NO, councilor Syrette--- YOU deserve the blame for the outrageous cost overruns by not being honest and upfront about the true costs, leading a group comprising over 7 local architects publicly to criticize your and other councilors' actions. 
"The proposed upgrade of the building to a higher seismic standard was estimated to cost about $1 million. Penwell said after the meeting the estimated savings would be less than that because the team now will need to redesign portions of the building, as the upgrade was integral to the building design."
This is criminal! The seismic upgrade decision was very recent--- how is it "integral" when it so recently was approved?
Penwell seems to think he's the only one paying attention. What a shameless excuse for a blank-check he's attempting to float.
The rotten odor seeping from beneath our City Council chambers is growing stronger and more pervasive.