The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

Construction Summit Moves Towards Action Phase

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, April 8, 2021, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Rudy Chavez, Andy Collins, Angela Crawford, John Fennesy, Kevin Gard, Chris Heegn, Dustin Himes, Joe Hudson,  Don Hunt, Gabe Jones,  Kevin King, Greg Lever, Kevin O;Neill, Colleen White, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Session #34 of the Construction Summit:

While more general contractor feedback would be helpful, the group decided to move to the next phase of the process and develop an educational program for public and private sector contracting decision-makers.  A strategic plan will be developed; Angela Crawford provided a list to help start the process.  A need for more involvement in business and community groups, when possible coordinating between contractors and crafts, was identified.  With bond issues passed Tuesday, other projects in the works and federal stimulus and infrastructure money, extensive public construction spending is expected.

•An ordinance coming before the KCMO Council for the Diode data center project that was presented at the CIC last year projects $100 billion in bonding, as  data centers require “refreshing” every three years.

•The need for more extensive trining on diversity and inclusion, particularly what language causes problems, was identified.  The committee will research training programs and engage contractors and crafts in developing a program.

•NICE will hold a virtual iBuild April 22, beginning at 8 a.m. and continuing through Friday at 7 p.m. though will remain on the NICE website.  It can be viewed at www.nice-kc.com and create an account under the on-line learning section.  There will be 25 exhibitors, and many interactive features and hope for several thousand student viewers.  NICE is also doing virtual programs at apprenticeship centers.

•The KCMO earnings tax was renewed April 6; there is a legislative effort to extend the sunset to at least 10 years.  The LMC supported a Yes vote.  School bonds were also approved in Grandview and Platte County, and city of Independence.

•The Mid-America Labor/Management Conference will be held as an in-person event with appropriate safety precautions July 11-14 at Camden on the Lake.

•Upcoming Events:

*Builders; Talk on Construction Careers, April 13, 10:30 a.m., online

*Give Seven Days April 13-25

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, virtual

*Workers Memorial Day at Builders’ Association via Zoom, April 28, 1 p.m.

*DBIA Hybrid Event in I-435 Loop Project, April 29, Zoom/Grand St Cafe, 7:30 a.m.

*OSHA Safety Stand-in May 3-7

*DBIA Golf Tournament, May 14, Shoal Creek

*Missouri legislature adjourns May 14

*Working Families Friend Golf Tournament, June 11, 7 a.m., Ironhorse Golf Club

*CWA/AT&T Charity Golf Tournament, June 12, Eagle’s Landing

*Builders’ Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament, June 28, Milburn Country Club

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

*Craig Whitaker LMC Golf Tournament, July26, Oakwood Country Club

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, Aug. 12, 2021, Argosy Casino

*DBIA Regional Conference, Aug. 18, Lenexa Hyatt Place

*Labor Car Show, Aug. 21, Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Bonner Springs

*GKC Building Trades Take a Kid Fishing Day, Aug. 28

*CREW KC Golf Tournament, Aug. 30, Canyon Farms Golf Course

*GKC Building Trades Golf Tournament, Sept. 2

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 16, Saddle & Sirloin

*LMC Public Officials Reception, Oct. 14, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

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

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, May 13, 2021, via Zoom.  This meeting will be the fifth  session of the Construction Summit as well as regular business.  Please rsvp to bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu

•M/S/C to Adjourn at 9:45 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.

 

Construction Summit Continues

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, March 11, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:Sam Alpert, Jennifer Borkowski, Katie Castro, Rudy Chavez, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Brian Dietz, Kevin Gard, Don Greenwell, Stephanie Haynes, Dustin Himes, Joe Hudson,Don Hunt, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones,Kevin King, Bill Livingston, Alise Martiny, Kevin O;Neill, Dennis Stowell, Bill Tillman, Scott Van Bebber, Laura Wagner, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Session #3 of the Construction Summit:

Stephanie Haynes, FMCS, reported on the results of the general contractor survey. The next step will involve focus groups for more in-depth discussion.Greg Davey, Don Greenwell, Stephanie Haynes, Don Hunt, Alise Martny and Tom Wyrsch will develop sessions and have them scheduled or held by the April meeting.Others are welcome to help.Survey results will be sent to Summit participants though they should not be shared outside the committee.

