Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, Mark One Electric Co., inc.
Attending: Greg Davey, Joey Flickner, Kevin Gard, Kevin Hendrickson, Wade Kiefer, Kevin King, Bill Livingston, Udy Manepalli, Alice Martiny, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.
•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.
•Session #10 of the Construction Summit:
Discussions have begun with priority school districts. The next steps will be to identify more connections within the districts and to set up tours of apprenticeship centers for school board members, superintendents and district construction decision-makers to focus on the ties between opportunities for their students and the industry and their contracting practices. Models such as the Independence school district, KCCP and other fair contracting language will be made available.
Crafts and contractors are asked to provide contacts, background and other information that could be helpful for each district, such as membership numbers in the district. The importance of recruiting and helping school board candidates was also noted. Committee member Laura Wagner, MO-KAN LECET, has filed for a North Kansas City School Board seat. Coordination with education unions and other allies is also sought.
•Project updates were shared about data center projects in Kansas City North, Hill’s Pet in Tonganoxie, Jackson County detention center and Advent Health.
•There is exploration of how the KCI pre-apprenticeship program can be made ongoing. The Missouri AFL-CIO has a pre-apprenticeship program starting in Kansas City under Rudy Chavez’ leadership.
•The Missouri legislature has begun pre-filing bills. Many include restrictions on employers’ ability to require COVID-19 vaccines or testing, which could cause problems for contractors. Budget, including Medicaid expansion funding, and congressional redistricting are expected to dominate early. Bills were filed on public sector construction delivery options, “right-to-work,” mechanical contractor statewide licensing and others that will be watched by the LMC.
Passage of the federal infrastructure bill was a longstanding LMC priority issue. President Biden’s visit to Kansas City yesterday to highlight the bill and its local impact demonstrate it’s potential for the area. The President visited LMC member Kansas City ATA and several LMC leaders were present.
•NICE plans to host iBuild in-person April 5 at Bartle Hall, and is continuing video training center tours and hoping to do in-person sessions.
•The Builders’ Association Christmas party will be tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 10 from 3-6 p.m. at the Builders’ Training Center in North Kansas City. Note that vaccination or recent COVID-19 negative test will be required to attend.
•Upcoming Events:
•Builders’ Holiday Party, Dec. 10, 3-6 p.m., Builders’ Training Center
•CREW KC Holiday Soiree, Dec. 15, Boulevard Brewery 5-9 p.m.
•Missouri legislative session begins Jan. 5, 2022; Spring Break March 14-18
•Kansas legislative session begins Jan. 10, 2022
*DBIA-MAR Kickoff, Jan. 27, 2022, Lockton
•Filing for Missouri primary election begins Feb. 22, 2022 ends March 29
*Midwest Construction Safety Conference, March 10-11, 2022, Adams Pointe Conference Center
•iBuild Reception, April 4, 2022
•iBuild Showcase April 5, 2022
•Local elections in Missouri, April 5
*LMC Anniversary Celebration & Awards Dinner April 21, Argosy Casino
•Missouri legislative session ends, May 13
•Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 10-13, 2022, Camden on the Lake
•FMCS National Labor/.Management Conference July 12-13, 2022, Virtual
•Primary Elections Aug.2, 2022
•General Election Nov. 8, 2022
•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.. This meeting will also be a session of the Construction Summit.
•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:15 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.