Is there a way to make sure that any Irondequoit Contractor can successfully bid on these projects?
Sure, if they join the Union to have an apprenticeship program.
This is the agenda for Irondequoit Town Board meeting tomorrow night at 7.
Please notice the highlighted resolution on page three setting a Public Hearing...
"6A2009-15 Adopt a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing in Connection with the Proposed Adoption of a Local Law to Amend Chapter 51 of the Irondequoit Town Code for the Purposes of Authorizing the Use of Apprenticeship Programs as a Condition of Certain Public Works Contracts"
The State, last year had a 2008 reform of the Wicks Law. "Under the legislation, the thresholds for triggering Wicks Law mandates, which require State and local governments to issue multiple construction contracts for most public works projects, will be increased to $3 million in New York City, $1.5 million in the downstate suburbs, and $500,000 Upstate."
However, Towns can avoid the Wicks Law requirements through two provisions in this "reform". PLA's and Apprenticeship conditions.
Link to Buffalo News Blog.
"But what has irked upstate contractors even more are two additional provisions now coming to light. The first exempts contractors who implement a project labor agreement from the Wicks Law entirely. The second requires contractors bidding on public projects to have had in place a New York State Department of Labor- approved apprenticeship training program for the last three years. Critics say these reforms shut out all but union contractors, driving up bidding prices and further burdening taxpayers. Proponents say the measure further protects New York State workers, and increases the quality of work done on government projects."
Link to Buffalo News article from 4-2009.
"The Wicks Law, which has been around since 1912, covers government and public sector-fueled projects and requires any bidder for those projects to have workers from an approved apprenticeship program on site. Apprenticeship programs just happen to be the bastion of unions. Supporters say the law guarantees better-trained workers, but critics contend that all it does is drive up the cost for these projects because union workers are usually paid on a higher scale. Some say apprenticeship programs can add as much as 20 percent to a project’s bottom line. The Wicks Law, by itself, is not business-friendly. Many claim it all but excludes smaller construction firms, especially those owned by women or minorities, from bidding on state or public sector projects. Adding insult to injury, state leaders last year added what amounts to a double standard. Any Upstate project valued at $500,000 or greater would be subject to Wicks Law standards, but in New York City the threshold is $3 million. It’s no secret how that happened, is it?"
Here is another good article from the Buffalo News from March of 2009 about a lawsuit asking that the amendments be withdrawn, and to basically get rid of the Wicks Law.
“This lawsuit came about because Albany, once again, failed to look out for the interests of taxpayers,” said Michael Powers, a partner with Phillips Lytle LLP, who is the suit’s lead counsel.
Wicks Law mandates an increase to the cost of government-sponsored construction projects by at least $300 million annually, according to a number of industry studies.
Erie County Executive Chris Collins, who last year, pleaded with Gov. David Paterson to drop Wicks Laws mandates said his suggestions were “received and filed.”
“We all know where it was filed,” said Collins, who is one of the lawsuit’s plaintiffs. “It is an absolutely unnecessary law that only plays into special interests in the state.”
I'm trying to think of any union guys who are on the Town Board who would benefit from this amendment of the local town law.......hmmmmm........gosh.....I'm drawing a blank.Anyone out there have a clue?
Wicks law is triggered (there's that word again) at $500,000.
A resolution was passed to spend up to $517,000 at Pinegrove.
.....And now the Board wants to set a public hearing to adopt a Local Law to Amend Chapter 51 of the Irondequoit Town Code for the Purposes of Authorizing the Use of Apprenticeship Programs as a Condition of Certain Public Works Contracts.
Coinkydink?
Speaking of bids.....there are none yet for Pinegrove, according to the Town Website's helpful page that lists the calls for bids and proposals.
Screen shot taken this afternoon, date and time noted:
Back in March, the Supervisor said "We're on the fast track now."
I'm guessing it's the "fast track" of snails, turtles, and sloths.
Stop movin' so fast! That breakneck speed is giving me whiplash!
Remember: SIXTY DAYS from a "vote yes for the lease" on February 24th would have gotten you a $125,000 grant from Morelle and repairs/renovations to King$ Pork. Link to KP expenses. New furniture & fixtures, construction of front entrance and internal walls, alarm system, carpeting, kitchen plumbing/electric/HVAC "adjustments" (landlords installing an "at current capacity" office space HVAC), utility submetering, and paint and general fix up. All within 60 days of the vote.
Next week marks day 114 since the actual "no vote on the lease" on February 24th.
What fast track is she talking about? lol