Thanks to Stephanie for her tremendous help.

•The Missouri Senate passed SB 262, a phased gas tax increase of 12.5 cents for transportation funding.

•The COVID Relief bill passed by Congress includes multi employer pension reform and expands PPP to 501(c)5 organizations; please contact Matt Johnson if interested in applying for PPP.

•The KCMO Council passed reform of its economic incentives policies.Prevailing wage will now be a part of that program thanks to Councilman O’Neill and his colleagues.Next steps include development of a wage theft ordinance and adequate enforcement.

•The KCMO earnings tax is up for renewal April 6.The LMC supports a Yes vote.

•Upcoming Events:

*Local elections April 6

*Give Seven Days, April 13-25

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, virtual

*OSHA Safety Stand-Down May 3-7

*Missouri legislative session ends May 14

*CWA/AT&T Charity Golf Tournament June 12, Eagles Landing

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

*Craig Whitaker Memorial LMC Golf Tournament, July 26, Oakwood Country Club

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, Aug.. 12, 2021, Argosy Casino

*CREW KC Golf Tournament Aug. 30, Canyon Farms Golf Course

*GKC Building Trades Golf Tournament, Sept. 2

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot, Sept. 16 16 at Saddle & Sirloin

*LMC Public Officials Reception Oct. 14 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

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

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, April 8,2021, via Zoom.This meeting will be the fourth sessionof the Construction Summit as well as regular business.Please rsvp to bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu

•Adjourn

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.

Construction Committee Sets Summit, Discusses KCI Progress

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Katie Castro, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Brian Dietz, John Fennesy, Jerry Helmick, Dustin Himes, Don Hunt, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones,  Kevin King, Greg Lever, Alise Martiny, Colleen White, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•The Construction Summit will take place at the time of the January Construction Committee meeting, Jan. 14, 8 a.m. via Zoom.  The planning committee has met and issued invitations with reminders going out next week.  The committee’s next meeting is Dec. 17, 2 p.m.

•The Kansas City Streetcar extension funding has been approved by the federal government, so the project will beigin this spring with moving utility lines.  Jerry Helmick has a meeting set with the KC Streetcar Constructors next week.

•KCI has set a completion date of March 2023 and is on-time.  The sign-the-beam fundraiser for Treater Kansas City United Way’s COVID relief efforts has been very successful, raising $60,000 including large donations from Clark, JE Dunn and Capital Electric as well as many individual signers.

•The KCI pre-apprenticeship program just graduated its third class and plans a fourth in February.  There are many success stories of graduates working at the site, and they have been accepted well by contractors and workers.  One has even been nominated for a Roofers’ foreman class.  Providing continued work for the apprentices after their KCI work is done is an ongoing concern.  The program is unusual for providing child care and reliable transportation options.

•Several bills of interest have been pre-filed in the Missouri legislature, including “right-to-work”, prevailing wage repeal and project labor agreements.  The revised prevailing wage law has generated issues and confusion regarding overtime for fringes and the entry-level worker classification.  While these bills seem unlikely to advance the must be monitored.  Transportation funding will also be considered.

•The Shawnee Mission School District will hold a mail vote on a $250 million bond issue in January.  The proposal includes five new schools and other projects, as well as shifting employees related to buildings to the capital budget, freeing up funds for teachers.  The projects will be phased and done under a CM agency method; JE Dunn Construction, Newark Novak and Nabholtz are approved for providing those services.

