REMINDER - Installation Dinner

The Installation Dinner is tomorrow, Jan. 23rd at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. The cocktail reception begins at 5:30 PM.  The parking fee is $7 to self-park and $11 to Valet Park.

 

Action Alert - Proposed Regional Storm Water Permit Bad for Business!

On Wednesday at 10:30 AM, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board will consider a proposed new Municipal Storm Water Permit at a public hearing (9174 Sky Park Court, Suite 100, San Diego, 92123).  This proposed permit contains requirements that will cost local governments and taxpayers as much as $250 million in new costs over the five-year life of the permit, impose potentially crippling costs on small businesses, and increase new home prices.

Current storm water regulations have resulted in increased costs for public agencies.  These new proposals will further increase the cost for construction by making it more difficult for developers/contractors to comply with the hydro modification and advance treatment requirements and for agencies to comply with the increased inspection requirements.

Call to Action:  The members the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board are appointed by the Governor, so we ask that you contact the Governor to ask for his support in delaying the Regional Board's adoption of these new rules until the State Water Resources Control Board takes action on its statewide permit to regulate storm water runoff.  The statewide permit will be issued for comments in the next few months.

We have prepared a letter for you to e-mail or mail to the Governor (you can modify it if you wish), Simply click: on http://www.bipac.net/issue_alert.asp?g=AGC_SD&issue=Stormwater&parent=agc_sd, follow the directions, and your letter will be sent electronically.  You also have the option to print the letter on company letterhead and mail it to the Governor.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with our political action activities. If you would like to attend or speak at the Wednesday hearing, please call Brad Barnum at 858-558-7444, ext 103.

 

County Water Authority Interviews Contractors and Seeks Best Small Business “Outreach” Practices

In an effort to get feedback from the construction industry as to why contractors may not be bidding San Diego County Water Authority projects, the Water Authority has hired a public relations firm to interview contractors who bid on public works projects.  The interviews are done in-person or via the telephone, and are intended to provide the Water Authority with the tools to better shape its bidding and contracting programs, re-evaluate advertising opportunities, and enhance their contractor outreach efforts.

In addition, the Water Authority will host a focus group on Wednesday to get input from prime contractors on best practices that lead to effective small business outreach.  The Water Authority’s Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program, or “SCOOP”, seeks to maximize small business participation on projects and procurements.  Interested firms should contact Emily Yanushka, SCOOP Manager, at eyanushka@sdcwa.org or at 858-522-6621.

AGC supports the Water Authority’s efforts to reach out to the construction industry, but we are not sure it’s necessary to have public relations firm interview contractors on issues that are routinely brought up in our Industry Liaison Committees.  For instance, the issue of contractor coverage for the Water Authority’s Project Labor Agreement on the Emergency Storage Projects (ESP) has been on the “front burner” for some time.  Last year, numerous contractors passed on bidding on some of the ESPs because they couldn’t be competitive.  We brought this issue to the Water Liaison Committee and strongly encouraged the Water Authority to modify the PLA, which would allow for more contractors to bid work.  Unfortunately, the Water Authority Board did not change the PLA, even though they remained concerned about the low number or bidders.

In addition to the Liaison Committee, AGC staff regularly attends a monthly meeting of facilities directors throughout the region.  This Regional Procurement Committee allows the Water Authority and other public agencies to discuss contractor coverage issues, and issues such as cost escalation, bid scheduling, and bid specifications.   The meetings have been productive so far - it is expected that a master calendar of agency bid dates will be created, and contractors are likely to see more consistent specifications between agencies.

We hope the Water Authority is successful in getting the information they need, but we also hope they continue to work closely with an industry trying to build construction projects that utilize tax funds in the most efficient and effective manner possible. 

 

SANDAG to Receive $515 Million from State, Recommends Caltrans

In a report released last week, Caltrans recommended some projects for awards from the recently passed state Proposition 1B.  Last month, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) requested $1.6 billion from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to help fund some major transportation corridor projects, specifically on I-5,  I-15, and I-805.  Other regions of the state are competing for the first $4.5 billion of the $19.9 billion Prop. 1B funds.

Caltrans has proposed that SANDAG receive $515 million, which will go towards:

Extending the car-pool lanes for a total of five miles on Interstate 5 from Via de la Valle in Carmel Valley to Manchester Avenue in Encinitas and on Interstate 805 from Carroll Canyon Road to the I-5/805 merge.  Caltrans recommended spending $146 million on the $167.6 million project, scheduled to start construction in August.

Retrofitting the existing eight-mile-long set of two express lanes on Interstate 15 between Highways 56 and 163 so they match the four new lanes being built to the north.  The cost is estimated at $431 million and Caltrans recommended putting up $350 million.  Construction is expected to get under way in September 2008.

