AGC San Diego CONSTRUCTOR Magazine - 2022 Volume 3

POLITICAL ACTION

D is for Discrimination

By Dustin Steiner, Vice President Government & Industry Relations

The repeal of 2012’s Proposition A is officially Measure D. The City of San Diego moved to use the word “measure” a number of years ago to avoid confusion with statewide “propositions”. The ballot title for Measure D is “Amendments to San Diego Municipal Code sections 22.4401 through 22.4406 and 22.4408 related to the use of project labor agreements on City of San Diego construction projects,” which is a technical way of saying it repeals the popular citizens’ initiative that was supported by 58% of the voters.

Over the last few weeks, AGC staff has been busy assembling a coalition of industry partners such as the National Black Contractors Association, Western Electrical Contractors Association, and the Building Industry Association of San Diego who will be negatively affected if Measure D passes. This coalition has been ramping up a campaign and raising the funds for this fight. We are also working to show voters how Measure D discriminates against 80% of the local construction workforce and hurts the very people it purports to help.

The Argument Against Measure D features a broad coalition of signatories including, Councilman Chris Cate, Abdur-Raheem Hameed of the National Black Contractors Association, Al Abdallah of Urban League of San Diego County, Bishop William Benson of Pastors on Point San Diego, and affordable housing developer Charles Davis of Urban West Development.

The basis for this measure, according to the proponents, is to “safeguard” San Diego tax dollars alleging that Proposition A does not allow San Diego to receive state funding despite a specific carveout in Prop A language and no history of this happening. In fact, the City’s own “fiscal analysis” had this to say: “As a charter city, San Diego’s 2012 PLA prohibition may expose the City to loss of State funds for construction projects, though to date there has been no such loss of State funds. The City has relied on the 2012 prohibition’s exception to continue pursuing State funding for projects, but it is unclear whether courts would rule that the City’s exception to the PLA prohibition is sufficient for continued State funding eligibility. Major State funding and loans awarded to the City for construction projects in fiscal years 2021 and 2022 were approximately $123.4 million and $697.0 million.

Vote NO on city insiders using your tax dollars to overturn a popular citizens’ initiative. Vote NO on raising costs on taxpayers. Vote NO on Discrimination. Vote NO on D.

STOP THE DISCRIMINATORY

& MISLEADING BALLOT MEASURE

ofSanDiego-MeasureD-VOTENO!

U.S.Congress

HouseofRepresentatives

DarrellIssa

48th Congressional District

BrianMaryott

49th CongressionalDistrict

StateofCalifornia StateSenate

MattGunderson 38th District

BrianJones 40th District

StateAssembly

DavidAlvarez 80th District

CountyofSanDiego

JordanMarks

Assessor/Recorder/CountyClerk

KellyMartinez Sheriff

JimDesmond Supervisor District5

Mayor

KeithBlackburn(Carlsbad)

JohnMcCann(ChulaVista)

BillWells(ElCajon)

SteveVaus(Poway)

RebeccaJones(SanMarcos)

JohnFranklin(Vista)

CityCouncil

MarcoContreras(ChulaVista)

DitasYamane(NationalCity)

KoriJensen(Oceanside)

RichardRobinson(Oceanside)

PeterDeHoff (Poway)

BrianPepin(Poway)

VivianMoreno (SanDiego)

MikeSannella(SanMarcos)

SchoolDistrict

DeliaDominguezCervantes

(ChulaVistaElementary)

JimKelly(GrossmontUnionHS)

RobertShield (GrossmontUnionHS)

Dr.GaryWoods (GrossmontUnionHS)

AndrewHayes(LakesideUnion)

FrankXu(PalomarCollege)

MichelleRains(PalomarCollege)

JaquelineKaiser(PalomarCollege)

PatrickBatten(PowayUnified)

BeccaWilliams(SanDiegoUnified)

HealthcareDistrict

MichaelPacheco(PalomarHealth)

Dr.AlejandroPaz(PalomarHealth)

RodJones(PalomarHealth)

LindaGreer,RN(PalomarHealth)

PadreDamMunicipalWaterDistrict

BillPommering

Additional

Paid

ENGINEERING City Staff Proposes Streamlining Project Processes

By Mike McManus, Director of Engineering Construction & Industry Relations

Infrastructure projects in San Diego would be built several months faster and cost a bit less under a proposed package of reforms that aims to streamline projects by eliminating bureaucratic approvals and softening restrictions on consultants and contractors.