•The U.S. Dept. of Labor has been pushing regulatory changes and guidance letters though many will likely be challenged in court and/or changed by the incoming Biden Administration.  No Labor Dept. secretary nominee has been named by Biden yet; Marty Walsh, Boston mayor and former Building Trades leader has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO for the position though there are other candidates supported by various unions.  The national Building Trades has provided a position paper on what the department’s priorities should be (attached).

•NICE is developing virtual tools for promoting construction career opportunities in schools, including virtual apprenticeship center episodes, a new learning management platform for its new website, and a possible virtual iBuild in 2021 in case an in[person iBuuild at Bartle Hall is not possible again due to COVID-19.

•With COVID cases rising in the region, the industry is reminded of the “Care for Construction Heroes” (816) 595-4164 hot line; the Builders' Association COVID-19 Resource Center at www.buildersassociation.com; and the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council web site, www.buildkc.org.

•Upcoming Events:

*CREW KC Holiday Trivia Zoom Party, Dec. 17, 4-5:30 p.m.

*Missouri Legislature begins 2021 session, Jan. 6

*Kansas Legislature begins 2021 session Jan. 11

*Local elections April 6

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, Bartle Hall; reception April 21 (may be virtual)

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, May 13, 2021, Argosy Casino

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

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

•New Business

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Jan 14, 2021, via Zoom.  This meeting will be the first session of the Construction Summit.  Please rsvp to bob.jacobi@rockhurst.edu

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:10 a.m.

•A  Safe and Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

Diode Ventures Presents on New Data Centers Project to Construction Committee

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Katie Castro, Rudy Chavez, Andy Collins, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Brian Dietz, Allen Dillingham, Erica Froelich, Dan Fowler, Anna Goebel, Don Greenwell, Bradley Hardin, Chris Heegn, Ashlynn Horras, Joe Hudson, Brian Hursh, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones,  Bill Livingston, Alise Martiny, Kevin ONeill, Andrea Schweller, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Presentation by Ashely Horras with Diode Ventures, a subsidiary of Black & Veatch, on the Golden Plains Technology Park project at I-435 & 169 in Kansas City, Mo., North.  Diode Ventures works on all preconstruction phases of infrastructure projects throughout the world.  The project will create a data centers park to address the growing need for data storage.  Construction is expected to start with roadway and other infrastructure improvements early next year, with the first building beginning construction about a year later.  The buildings will go up sequentially so there will be steady workforce usage over several years as the project builds out based on client needs.  JE Dun Construction Co. is the contractor partner.  The site will be highly secure with redundant energy sources.

•Missouri Amendment 3 passed, though the LMC opposed it.  Early analysis indicates that supporters had a stronger, end of election ground game to carry it to a narrow victory.  Other than the Presidency, there is little change in the makeup and leadership of executive and legislative branches in Missouri and Kansas.

•The Construction Summit Planning Committee met and is developing a proposal to be presented before or at the next Construction Committee meeting.  The Planning Committee next meets at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17. 

•The Builders’ Association hosts its Builders Talk on 18th & Vine developments Nov. 17, 10 a.m. via Zoom.  Mayor Lucas and Bob Kendrick, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum executive director, will be among the panelists.  Contact Angela Crawford at the Builders’ for more information.

•Welcome to KCMO Councilman Dan Fowler, who is back from surgery.

•Teamsters Local 541 Business Manager Mike Keeran unexpectedly lost his father.

•Tom Wyrsch was recognized for his many years of support for the industry and his continued involvement after his recent retirement from Jackson County.

•Upcoming Events:

*Builders’ Association Talk on 18th & Vine Development, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. via Zoom

*KCADC annual event Nov. 18, noon, via Zoom

*Union Sportsman’s Alliance Conservation Dinner, Nov. 21, virtual

*Chamber annual dinner, Nov. 24, 3 p.m., virtual

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, Bartle Hall; reception April 21

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, May 13, 2021, Argosy Casino

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

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

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, via Zoom.  Focus will be on upcoming Construction Summit plans.

•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.