Constructing a mile-long auxiliary lane on southbound I-805, between E Street and Highway 54.  Caltrans proposed funding 100% of the $19 million cost.  Construction would get under way in January 2009.

"We knew we weren't going to get everything," but “these are projects that will attack congestion and we're ready to go with them…we're ready to go to work” said Gary Bonelli and Jack Boda of SANDAG.

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) is expected to vote on all the proposed statewide allocations at its meeting on February 28.  Rest assured, AGC will help SANDAG in any way possible to make sure that the CTC supports Caltrans’ recommendations.

 

National Highway Funding in Danger – AGC of America Calls Members into Action

The nation’s highways programs are in grave danger of a decreased funding level due to disagreements over spending levels and a change in the majority.  The last Congress enacted a short term funding solution that is in effect through February 15, 2007, which continued spending at the same level as 2006.   Normally, Congress appropriates all necessary funds for programs the October before the next year begins. 

This year, the incoming chairmen of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, with the support of the Democratic leadership, intend to fund the rest of 2007 at the 2006 level, which does not take into account the greater funding levels approved during the last highway bill authorization. 

This action would have a significantly negative impact on highway and transit funding for this year and beyond.  The SAFETEA-LU authorized funding level for 2007 is $39.1 billion for highways and $9 billion for transit. 

Funding these programs at the reduced 2006 level will result in a decrease of $3.4 billion for highways and $474 million for transit.  It would result in a rollback in each state's road, bridge and transit construction, and will force Caltrans to reduce the number of construction contracts that will be awarded this year.  There is no doubt this would flow down to San Diego!

Call to Action:  Please send a message to Senators Boxer and Feinstein and your Congressional Representative urging full funding for the highway program.  Simply click here to link to AGC's Legislative Action Center and follow the instructions.  We wish to thank those of you who wrote letters last month…it worked…a short term solution was passed…but now we need your help again!

AGC wrote a letter in October to the Regional Board expressing our opposition to the proposed changes.  We made it known that current storm water regulations have resulted in increased costs for public agencies, and the new proposals will further increase those costs due to the compliance measures and increased inspection requirements.  Some estimates of the costs to the County and the Cities to implement the unfunded mandates run as high as $250 million over the next five years.

The State Water Resources Control Board is now considering a statewide permit to regulate storm water runoff that is expected to be issued for public comment in February or March.  If the San Diego Regional Board acts this month, its new permit could potentially conflict with the state permit. It is imperative that the local board wait for the state to issue its permit.

A coalition of the construction/building industry, public agencies, and other stakeholders continues to oppose the proposed changes to the regional permit, and coalition members will be in attendance at the January 24 hearing.  The hearing will be held at the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, 9174 Sky Park Court, Suite 100,  San Diego, CA   92123-4340.  If you would like to attend/make comments, please contact Brad Barnum at 858-558-7444, ext. 103. 

 

WEBLINK

Interested in having a weblink on the AGC’s website? It is only $60 /year to have your company’s website linked directly on AGC’s website and listed under “Member Listings.”  Start off 2007 with an easy and simple way to get more “hits” on your website. – Click here for registration form: http://www.agcsd.org/members/membership.htm

 

Get Ready for the First AGC Mixer for 2007

The AGC Affiliate Council is proud to announce and host the first AGC mixer of the year! As in previous years, the Mixer will be held at Dave & Buster’s in Mission Valley located at 2931 Camino del Rio North, San Diego, CA  92108 (619) 280-7155, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

The Platinum Sponsors for this event are: ABC Insurance, Hawthorne Machinery Company, KPS Insurance Services, Marks Golia & Finch, LLP and San Diego Precast.  The attached registration form also lists our additional sponsors. 

All sponsors will receive:

·       Their company name prominently displayed on a banner in the Showroom

·       Company can display brochures, product samples, promotional materials, etc.  Platinum level sponsors will be given choice table placement by the entrance and bar areas.

·       Sponsors will have the opportunity to incorporate their company logos into a running visual presentation slideshow.

To become a sponsor for this event, please complete the attached sponsor form.  There are different levels of sponsorship available.  Typically, the first mixer has the largest attendance, so this will be a great opportunity to mingle for all who attend.  As in the past, the Affiliate’s Mixer will be held at Dave & Buster’s in Mission Valley. To ensure we do not exceed the maximum room capacity, members must pre-register by completing the attached form! For additional information, contact Rae Krushensky at 858-731-8157.

 

AGC Winter Conference… Feb 8 - 11^th, 2007

In 2002, the AGC held its’ first Winter Conference at the Hyatt Regency.  Located on Lake Tahoe’s tranquil North Shore and nestled in the High Sierra Mountains, the hotel offers a full service spa, a 24-hour casino and features a Grand Lodge ambiance with breathtaking views of the mountains and lake. 

