April 2008
Online
Registration & Credit Cards Accepted On New Website
All Aboard: Annual Meeting
Heads To Duluth
Governor Appoints
Tom Sorel Commissioner of Mn/DOT
Legislative
Session Heading for a Wrap
Firms Take The Citizens
Fund Challenge
License Renewals for July 2008
through June 2010
Engineering Exploring
Post Named “New Post of the Year”
Mark Your Calendars for June
Scholarship Golf Tournament
News From Around the Membership
I-35W
Bridge Updates Available
ACEC/MN’s
Free Library Filled With Valuable Publications
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Online
Registration & Credit Cards Accepted On New Website Members have asked and ACEC/MN has delivered! The association
unveiled a new website www.acecmn.org
last week with a captivating new design, concise content and enhanced
functionality. There are many new features, however the most notable one is
the option for members to register for events online and pay by credit card. Other features include:
Check
out the site and let us know what you think – if there’s something you’d like
to see added or modified, we’d love to hear from you mail@acecmn.org! ----------------------------------------------
All Aboard: Annual Meeting Heads To
Duluth
Mark your calendars for Friday, May 16 – the ACEC/MN annual
meeting – when we head to Duluth for an evening of
excitement! After socializing with friends and colleagues at dinner, current
president Bill Bennett will pass the gavel to incoming president George
Kluempke. You won’t want to miss the awards presentation where the 2008 Tom
Roche Award winner will be recognized, Life Members will be inducted and the
President’s Award and Firm of the Year Award will be announced.
Near the end of the train ride, you have the option of being dropped off
at Fitgers for a Brewhouse tour (sponsored by the Emerging Professionals
Committee. Fitger’s Brewhouse, established in 1857, is Duluth's oldest operating brewery and pub.
This year the brewhouse will produce more than 100 styles-and 2,000
barrels-of handcrafted beer. Don't miss out on one of ACEC/MN’s biggest events of the year! It’s a
great way to learn more about what ACEC/MN has to offer and network and
socialize with your colleagues. It’s not to late to register so turn in your
form today located at www.acecmn.org!
If you have questions, contact the ACEC/MN office at 952-593-5533. ----------------------------------------------
Governor Appoints Tom Sorel Commissioner of Mn/DOT
Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Tom Sorel
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT)
yesterday, April 21. His first official day with the 4,400-employee state
agency begins Monday, April 28. Sorel currently heads the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) division in Minnesota. He has over 30 years of transportation experience and has a background in civil engineering. He received the Presidential Honor for leading the federal transportation response, recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the I-35W Bridge Collapse. He currently serves on the boards of the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Guide Star and the Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance. ---------------------------------------------- Legislative
Session Heading for a Wrap As we move into the final weeks of the 2008 legislative
session, there are major issues that remain unresolved. Will there be a
supplemental bonding bill to reinstate funding for the light rail central
corridor project along with the projects being promoted by the Governor that
did not make the original bonding bill? How will the legislature deal with
the budget shortfall? Most of the legislation we have tracked is either dead now
or part of larger omnibus bills. Our opportunities to support, modify or
defeat them rests on the conference committee members who will be appointed
to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions of the bills. Here is an update on some of the bills we have been
tracking this legislative session: Modifications to Design/Build Best Value Law (HF 3301, SF
2991) This legislation has moved through several committees in
the house and has had a shorter route through the Senate. It was put into the Senate Omnibus Transportation Policy
Bill (SF 3223) and in the House it remains a stand alone bill (HF 3301) which
is currently in Ways and Means. The language has changed
considerably from what was originally introduced, but still retains features
that ACEC/MN is opposed to. Though we tried to work out our differences with
AGC, in the end we could not support the language. As it currently stands,
the legislation would eliminate any design/build teams whose price is over
120 percent of the lowest responsible bidder. Projects under $25 million
would be excluded from this cap. This is an improvement from what was
originally proposed, but was ultimately unacceptable to the members of
ACEC/MN. Mn/DOT and the Department of Administration are also opposed to the
legislation. Mn/DOT Deputy Commissioner/Chief Engineer Must be a
Licensed Professional Engineer (SF2925, HF3390) This bill is currently part of the Omnibus Transportation
Policy bills in both the House (HF 3800) and the Senate (SF 3223). The House
version would require the Commissioner to appoint two deputy commissioners,
