Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Further Consequences of Vatican

City-State Like Status of the

University of Minnesota


Shouldn't the U of M be subject to inspection for code violation by the City of Minneapolis, or the State of Minnesota? Apparently not...

[For background, please see: "Is Northrop Hall at the University of Minnesota Safe." Links to relevant down loadable pdf documents may be found there.]


to "wbgleason@gmail.com"
cc "Honerman, James (DLI)" ,
"lars3320@umn.edu"
date Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 9:23 AM
subject RE: Attention: Commissioner

Mr. Gleason,
From our review of the information you submitted, it appears that the building official has appropriately evaluated and addressed concerns expressed over the safety of Northrop Auditorium.


I am afraid that I have to disagree with you. How can it be that a University official - Mr. Rosenstone, claims that Northrop is a threat to public safety. He alleges that fireproofing is inadequate and the air quality is unsafe. Mr. Larson's assurances do not address these important safety issues.

If you continue to disagree with the building official's assessment, you will need to continue discussing the matter with him as he is the designated building official (authority having jurisdiction) for the University.

As noted in the email exchange, Mr. Larson has not responded to my last inquiry.

As confirmed in the correspondence from the Attorney General's Office, our office has no direct jurisdiction over the regulation of the facilities at the University of Minnesota.

I think you should read this letter from the Attorney General's office a little more carefully.

It states: "Second, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry ("DLI") is the State agency with the authority to certify and regulate ALL building officials in Minnesota. DLI may suspend, limit, place conditions on, or revoke a building official's certificate if he or she violates any provisions of the Code or otherwise engages in fraud, deceit or misrepresentation."

Thus it appears, according to the Attorney General's office that your office does indeed have the power to revoke Mr. Larson's building official 's certificate.

Please respond as soon as possible.


Scott D. McLellan

Assistant Director
Construction Codes & Licensing Division
Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry


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