October 16, 2006

Round 2 for Big Box at San Diego City Council – Call to Action

On September 18, the San Diego City Council took the first steps to limit large retail development.  Next week, they are very likely to shut the door on potential Walmart Supercenters in the City of San Diego.

By an 8-0 vote, the City Council voted to have the Independent Budget Analyst prepare an ordinance which would impose new design and landscape requirements on large retail establishments, as well as require a permit and review process.  However, the Council voted 5-3 to have an ordinance drafted that would limit the size of stores, effectively banning Supercenters in San Diego.  Some of the proposed ordinances they have been considering will restrict development and construction, and they could potentially eliminate thousands of good paying construction jobs.

The five council members who voted to propose size limits of large retail establishments (Peters, Atkins, Young, Frye, Hueso) are now on the “hot seat” as the City Council prepares to consider the final package.  It’s going to be a battle between these five council members and Wal-Mart, which spent big bucks on Sunday with a full page advertisement in the Union Tribune.  Wal-Mart is doing a full court press…telling potential customers that “certain council members plan to STOP Super centers from coming to San Diego” then asking them to write or call the five city council members.

Call to Action -- AGC continues to oppose any restrictions on retail development, and we will join in the fight to convince at least one of the five council members to oppose any size limitations and support a free market. 

We have prepared a letter for you to send to each of the five council members.  Simply click on http://www.bipac.net/issue_alert.asp?g=AGC_SD&issue=Big_Box&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 council members.

 

Legislative Session Ends Well For AGC
By Dave Ackerman, AGC’s Legislative Advocate

AGC scored some final victories when Governor Schwarzenegger recorded his final veto messages for the 2006 Legislative Session on the evening of September 30.

2006 has been a long and intense legislative year by any standards – starting with non-stop negotiations on the massive $222 billion infrastructure building program proposed by the Governor in January to actions taken by the Governor on legislation in the final hours he had to sign or veto bills.

Infrastructure Package Landmark Accomplishment

On November 7, voters will cast their ballots and decide the fate of the largest infrastructure package ever to go before the voters.  Five propositions – one constitutional amendment and four separate bond measures – propose to raise $37 billion for transportation, housing, school, and flood and levee construction and provide iron-clad protections for $1.5 billion in annual revenues generated by the passage of Proposition 42 in 2002.

The Governor and the Legislature, in a rare show of bipartisanship following months of negotiations, agreed to place the infrastructure package on the November ballot, and both Republican and Democratic leaders have campaigned with the Governor in support of the package.  AGC worked closely with Governor Schwarzenegger and Senate Leader Don Perata on details of the package to facilitate the bipartisan agreement.

Major Legislative Issues Decided

The infrastructure package may have been the most visible action taken by the Governor and the Legislature, but the Legislature also considered thousands of other bills that had significant impact on the construction industry.

Apprenticeship Legislation Vetoed - AGC was successful in convincing Governor Schwarzenegger to veto AB 2929 (Laird), which was sponsored by the State Building Trades.  AB 2929 would have had a negative impact on new or expanding apprenticeship programs.  AGC San Diego waged a letter writing effort that saw hundreds of letters sent to the Governor asking for a veto of AB 2929.

Worker’s Compensation Increases Vetoed - Governor Schwarzenegger also vetoed SB 815 (Perata), which would have significantly increased permanent disability benefits under the workers compensation system and passed those costs back to the employer in the form of increased premiums. AGC California waged a letter writing campaign asking the Governor for a veto of SB 815, and he agreed with several of AGC’s arguments in his veto message.

Construction Defect - AGC adopted a position last year to continue to oppose attempts by a segment of the subcontractor industry to eliminate Type 1 indemnity agreements in construction contracts.  AGC was successful in sidetracking SB 1581 (Dunn), sponsored by the American Subcontractor’s Association, which would have prohibited these types of clauses in contracts.  AGC has agreed to participate in meetings with other construction organizations to attempt to craft a proposal that can be supported by all groups next year.