one of which must be a professional engineer. ACEC/MN and the primary sponsor
of the legislation, MSPE, support the Senate version that requires that the
commissioner appoint one deputy commissioner who would act as the chief
engineer and must be a licensed PE. The Senate version also allows the
commissioner to appoint a second deputy commissioner. Mn/DOT supports the
Senate language. Limit Indemnification Clauses in Contracts to Firms Acts
or Omissions (SF2890) This ACEC/MN sponsored legislation was introduced early in
the session in the Senate. Though it was not intended to pass this year, we
were interested in seeing if any groups would oppose it. So far, no group has
opposed the legislation. We are currently seeking an author in the House. If
you know of a Representative that has expressed interest in carrying the
bill, we would like to know about it. The legislation would limit indemnification clauses in
contracts for professional services to only their acts or omissions. It would
cover all persons licensed under the Board of AELSLSAGID. This is in response
to clients that have been requiring
engineering firms to provide indemnification for losses that are not covered
by their professional liability insurance and for which there is no insurance
coverage available. Covering these types of liabilities puts firms at serious
financial risk by assuming risks that cannot be insured. ISTS Contractors Allowed to Design Systems up to
10,000 GPD (SF3386, HF3643) Legislation
sponsored by members of the Minnesota On-Site Wastewater Association (MOWA)
that would permanently allow ISTS contractors to design individual sewage
treatment systems (ISTS) of up to 10,000 gallons per day has been moving
steadily through both the House and Senate. It is in the Senate Omnibus
Environmental bill (SF 3385) and at this time is still a stand alone bill in
the House, though it is expected to be included in the House Omnibus
Environmental bill. ACEC/MN, MPSE and the MPCA have all testified against the
legislation. ACEC/MN sees the legislation as premature and ignores the
conclusions of a task force report ordered by the legislature that recommends
lower limits. Compromise language
introduced by the MPCA would allow contractors to work on systems up to
10,000 gpd or less “where prescriptive designs and design guidances provided
by the MPCA are used, “ has been incorporated in the Senate Omnibus
Environmental bill. This would address some of the concerns that have been
raised by giving the agency more control over the selection and applicability
of systems. Transportation Policy (HF 1351) The transportation policy bill
that was completed last year, but not sent to the governor, has finally
passed out of the Senate this session and has gone to the Governor. ACEC/MN
was able to remove engineering from a provision in the bill that would have
made it harder to provide services to the state. ----------------------------------------------
Last fall, the Consulting Engineers Citizens
Fund Committee challenged member firms to step up and enlist the support of
their employees to contribute to this important activity. Firms with less
than 50 employees were asked to generate a minimum of $300 in contributions
and firms over 50 employees a minimum $500 to meet the challenge. The Citizens Fund is a pass through fund that collects contributions from individuals to be passed on to legislative campaigns for state offices. The fund has grown steadily over the past few years, and this was the committee’s effort to get more individuals involved. The program was a real success, with a substantial increase in the number of contributors. Several firms went way beyond the challenge, especially in the first few weeks of 2008, generating significant contributions from their staff. Thanks to all of the firms that met the challenge and to all individuals who contributed to the fund. Meeting the challenge in 2007 were:
Individuals from an additional 31 firms made
contributions to the Citizens Fund since the challenge began. The final tally
for 2007 was $8700 and the fund has received an additional $32,000 since
January 1, 2008. The Citizens Funds Committee is gearing up
again in May and will be looking to members to continue their support of this
vital effort. Once the legislative session ends May 19, members will be asked
again to help make the consulting engineering professional a stronger voice
in the legislative process through this program. ---------------------------------------------- For the first time, all Minnesota licensed PEs will
renew their licenses online with the MN Board of Licensure. The upcoming
license renewal, due June 30, 2008, will only be available online (Forms
may be downloaded from http://www.aelslagid.state.mn.us/index.html
beginning in May 2008 if you would like to renew by mail) Postcards will be mailed to all licensees in early
May informing licensees how to renew -- no paper renewal forms will be sent. You will need 24 Professional
Development Hours (PDHs) to renew your license (including up to 12 hours of
carryover from your 2006 renewal form). If you have changed addresses
within the last two years, it is suggested you contact the Board of Licensure
to make sure they have a current mailing address on file for you. To update
your address with the board, contact Holly Salmela at holly.a.salmela@state.mn.us.