Construction Committee Learns about Skilled KC Institute

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Jeff Barratt, Katie Castro, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Brian Dietz, Jaime Guillen, Stephanie Haynes, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Greg Lever, Alise Martiny, Jason Mendenhall, Laura Wagner, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Discussion with Jeff Barratt, Skilled KC Technical Institute/Kauffman Foundation.  Jeff has extensive experience worth with apprenticeship programs in Colorado and Emily Griffith.  The Institute is beginning three programs—software development, advanced manufacturing and biological lab tech—and is open to working with the area construction industry with getting folks into apprenticeship and helping craft workers transition to other facets of the industry if they are interested.  The Institute’s goal is to help develop a skilled workforce without student debt and that is responsive to current and future employer needs and aims for 85% graduation and placement rates.  The Institute has a facility but plans to partner with other programs and buildings rather than have a significant campus (Campus Within A Campus) so it can be flexible and move quickly to meet employer needs.  Data and employer requests will drive programming.  The program will seek accreditation next year.  Jeff’s contact information is jbarratt@skilledkc.org, (816) 932-1172, 4810 Rockhill Road, KCMO 64110.

•The KCI project is experiencing issues with maintaining work for graduates of its pre-apprenticeship program due to numbers and the overall slight downward trend in construction workforce needs for some crafts in the area.  The impact could be greater on the next scheduled class of recruits.  Continued communication with the airport team and the community will be needed to ensure graduates can maintain their new career track and the challenges of finding work for new apprentices.  Use of local contractors is one way to help address the issue.

•Further discussion raised the idea of local public bodies including future workforce plans by contractors in RFPs to help develop and maintain a skilled construction workforce in the KC region. 

•The LMC signed a contract with RideKC to provide folks from the crafts to assist in prevailing wage monitoring on the agency’s construction projects.

•The Johnson County Courthouse, built by JE Dunn Construction Co., is substantially completed.  The new building showcases the quality of work done by the local construction workforce.  Photos of the project have been on the Kansas City Business Journal website.

•The Construction Summit planning team will meet within the next two weeks.

•The LMC opposes Missouri Amendment 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot.  Amendment 3 essentially overturns the changes to redistricting, gifts to public officials and campaign finance changes approved by voters in November 2018.  Those changes have yet to be fully implemented and the primary purpose of the amendment is to restore a more partisan redistricting process though that is only partially acknowledged in the ballot language.  Opposition to Amendment 3 is bi-partisan.  The LMC urges a no vote.

•While NICE will not hold its annual luncheon this year due to COVID, fund raising efforts continue.  NICE is producing virtual apprenticeship tours instead of in-person tours made impossible by COVID.  The virtual tours will be on the NICE website and and include much greater numbers than the in-person ones.  iBuild remains scheduled for April 22, 2021.

•The Union Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner will be virtual on Nov. 21.

•The Building Trades has cancelled its annual holiday party due to COVID concerns.

•Kansas City Area Development Council is doing its annual event virtual this year and it’s free at noon Nov. 18.  The event provides a showcase of the area’s economic development progress and plans.

•The LMC’s Public Officials Reception, co-presented with BOMA KC this year, will be Oct. 22 with many safety precautions at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.  The event will be in a much larger space.  Attendance and sponsorships are encouraged.

Upcoming Events:

*CREWKC Quarterly Luncheon, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe

*LMC Public Officials Reception Co-Presented with BOMA-KC, Oct. 22, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*General Election, Nov. 3

•KCADC annual meeting Nov. 18, noon, virtual

*Unions Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner, virtual, Nov. 21

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, Bartle Hall; reception April 21

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, May 13, 2021, Argosy Casino

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

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

•New Business

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, via Zoom.

•The Nov. 12 meeting will include a presentation on a major data center project by Diode Ventures and JE Dunn.

•M/S/C to adjourn 8:58 a.m.