Other Priority Legislation

The Governor signed two bills that were opposed by AGC.  SB 667 (Migden) will allow the University of California, San Francisco to conduct a demonstration program for the next five years to award construction contracts based on a “best value” determination that considers contractor qualifications rather than just the low bid.  AB 32 (Nunez), which was opposed by virtually every business group in California, establishes reporting and reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions.  The program will be administered by the State Air Resources Board, and it is unclear how the new law will impact construction equipment.

The Governor vetoed one bill supported by AGC.  SB 560 (Migden) would have set priorities and requirements for career and vocational education for expenditure of the bond funds.

A complete list of the bills signed by the Governor that have an impact on the construction industry or business community will be provided at a later date.

 

John Elliott of Roel Construction to be Honored with Good Scout Award for 2006

On Wednesday, November 1, the San Diego-Imperial Council, Boy Scouts of America, will be honoring Eagle Scout John Elliott (Executive Vice President, Roel Construction) with its Good Scout Award for 2006.  He will be recognized at the Council’s 1^st Annual Construction and Building Industry Lunch-O-Ree, beginning at 12 Noon at the Sheraton Hotel, Mission Valley.

John has been a leader in business and community for over 40 years, and he lives the values of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life.  His dedication, hard work, and integrity have contributed significantly to the growth and vitality of San Diego.

The Lunch-O-Ree is not only a special way to honor John, but it is a great way to support continued growth of Boy Scouting in our communities.  The money raised at the luncheon will help fund programs for over 30,000 scouts in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

We have a flyer on the website about the luncheon, which includes a registration form.  We hope you complete it and attend this special occasion.  If you have any questions or would like to sponsor a table, please contact Russ Strenk, Marketing and Communications Director, at 619-298-6121, extension 240.
Click here to download the flyer.

 

AGC Board of Directors Approves New Programs and Services During Board Retreat

The AGCSD Board of Directors met for the Board’s Annual Retreat and Planning Session on Wednesday October, 11^th during the AGC California chapter’s Fall Conference in Palm Desert.  The Board reviewed the AGC’s Strategic/Business Plan and heard reports from all AGC committees.  The goal of the retreat was to make sure the AGCSD is staying on course to complete the goals and objectives that are in the Strategic/ Business Plan and to consider new initiatives and programs that will assist the membership.

The Board accepted recommendations from four committees creating new programs that will be initiated in 2007.  The Education and Training Committee chaired by Byron Klemaske, T.B. Penick & Sons recommended that the AGC initiate a chapter of the national AGC Young Constructor’s Forum (YCF).  YCF is a program designed to allow project engineers, project managers, and others in their 20’s and 30’s to have a focused program that gives them the opportunity to be involved in the industry and the opportunity to interact with others in their same basic age group. 

The Board accepted the Education and Training Committee’s recommendation that the AGCSD YCF Chapter would have three main responsibilities in addition to programs that the group initiates.  These responsibilities include representing AGCSD and responsibility for the chapter’s liaison with the AGC Student Chapter at SDSU, responsibility for seeking candidates and interviewing for the AGC Scholarship Program at SDSU (the YCF Group will also be asked to work with the AGC Specialty Council to help raise funds for the scholarship program), and to head up the AGCSD’s effort with the SDSU Construction Engineering and Management Program to “coach” the SDSU students for the annual competition among Construction Engineering Programs which is held annually in Reno, Nevada.  The Reno Competition involves a high level estimating and presentation competition that is completed in a 24 hour period by the students without the help of mentors. Preparation for this rigorous competition often takes several months.  It is an excellent exercise for the students.

