Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2020, Via Zoom
Attending: Sam Alpert, Katie Castro, John Cistaro, Greg Davey, Allen Dillingham, Dawn Godard, Don Greenwell, Jerry Helmick, Joe Hudson, Don Hunt, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Bill LIvingston, Joe Mabin,, Alise Martiny, Jen Monahan, Bill Tillman Laura Wagner, Colleen White, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.
•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.
•Don Greenwell and Greg Davey welcomed Katie Castro, who recently joined the Builders' as Membership Services Director.
•John Cistaro, Cigna Taft-Hartley, presented on COVID-19’s impact on health care costs and return-to-work issues. Cigna estimates that, depending upon geographic region and group demographics, COVID-19 will increase claims costs from -1.5 to +5%. Decreases come from medical treatments that were foregone and will not be made up; increases will come from worsened chronic conditions and direct preventative and treatment of COVID-19. Hospitals are also exploded to promote heavily to regain lost business. Increased fraudulent claims are also expected, such as phantom providers and providers who submit claims for treatment not given. Missouri and Kansas are expected to be in the 2-3% increase range. COVID-19 testing is pretty accurate and takes 2-3 days for results; antibody testing is less reliable and provides less useful information.
Regarding return-to-work, Cigna’s website has (available to all) detailed sections overall and for specific industries such as construction. The site distills information from several sources including OSHA, CDC and others. Changes are expected in engineering, administration and operation of work sites. Employers will want to use various means to prevent, as much as possible, persons with COVID-19 from entering the workplace such as temperature checks and interviews. Increased social distancing is expected to last beyond the life of the virus, requiring changes in transportation of workers, set-up as job sites, common areas and entry/exit points. PPE, which is subject to OSHA guidelines, is also becoming much more common. Cigna has possible solutions available including already-existing programs and new ones. Those with more questions or needing help can contact Jen Monahan or Dawn Godard.
•The Missouri legislature passed HB 1854, which among other provisions requires economic development districts (such as TDDs) to obtain approval from the entire political subdivision and not just from voters in the economic development district. Some say such a rule would kill most new districts because of the increased election cost. Some city and economic development leaders are asking Gov. Parson to veto the bill. If you are interested in the issue, Gov. Parson should be contacted soon.
•Working Families Friend has rescheduled its golf tournament to July 23 at Ironhorse.
•The Union Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner is scheduled for Aug. 27; it will be held at either IBEW Local 124, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2 or virtually.
•Many events are being rescheduled or restructured due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Expect some changes at LMC upcoming events including the July 27 golf tournament, Aug. 13 Anniversary Celebration, Sept. 17 Sporting Clay Shoot and Oct. 22 Public Officials Reception. The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference also expects some changes after being rescheduled to Aug. 23-26.
•As per tradition, the Construction Committee will not meet in July. The next meeting will be
8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, likely virtual (Mark One Electric plans to re-open its building Sept 1).
•Upcoming Events:
*CREWKC Luncheon, July 21, 11:30 a.m.,Via Zoom
*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, July 23, Ironhorse
*Craig Whitaker Memorial LMC Golf Tournament, July 27, 2020, Oakwood Country Club
*Primary Election Day, Aug. 4
*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, Aug. 13, 2020, Argosy Casino
*Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service National Conference, Aug. 18-20, Virtual
*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, Aug. 23-26, 2020, Camden on the Lake
*George Meany Union Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner, Aug. 27, IBEW Local 124 or
SM Local 2 or virtual
*CREW KC Golf Tournament, Aug. 31, Canyon Farms
*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot, Sept. 17, Saddle & Sirloin
*Working Families Friend Picnic & BBQ Cookoff, Sept. 26
*CREWKC Quarterly Luncheon, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe
*LMC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 22, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
*NICE Awards Luncheon, Oct. 27, 2020, 11:30 a.m., Muehlbach
*General Election, Nov. 3
For details on the above events, please contact the sponsoring group or the LMC
•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.or via Zoom.
•M/S/C to Adjourn at 8:45 a.m.
The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community.