SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Twenty-five thousand dollars and an hour and a fifteen minutes later, the City Council heard the siding expert say the warped panels on The Denny are not causing major structural problems.
Peter Babaian from Chicago firm Simpson, Gumpertz and Heger presented the results along with Mark Cotter, Sioux Falls public works director, at the 4 p.m. City Council Informational Meeting.
"We don't expect it to get any worse than what it's already seen," Babaian said. "But we do want to make sure over time, which is the reason for the ten year re-inspection, that it does not actually compromise the metal."
Though the problems are aesthetic, Babaian said there were problems with how the panels were installed.
"Were the panels installed to the specifications all the parties agreed to?" asked Council Greg Neitzert.
"They were not installed to allow for the thermal expansion," Babaian answered.
Though City Councilors appeared satisfied about the answers they received from the Chicago consultant, Councilor Theresa Stehly was still concerned.
"To me, the issue is where have we been, where are we at, and where are we going," Stehly said. "The reason this is happening is because of secrecy and confidentiality."
Stehly also suggested the Council hire its own lawyer to get access to the draft of the earlier Judd Allen report on the panels.
You can hear the full hearing by clicking the audio file above.