The cost of a project would have to be much higher for City Council approval to be required, far fewer cost increases for projects would require council approval, and consultants could work on more projects and accumulate more fees without an OK from the council.

The package of changes, which the council is expected to consider this fall, would also boost transparency by providing the public more information about which firms complete city work and how much they receive cumulatively. The changes would also require city officials to provide nearby residents more information about upcoming projects, including more precise timelines and potential impacts on local noise and traffic.

City officials estimated that a typical project would be completed four to six months faster under the package of reforms. The cost would also be a bit lower because city staff could spend less time preparing proposals for council approval, freeing them up to work on other projects. The proposal comes with San Diego’s spending on infrastructure projects sharply on the rise — and expected to keep rising in coming years with a

large influx of federal money anticipated under the $1 trillion infrastructure law President Biden approved last year.

The city also faces a $4 billion backlog of crucial infrastructure projects, partly because many projects built during a city growth spurt in the 1950s and 1960s are reaching the end of their expected lifespans. And the backlog — the gap between estimated infrastructure needs over the next five years and the funding available for them — excludes possible expansion of the waterfront convention center and revamping facilities that might be vulnerable to sea-level rise.

San Diego’s annual spending on infrastructure has risen from $363 million in fiscal year 2012 to $542.5 million in fiscal year 2022, which ended June 30.Partly because of construction of the city’s Pure Water sewage purification system, infrastructure spending over the next five years is expected to be $4.12 billion. And Mayor Todd Gloria’s staff said annual spending could surpass $1 billion with more federal dollars.

AGC believes it’s important for San Diego to be nimble and adapt well to the increased infrastructure spending. The proposed changes, which are long overdue, will help make that happen. Delivering the quality infrastructure improvements that our communities deserve is a top priority for AGC and the construction industry.

The city hasn’t updated, since 2012 the cost thresholds for project approvals and consulting contracts that require approval from the council. The staff proposed for construction contracts; to increase the mayor’s authority to approve change orders up to 1 million for large contracts, authorize the mayor to award utility undergrounding contracts, increase the major’s authority to add work to job order contracts and to allow the mayor to execute Caltrans cooperative agreements.

The proposal would also raise the threshold for council approval of a consulting contract from $1 million to $3 million. City staff says that increase makes sense, because the average cost of a consulting contract has risen from $650,000 in 2015 to $2.5 million today. Other changes include raising the cumulative limit on fees a consultant can receive in a particular year, without council approval, from $1 million to $5 million.

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, chair of the infrastructure committee, said she is comfortable with the proposals despite the reduced council oversight. She noted an earlier version of the proposal would have raised the approval thresholdsevenhigher.

“We have a lot to balance here,” von Wilpert said. “We want to make sure the City Council does its job of oversight. But we also want to make sure we actually get projects done and outthedoor.”

EDUCATION

Construction Project Management: Take Your Career to the Next Level

By AGC San Diego Staff

The AGC's Construction Project Management 26-week Certificate Program prepares students for professional employment in the industry while teaching them the skills to further their education for career advancement.

Everyone agrees that a construction project manager must provide strong leadership skills. Project Managers are responsible for the overall planning and control of the project. They deal with critical issues daily, ensuring the project is completed to the satisfaction of the project owner, the company, and the authorities having jurisdiction. They must also have excellent understanding of time management, financials, public safety, quality issues, technical knowledge, human resources, and other issues. Successful construction managers demonstrate the following skills:

• Leadership and supervision

• Decision-making

• Delegating Responsibilities

• Problem-solving

• Planning and scheduling

• Budgeting, Cost estimating and Analysis

• Contract Administration

These skills are the fundamentals of the AGC’s Construction Project Management Certificate Program launching into its 17th year in 2023. This certificate program is designed for new Project Managers, Project Foreman, Engineers or Superintendents. It provides participants a valuable opportunity to learn from a diverse group of industry leaders about how they have achieved success and how they continue to progress in this ever-changing industry.

To date, over 450 students have graduated the program and earned their certificate. The program is facilitated by Paul Stout, a contractor that has become one of the best construction educators in the country. Those successfully completing the course will be the guests of the AGC at our Installation Dinner each January as they receive their certificates in front of AGC San Diego members.

