May 2008
Record Attendance at
Annual Meeting in Duluth
2008-09 Board of Directors
Announced
Committee
Highlights Featured In Annual Report
Seminar Topics and
Presenters Wanted for 2008-09
Mn/DOT Consultants
Conference - Part 2
June 23 Scholarship Golf
Tournament – SOLD OUT
Framework’s “Show Me the Money”
Issue Receiving Rave Reviews
Multi-Family Construction
Defect Litigation Seminar
News From Around the Membership
Softball
Tournament Nearly Filled With Teams
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Record Attendance at Annual Meeting in Duluth
Over 85 ACEC/MN members and their families and
guests gathered in at the Historic Duluth Depot to celebrate highlights of
the past year and to recognize member achievements at the May 16 annual
meeting. After socializing with friends and colleagues
at dinner, members boarded a private train for a 45-minute trip through downtown Duluth, Canal park, and deep into
the majestic Northwoods, while enjoying dessert. The following members and firms were honored during the awards ceremony:
This year’s President’s Award was presented to Lyndsey
Alm with Environmental Resources Management (pictured receiving award
from president Bill Bennett) This award is presented to an individual
employed by a member firm that has made a significant contribution to the
association and has shown to be a credit to the consulting engineering
profession over the past year. Lyndsey has a unique mixture of technical and
interpersonal skills that make her not only a great employee, but also a
valuable asset to ACEC and the engineering industry. Her commitment to the
engineering profession goes well beyond her job. For the past five years,
she’s been active with ACEC/MN, serving on the board of directors and
participating on several committees including scholarship, education,
environmental and membership. She was
also instrumental in creating the newly formed Emerging Professionals
Committee. Another noteworthy accomplishment is this person received the 2007
Young Engineer of the Year Award from ACEC National and was featured in USA
Today. Three life members were honored during the awards ceremony.
Larry McMurtry with Clark Engineering, Larry Molsather with Barr
Engineering and Dennis Leslie with Emanuelson-Podas, all retired
from active practice and have contributed a great deal to ACEC/MN and the
committees they served on over the years. Congratulations
to all of our award winners. It’s active and giving members and firms that
make this association so successful!
2008-09
Board of Directors Announced
The following slate of officers was approved at the May
16, 2008 ACEC/MN annual meeting: President George
D. Kluempke, Braun Intertec Corporation President-Elect Bret
M. Farmer, TKDA Vice President Glenn G.
Schreiner, SEH Treasurer Robert J. Struve, American
Engineering Testing, Inc. Past President William
D. Bennett, LHB Directors
Lyndsey J. Alm Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Scott E. Buscher Westwood Professional Services, Inc. Jeffrey A. Coleman Coleman Hull & van Vliet, PLLP John W. Dillingham Alliant Engineering, Inc. Kathleen C. John TSP, Inc. Pat M. McGraw Bonestroo Lance E. Newman Progressive
Consulting Engineers Avo Toghramadjian SRF
Young Engineer Eric
M. Bunkers, Mattson Macdonald Young
Committee Highlights Featured In Annual Report
The 2007-08 annual report was prepared for attendees at
the May 16 annual meeting. This report includes information on the new Board
of Directors, the association budget for the next fiscal year and committee
highlights and achievements from the past year. If you would like a copy of
the annual report mailed or e-mailed to you contact Lynae Peterson at lpeterson@acecmn.org.
Considering the battles that have raged at the end of the
last few legislative sessions, this year’s session ended on a surprisingly
quiet note. Agreement on the final major bills were reached just before the
adjournment deadline and there seemed to be at least the semblance of
cooperation between the legislature and the Governor. There still may be some
fireworks over the next few days if the Governor exercises his veto pen on
some of the bills that were passed at the end of the session. Most of the issues that ACEC/MN tracked this session came
out in our favor. We had some minor disappointments, but overall it was a
pretty good session for the engineering profession. We finally saw a major
transportation funding package pass, significant bonding and supplemental
bonding bill pass, onerous design/build best value procedures for Mn/DOT
projects did not pass, and the building code was adopted as the standard
throughout the state for new construction and remodeling. Here is an update on some of the bills we tracked during
this past session: Modifications to Mn/DOT Design/Build Best Value Law (HF
3301, SF 2991) After going through numerous changes, the bill finally
shed most of the features we were opposed to, and added a requirement that a
report be made to the legislature in 2010 on the effect of changes to the
design/build law. In the end, the modified version of the bill passed in the
House, was sent to the Senate and was not acted upon, thus killing the bill
for this legislative session. We expect this issue to arise again in the next
legislative session. This legislation moved through several committees in the
house and has had a shorter route through the Senate. It once was part of the Senate Omnibus Transportation Policy Bill (SF
3223) but was removed after the threatened veto of the bill over this
provision. The bill never made it to the House’s version of the Omnibus
Transportation Bill. The language has changed considerably
throughout the session, and the final version in the House eliminated the
formula that would have rejected any design/build teams whose price is over
120 percent of the lowest responsible bidder. ACEC/MN opposition to the
legislation was based primarily on our opposition to this provision, though
there were other features of the bill that we were opposed to. Mn/DOT and the
Department of Administration were also opposed to the legislation. Mn/DOT Deputy Commissioner/Chief Engineer Must be a
Licensed Professional Engineer (SF2925, HF3390) This bill lead a torturous path through the legislative
session, passed in both the House and Senate in differing versions, was part
of the second Omnibus Transportation Policy bill, was pulled from that bill,
was used as a vehicle to carry several other transportation related
provisions, and finally in the end, it died. There was considerable effort
invested in what was a simple bill that would have required that the Mn/DOT
Commissioner, or the Deputy Commissioner be a licensed professional engineer
and act as the chief engineer. Ultimately the Governor’s office objected to the legislature
dictating to the executive branch how they would make their appointments. It
was thought at one time that an agreement had been reached with the
Governor’s office on the language, but that did not pan out in the end. Limit Indemnification Clauses in Contracts to Firms Acts
or Omissions (SF2890) ACEC/MN sponsored this legislation early in the
legislative session. Our goal was to find out what groups would be opposed or
in support of this legislative session, and make a concerted attempt to pass
it in the 2009 legislative session. We had no groups come forward in
opposition to the legislation, and we will be working on gathering supporting
organizations for our efforts next year.