ACEC/MN will send out summary
sheets to members next week who attended educational events of the past two
years.
---------------------------------------------- Legislative
Committee (Chairperson
– Chris Werner – HDR Engineering) The 2008
Legislative session is scheduled to end by May 19. A few outstanding issues
remain and will be monitored closely:
Also, H.F. 2163 relates
to sales tax base expansion and taxes on professional services. This
bill currently does not include engineering, but is likely to be one of the
big issues of the 2009 session. Membership
Committee (Chairperson
– Dan Grady – Systems Consulting Group)
One of the goals of the ACEC/MN 2007-09
Strategic Plan is to visit member firm offices and give a brief
presentation (15-20 minutes) on how getting involved with the
association will ultimately help employees advance their careers. Examples
given during the presentation were through continuing technical and business
education seminars, various leadership opportunities, increasing
their political/legislative influence and various networking and
social functions to name a few. We know all firms meet with employees in different
ways and at different times (quarterly company meetings, monthly department
meetings -- over breakfast, lunch). If your firm has a meeting that would be
appropriate for the staff to present at, we welcome the opportunity. Simply
send Lynae Peterson an email lpeterson@acecmn.org
indicating your firm’s interest.
Engineering Exploring Post Named “New Post of the Year”
The
ACEC/MN Engineering Exploring Post was honored with the “Learning for Life
Innovation Award” from the Northern Star Council at an awards banquet on
March 18, 2008. ACEC/MN post firms (American Engineering Testing, Braun
Intertec, Bonestroo, Gausman & Moore, Hammel, Green & Abrahamson,
Short Elliott Hendrickson, TKDA) received this award for coming up with
creative, noteworthy and innovative ideas in post programming. Associate Post
Advisor Bruce Paulson (middle) with Bonestroo was also honored with the “Associate Post Advisor of the Year” Award. Bruce
received the award for his wonderful leadership, insight and contributions to
the post.
To bring the post to the next level, three host firms were added, the post met more frequently (every other Monday) students were put into project teams and more hands on exercises were implemented. The first project the explorers tackled was to design a fictitious “SuperTarget Store.” Each firm worked with the explorers to illustrate how their firm contributed to the overall project. The post experienced an
enormous increased in explorers, growing from 15 to 90 and the feedback has
been extremely positive to the new format. The group’s current program is
focused on bridge design. Representatives from the Minnesota Department of
Transportation kicked of the winter post meetings by discussing the new 35W
bridge project. ---------------------------------------------- Mark Your Calendars for June Scholarship Golf
Tournament Once again, Geopier Foundation Company –
Midwest has agreed to be the title sponsor of the ACEC/MN annual scholarship golf tournament. This
year’s tournament will be held on Monday, June 23 at Oak Marsh in
Oakdale. The tournament is a four-person scramble with
several contests and opportunities to win prizes – including a chance to win
$10,000 cash on several holes (last year, an employee from Barr Engineering
actually hit a hole in one and took home the cash)! Last year, the tournament sold out early with
sponsors and golfers and provided more than $14,000 to the scholarship fund.
