestos and soil assessment testing;
$  7,390 has gone toward developing a plan for Phase II to update the Sanctuary;
$  8,190 has gone toward assessing our probable financial capital giving capability; and
$30,525 has gone toward executing the financial campaign to underwrite the project start.
$39,183 has now gone toward actual project materials purchases.

This leaves a current balance on hand of over $177,909 with additional outstanding
pledge commitments of $138,823 due by Sept., 2009.  This is the financial strength with
which we secured the construction loan and approach the eventual mortgage with completion
of the project.

The permit hearing before the Zoning Board for Parkersburg went without a hitch last week (May
21st).  Approval for the main portion of Phase I (all, but the changes to Joan Street parking behind
Hope House) was granted without dissent from the public, or objection from the board.  Three out
of five of the Board were present for the quorum and the vote was unanimous.  Our thanks to those
who attended to lend their support at the meeting.

We then found out that our project plans had to be reviewed by the State Fire Marshall (vs. the
Parkersburg Fire Dept.), so we now are awaiting final approvals from the state office.

God provided a beautiful day for Ground Breaking on Sunday, May 25.  Attending were Mike Noel, our
architect, Cassie Bowen, our General Contractor representative and a good crowd from our congregation.

Closing with Williamstown Bank on the construction loan is complete.