The legislation limits indemnification clauses in
contracts for professional services to only their acts or omissions. It
covers all persons licensed under the Board of AELSLSAGID. The legislation is
in response to members complaints that 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. 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 permanently
allows ISTS contractors to design individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS)
of up to 10,000 gallons per day passed, but with a modification that requires
contractors to follow prescriptive designs and design guidances provided by
the MPCA. This puts the agency more in control over the selection and
applicability of these systems and is less objectionable than the original
legislation. . Transportation Policy I (HF 3486) The
transportation policy bill that was completed last year but not acted on in
the last session was passed and signed into law by the Governor this session.
Of particular importance in the bill was a provision introduced by ACEC/MN
that removed engineering and other design professionals from the Taxpayers
Transportation Accountability Act, a section in the bill that would have made
it much harder to provide services to the state by private entities. The Act
requires a comparison between the costs of services provided by private and
state employees, and that the private provider must be shown to be less
costly than the service provided by state employees. Trans Policy II (HF3800) passed
on the last day and was sent to the governor. It has no provisions that were
of any controversy for ACEC/MN. The governor had objected to primary offense
seat belt violations and other provisions. The bill is on the Governor’s desk
awaiting his signature at the time of this writing. State Building
Code Applies Statewide to Construction, Reconstruction, Alteration and Repair
of Buildings (HF3574)
This bill which passed and was signed into law by the Governor establishes the State Building Code (SBC) as the standard across the state for all new construction and remodeling of all buildings regulated by the SBC in all municipalities, no matter what population. Currently only all municipalities in the 7 county
metro area, those municipalities that had a code on July 1,1972 and those
that have chosen to adopt the SBC are enforcing it today. This is about 422
cities, 20 counties and 65 townships. This bill clarifies that those municipalities that
are enforcing the SBC, cannot repeal it, unless they are less than 2500
population and are outside of the 7 county metro area. This bill does not require any action by those
municipalities who are not currently enforcing the SBC, if they choose they
can pass an ordinance to enforce the SBC. All exemptions listed in law remain; such as Ag
buildings are not required to comply to the SBC when located on Ag land. The SBC is comprised of the following codes that
are not statewide mandatory today:
Commercial building, Residential building, Mechanical, Energy and
Residential Plumbing that are on their own well and septic system. The following
codes are already statewide mandatory:
Electrical, Elevator, Accessibility, High Pressure Piping, Boiler,
Manufactured Home and Commercial Plumbing. This
bill also amends the State Building Code to allow the limited use of ungraded
lumber. Any new construction litigation would use the SBC as the standard for
all projects regulated by the SBC. ---------------------------------------------- Seminar Topics and Presenters Wanted
for 2008-09
· Seminars
on business and marketing related topics · Forecasting
events with various state agencies, counties, etc., to discuss long-term project plans and budgets · Monthly
meetings offered over lunch on various business and industry related topics · Brown
bags are free, one hour technical presentations (venders provide lunch) ---------------------------------------------- ACEC Retirement Trust Renews Contract with Prudential/Wachovia Trustees of the ACEC Retirement Trust have announced a
new three-year contract with Prudential Retirement and Wachovia Securities.
The new contract focuses on continuing the high-level of service to the
Member Firms, and passes on even greater savings to both the firms and their
employees.
The Trust provides
retirement programs to ACEC Member Firms at discounted rates. Retirement
programs available include 401k, Profit Sharing, Defined Benefit, Deferred
Compensation, ESOP, Simple IRAs and more, for member firms of all sizes. Under the new contract, the average ACEC plan will save roughly 50 percent on its investment and administrative expenses. To receive a proposal, plan comparison analysis or more information, contact Nancy Barrette at Wachovia Securities 218-433-8562. ----------------------------------------------
The February Mn/DOT Consultants Conference was held only days after the passage of the transportation-funding bill, thus districts were unable to report on how that funding would affect their programs. With additional funds now available from that funding package, a consolidated conference will be held for the consulting engineering community to learn how Mn/DOT’s plans for upcoming projects may have changed and what consultant resources will be needed to deliver the program. This free
event will take place on Friday, June 6, from 8:30 – 12 p.m. at HIWAY Federal
Credit Union in St. Paul. HIWAY
Federal Credit Union has graciously offered to cover all the costs of this
event. Due to limited space, we must restrict the number of attendees to a
maximum of two per firm. Please RSVP
to the Melissa at Melissa@acecmn.org
no later than June 2.