The Board also voted to charge the AGCSD Mentor Protégé Program with dramatically expanding the Program during 2007.  The existing program has been a joint venture with the City of San Diego.  This new effort may involve accepting mentor / protégé relationships that are not part of the City program in addition to continuing the City Program.  The Program has been extremely successful and the Board feels that it should be expanded.  The goal of the program is to give small and emerging businesses an opportunity to succeed in the industry through a mentoring relationship with an established contractor.  Dave Carlin, Soltek Pacific recently became the chair of the AGCSD Mentor Protégé Program taking over from Nigel Cary of Cox Construction who has chaired the program since its initiation a few years ago.  Nigel has accepted a position as a Mentor to a subcontracting firm.

The Board also directed the various AGCSD Industry Relations committees to form a task force with representation from each Industry Relations Committee (i.e. City, Port, Caltrans, Airport Authority, County Water Authority, Navy, County, Public Building) to present to the Board within the next few months a draft of a position paper on the use of alternative delivery systems by public entities.  This report is to address both engineering and building project delivery systems.  The task force will be chaired by Todd Gillum, Cox Construction and chair of the Public Building Liaison Committee.  A Task Force co-chair from the engineering side of the industry will also be appointed.

Finally, the Board voted to retain consultants to prepare a report that details the key contacts for the construction industry in the nearly 100 public entities in San Diego County.  The Board looks to this report as a preliminary step in the expansion of AGCSD’s “reach” with these entities.  This report is expected to take 2 months and will be considered by the Board in its January meeting.

In addition to the above, the Board reviewed the Association’s progress in the following areas….

Apprenticeship & Training Trust Program
Builders’ Exchange
Communications
Fringe Benefits
Government Relations/PAC
Labor Relations
Meetings & Events
Membership
Safety 

 

First AGCSD / AGC of California Fall Conference a Success!

AGC members from throughout California attended the first joint Fall Conference last week at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Palm Dessert.  Over 300 AGC members and staff attended the event which was held from Wednesday thru Saturday of last week.  The Conference included a number of outstanding seminars and educational sessions, meetings with elected officials concerning the upcoming vote on the infrastructure bond initiatives, as well as a full calendar of social and “athletic events” including golf, croquet, and bocce ball.

Our thanks to the Fall Conference Committee consisting of both AGC- San Diego and AGC of California for a “job well done”:

Allison Beall – Pacific Building Group
Thomas and Sandra Brown –Sierra Pacific West
Jerry Bruyneel
Ken Coate – Inland Surety
John & Mareen Garrett – Garrett/Mosier Insurance Services, Inc.
Alvin Greene – Cohen & Lord, apc
Teri Jackson- JLT Surety Dept.
Michelle Loveall- First Regional Bank
Rae Krushensky – AGC San Diego Chapter Staff
Mark & Patty Lindquist – M.A. Lindquist Company, Inc.
Stephen & Paulette Matich- Matich Corporation
Dan Peterson – Dan J. Peterson
Mike Roddy – Washington Group International, Inc.
Jim Ryan – AGC San Diego Chapter Staff
Bob Vildibill – EFCO forms

 

IMPORTANT….AGC San Diego Membership Directory Information Requested- Deadline November 3rd

We are kindly requesting one person from each company to update the information for the AGC- San Diego’s Membership Directory. We’ve made it simple!  Please click on the following link: http://www.agcsd.org/members/memberupdate.php  and complete the requested information, then click Submit at the bottom of the page.  This can also be accessed at www.agcsd.org on home page: Member Listings --àUpdate Membership Information drop down).

If your company’s Goods and Services Section (Divisions 1-17) is already up-to-date on our website, then you do not have to complete this section of the updates again. Any questions please contact Marcy Knopman at (858) 731-8162 or email mknopman@agcsd.org.

 

Welcome New Members

 The AGC Board of Directors and the AGC Staff would like to welcome the following new members to the Association.

Remember….” It is Good Business to do Business with an AGC Member!”

