Tennesseans for Accountability in Government (TAG)
Tennessee Executive Mansion Renovations
A Historical Review- Past and Present Facts
The history of the Tennessee Governor’s Residence renovations and ballroom addition has consisted of constantly changing positions and statements. It is difficult to determine if there has been deliberate misinformation or simply an effort to keep taxpayers in the dark. This document, created by Tennesseans for Accountability in Government (TAG), will clarify the confusion and facilitate factual discussions so the right decisions will be made on behalf of the taxpayers of Tennessee.
The Tennessee Residence Foundation
Renovation Funding
The purpose of the Tennessee Residence Foundation is to raise money for the Executive Mansion renovations.
Past Facts -- Funding
The following is from the Tennessee Residence web site “… the building’s infrastructure is showing signs of strain from the thousands of official events that have been held at the home, the aging mechanical and electrical systems, and simply the passage of time. The proposed restoration, renovation, and construction will address those issues, bringing the property into compliance with contemporary codes and standards. The Governor and First Lady are committed to completing this $10 million project, but recognize most of the funds will need to be raised privately. Please consider joining the many Tennesseans who have contributed to the project to restore the property to its original grandeur.”
Present Facts-Funding
1. The original intent was renovations with no mention of a ballroom/entertainment complex. During the Oak Hill Planning Committee meeting on Dec.20, 2007, Mike Fitts, state architect, reported most of the renovations are completed.
2. The Tennessee Residence Foundation was to pay 60-80% of the cost of the renovations as recorded in the State Building Commission Meeting minutes on Jan.8, 2004.
3. “Many of them (opponents) have been huge supporters (of the renovations),” said Ms. Conte in a New York Times interview, Nov. 30, 2007.
4. The ballroom idea (Conservatory Hall) was added during the Sept. 14, 2006 meeting of the State Building Commission. For more information see Commission meeting minutes from that date.
5. The addition footprint is 50% larger than the Mansion itself.
6. The Conservatory Hall went underground at the recommendation of the Memphis architects who, according to Mike Fitts, “were adamant from the beginning in their presentations, the only way to truly solve this………is an underground facility…”
7.” There have been so many numbers thrown around about the facts that I get easily confused myself. But I hope I’ve got what we believe to be the true numbers,” said Mike Fitts, during the Oak Hill Planning Committee Meeting on Dec. 20, 2007.
8. When asked what the total costs will be during the Dec. 20 Oak Hill Planning Committee meeting Mr. Fitts said “I can’t estimate that over time on what this will cost.”
During that same meeting Mr. Fitts was asked if the guaranteed maximum price been established. He responded, “Not yet”.
As of the Dec. 20, 2007 no cost estimates for the excavation and removal have been given. TAG believes it is irresponsible to start blasting and excavating without cost estimates.
9. The $4 million raised for the renovations have been diverted to the ballroom project. State Building Commission Meeting minutes, Sept. 14, 2006.
10. A state grant total of $3.86 million was given to Tennessee Residence Foundation for renovations to replace the diverted funds. State Building Commission Meeting minutes, Jul 12, 2007.
11. Renovation costs currently total $12.825 million, an overrun of 28.25% from the original $10 million estimate. State Building Commission spreadsheet.
The Tennessee Residence “Needs” Entertainment Space
Past Facts-Need
According to First Lady Andre Conte, the Conservation Hall will provide “ a long term solution to the state’s need for space to handle large groups.” Nashville Scene, August 11, 2007.
Present Facts – Need
1. When question about numbers of functions during the Dec. 20 Oak Hill meeting Mike Fitts said, “We don’t have a count. It varies. Events with tents and so forth, last on seated about 400.”
2. Question. How many times in the past? “This will have no different volume than it had for the last ten years for the number of events and things that a Governor has.” It varies. “Sundquists wanted private time-let servants go and all go. Didn’t have people on the weekends”.
3. “We think it has been thought through from the standpoint of traditional usage of the space.” said Mike Fitts, at the Dec. 20 Oak Hill planning meeting.
Routinely, Mr. Fitts has said there are no projections for future usage and he has no count for prior usage. TAG believes this is deliberately misleading since the above items indicate some knowledge of usage. Moreover, you don’t plan a multi-million dollar complex without projecting usage.
4. “They feel it is needed space that has been needed for a long time by all the governors and it’s a proper thing to do.” Mike Fitts at the Oak Hill meeting on Dec. 20, 2007.
If it is so needed, why didn’t any other Governor propose it? Why did the First Lady wait four years into the renovation project to voice her need for additional entertainment space?
5. Have alternative entertainment venues been explored for the state’s needs? The state should consider using the Schermerhorn Center or the War Memorial for large elaborate parties.
The Renovation/Addition Decision Process
For the magnitude of this ballroom, the financial costs and the total impact on Oak Hill, TAG is amazed the project has gotten so far with such a flawed process. This indicates a lack of concern and respect for the taxpayers of Tennessee and the residents of Oak Hill.
Specifically:
1. According to Mike Fitts at the Dec, 20 Oak Hill meeting there have been no:
a. final plans;
b. final costs;
c. traffic impact studies;
d. approved infrastructure improvements;
e. promise for repairing damage to Curtiswood Lane;
f. emergency plan for fire or safety;
g. environmental impact study for the excavation project.
2. The ballroom complex changes the Mansion from residential to institutional. The mansion will no longer by a single family dwelling and is therefore contrary to the Oak Hill city codes.
3. The planning process has not included usage projections according to Mike Fitts, during the Dec. 20 Oak Hill Meeting.
4. Speaking of the ballroom addition “ So it (the addition) progressed over time-and I don’t want to go into any more details than that.” said Mike Fitts, Oak Hill meeting on Dec.20, 2007.
This comment is typical of the state’s attitude when it comes to the ballroom complex. It was conceived in secret, funded without taxpayer or Legislative input, seemingly developed without total cost estimates, and a decision to implement without basic information gained from various studies.
Conclusion
TAG is concerned about the ballroom complex for a multitude of reasons. The primary concern is for the waste of taxpayer money for a totally unnecessary project. The process is also of great concern because it demonstrates a disdain for the taxpayers and any input they might have for the expenditure of revenues. TAG strongly believes that there should be a 90-day construction delay. During that time open and fair hearings on the project should be conducted. Construction activity should not occur until the hearings are complete.
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Tennesseans for Accountability in Government, (T.A.G.) has been established as a non-partisan 501 (c) (4) not-for-profit corporation to educate and to inform the public on issues relating to the expenditure of state tax revenue by government officials and agents for the purpose of holding those officials accountable to the citizens of Tennessee for the use of State funds for the public welfare.
For further information, please contact:
Susan Kaestner
(615) 373-8867
(615)
948-8867
Kay McDowell
(615) 496-2003
(615)
244-7104
www.taxwastestopshere.org