Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, May 12, 2022, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
Attending: Manny Abarca, Alan Ayres, Greg Davey, Kevin Gard, Steve Gercone, Alex Gonzalez, Dustin Himes, Valerie Johnson, Wade Kiefer, Chris Stanton, Bob Jacobi.
•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.
•Session #15 of the Construction Summit:
Manny Abarca of the newly-formed Fair Contracting Alliance offered to coordinate in efforts to educate school and local government officials on prevailing wage, wage theft and tax fraud. The Alliance works to ensure a level playing field for contractors abiding by the law, and welcomes participation form contractors and crafts. Contact information is [email protected].
Many districts and local governments passed new bond issues last month, in addition to work already planned, and projects funded by federal and state programs recently passed. The Kansas City Public Schools, for example, have budgeted $30 million for HVAC repair and upgrades once the budget becomes effective in June. PLAs on federal projects are now encouraged by Presidential Executive Order and should be urged on eligible projects. Exposure to apprenticeship programs is also a vital component of educating public officials.
Workforce development opportunities for school district students and school construction projects represent a great opportunity to help students and the industry’s workforce needs. Local 663 has a partnership with the Belton School District to give students opportunities to visit the apprenticeship training center there.
•The Missouri legislative session is in its final two days of the year. Few bills other than the budget are being passed, which may threaten SB 758 on state contracting practices but also may prevent negative legislation, such as changes in unemployment compensation, from passing.
At the federal level comment is still being taken by OSHA on proposed changes to Davis-Bacon, so committee members are urged to give their input if they haven’t already.
•NICE will hold the next iBuild April 28 , 2023 at Bartle Hall. Less exhibition space will be available so apprenticeship programs and contractors are urge to plan and make reservations as soon as available.
•The Builders’ Association held a sold-out golf tournament benefiting scholarships on Monday.
•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference will have Esther George, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City president, as keynote speaker as well as several construction related sessions. Registration is now open at https://cvent.me/N3gkZx; Camden on the Lake hotel reservation is at 573-365-5620 or www.camdenonthelake.com, reservation code LABR0722.
•The Construction Committee will invite KCMO Council and mayoral candidates to meet with it, as it did preceding the 2019 elections. Suggestions of other candidates who would be of interest to the committee are welcome.
•Upcoming Events:
*TAUC Leadership Conference, May 17-20, Napa, CA
*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, June 10, Ironhorse Golf Club
*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 10-13, 2022, Camden on the Lake
*FMCS National Labor-Management Conference, virtual, July 12-13
*LMC Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament, July 26, Eagles Landing
*Primary Elections Aug.2, 2022
*KC Labor Car and Bike Show, Aug. 27, Azura Amphitheater, 9 a.m.
*Take a Kid Fishing Day Sept. 10
*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 15 at Saddle & Sirloin
*Working Families Friend Cook-off, Sept. 24
*LMC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m., Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
*NICE Annual Luncheon, Nov. 1, Bartle Hall
*General Election Nov. 8
*Missouri Apprenticeship Summit, Nov. 15; pre-conference Nov. 14
*NICE iBuild Showcase, April 28, 2023
•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, June 9, 2022, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
•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.