In addition to these wonderful accommodations, Lake Tahoe offers the country’s largest concentration of snow covered slopes for the skiing and outdoor enthusiasts including Squaw Valley & Northstar Resorts.

With that, the AGC Meetings & Events Committee offers the following activities for the 2007 AGC Winter Conference:

      Opening Night Reception & Cocktail Party
      Ski Northstar-at-Tahoe
      Ski Squaw Valley
      Snowmobiling
      Ice Skating & Tubing   (Reserved on an individual basis)
      Apres Ski, Drinks & Appetizers
      Saturday Apres Ski Buffet

Join us for this fun, networking opportunity. Complete the attached registration form and fax to Rae at (858) 558-8444.  You can also contact Rae with any questions at (858) 731-8157 or e-mail at raek@agcsd.org.

AGC Committee Sign-ups

Members may still sign up to join any of the AGC committees. Please click on the following link, which will take you directly to the registration page on our website:  http://www.agcsd.org/aboutagc/committeevolunteer.php. 

If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Brad Barnum at 858-558-7444 (ext 103) or at bbarnum@agcsd.org.
 
 

Spanish OSHA 10 Hour- January 26th

In response to AGC members’ request, the AGC is offering the OSHA 10 hour in Spanish. This class is ideal for all employees that may have English as a second language, or are just able to learn in their native language. This is construction Spanish, not readily translated out of a book. Our instructor specializes in construction Spanish and this class is a must.

To register for Spanish OSHA 10-hour, click here: http://www.agcsd.org/calendar/registration.php?classType=safety&classID=80 (or see attached flyer)

 

National AGC Safety Awards (NASA)
By Sam Iler, AGC Safety Director

Hello members, it’s that time of the year again. The Annual National AGC Safety Awards (NASA’s) are here again. These awards are based on statistical data that is compared with a national average. All it requires is your OSHA 300 log completed for 2006, and 5 minutes of your time to enter the information at

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2259KVJY77H

Remember, in order to receive an award, your company must participate for 3 consecutive years, and be below the national average for lost workdays and recordable incidents for your classification of work. The deadline to enter is January 31. Don’t forget to post your 300A at your office and or jobsites (the summary, not the actual log) starting February 1^st.

If you have questions on how to complete your 300 log, be sure and sign up for our 300log classes, January 25^th and February 14^th.  Don’t forget to enter the NASA’s by the end of the month!

 

Upcoming AGC Safety and Education Classes

Please note: 
***** You can now register on line for classes (this does not include payment on line option yet).
Go to our website at www.agcsd.org and click onto Calendar for either Construction Education Classes or Safety Training.

January classes
Jan. 23 – Microsoft Excel – 8 AM- 4 PM at AGC
Jan. 24 – Fall Protection – 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM at AGC
Jan. 24 – Prevailing Wage – 9:30 AM-12:30 PM at AGC - see attached flyer
Jan. 25 – Supervisory Training Program (STP) 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM at AGC – see attached flyer
Jan. 25 - OSHA Record Keeping – Time: 9 AM – 11 AM at AGC
Jan. 26 – Spanish OSHA 10 Hour – 7 AM-5 PM at AGC  see attached flyer
Jan. 31 – CPR/First Aid – 8 AM-12 PM at AGC

Register on Line
For Education classes click on the following link: http://www.agcsd.org/calendar/calendar.htm
For Safety Training classes click on the link: http://www.agcsd.org/calendar/safetytraining.htm

 

WELCOME NEW AGC STAFF

We would like to welcome our new employee Laura Sanchez, Assistant Director of Education & Training to our AGC Staff.

Laura’s e-mail is laura@agcsd.org and her direct line is: 858.731.8155. Any class questions or registrations for education and safety classes, please direct them to Laura.

 

Save the Date - Feb 21, 2007
Fails Management Institute (FMI) presents:
“Understanding How to Lead and Develop the Next Generation” by Ron Magnus  (see attached flyer)

 

Coming in March, 2007…
March 8 and March 9 – AGC of America and OSHA present “Focus Four Hazards in the Construction Industry” - Only 50 spots available each day. Go to website http://www.agcsd.org/calendar/safetytraining.htm for a registration. (Please note: AGC of America in Virginia is handling all the registrations)

 

Upcoming AGC Committee Meetings

January Meetings – Dates subject to change
January 25 – Meetings & Events – 12:00 PM

 

Looking Ahead…Upcoming AGC Events

Save The Dates: 
January 23, 2007 – Installation Dinner – Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
(Installation of Officers & Directors, AGC Membership Awards, Safety Awards, & Apprentice Graduations)
February 8-11, 2007 – Winter Conference in Lake Tahoe
February 27, 2007 – AGC Mixer at Dave and Busters -  5:00 PM – 7:00 PM