Company	Type of Work	Contact	Phone	email
C.W. Driver, Inc.	GC	Joe Grosshart	626.351.8800
Consulting & Inspection Services	DSA School Inspection	Kent Schafer	760.742.2488	inspector@aboutcis.com
General Consolidated Constructors	Carpentry/concrete	Rob McCoy	951.734.3507	rm@gcc-inc.us
Harris Concrete, Inc.	Concrete	Lisa Reimer	619.464.0152	lreimer@harrisconinc.com
Highland Engineering of CA, Inc.	Excavating/grading	Dora Veronica	714.850.1540	dveronica@highlandengineering.net
Jergensen Construction	Carpentry	Todd Jergensen	760.947.4545	tjergensen@msn.com
Natural Building Maintenance Corp.	T.I.	Tony Yi	310.512.6300	Tony_nbmcorp@sbcglobal.net

 

AGC Voter Guide Available

We once again are announcing the availability of AGC’s Voter Guide on the ballot measures that affect the construction industry or are business related (a copy is attached). 

Please contact Brad Barnum at bbarnum@agcsd.org or at 858-558-7444, ext 103 if you have any questions or need further information.  Information on all the State Propositions can be accessed via the Internet: http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_vig.htm.

The recommendation to support the re-election of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also listed on the Voter Guide.  His enthusiasm, his focus on getting the job done, and his commitment to infrastructure investment are obvious.  In two recent visits to San Diego, he stated “I Want to See Cranes and Scaffolding Everywhere”.  Need we say more?  Arnold for 4 more years!

Important Election Dates to Remember
October 23…………Last Day to Register to Vote
October 31…………Last Day to Apply for an Absentee Ballot
November 7………..Election Day

Information regarding registration and voting can be obtained by going to San Diego County’s Registrar of Voters website at www.sdvote.com or by calling 565-5800.

 

AGC Annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) – Deadline Nov 22- by 12:00 noon

The AGC Annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) program sponsored by Willis has been an ongoing and evolving effort by the AGC of America to recognize companies who have developed and implemented excellent safety and loss prevention programs achieved through management commitment, employee training and program innovation.

The purpose of the CSEA is to recognize those construction companies who excel at safety performance. CSEA will closely examine each candidate's commitment to safety and occupational health management and risk control. Unlike the National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program that limits the criteria to frequency rates, the CSEA selection process is considerably more comprehensive. Judges will look for evidence of company management commitment, active employee participation, safety training, work site hazard identification and control, and safety program innovation.

Participants will be required to complete the application forms and submit them to their local AGC Chapter. The AGC Chapters will select finalists in each category (if applicable) and submit those recommendations to AGC of America. Members of the AGC Safety & Health Committee will review the Chapter's submittals at the winter meeting. Then the finalists in each category will compete at the AGC National Convention for either a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place award. Finalists will have an opportunity to give an oral presentation in front of five judges. The first, second and third place awards will be determined after oral presentations. The winners will be announced at the Willis Safety Awards Breakfast during the AGC Annual Convention.  For a CSEA application, please request a copy from Marcy at mknopman@agcsd.org. 

The deadline for submitting entries to AGC is 12 noon on Wednesday, November 22, 2006

 

AGC San Diego Board Schedules Open House for November 8th

The “new” AGC San Diego Headquarters and Training Center are nearly complete. The facility is fantastic…..those members who have attended meetings or classes in the facility are unanimous in their praise of the facility.  There is no question that the renovations to the building will allow AGC to serve the industry for years to come…..the building is now an educator’s dream.  We will be able to expand and improve our classes not only for apprenticeship training but for the training of all members.

Beginning at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 8^th, the AGC Board of Directors will hold an “open house” for the membership to tour the facility and see first hand how the building will serve you and your employees.  The “open house” will be sponsored by Cement Cutting and ABD Insurance Services.

Please mark your calendars…..5 pm Wednesday, November 8^th.
Click here for the Open House Registration Form. 

 

“iSqft Randy’s” iSqFt Tip of the Week & Obscure factoid

iSqFt Tip of the Week:
A recent survey of Internet Plan Room Subscribers revealed that 75% believe that they landed up to 10 new projects by using the Internet Plan Room.