Construction Committee Discusses Future Industry Summit

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Katie Castro, Angela Crawford, Greg Davey, Brian Dietz, Allen Dillingham, Alex Gonzalez, Jaime Guillen, Don Hunt, Kevin King, Greg Lever, Bill Livingston, Alise Martiny, Kevin O’Neill, Laura Wagner, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Welcome to Angela Crawford, Builders’ Association, attending her first meeting.

•Discussion of proposal to hold a virtual Construction Industry Summit after the November election and before the end of 2020.  The primary focus of the summit will be how to work collaboratively among contractors, craft unions and customers to meet customer needs and grow market and market share for organized contractors.  Issues would include education for customers, economic incentives policies, workplace health and safety and costs, impact of contractor choice on the local economy, the rise of pre-fabrication, new technology, prevailing wage enforcement, relationships between general contractors and crafts to whom they are not signatory, workforce development and diversity, the value proposition of organized contractors, new realities during and post-COVID and potentially others.  A subcommittee will work on the details, including Alise Martiny, Tom Wyrsch, Kevin King, Greg Davey, Don Hunt, Alex Gonzalez and anyone else who wishes to volunteer.  A proposed plan will be put forth before or at the October committee meeting.

•The committee thanks Tom Wyrsch for his outstanding work at Jackson County.  Tom is retiring from Jackson County as of Sept. 30 after 15 years though he plans to continue working with the industry.  The county, which has about $2 million in projects and is looking at new jail, has reorganized its compliance operation.  Jaime Guillen will be the primary contact on prevailing wage issues.

•The Kansas City Zoo is bigger its largest project ever, a $75 million new aquarium.

•The LMC opposes Amendment 3 on the Missouri Nov. 3 ballot. Another ballot issue, Amendment 1, would add the lt. governor, secretary of state, state auditor and attorney general to those statewide offices with a two-term limit.  The governor and state treasurer are already limited to two terms.

•The city of Kansas City, Mo., will have the renewal of its earning tax up for election in 2021.  The LMC was involved in the previous two renewal campaigns. The city is also addressing budget cuts and the search for a new city manager.

•Congratulations to Kevin King on being elected secretary-treasurer of the Missouri State Building and Construction Trades Council, succeeding Scott Grandon.  State Rep. Doug Beck, also a candidate for the Missouri Senate, is the new president.

•The LMC’s first Sporting Clay Shoot will be next Thursday.  A few team spots remain available.

•The Laborers’ charity golf tournament will be Sept. 25 at Drumm Farm Golf Club.

•The GKC Building Trades will not hold its annual Christmas party this year due to COVID-19.

•The next LMC meeting Oct. 8 will include Jeff Barratt, Skilled KC Technical Institute, and could be of interest to apprenticeship coordinators as well.  The Nov. 12 meeting will have a presentation from Diode Ventures on its proposed data center project.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:10 a.m.

•Upcoming events:

*Unions Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner, TBA later in the fall

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Service Contract Act Seminar, Sept. 10, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*OSHA Stand-Down to Stop Construction Falls, Sept. 14-18

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar Sept. 15, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*DBIA Mid-America Golf Tournament, Sept. 16, Shoal Creek

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Service Contract Act Seminar Sept. 16, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot, Sept. 17, Saddle & Sirloin

*Laborers Charity Golf Tournament, Sept. 25, 7 a.m. at Drumm Farm Golf Club

*Husch Blackwell Webinar on Fiduciary Developments, Sept. 30, noon

*CREWKC Quarterly Luncheon, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe

*LMC Public Officials Reception Co-Presented with BOMA-KC, Oct. 22, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*General Election, Nov. 3

*iBuild, April 22, 2021, Bartle Hall; reception April 21

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, May 13, 2021, Argosy Casino

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

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

•New Business

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, Mark One Electric Co., Inc. or virtually.

•Adjourn

•Presenter Oct. 8 will be Jeff Barratt, Skilled KC Technical Institute; Nov. 12 will be Diode Ventures on its data center project

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.

