Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, Mark One Electric, 909 Troost
Attending: Terry Aikens, Jim Delaney, Lyle Farrand, Sang Doung, Don Greenwell, Scott Hoisington, Steve Janasz, Pat Julo, Garry Kemp, Dave Kendrick, Mike Kotubey, Payne Mendenhall, Herb Millard, Stacey Morgan, Dan Osman, Paul Stucky, John Tompson, John Wald, Colleen White, Craig Wright, Bob Jacobi.
•Iintroductions and thanks to Rosie Biondo and Mark One for hosting.
•New participants include Stacey Morgan, SMACNA executive director since Monday; John Wald, SMACNA president and AT Industries; Steve Janasz, new Mechanical Contractors Association associate executive director; Pat Julo, Pipefitters Local 533.
•Negotiators reached agreement on the federal stimulus package for just under $800 billion. Money will be available for state general budgets, but we don’t yet know how much for Missouri and Kansas. Another key element is the inclusion of a delay of the 3% withholding for federal contractors; it was in previous versions but we will check on inclusion in the final bill.
•Key legislation in Missouri includes HB 191, which has passed the House and is in the Senate for committee hearing, and includes many key economic development tools.
•Key Missouri appointments continue to be put forward or made. The new Dept. of Labor director is Larry Rebman, attorney and member of Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663; Division of Labor Standards, Carla Buccholtz, formerly with Sheet Metal Workers Local 36; and Employment Security, Gracia Backer, past director and legislator. Other names being put forward include Rodger Kaminksa, Highway Commission; Jenae Lowe, Public Service Commission and Industrial Relations Commission; and Keith Querry, Public Service Commission.
•Other key issues include the implementation of SB 339 regarding prevailing wage an misclassification violations; the high unemployment rule now in effect requiring workers on Missouri-funded projects to be residents of the state or of reciprocal states (see Frequently Asked Questions for Excessive Unemployment, and this is the link to them: http://www.dolir.mo.gov/ls/faq/faq_PublicWorksEmployment.asp); and the delay of implementation on the federal level of E-Verify which will affect state law as well; and bills now in committee on lien law changes, retainage and captive insurance.
•In Kansas key issues include a bill expected to be introduced next week related to the proposed Holcomb power plan.
•Kansas City, Mo. issues include the budget to be introduced today and a proposal to extend provisions of the workforce ordinance to city-related agencies such as the Port Authority. The LMC has already endorsed the concept.
•Jim Delaney is the new board chairman for the Builders’ Association.
•the Construction Summit Planning Team has met twice since the last meeting. Elements of the next summit could include the following. Stacey Morgan will join the Planning Committee. Presenters are being sought for the following elements (please contact Bob Jacobi if you are interested in presenting):
--The elements of the KC Construction Partners, whether or not it will be branded as such, on the J.E. Dunn headquarters project. (J.E. Dunn)
--The use of Building Information Modeling, such as on the Performing Arts Center
--Presentations from SMACNA, Bricklayers and possibly others based on sessions currently offered to owners and contractors
--The workforce diversity efforts on KCICON and the KCMO workforce ordinance, and perhaps other diversity (NICE etc)
--The capabilities on smaller projects and maintenance--possible presenters would be the Independence School District, the new Cosentino’s Downtown market (if actually done all-union).
--Green building especially training on green building for workers.
--Given the themes of green and workforce, the possibility of inviting new U.S. Secretary of Labor HIlda Solis, who is friendly with Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, was raised. (Has yet to be confirmed; husband’s property tax issues are holding up confirmation).
•Block Kids is Feb. 21 and is looking for volunteers.
•The American Subcontractors Association is holding an open house at VHC Contracting Feb. 18 and its its annual awards dinner March 2; please contact Herb Millard for information, hcmillard@kc.surewest.net or 913-387-4605.
•The LMC Annual Awards Dinner will be April 16.
•iBuild is May 5.
•SkillsUSA June 23-25 will include a Job Fair ideal for employers who recruit for positions nationally.
•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference is July 6-8.
•The LMC Golf Tournament is July 20.
•The Building Trades Golf Tournament is Aug. 20 and will again benefit Truman Medical Centers.
•NICE ran the Construction Challenge Feb. 7. The Challenge drew more than 150 high school and middle school students; first place went to Lawrence High and to St. Teresa’s.
--A program on the Johnson County Triangle tax passed in November will take place March 10, 5 p.m. at Johnson County Community College.and will focus on the education elements including life sciences and construction-related needs. NICE encourages participation.
--iBuild May 5 will draw 1,300 kids in the Crayons to CAD program plus several hundred high school students. An on-line, videoed interview process is being developed for access by all iBuild sponsors. Sponsors and volunteers are needed; contact Craig Wright.
--The high school program at Van Horn continues its development but needs long-term funding.
--The next meeting will be Thursday, March 12, 8 a.m. at Mark One.
•M/S/C to adjourn at 9 a.m.