Obscure Factoid:
Teeth are the only part of the human body that can't repair themselves.

 

Education Class Updates

The Mechanics Lien Law Class – Wednesday October 18, 2006 with Paul Stout and Greg Barnes has been CANCELED due to lack of PARTICIPATION. We will be promoting this class again in the spring.

Microsoft Excel – Level II has been postponed to Tuesday November 14  

NAVFAC’s -WEBCM Class has been changed from Thursday, October 26 to Wednesday October 25.

SURE TRAK 3.0 Class – Monday October 23 & Tuesday October 24. This is the best buy in town for a class like this. This course provides an overview of SureTrak Project Manager 3.0. Participant will be exposed to SureTrak’s capabilities for project planning, scheduling, control and analysis. The workshop will be hands-on using a real-life case study.

Construction Project Management “ The Certificate Course” – This class has been very popular with a full class, in addition to two AGC/San Diego City protégés in attendance. To date, the Construction PM Course has 60 plus attendees, and a waiting line for the 2007 class.

Construction Quality Management – NAVFAC CQM –  Date change from December 5 & 6 to Tuesday & Wednesday December 12 & 13.

Blueprint 103 – How to Read & Understand Commercial Blue Prints and Specifications is scheduled to start November 1 depending upon participation. We have between 8 and 10 interested at this point but need a minimum of 15 attendees for this class to work. This class has been very informative and works very well for those beginners, as well as those that have been in the business for a while.

Construction Estimating Bootcamp - One intense day for better estimating skills. - November 15.

Construction Project Engineering - START DATE October 24, 2006 – 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM Eight 3 Hr Sessions -Featuring Industry Professionals. We only have 10 or so interested to date, and need 20 to start the class. This class is a basic class designed for new PE’s, Clerical Staff, Students/Graduates, and individuals new to the industry and wanting to get to the next level.

Supervisory Training Program – STP – Unit 9 - Productivity Improvement, Learn how to improve: Benchmarking construction productivity, improve productivity through pre-planning and four new skills for effective supervision 1)Personnel Management 2)Equipment Management 3)Jobsite productivity 4) Planning and scheduling. Depending upon participation, this class is scheduled to start October 26 at 7:00 AM, with class schedules as follows; Oct 26, Nov 2, Nov 9, Nov 16, Nov 30

ALL Classes will be presented at AGC San Diego Chapter Training Facility, 6212 Ferris Square, San Diego, CA 92121

 

OCTOBER  CLASSES
October 18 – Mechanics Lien Law    CANCELED
October 19 – Project Management Course – Class #4 – 3:00 PM
October 23 – Suretrak 3.0- 8:00 AM
October 24 – Project Engineering 7:00 AM
October 25 – CPR/First Aid- 8:00 AM
October 25 – WEBCM – 7:30 AM
October 26 – STP- Session #1 – 7:00 AM

 

OCTOBER MEETINGS – All meetings will be held at AGC unless indicated otherwise
October 18 – AGC Toastmasters @ Roel – 7:00 AM
October 19 – Specialty Contractors Council @ Adam’s Steakhouse – 7:00 AM
October 19 – Meetings & Events Committee – 12:00 PM
October 20 – Caltrans Liaison Committee – 8:00 AM
October 25 – County of San Diego Liaison Committee – 1:00 PM (subject to change)  MOVED TO NOV. 28th
October 27 – Builders’ Exchange – 7:00 AM
October 31 – Airport Liaison Committee @ Airport -11:00 AM (subject to change)  MOVED TO NOV. 16^th at AGC

 

Save The Dates:
November 8 – AGC OPEN HOUSE – starting at 5:00 PM – 6212 Ferris Square
December 2 – Holiday Dinner Dance at Hotel Del Coronado
December 13 – AGC Annual Meeting – Mission Bay Hilton
January 23, 2007 – Installation Dinner – Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
(Installation of Officers & Directors, AGC Membership Awards, Safety Awards, & Apprentice Graduations)