The Copper Center Process (as posted on the SCOV website)

October 23, 2025

It’s fair to say that the Copper Center (CC) hasn’t been at the top of our list for attention over the summer. Other activities have soaked up staff and volunteer time and energy – activities like the Solar Project, the Asphalt Project, the development of the Chalk Creek contract, the focus on the pool and its’ many issues, the void and the restaurant leak. That doesn’t mean that nothing has happened. It just means that CC has had a lower profile while working on the Certificate of Occupancy.

Key things to understand:

1. We are staying with the floor plan that was published last year but with a scaled down version.

2. The actual work of the project is the responsibility of management, so Sandy and staff have assumed the major role as we move towards project implementation. The focus is “How can we open that building ASAP and within the plan that we have?” The project called on Dave Olson with his extensive construction experience to assist with that effort.

What’s Happening Now?

  1. Theda Ellis, Board Member is the “board face and voice” for the Copper Center. Larry Webster will remain involved in the project as the key “facilities/maintenance” guy, but Theda will give the reports and so on. Feel free to contact Theda at tellisscov@gmail.com or (302) 388.9798 with questions, issues, and so on.

And, as the Apple Help Desk requests, “Be Kind.”

2. Certificate of Occupancy.

Staff is continuing to work to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy. The Fire Inspection must be passed before others can be scheduled. yesterday, an order was placed for new smoke detectors. Once they are delivered and installed, the final inspection will be scheduled; then we can move on to the other 9 inspections. We will have to deal with their recommendations. How long will that take? I don’t know. It shouldn’t take too long; however, it’s not possible to predict..

3. Preparing the building to open the doors for SCOV use.

What needs to be done to be within, what I’m calling, the SCOV Standards?

We need these things:

- An access system. That means a door that will open and close with our fobs. (Matt is meeting with the vendor this week)

- A security system – cameras on the 5 doors. (Robin is addressing)

- Internal locks on club rooms - Matt

Staff are currently researching information and bids on these things.

- Internet/phone - Robin has overseen this and it’s in place or ready to put into place

- Need to remove excess fixtures (showers/toilets/sinks). – on the “to do” list to get estimates

4. Updating SCOV Club Needs. Meetings are going on right now with club leadership to determine exactly what they must have to function. What are their needs rather than their wants? We are talking flooring in some cases, electrical needs, expanded internet access (Tech Club), lighting. The plan calls for walls to be removed. This is a capital expense, so we are now trying to identify if can meet club needs by cutting an arch or passage through the

wall for which removal may not be required.

Theda, Matt Deel and Dave Olson are working on the now, with a

Thanksgiving target date to complete.

Summary: This a data gathering time to get the information needed to know exactly what must be done to get groups in, and how much it will cost. This information will be provided so that Sandy and the BOD can make decisions when needed. Some groups should be able to move soon because they need space, not renovation – Table Tennis / costume closet. Other clubs will need

renovation that requires a longer term approach. We need to identify who can be moved in immediately and who will have to wait. We don’t yet have enough information to predict that.

5. Communications. Keeping the community informed and hearing what you have to say is important. This is what is planned.

1. Monthly updates at the BOD meeting

2. Monthly update columns in the Tipster

3. Consistent Updating of the Project page – it really is the heart of what’s happening.

4. Community Meetings. We will be holding ongoing community meetings through the winter with Zoom for more detailed updates, and the opportunity for community members to ask questions, offer comments and recommendations, and express your concerns.

The first is set for Nov. 10 at 1 pm in the WC3. We will be taking notes of yo ur comments, and reviewing them to find patterns not just for recommendations but for concerns so that they can be addressed.

In summary, Information gathered from the work that Robin/Matt are doing on finding vendors and estimated costs, as well as information from the clubs, and the community meetings will go into a developing a reduced scope with reduced costs for the renovations that will be provided to Sandy and the BOD.

Submitted by Theda Ellis