News

On May 28, the Structural Engineers Foundation of Washington (SEFW) will host Behind-the-Scenes Stories of Washington State’s Latest Generation of Unusual Buildings, an educational forum at the Davenport Hotel. SEFW has successfully executed two Forums in the Seattle area, and is excited to bring the efforts to Eastern Washington.

 

The Forum will be presented by Jon Magnusson, P.E., S.E, Hon. AIA, Senior Principal at Magnusson Klemencic Associates of Seattle. Behind-the-Scenes Stories of Washington State’s Latest Generation of Unusual Buildings will highlight the history, politics, architecture, engineering, and construction of iconic Washington projects, including the NFL and MLB stadiums, Seattle Central Library, Experience Music Project, a well-known project in Spokane, and others.

 

The Forum will not be an “engineering” lecture and is intended for anyone with a broad range of interest in the built environment. It is anticipated that many audiences will find the lecture worthwhile, such as owners, developers, architects, contractors, engineers, students, media representatives, and the general public.

 

Details of the Forum are as follows:

• May 28, 2013
• Davenport Hotel, Isabella Room
• Pre-function reception, 5 PM; Lecture, 6 PM
• Free to the public
• Capacity is limited

Registration is required at www.sefw.org

 

Jon Magnusson gave a similar presentation at the SEFW 2011 Fall Forum in Seattle and more than 450 people attended the event.

RESOLUTION OF THE OFFICERS OF INLAND NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS

 

We, the undersigned, being all of the Officers of Inland Northwest AGC and the Chapter’s Executive Council, hereby make the following resolution and consent to the action indicated below.

 

WHEREAS, Gary Hite passed from this earth on May 1^st, 2013, way too early and long before his time;

 

WHEREAS, Gary was a long time and valuable member of this AGC Chapter, contributing tirelessly to its causes and efforts;

 

WHEREAS, Gary was at the time of his passing a current member of the Chapter’s Board of Directors;

 

WHEREAS, Gary was, as well, at the time of his passing the Chapter’s Second Vice-President, on his way to becoming President;

 

WHEREAS, We all desire to recognize Gary’s many contributions to the Chapter and to the construction industry, and as much as we can, to honor his memory,

 

THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY:

 

RESOLVED that The INW AGC Board of Directors hereby names Gary Hite to be a Board Member Emeritus in Perpetuity

 

DATED this 10^th day of May, 2013.

Click here to see a copy of a letter sent to several AGC member companies across the county. As you will see, the sender claims to be the “licensing agent” for the owner of a patent to any “system” for scanning documents and then emailing them to “employee computers” through a “local area network.”  The letter demands detailed evidence that the recipient is not infringing on the alleged patent or payment of a license fee for the “fair price” of $1,000 per employee.” The letter also warns that “[p]atents are exclusive property rights granted by law, and there can be serious consequences for infringement,” including liability for “treble . . . damages” and “litigation costs.” 

 

This particular letter came from DesNot, LLC.  One of the other letters came from BarMas, LLC and the third came from DucPla, LLC.   In each case, the member also received follow-up letters, directly threatening litigation, from Farney Daniels PC, a law firm in Georgetown, Texas.

Patent lawyers refer to this kind of activity “patent trolling.”   An internet article on the subject reveals that small businesses in many industries have received the same letter from an assortment of shell companies with similar six-letter names, such as AllLed, AdzPro, GosNel and Faslan AccNum, , CalNeb, ChaPac, FanPar, FulNer, and HunLos.  The article adds that follow-up letters have frequently come from Hill, Kertscher & Wharton, a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.  (If you would like to read the article, simply click here.)

 

AGC of America would like to hear from any companies that have received similar letters to determine the impact on our membership and if any legal action is necessary on our part. Please forward any copies to Cheryl Stewart.

A celebration of life will be held at Real Life Ministries, 1866 N. Cecil, Post Falls, Idaho, on May 11th at 11:00 a.m. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service at the CDA Inn at W 506 Appleway, Coeur d'alene, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to River City Hospice in Post Falls, Idaho.

Burke Construction Group is pleased to announce that Vice President / Pacific Northwest Division Manager Matt Boyd recently won the 2013 Best of the West Community Relations Award – Individual from the West Plains Chamber of Commerce.

 

“Burke Construction Group has a proud reputation for award winning excellence but is also recognized for industry leadership and a longstanding history of volunteerism. Matt’s recent honor is a credit to his unique brand of leadership with community service and underscores the high regard in which Burke Construction Group is known for by the West Plains Chamber membership”, said Burke Construction Group President & CEO, Kevin Burke.

 

As Vice President and Division Manager of Burke Construction Group's Pacific Northwest Division , Matt Boyd has spent over three decades building and managing nationally recognized projects throughout the country. Mr. Boyd is a member of Greater Spokane International and the Inland Northwest Chapter of The Associated General Contractors (AGC). Mr. Boyd also is Vice Chairman of the Cheney Merchants Association and serves on the Economic Development Committee for the West Plains Chamber of Commerce. Active in the community, Mr. Boyd currently works with the YMCA of Spokane as a Youth at Risk Committee member, Habitat for Humanity and several other youth leadership programs. Mr. Boyd is a graduate of the Geneva Christian College, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with Cum Laude Honors and also has Certificates of Completion in Negotiation from the Harvard School of Law.

