Post 12
Tuesday a truck dropped off most of the antenna pieces near the location on the backside of the middle Quonset. Project Wednesday started with the shop installer showing up with the replacement part which he installed and left. Manager Rick was on site the middle of Wednesday. Part of the fencing was delivered before he arrived, and I was finishing a sandwich and my second coffee as he pulled up. It looked like an unmarked company truck, a recent F350 crew cab 4WD white with a yellow stripe and roof top strobe light. Luckily he has missed the rain shower that went through earlier.
He was on site to meet the expected military sending a squad to pick up the 10mm and take it back. Just after Rick’s lunch he received a phone call from Ops Saul. It turns out the 10mm didn’t come from the Ranger inventory but Saul had found some unassigned boxes. While he agreed they needed better security he didn’t know of a better place. We moved them to a new secondary cache while nobody was looking. One should not look a gift horse in their mouth. To not waste Project Manager Rick’s trip to the site we call a local garage and ask for a car carrier to Yakima. An hour later a rollback wrecker picks up the BMW and the Escape. With no title we can’t really keep them here.
The afternoon gave Project Manager Rick and myself to have our first sit down meeting and we selected the kitchen office. It was good to pull back the curtain and for me to get a bigger picture.
Rick started the meeting asking “How are you adapting to your new job?” Are you willing to stay until the end of the project?”
I quickly answered, “I feel I am being useful in this role and intend to stay beyond the end of the project.”
Rick went on, “This is a copy of the As Built and is complete except for some pipe and conduit runs under the courtyard/landing area.” “We recently updated it for the fuel and septic tanks and the septic field.”
I point out “The Power House has a dotted line behind it at this point in the project, is that still not known?”
Rick answered, “The non Quonset Power House has the well for the site, the power connection to the grid and a diesel fired boiler for domestic heat and hot water.” “The dotted line reflects the rest of it won’t be built by us, but there are plans for a garden shed and possible greenhouse at some future time.”
Rick introduced a new wrinkle, “You have observed the additional Quonsets and we were intending to settle with you after the project was finished.” “We still have that intent if you would like to bill us.”
My response was, “Thank you, I’ll send you an invoice.”
Rick added, “There are already plans to remodel the brand new space in the future.” “I would keep your ears peeled for the current forecasts of activity.”
Rick said “We just stored the 10mm weapons, it is important that you have adequate protection while you are up here.”
I showed him the broom closet about 15 feet away and he rubbed his chin. I said “We also need to consider filling this closet with more appropriate cleaning supplies and I have noticed we don’t have hoses on the outside spigots.”
Rick piped up and asked, “Are these weapons useful for collecting dust?”
My reply, “Ouch”
Rick got serious again, “We have just asked for an advance payment for costs that are incurred soon, but most of benefit would benefit the next owners.”
It was time for my question, “Are Ranger Ben and Ops Saul going to continue their involvement long term in the site?
Rick answered, “Their current focus has been the timely transfer of the asset with a look at the change of purpose/remodel on the horizon.” “They will be onsite in 2 weeks and would have time to meet with you.” You should start changing your building design for a site in the Upper Michigan area as Company work.”