COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF AUDITOR-CONTROLLER

KENNETH HAHN HALL OF ADMINISTRATION
500 WEST TEMPLE STREET, ROOM 525
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90012-2766
PHONE: (213) 974-8301 FAX: (213) 626-5427

ALAN T. SASAKI
AUDITOR-CONTROLLER

January 5, 1999

The Honorable Board of Supervisors
County of Los Angeles
383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dear Supervisors:

AUTHORIZE THE REFURBISHMENT OF OFFICE SPACE AT THE
KENNETH HAHN HALL OF ADMINISTRATION FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF AUDITOR-CONTROLLER
C.P. NO. 86242 (3 VOTES)

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD:

Authorize the refurbishment of approximately 8,784 net square feet of office space on the sixth floor of the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration.

Authorize the establishment of Refurbishment Project No. 86242 in the 1998-99 Capital Project Budget for the proposed refurbishments.

Approve a total estimated Project budget of $275,000 and the attached appropriation adjustment in the amount of $275,000.

Authorize the Auditor-Controller to take such steps as necessary to document and implement the project.

PURPOSE OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

The purpose of the recommended refurbishment is to correct safety hazards that exist in the work environment and provide workstations that meet ergonomic standards to minimize industrial injuries as the Department implements its information technology plan. The actionalso allows the Department's Accounting Division to be consolidated on one floor.

JUSTIFICATION

Over the last five years some safety hazards have become apparent due to modifications to current work processes to achieve efficiency through new technology and computer automation. Desks do not have appropriate top surface to accommodate computers and work area without the potential for serious injury. New technology increases the need for upgraded electrical circuitry and doing so decreases the possibility of fire damage. It is an employer's obligation to make the work environment as safe and hazard free for personnel as possible.

Leasing and Space Management encourages departments to consolidate and locate operations to maximize the use of personnel and resources. This refurbishment will not only resolve safety problems but will enable the operations of the Department's Accounting Division to be consolidated on one floor.

FISCAL IMPACT

The total cost of the recommended Auditor-Controller refurbishments at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration is estimated at $275,000. This includes tenant improvements, and acquisition of systems furniture and case goods to accommodate all staff. Sufficient funds are available within the Auditor-Controller's 1998-99 operating budget to fund this project.

FINANCING

The attached Appropriation Adjustment of $275,000 in the 1998-99 Capital Project Budget uses funds from the Auditor-Controller's services and supplies appropriation.

FACTS AND PROVISIONS

Internal Services Department staff will manage the refurbishment project including design, contracting and construction.

IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES

The project will allow the Auditor-Controller to house the Accounting Division staff in a centralized location and enhance that division's ability to manage the countywide accounting and budget control function. Providing staff with safe and ergonomic workstations will reduce costs associated with industrial injuries (i.e., carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain, shoulder and back stress) and increase productivity.

CONCLUSION

Please instruct the Executive-Officer/Clerk of the Board to return copies of the approved Board letter and Budget Adjustment to the Chief Administrative Officer and Auditor-Controller.

Respectfully submitted,

Alan Sasaki
Auditor-Controller

AS:MLG:lf

Attachment (1)

c: Executive Officer, Board of Supervisors

County Counsel