Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, Mark One Electric, 909 Troost
Attending: Ken Alexander, Rosana Biondo, Jim Delaney, Lyle Farrand, Don Greenwell, Garry Kemp, Dave Kendrick, Mike Kotubey, Bob Looman, Dave Lovetere, Payne Mendenhall, Herb Millard, Bill Miller, Ron Shaffer, Paul Stucky, John Tompson, Colleen White, Tom Whittaker, Craig Wright, Bob Jacobi.
•Introductions and thanks to Rosie Biondo and Mark One for hosting.
•Note Paul Stucky in attendance from Lockton. Lockton just joined the LMC.
•Federal and state stimulus/economic development issues are on the table and will see some action soon. The Construction Committee is particularly concerned with funding of key local projects (such as Honeywell relocation and GSA building) from the federal package and key tax credits in place or proposed in Missouri. The mechanism for funding from the federal program is unclear. A list of identified projects developed by the Building Trades will be distributed. KCMO plans to focus on the top 10 priority projects. The LMC Issues Committee will meet before the LMC Board meeting Jan. 21; input from committee members is welcome on crafting the LMC’s positions and priorities for the 2009 legislative sessions.
•There is concern that when current large projects wind down later this year, there are few new projects firmed up. A focus on regaining market share for smaller projects and continued organizing would help with the gap until the market improves. Continuing to keep and recruit workers, particularly minorities, is crucial to be prepared for the turnaround though will be challenging. Tools such as lower rates for residential and small projects should be utilized more.
•The most recent report for the KCMO Workforce Board on that ordinance and its impact will be made later today.
•The Construction Summit committee met with Tom Whitaker about highlighting the J.E. Dunn headquarters project as part of the summit, and making sure the workers on the project were aware of the special programs in place. Dunn will move forward to generate that awareness. Components of the summit would also include the opportunities presented by BIM, capabilities of union contractors on smaller jobs, the CURT study showing union construction is 16.8% less expensive and apprenticeship and journeyman training programs. As the KCCP is awaiting further meetings before moving forward, the summit would highlight these efforts under the LMC and include KCCP if appropriate. A summit committee meeting will be scheduled soon.
•The OSHA and disaster response training class has openings remaining. The class, Feb. 9-13, is for more than just safety directors and is relevant for all craft workers, project managers and others with some safety training background. Those who take the course can improve their employers’ insurance ratings as well as position them for work in disaster recovery efforts.
•The American Subcontractors Association annual dinner is March 3 at the Ritz Charles. The ASA is working on a big name speaker for the event.
•NICE is working on the Construction Challenge Feb. 7 at Metropolitan Community Colleges’ Business & Technology Center. There are 25 teams signed up, and room for 25 more. Sponsors are being sought for the teams of 5-7 high school students to compete; the top team goes to the national event. Volunteers are also needed for the event.
NICE is also planning iBuild and seeking booth sponsors. The expansion of Crayons to CAD to nine school districts and more than 1,000 students means those students will all attend iBuild as well as other middle and high school students. The May 5 event is at Bartle Hall. NICE is also proceeding with the Van Horn High School program.
•The next meeting will be 8 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12 at Mark One Electric Co., Inc., 909 Troost.
•MSC to adjourn.
As a service to recent and new attendees, here is more information on those atending the Jan. 8 meeting:
Ken Alexander, Business Manager, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 (past LMC Co-Chair)
Rosana Privitera-Biondo, President, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
Jim Delaney, Vice President, Turner Construction Co. (LMC Co-Chair)
Lyle Farrand, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 541
Don Greenwell, President, Builders’ Association (LMC Treasurer)
Garry Kemp, Executive Vice Preasident, Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council (Outgoing LMC Secretary)
Dave Kendrick, Business Manager, Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council (Incoming LMC Secretary)
Mike Kotubey, President, Midwet Mechanical Contractors/Incoming President, Mechanical Contractors Association
Bob Looman, Executive Director, Mechanical Contractors Association
Dave Lovetere, DST Realty
Payne Mendenhall, Director, Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust (LECET)
Herb Millard, Executive Director, American Subcontractors Association and NICE
Bill Miller, American Subcontractors Association and President, Building Erection Services
Ron Shaffer, RLS Architects and Mayor, Prairie Village
Paul Stucky, Lockton Insurance
John Tompson, Business Representative, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 3
Colleen White, President, Strategic Workplace Solutions
Tom Whittaker, Senior Vice President, J.E. Dunn Construction Co. (past LMC Co-Chair)
Craig Wright, Executive Director, National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE)
Bob Jacobi, Executive Director, Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City