Once again, Geopier Foundation Company – Midwest has
agreed to be the title sponsor of the ACEC/MN annual
scholarship golf tournament. This year’s “sold out” tournament will be held
Monday, June 23 at Oak Marsh in Oakdale. Golfers will have five chances to win $10,000 cash by hitting a
hole in one and last year an employee from Barr actually won! Sponsorship
opportunities are still available including Eagle ($500) and Birdie ($200) or
you could get creative with a par (raffle) sponsorship. Contact Melissa
at Melissa@acecmn.org if you would
like to sponsor a hole or event. So far, this year’s hole sponsorship include:
Registration will run from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
(Lunch available for purchase). During that time, golfers can hit the driving
range with a free bucket of balls sponsored by Dennis J. Linder &
Associates. A shotgun start will occur at 12 p.m, followed by
dinner/awards/prizes at 5 p.m. If you are not able to golf, but would like to
join us for dinner, you can purchase a ticket for $30 and come socialize and
network with your peers and try your luck at the raffle (prizes valued at over $3000). For directions to the Oak Marsh
G.C. http://www.wpgolf.com/oakmarsh/map.html, or call the course at
651.730.8886. Framework’s “Show Me the Money” Issue Receiving Rave Reviews Hot off the press…the spring Framework
client newsletter “Show Me the Money: How Member Firms Assist Clients in
Securing Project Funds” is getting the attention of your clients. The
issue, which hit stands last week, was distributed to more
than 2,000 clients of our member firms. Highlights of this issue
include:
If you would like extra copies of
the issue, contact Lynae Peterson lpeterson@acecmn.org. The richness of Framework’s
content is largely dependent on the submissions we receive from our member
firms. We welcome and greatly appreciate your participation as we develop
future topics. If a specific story idea or general content suggestions, we
would like to hear from you! This is a great (and free!) opportunity to raise
your company’s profile in the minds of potential clients, as well as within
your professional community. Multi-Family Construction Defect Litigation Seminar
Construction defect lawsuits are abounding. Learn about
litigation from the authorities who handle these cases every day. Gain
the basic tools, and more, to fashion demands, recognize insurance coverage
issues, use liability and damage experts, value your claims, conduct
mediation and try your case. The speakers represent all sides of the
matter: plaintiff; defense; insurance; expert witness; and mediator. If you
are interested in learning more Click
here to view the full brochure. To
register for this seminar contact Kim Basting at kbasting@mnbar.com by June 4.
News From Around the Membership
Braun
Intertec recently
promoted Neil G. Lund, P.E., to a Staff Engineer; Nathan L. McKinney, P.E.,
and Joshua L. Kirk, P.E., to Project Engineers; and Daniel B. Mahrt, P.E to a
Senior Engineer. Richard
A. Schoenthaler has accepted the position of chief financial officer for Ayres
Associates. Landform
welcomes Mike Jungbauer to the firm as a Water Resources Manager in the
Planning & Urban
Design Studio. Christine Moss recently become a Certified Professional
in Erosion and Sediment Control™ (CPESC®). Christopher Call is
now a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Janele Taveggia, PE, is now a
licensed professional engineer in Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio
and Pennsylvania and Daniel Hughes, PE, is now a licensed professional
engineer in Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North
Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Westwood Professional Services Inc., announced the addition of Rick Packer to the Energy Services group. DLR
Group welcomed Renee Fine as their new Director of Workplace
Strategies.
---------------------------------------------- Softball Tournament Nearly Filled With Teams Mark your calendars now for the 28th Annual ACEC/MN
Scholarship Softball Tournament in Memorial of DuWayne “Dewey” Kasma.
This annual event will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2008, at Valley View
Fields in Bloomington. This event raises funds for scholarships that are
awarded each year to deserving Minnesota engineering students. If your
firm would like to participate in the tournament, contact Melissa Langowski
at 952-593-5533. ACEC worked with the Kasma family to remember “Dewey” by naming the yearly softball scholarship fundraiser after him. In return, the family has made a donation in memory of Dewey that will be added to the ACEC Scholarship Fund. DuWayne “Dewey” Kasma was a registered civil engineer. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and worked his entire career at TKDA from 1963 until his death at age 48 in 1988. He managed the Municipal Department from 1968 to 1976, established TKDA’s Marketing Department and was named Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors in 1978. He was a member of ACEC, MPWA, CEAM and MSPE. ---------------------------------------------- “A wise man can see more from the bottom of a well than a
fool can from a mountain top.” “Unknown” ---------------------------------------------- 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 |
