WestCon Tribune

January 1998

"Demonstrative Evidence: The Use of Exhibits in Construction Defect Trials" will be this month's topic. The actual models used in the recent Montgomery Washington Tower Condominium trial will be reassembled at the Westcon meeting. The 6-foot tall, full scale models, replicate curtain walls and patio deck conditions, using real and faux components (double-glazed sliding glass door and windows, existing and defense repair membranes, concrete, travertine, cladding, etc.). The models, designed and built by Technical Roof Services, Inc., were keys in clearly demonstrating the waterproofing issues to the jury.

Lead Defense Council, Paul Lahadern, Esq., Partner of Segwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold, along with Westcon member, Mr. Chris Nelson, a Senior Consultant at Technical Roof Services, Inc., will jointly make the presentation. Mr. Lahadern will discuss how he and other council and experts utilized the models, and will compare the effectiveness of photographs, drawings, CADD, and models used in the trial. The value of these exhibits was discussed in interviews with the jurors after the trial. Mr. Lahadern will share with us the findings from these interviews.

Mr. Nelson will describe the waterproofing issues using slides showing the many phases of the model construction. This meeting is expected to be an outstanding example of how Westcon is a forum for construction defects.

This particular trial, Montgomery Washington Tower Condominium, had Westcon well represented with more than ten of us being involved. Here is an opportunity for you, as a Westcon member to take advantage of your association. Invite one or more of your favorite attorneys or claims adjustors to become more familiar with what we and you do to represent our clientele.

Please note the clarifications in this issue regarding "guest"and "invitees". If you would like us to contact an "invitee", please contact Rikki at (415) 451-4897.

CSI PROFAIR

This year the ProFair will have Westcon as an exhibitor IF we can get our act together. Remember, we have one chance to make a good impression -- the importance of getting it done is forgotten and only leaves the memory of what was done. Brochures will be available at our dinner this January which will elaborate on the Digital Age Construction theme of the March 11, 1998 ProFair at the Concourse Exhibit Hall in San Francisco at 7th and Brannan Streets.

ANNUAL WESTCON REPORT

Rod Tosetti, President I believe that every member should be cognizant of the operations of their professional organization. With this goal in mind, I decided to initiate this first Annual Westcon Report. Additionally, board members are always available to answer all of your questions.

CONTINUAL DEVELOPMENT

New officers and directors took office in May, 1997. At that time, Westcon had just become a non-profit corporation. Recently, we obtained our Federal State tax exemptions. Price quotes for our liability insurances have been reviewed and by the end of January we should have our policies in place. Insurance cost will be reviewed annually and members are urged to help in obtaining comparative quotes.

At the November meeting, director Fred Walovich announced that he must resign from his director position. We are sorry to see Fred leave, but are happy that he is staying on as a valued member.

On his business card, Stephen Shambaugh of Brilliant Buildings, Inc. states, "Support you can count on". We are very happy to announce that Stephen is giving his support to Westcon by filling the remaining term of Fred's position.

Art Zigas continues to diligently work on the development of our web page, www.westcon.org. We are currently registered with search engines that provide worldwide exposure. Every Westcon member has his own personal web page and address that is provided free as part of the membership package. Contact Art with any questions.

Secretary Serge Fedorov continues to work on the background research and development for a future Westcon Symposium. This is not an easy task and we appreciate the tremendous amount of time and energy that he is devoting to this project. Interested members should contact Serge.

Vice President Fred Field is the chair for our informational booth at the March 11, 1998 C.S.I. Profair. Each board member has been assigned tasks to assist Fred in making this venture a success. Additional help is welcome from the membership. Contact Fred if you would like to lend a hand.

NEW FRONTIERS

In November your board hired Ms. Rikki Field as our part time provider of Administrative Services. This new independent contractual position provides our association with a solid foundation that will not be affected as changes occur in the future Boards of Directors. It further removes the additional infrastructure tasks that have been required of current and past board members. Ms. Field will be providing Westcon with a singular personalized source for the following: publishing the Tribune, documenting our monthly meetings, development and printing of our new directory, membership renewal, processing new and returning membership applications, record standardization, assistance in future ventures and soon to be answering inquiries about Westcon via our new phone and fax line (415) 451-4897, or through a button on our Web page, www.westcon.org.

To accomplish and assure the future stabilization of our infrastructure, the board approved the purchase of a Westcon computer, monitor, printer and fax/answering machine. Treasurer Jacob Habache used his wonderful negotiation skills in order to get the maximum amount of equipment for the lowest costs. Thank you Jacob.