Registration is now LIVE for the 2023 AGC's Construction Project Management 26-week Certificate Program. Visit https://web.agcsd.org/ events and go to February 2023 to find the class listing and register today!

Five Scholarships Available for the AGC Construction Project Management Certificate Program

The AGC San Diego Chapter will be offering five full-ride scholarships for the 2023-2024 session of the AGC Construction Project Management Certificate Program. Any individual candidate can apply, if their company is a current AGC San Diego Chapter Member in good standing.

Scholarships will be awarded for the following:

• Three Scholarships designated to an individual employed by an AGC San Diego member company (in good standing)

• One Scholarship to be designated to Military Personnel (active, discharged, retired)

• One Scholarship to be designated to San Diego State University J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program graduate

Who is eligible to apply?

• Any individual candidate looking to continue their education and/or advance their career by demonstrating the desire to provide current employer added value.

• Must have written consent of employer to attend the PM Training Program

• Requirement: Be employed by an AGC San Diego member company in good standing.

Download Application: https://bit.ly/2022-PMScholarship

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2022.

If you have questions regarding the application, please contact Kellie Korhonen at kellie@agcsd.org or call at 858-558-7444 ext. 208.

MEMBER EVENTS

EGCA Foundation Honors Foundation Honorees and Scholarship Winners at AGC Public Entities Dinner

By AGC San Diego Staff

In September, AGC San Diego Members joined local representatives from public agencies for an evening of networking and updates about upcoming projects. The event also honored the 2022 EGCA Foundation Honorees Ron and Jerry Zagami, founders of Clairemont Equipment Company, and scholarships were awarded to students from Palomar College, Miramar College, and San Diego State University.

The Public Entities Dinner returned after a three-year break to provide members the opportunity to learn from six public agencies about upcoming projects. In attendance at the even were the following:

• Caltrans - Margie Perez, Chief of the Division of Construction

• City of San Diego - Rania Amen, Director of the Engineering and Capital Project Department and City Engineer

• County of San Diego - Bill Morgan, Deputy Director Engineering Services Division

• SANDAG - Venky Ganesan, Principal Construction Engineer

• San Diego Regional Airport Authority - Chris George, Civil Program Manager

• San Diego Unified School District - Lee Dulgeroff, Chief, Facilities Planning and Construction Officer

Each year the AGC and EGCA Foundation identifies those in the construction industry who have made a significant and positive impacts on our industry and this year we had two honorees, Ron and Jerry Zagami of Clairemont Equipment Company. Since Ron and Jerry were unable to make the event, their children Michelle Beny and Mark Zagami accepted the awards on their behalf.

The EGCA Foundation awards scholarships to local programs that train the future of the industry. Students from Palomar College and Miramar College receive $1,500 scholarships and students at San Diego State University receive $3,000 scholarships. Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners (pictured on right):

• Palomar College Diesel Technology Associates Degree Program

o Alexander Radar and Austin Wright

• Miramar College Diesel Technology Associates Degree Program

o Andre Barreto and Theodora Chomyk

• SDSU J.R Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program

o Rene Osuna

o Juliet Luevanos

o Bryan Quezada

Thanks again to our Title Sponsors for the event Trench Shoring and Martin Marietta!

Palomar College Diesel Technology

Degree Program

College Diesel Technology

Degree

Alexander

Chomyk and Andre Barreto

JOIN

GIVING BACK

AGC’s Annual Blood Drive… Going Strong Since 2011

By AGC Build & Serve Charitable Alliance

Every July, AGC San Diego coordinates a weeklong construction industry blood drive with our member companies as hosts. AGC’s Blood Drive has grown immensely over the years; due to additional member firms participating each year, and the increase of number of pints collected.

The summer months are a critical time to hold a blood drive, and the construction industry's outpouring of support has been tremendous.

Every two seconds, someone in America needs a blood transfusion. The blood collected during the AGC drive is used in San Diego for the following:

• Trauma victims

• Heart surgeries

• Organ transplant surgeries

• Complications in childbirth

• Newborns and premature babies

• Patients afflicted with leukemia, cancer, and other diseases

AGC Blood Drive Chart of Pints Collected 2011 – 2022

We would like to recognize the AGC member companies who have hosted throughout the years. Thank you to all the donors who have come to one of our locations to donate each year to make AGC’s Blood Drive the top three Blood Drives in the County.

