The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

We are sad to report of the death of Kurt Bordewick, manager in Kansas City, Mo., Water Services Department who was a graduate of the Mid-Level Leadership Program. Kurt was a fine leader and dedicated public servant. Our condolences to his family and co-workers.

Mid-Level Program Completes 2012-13

The Mid-Level Leadership Program just completed its 2012-13 class with 10 graduates:

•Matt Alexander, Fleet Maintenance Technician, City of Kansas City, Mo., and AFSCME Local 500

•Bret Bonge, Senior Manager Employee Relations and Staffing, Kansas City Power & Light Co.

•Clay Calvin, Battalion Chief, Kansas City, Mo. Fire Department and President, Fire Fighters Local 3808

•Michael Carney, Craftspeson, Kansas City Water Services and AFSMCE Local 500

•Siretha Herron, Neighborhood Services, City of Kansas City, Mo.

•Jeff Johnson, Battalion Chief, Kansas City, Mo. Fire Department and Secretary-Treasurer, Fire Fighters Local 3808

•Linda Palumbo, Manager Labor Relations, Kansas Gas Service

•Travis Regan, Membership Development Representative, IBEW Local 124

•Kevin Timken, Project Executive, Ceco Concrete Construction

•Timothy Walsh, Maintenance Mechanic, Kansas City Water Services and AFSCME Local 500

Congrats to these graduates.

The next Mid-Level Leadership Program class will begin in September 2013.

The Labor-Management Council board has voted to take the following positions on Kansas City, Mo., issues on the April 2 ballot:

Yes on Question 1, which would extend the current health levy. The revenue continues to be needed by providers who treat large numbers of uninsured patients.
Yes on Question 2, which would close a loophole in the city's hotel tax by including all groups whether for profit or nonprofit.
No on Question 3, which would deprive contractors and workers serving national security at the NNSA plant of access to city-funded projects, even though such a ban would not impact the nation's nuclear weapons policy.

Construction Committee Makes Recommendations on KCMO April Ballot Issues

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, March 14, 2013, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending:  Sam Alpert, KC Borden, Troy Carlson, Greg Chastain, Brian Dietz, Teresa Garza Ruiz, Jerry Helmick, Joe Hudson, Matt Johnson, Dennis Joyce, Bill Livingston, Bob Looman,  Joe Mabin, Alice Martiny, Herb Millard, John Tompson, Colleen White, Bob Jacobi.

•Introductions and thanks to Rosie Biondo and Mark One for hosting.

•M/S/C to recommend that the LMC endorse Yes votes on Kansas City, Mo. Questions 1 and 2 and a No vote on Question 3 on the April 2 ballot.

•The Missouri House has passed two bills regarding prevailing wage opposed by the LMC (HB 34 and 409), and a Senate committee has advanced two prevailing wage bills also opposed by the LMC (SB 30 and 68).  SB 120, passed by the Senate, includes drastic cuts to historic and low income housing tax credits opposed by the LMC but does have data center and angel investor incentives supported by the LMC.  LMC members are urged to contact legislators, especially senators, to communicate views on each of these bills.  The Senate has also passed a transportation funding program and the proposed statewide bond issue is advancing in both houses.  The LMC appreciates the support of legislators who have voted and worked for our perspective on these issues.

•The Kansas City Construction Partners is seeing success with the Black & Veatch project to date and the early states of the Jackson County historic courthouse.  Several future projects are under consideration.  The KCCP impact on safety and professionalism is particularly important to customers.

•NICE’s iBuild Showcase expects more than 1000 middle and high school students April 30.  Sponsors and volunteers are needed. 

•Upcoming events include:

 *Midwest Construction Safety Conference & Expo March 14-15, Adams Pointe

     Conference Center.  Contact the Builders’ Association for details.

 *Mayors’ Forum, March 14, Rockhurst University, Mayors James, Reardon and Ross, 7 p.m.

  *KC CREW Luncheon Crossoads Mid-America Arts Project, 11:30 a.m., Mission Hills CC

  *Skilled Trades Community Outreach Forum, Swope Park, March 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

   sponsored by Electrical Workers Minority Caucus and NAACP

  *Joint MCA/SMACNA/NECA Safety Session, March 28, 7:30 a.m., Overland Park Sheraton

  *Working Families’ Friend Texas Holdem Poker Tournament, April 12, 5:30-10:30 p.m,

     Pipefitters & Plumbers Hall, 8600 Hillcrest; joan@wffriend.org

  *LMC Anniversary and Awards Dinner, April 18, Argosy Casino

  *HUD/USDOL FLSA and Prevailing Wage Training, April 25, details annie.J.Woods@hud.gov 

  *Workers’ Memorial Day, Builders’ Training Center, April 26, 10 a.m.

  *iBuild Showcase, April 30, 2013, Bartle Hall

  *SMACNA Golf Tournament, May 7, Shoal Creek Golf Club

  *ASA Awards Dinner, May 9 at the Ritz Charles (nominations due March 29)

  *Missouri legislative session ends May 17, 5 p.m.

  *Builders’ Association Scholarship Golf Tournament, May 20, Milburn Country Club

  *Labor and Employment Research Association national meeting, St. Louis, June 6-9

  *Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 14-17, 2013

  *Craig Whitaker Memorial LMC Golf Tournament, July 22, Oakwood Country Club

  *LMC Public Officials Reception, Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m., Kauffman Performing Arts Center

  For details on the above events, please contact the sponsoring group or the LMC

•The next meeting will be Thursday, April 11, 8 a.m. at Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

•Adjourn.

The LMC congratulates the Rockhurst University Helzberg School of Management for its MBA program being ranked #21 in the nation by US News & World Report.

Condolences go to the family and colleagues of Charles Brandon, past president of the Mechanical Contractors Association and longtime construction industry leader who died unexpectedly last week. Charles participated in the LMC's Construction Industry Committee several years ago. His most recent leadership position was with United Excel.

The LMC thanks the follow area Missouri legislators who voted against HB 34:Ira Anders, T.J. Berry, Jon Carpenter, Pat Conway, Randy Dunn, Brandon Ellington, Jeremy LaFaver, John Mayfield, Gail McCann Beatty, Tom McDonald, Kevin McManus, Bonnaye Mims, Chris Molendorp, Judy Morgan, Myron Neth, John Rizzo, Joe Runions, Sheila Solon, Jay Swearingen and Noel Torpey.
HB 34 passed in the House and now goes to the Senate. If enacted, it could severely damage prevailing wage enforcement in Missouri.

The LMC Construction Industry Committee next meets at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at Mark One Electric Co., Inc.