The tournament brochure and registration is being finalized and will be
mailed to members next week. See you on the links! ---------------------------------------------- News From Around the Membership
Several
employees recently joined Ulteig’s Minneapolis office. Niles
Bierschenk, Tony Goddard, Matt Lohry and Ben Moeller have joined the firm’s
energy services department. David Galey, PE has joined Van Sickle, Allen & Associates’
(VAA’s) staff as a Senior
Structural Engineer. American Engineering Testing, Inc. announced
Zachary A. Erickson eanred his ICC Reinforced Concrete Special Inspector
Certification; Greg Prom earned his Certified Hazardous Materials Managers
(CHMM) Certification; and Joe Bentler earned his professional engineering
license in Minnesota. LKPB Engineers, Inc. (LKPB)
promoted mechanical engineer Michael Westemeier, P.E., to Principal and
Partner in the firm. Sebesta Blomberg announced the promotion of
Brian Rener, P.E. LEED AP as President, Central Region; Anand Seth to
National Director - Healthcare Market; and Randolph (Randy) Thompson as
Northeast Regional President. WSB & Associates, Inc. (WSB)
announced Brian Bourassa, PE, Senior Project Manager – Business Development
joined the firm’s Minneapolis Office and Kate Miner, PE joined the St.
Cloud office as a Transportation Engineer.
LHB, Inc. announced the addition of the
following new employees to the firm. In Minneapolis Jeff Blackwell, Public
Works Civil Group as a Civil Project Engineer; Troy Gallas and Tina Jenson
Integrated Building Design Group as Designers. In Duluth, Christopher Miller,
Public Works Structures Group as a Structural Designer; John Townsend,
Integrated Building Design Group as an Electrical Project Manager; Nicole
Morse, Public Works Civil Group as an Engineering Technician; and Megan
Morton, Public Works Civil Group as a Civil Designer. Fred Halfen has been selected to lead Ayres Associates’
energy corridors initiative. Affiliate member Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Company
(HRH) Engineers & Architects, announced the firm’s President Dan
Buelow was named a 2008 Power Broker in the Construction industry segment by Risk
& Insurance Magazine. Westwood Professional Services Inc.,
announced that Gretchen Landini and Paul Schroeder have become Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) through
the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
HDR announced Jerome W. Mulvihill, PE, as Project
Manager for Wind Power in Minneapolis. On the Move
American Engineering Testing, Inc., opened
its newest office in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Located at 575 Schommer Drive, Suite C, Hudson, WI 54016 (phone
(715) 377-4666 or fax (715) 377-4667). Chad Underwood, P.E, P.G., will
provide the technical leadership for the Hudson office. In Memoriam
Bruce Lake, Human Resource
Director at Ulteig Engineers in Fargo, ND, passed away at the Veterans
Administration Medical Center in Fargo on Thursday, March 27, 2008. ---------------------------------------------- I-35W
Bridge Updates Available Construction is moving along on the rebuilding of the
I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. The first of the superstructure concrete pours
occurred earlier this month. Main span segments are being cast at the rate of
at least five per week. If you would like to receive weekly construction updates
from Mn/DOT (including narratives and photos and future progress), visit http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101510483087&p=oi and enter your email. Previous weekly updates can be
viewed at www.mndot.gov. ---------------------------------------------- ACEC/MN’s Free Library Filled With Valuable Publications If you haven’t checked out the ACEC/MN library recently,
you’re missing out on some wonderful resources. The library contains
textbooks and manuals on topics including human resources, risk management,
project management and ethics in engineering. Visit www.acecmn.org for a complete a complete list
of ACEC/MN publications. ACEC/MN also negotiated
a special discount for ACEC/MN members on ZweigWhite publications. ZweigWhite
is a resource for management consulting, information, and education for the
design and construction industry. ACEC/MN members can now order any regular
priced ZweigWhite publication and receive a 25 percent discount. However, to
take advantage of this offer, ACEC/MN members must order these publications
through Melissa Langowski at melissa@acecmn.org To access a list of
ZweigWhite publications, simply log onto to www.zweigwhite.com ---------------------------------------------- Are you trying to
fulfill your continuing education credits but you’re not sure where to look
for classes? Check out the ACEC/MN web site www.acecmn.org
to review classes, seminars and conferences available. In addition to ACEC/MN
sponsored events, other educational opportunities provided by outside groups
are listed with registration and contact information. Here’s a brief recap of
ACEC/MN sponsored events coming up: ---------------------------------------------- “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what
we give.” -- Winston
Churchill
If you have an
announcement you’d like to see included in the next Parameters newsletter,
please contact: Lynae M. Peterson, lpeterson@acecmn.org, P: 952-593-5533 F:
952-593-5552 |
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