Construction Committee Hears from USDOL EBA, Lt. Gov. Candidate Canady

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Alyssia Canady, Katie Castro, Greg Chastain, Greg Davey, Kevin Gard, Alex Gonzalez, Jerry Helmick, Joe Hudson, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Kevin King, Dave Kirkpatrick, Greg Lever, Bill Livingston, Alise Martiny, Kathy Robinson, Bill Tillman, Laura Wagner, Colleen White, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•Presentation from Kathy Robinson, U.S. Dept. of Labor Employee Benefits Administration, on resources available from the EBA for those dealing with employee benefits.  A slide show was sent to the CIC list yesterday.  Locally the EBA has 10 advisors who can answer questions and assist with compliance; issues that end up in the EBA Enforcement section have fewer options for resolution.  Enforcement can be helpful for determining if a plan exists or is legal for determining prevailing wage compliance.  There is concern with a proposed rule on plan investments on which the comment period just closed; Kathy recommended that plans be sure to carefully document the support for investment decisions as being prudent.  Kathy is also available for presentations to nonprofits and unions (more than one union) on many topics (updated list will be sent out soon).  Kathy can be contacted whenever there are questions or a desire for a presentation: robinson.kathyj@dol.gov, 816-285-1874.

•Discussion with Alyssia Canady, former KCMO Councilwoman and candidate for Missouri Lt. Governor.  She noted her background coming from a challenging environment to work in finance and law, eventually being elected to the council and running for mayor.  Her priorities include providing education and training opportunities for all current and potential workers to give all a chance at a living wage, addressing gun violence and infrastructure including 5G access throughout the state.  Efforts to tie mortgage relief and eviction moratorium are important and the finance sector can be helpful with that with help from public policy.  She asked for support and encouraged more discussion as the campaign moves forward.

•The LMC and the KCATA has reached an agreement on a prevailing wage enforcement effort.  A formal signing of the contact is expected soon.

•Medicaid expansion was adopted by Missouri voters last week, with support from the LMC and its members.  Implementation will need to be monitored but it was the culmination of nearly a decade of work.  Prospects for Kansas’ passage may have been harmed by Tuesday’s legislative primary election results.

•NICE is implementing a virtual approach for the fall, with plans to livestream and video virtual tours of apprenticeship programs which could increase the number of student participants.  The annual fundraising luncheon scheduled for October has been cancelled.  iBuild is next scheduled for April 22, 2021.

•Kevin Gard has been elected Business Manager of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 518.  Dave Kirkpatrick will continue as a Business Agent.  The Local’s leadership team was reelected unanimously.  The LMC thanks Dave for his leadership and welcomes Kevin to his new post.

•John Fennesy, IBEW Local 124, was recently reelected Business Manager of IBEW Local 124.

•Resources for the new trend of virtual arbitration/mediation are available at https://naarb.org/latest-news/ , https://www.fmcs.gov/services/arbitration/ and https://www.fmcs.gov/fmcs-offers-virtual-online-mediation/.  Colleen White noted that virtual arbitrations have been going well in her experience.

•Alise Martiny noted the passing of former Independence Mayor and Carpenter Don Reimel.  He was a strong supporter of the LMC and of development that created good jobs in Independence.  His obituary is at https://www.examiner.net/news/20200812/former-independence-mayor-don-reimal-78-is-remembered and cards can be sent to Jo Reimal, 1533 S. Ash, Independence, MO 64052.

•The LMC Golf Tournament last month was a success.  One suggestion for events is to maintain safety vigilance throughout the event.  The LMC plans to hold its first Sporting Clay Shoot Sept. 17 and Public Officials Reception co-presented with BOMA-KC Oct. 22, dependent upon safety considerations.  COVID-caused cancellations/postponements include the Building Trades Golf Tournament, Union Sportsman Alliance Conversation Dinner (moved to later, possibly virtual and done with the Wichita event), the LMC Anniversary Celebration (moved to next May) and other events this fall may be impacted as well.

