Plan for the Closure of Lanterman Developmental Center

isk assessments or undertake any further seismic work. While the hospital building
has been considered most at risk, and funds were previously budgeted for retrofit,
the funds are no longer available due to the State’s fiscal crisis. Because of its
mixed use for clinics, labs and residences, Lanterman’s hospital building is not
subject to the California hospital seismic retrofit compliance date of 2013 (SB 1953
Chapter 740, 1994 and SB 1661 Chapter 679, Statutes of 2006) because it is not
technically categorized as a hospital; but it is still at risk and subject to Nursing
Facility seismic requirements. The building would require mandatory seismic
updating if there were to be any major renovation in the building that exceeded 25%
of the replacement value of the building. While the Vanir Study estimated
Lanterman seismic upgrades at a total cost of $1.2 million in 1998, the most recent
DGS estimate for the cost of seismic retrofit of the hospital building alone was
approximately $42.5 million.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance: Lanterman was evaluated
for ADA compliance as part of an assessment funded by the Department and
conducted through DGS and its contractor, Carter Burgess, in 2002-2003. Carter
Burgess worked with Lanterman to identify the scope of work necessary to achieve
minimum compliance and developed a plan with phased projects that would be
completed over three fiscal years, beginning in 2007. The total cost of the work was
projected at approximately $20.6 million in 2006 dollars. The construction project
could never be funded and the major work remains unaddressed, although
Lanterman has completed some curb cuts, ramps, sidewalk repairs and other small
ADA upgrades using $102,429 in special repair funding over the past five years.
• Kitchen and Food Service Deficiencies: The Vanir Study found that of the five
developmental centers assessed, Lanterman’s main kitchen was in need of the most
structural modifications, equipment repairs, and equipment and structural
replacements. Most of Lanterman’s food service facilities and equipment were
found to be antiquated and non-compliant with codes. Special constraints in some
of the residence kitchens precluded adequate refrigeration and preparation of food
products. The lack of air conditioning contributed to an unacceptable work
environment and improper food temperatures. Walk-in refrigerators and freezers
needed replacement and did not consistently maintain correct temperatures or meet
code. Hot food equipment also did not consistently maintain proper temperatures.
In addition, serious seismic issues were identified. While the seismic retrofits have
been completed, the structural issues that negatively impact safety, sanitation, and
proper food preparation, handling, and storage have not been corrected because of
the unavailability of funds. Lanterman has replaced some equipment and worked to
maintain sanitary conditions to the degree possible within existing funds, and has
met federal certification requirements annually in this area but the 1948 kitchen is
inadequate for today’s needs and code requirements. While the Vanir Study
estimated kitchen repairs at $2.9 million in 1998, replacement of the kitchen and
renovation of the satellite kitchens could cost in the neighborhood of $50 million
today, based on the Department’s recent experience with similar projects.
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