WASHINGTON, D.C. PaineWebber analyst Keith Mills reports that it expects an announcement from MeriStar Hotels regarding the conversion of its lease contracts to management contracts by the end of this month. The move, promoted by new rulings allowed by the recently passed REIT Modernization Act, was scheduled to be discussed by MeriStar s board of directors on August 15, according to PaineWebber. (9/13/00)