•Upcoming events currently scheduled include:

*United Way Day of Caring, Aug. 18

*Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service National Conference, Aug. 18-20, Virtual

*Unions Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner, TBA later in the fall
*CREW KC Golf Tournament, Aug. 31, Canyon Farms

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar Sept. 9, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Service Contract Act Seminar, Sept. 10, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Seminar Sept. 15, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*USDOL Davis-Bacon Service Contract Act Seminar Sept. 16, 2-3:30 p.m., virtual

*LMC Sporting Clay Shoot, Sept. 17, Saddle & Sirloin

*Laborers Charity Golf Tournament, Sept. 25,

*Working Families Friend Picnic & BBQ Cookoff, Sept. 26, noon-3 p.m., Pipefitters Local 533

*CREWKC Quarterly Luncheon, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe

*LMC Public Officials Reception Co-Presented with BOMA-KC, Oct. 22, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*General Election, Nov. 3

*Ibuild, Bartle Hall, April 22, 2021

*LMC 41st Anniversary Celebration and 21st Awards Dinner, May 13, 2020, Argosy Casino

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 11-14, 2021, Camden on the Lake

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

•Next Meeting: 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, Mark One Electric Co., Inc. or virtually.

•M/S/C to Adjourn at 9:25 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.

Construction Committee Learns About COVID-19 Related Health Costs, Return to Work issues

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.

Construction Committee Catches Up, Recommends Opposition to SJR 38

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, May 20, 2020, Via Zoom

Attending:  Sam Alpert, Richard Bruce, Katie Castro, Greg Davey, Brian Dietz, Allen Dillingham, Jerry Helmick, Marcus Johnson-El, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Mike Kane, Kevin King, Rocky Kloth, Joe Mabin, Laura Wagner, Richard Martin, Alise Martiny, Kevin O’Neill, Bill Tillman Colleen White, Tom Wyrsch, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for Zoom hosting.

•The Missouri Senate defeated the attempt to ban the Grain Belt Express transmission line project’s ability to use eminent domain.  Other legislation was limited due to COVID-19, though the legislature did maintain funding for the A+ program, MODOT increases (and inclusion of O’Neill Bridge), prevailing wage investigator (pending gubernatorial withholds), reciprocal licensing, no-notary absentee voting for the August and November 2020 elections and a ballot issue to overturn the “Clean Missouri” lobbying and redistricting changes passed by voters in 2018.  Committee members are urged to contact the Governor’s office in support of retaining the prevailing wage enforcement funding.

•M/S/C to recommend that the LMC Board oppose SJR 38 on the August or November Missouri ballot that would substantially change the “Clean Missouri” constitutional amendment passed in 2018.

•The Kansas legislature meets for one day May 21; there is great uncertainty as to what will be seriously considered.

•The latest federal stimulus plan passed by the House includes multi employer pension plan reforms.  Some of the provisions are broadly supported, but the GROW act included is supported by some unions and contractors and opposed by others.  No Senate action is likely until June.

•The federal government is switching to a verification process for WOSB and EDWOSB certification as of July 1.  This change should reduce fraud.  KCMO is discussing a faster certification process for contractors who have MODOT certification to speed the number of certified contractors.  Discussion of KCMO’s process and ability to catch pass-throughs.

•The PPP provisions in the first federal stimulus have caused confusion for businesses, and is not a good option for some as the rules have been interpreted.  There are changes in the latest House-passed stimulus bill and also a separate bill with fixes is being prepared by House leadership.  The LMC has advocated for the inclusion of 501-c 4, 5 & 6 organizations in the PPP, which the latest House bill does. The GKC Chamber is holding a webinar on PPP May 21, 1-2 p.m.

•KCMO is in the process of codes updates, with possible issues including the energy conservation codes and whether to keep the current cycle of updates.  City staff is preparing for similar update to what Overland Park just did but many council members are not as familiar with the issues and can use education.

•KCMO is also facing possible budget cuts, which could include across the board and/or steeper cuts to some departments such as police.

•KCATA is again exploring the use of volunteers for prevailing wage enforcement.