Since 2011, AGC San Diego has collected 4,874 pints which equates to 14,622 LIVES SAVED!

SAVE THE DATES FOR 2023 AGC BLOOD DRIVE – July 10-14, 2023

If your company is interested in hosting, contact Marcy Knopman at marcy@agcsd.org for details.

GIVING BACK

AGC Members Help Build a ‘Make A Wish’ Project

By AGC Build & Serve Charitable Alliance

AGC San Diego Members helped build a ‘Make-A-Wish’ project for local teen in August 2022. The completed project was organized by AGC San Diego’s Build and Serve Charitable Alliance who focus on “build” and “serve” projects each year for the local community. The alliance has helped Make-AWish San Diego since 2013 contributing to 14 wish projects.

Projects like this would not be possible without the support of AGC Members. Thank you to AGC Members for their support of this Build Project:

• David Blackston from D.A. Whitacre Construction Inc. - framers & finishing work –labor and materials donated.

• Pecoraro Painting - painters donated.

• Sylvester Roofing - donated materials and labor - installed roof.

• Christian Brothers Flooring & Interiors - installed flooring - donated labor

Interested in participating in future Build Projects, contact Marcy Knopman at mknopman@agcsd.org.

Nathan is a passionate teen who loves woodworking andmaking upgrades to his car. He first discovered his love forwoodworking while taking a course in high school. Since then,he has tried to recreate the school’s woodworking shop in hisown backyard. His hobby inspired him to wish for his veryown shop that would allow him to pursue his passion withmore confidence.

At the end of August, Nathan’s onetrue wish was granted thanks to thehard work and generosity of AGC,D.A. Whitacre Construction, Pecoraro,Sylvester Roofing, and ChristianBrothers Flooring & Interiors. Thanksto each company’s donation of laborand materials, Nathan received abrand-new shed, roof, and flooring forhis woodworking shop. In addition toan amazing new workspace, Nathan’swish also included tools, safety gear, and storage, as well asother fun enhancements that will make his woodworking shedthe perfect place to unleash his creativity.

"I wish to have my own woodworking shop"—Nathan, 19 Leukemia

AGC's Build & Serve Committee Raises $3,126 for the San Diego Humane Society

By Marcy Knopman, AGC Build & Serve Committee Staff Liaison

AGC supported the San Diego Humane Society's Walk for Animals in May 2022 at Liberty Station. AGC members, family/friends and their fur babies participated in the walk to help the San Diego Humane Society provide animals with shelters and lifesaving medical care, help families adopt new pets, rescue animals from cruelty and neglect, and create a more humane San Diego. AGC helped give animals the second chance they deserve.

We would like to thank the 65 participants who registered from the following AGC member firms:

Balfour Beatty

Bergelectric Corporation

Clark Construction Group - California, LP

Erickson-Hall Construction Co.

Griffith Company

Herman Construction Group, Inc.

Layfield USA Corp.

Newman Midland Corp.

Pacific Southwest Structures, Inc.

Simpson Strong-Tie

The Lighting Element

Total Package Professional Services

Trench Shoring Company

AGC staff

TEAM AGC was the 3rd highest fundraising team on the leaderboard, and this was primarily due to the generous donation from Peter Vander Werff Construction, Inc. for pledging $2,500 to our cause and assisting any AGC member and family to join our team at no charge.

It was a "pawfect" day celebrating the love and care for animals!

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CHAPTER NEWS

AGC Members Apply Now for The Construction Innovation Award

By the AGC Construction Technology Committee

Over the years the AGC Construction Technology Committee has been able to highlight and award member companies for their advancements using technology in the construction industry. The committee has expanded and updated the award to encompass “technology and innovation” to highlight advancements in the industry. The application is now available for the 2022 Excellence in Construction Innovation Award.

Recent winners include Bergelectric Corporation, Hensel Phelps, and C.W. Driver. Award winner technologies featured have included usage on BIM integration to a project Cloud solution, drones on projects, and consolidating project and company data to one cloud program.

All active AGC Member companies can submit an application that documents “a technology or innovation process or solution” that was completed and implemented within the past two years and has not been previously submitted. The application includes six questions that must be answered about the technology or innovation and submitted before the application deadline.

The application deadline for the Construction Innovation Award is Friday, October 14, 2022.

AGC Members interested in applying please contact AGC staff member Kellie Korhonen at kellie@agcsd.org for the application.

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