•Many publicly-funded or incentivized projects have compliance issues.  While KCMO has a bigger effort than other jurisdictions, it is still not big enough to address every project thoroughly and often must take a lesser role when federal or state money is involved, where enforcement is less rigorous.

•Jackson County has many projects underway. 

*The George Meany Union Sportsman Alliance dinner is tentatively rescheduled to Aug. 27.  Many upcoming events are contingent on the COVID-19 situation, including all LMC events.  Safety is the priority.

•Upcoming Events:

•Kansas legislature final session day May 21

•McCownGordan Construction Co.. virtual recruitment seminar for MBEWBE/DBE contractors for MCC Penn Valley campus project, May 21, 1-2 p.m., https://lnkd.in/g6EtnAv.

•GKC Chamber update on PPP, May 21, 1-2 p.m.

•GKC Chamber Climate webinar on regional climate action plan, May 21, 3-4:30 p.m.

*Missouri Local Election Day, June 7

*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 12-15, 2020, Camden on the Lake (note these dates may change)

*CREWKC Luncheon, July 21, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe

*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, Chicago

*Unions Sportsman Alliance Conservation Dinner, Aug. 27, IBEW Local 124
*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, June 11, 2020, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.or via Zoom.

•M/S/C to Adjourn at 9 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.

Labor/Management Collaboration for Safe Construction During COVID-19

Beginning today, “Care for Construction Heroes” (816) 595-4164 hot line has been establish with a task force to provide an additional resource for field workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.  All callers WILL remain anonymous and the information will be transcribed to an email format and direct to the contractor and appropriate craft(s).    The contractor will then bring the project in compliant with the recommended health and safety practices for the jobsite.  The contractor will also conduct a toolbox talk with the crew to make sure all concerns have been addressed.

Please feel free to use your social media and web sites to get the information out to our members.

The Building Trades website, www.buildkc.org, also has daily updates.

The Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council The Greater Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council www.buildkc.org

 

The Builders' Association website, www.buildersassociation.com, has a COVID-19 Action Center with the guidelines and Health and Safety content.

Press Release

Labor and Management Create “Care for Construction Heroes” Task Force

Goal is to keep construction workers safe and healthy during COVID-19 crisis

Construction industry partners have established a “Care for Construction Heroes” task force to provide an additional resource for field workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This task force, which includes commercial construction contractors, The Builders’ Association, and labor, will help address the safety- and health-related questions and concerns of those who are performing the construction work so vital and essential to our country’s economic vitality. 

“Commercial contractors, safety and health professionals, and trade unions have protocols in place to help confront the current COVID-19 crisis, but we must stay vigilant to meet the needs of craftspeople and everyone in the field in a way that is true to our values,” said Don Greenwell, President of The Builders’ Association. “While concerns in the field should immediately be raised to someone supervising the job, we must all work to eliminate any potential safety and health issues,” he emphasized. 

“Workers will continue to receive good pay and benefits if our work is done in a healthy way. Strong communication and working with industry partners has helped us stay on top of risks. We are fighting this invisible enemy every day in so many ways in our lives,” said Alise Martiny, Business Manager, Greater Kansas City Building & Trades Council.

For COVID-19 information specific to construction, The Builders’ Association has established the COVID-19 Resource Center on the home page of their website at www.buildersassociation.com.

The COVID-19 Resource Center includes safety and health best practices as well as summaries of federal and local laws and orders. For workers with questions and concerns, a hotline has been established at (816) 595-1164.

“It is an understatement to say these are challenging times. There is no playbook on how to manage through this crisis, but we are all in this together. Our contractors are working with us to communicate, monitor and improve,” said Al Bond, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council.

“All job sites should be transparent when it comes to health and safety,” added Don Greenwell.  “Labor is playing a very important leadership role in collaborating with management to confront the pandemic. Through education, strict health and safety protocols, and open communication, we will continue the vital work of building our communities.”

Please stay healthy and safe.