 

For more information, please contact Loralee Jones with Burke Construction Group at 702-367-1040.

Rules for the proper handling, removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials are in place to protect people from exposure to microscopic asbestos fibers. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung and gastrointestinal cancers. There are stiff fines for improperly disturbing, removing or disposing of asbestos containing materials.

 

While conducting on-site visits at construction sites, including renovation and demolition projects, inspectors with the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency often come across three asbestos compliance issues. There are other issues, but most result from failing to meet requirements in these three areas:

 

Issue: Failing to Obtain an Asbestos Survey.
An asbestos survey is the identification and testing of suspect asbestos containing materials in or on a structure prior renovation or demolition. In most cases, the survey must be done by an accredited AHERA Building Inspector. It makes no difference how old or new the structure is, an asbestos survey must be completed. And, it doesn’t matter if you think asbestos is present or not, you need to demonstrate it by having a survey completed and posted on-site for inspection.

 

Issue: Not Submitting a Notice of Intent
A Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted to Spokane Clean Air along with the associated fee before beginning an asbestos removal project (renovation, demolition, clean-up, repair or maintenance). A copy of the NOI must be posted on-site for inspection.

 

Issue: I own the building and I am doing the renovation work myself, so these rules don’t apply to me.
The rules do apply unless there is an applicable exception. One such exception is if you can demonstrate the building is a single family home you own and live in as your primary residence, and you are doing the work yourself, then you don’t have to hire a certified AHERA Building Inspector to conduct an asbestos survey, unless the work includes demolition. However, everyone has to follow the rules for handling and disposing of asbestos. That is why we encourage homeowners to have an AHERA Building Inspector perform a survey, or the homeowners may submit samples to a laboratory themselves to determine if asbestos is present.

 

A variety of asbestos guidance materials are available at www.spokanecleanair.org, or call Spokane Clean Air at 477-4727 for assistance.

The changes to WA State’s dig law began January 1, 2013.  The following are some of the changes affecting excavators:

 

You must mark excavation area in white paint or flags, then enter your locate request.  OR if boundary marking is infeasible, the excavator must communicate directly with affected utilities to ensure the boundary is accurately identified.

 

Besides a locate request, you must confer with utilities IF project is more than 700 linear feet and/or multiple sites.

 

Maintained locate marks are now only good from the day of the request for 45 days OR the duration of the project whichever is shortest.  (What is your plan for the 46th day?)

 

You may not proceed until all known facilities are marked OR provided information regarding underground facilities (utilities).  Water appurtenance clause remains, BUT sewer laterals are to have a triangular mark and provided available information.

 

The WA UTC will be keeping track of events resulting in scrapes, gouges, dents, cracks or any other visible damage to utility lines.  They must be reported by the excavator and the utility within 45 days of the event to the commission’s DIRT reporting tool.  Go to: www.utc.wa.gov/publicsafety, select Public Safety, click Damage Reporting, then click “Virtual Dirt”.  Register your company and select the WA State Utility Transportation Commission shared Dirt line at the very bottom of the list on the right side of screen.

 

If applying for a permit from the state, county or city where you will be undertaking excavation within 100 feet of a transmission pipeline, the permtting agency must:

(a)   notify the transmission pipeline company of the proposed excavation before such a permit is approved;  OR

•(b)   require consultation between the person proposing the excavation and the transmission pipeline company as a condition of receiving the permit. (The Utilities Transportation Commission can provide maps)

 

The new law has set up the creation of a Safety Committee to:

(a)   Advise the UTC and the legislature on best practices and training to prevent damage to utility lines, and policies to enhance worker and public safety; AND

(b)   Review complaints alleging violation of RCW19.122  (anyone may file a complaint about a dig law violation, which will result in a hearing at or before the quarterly meetings of the Washington Utilities Coordinating Council)

 

See web site www.washington-ucc.org for the complete law text.

The Inland Northwest AGC presented its 2012 Build Northwest Awards for project excellence on Friday, February 1, 2013 during its annual convention at the Davenport Hotel.

 

The AGC’s Build Northwest Awards honor contractors who build the region’s most impressive construction projects in a variety of sectors and project sizes. Judged by a panel of project-neutral peers, winners are selected based on the following criteria: Difficulty in construction resulting from design, location, materials, etc.; unusual construction techniques involved; final appearance and quality of the finished product; timeliness of completion; company’s safety performance on this project.

 

“Each year the competition for these awards gets tougher and tougher," said AGC Executive Director Wayne Brokaw. “Our contractors are continually raising the bar for excellence in construction through new technologies and increased efficiencies."

 

US 395/NSC US 2 to Wandermere Vicinity

Graham Construction & Management, Inc.

 

Award Category: Highway and Transportation – New Construction

Owner: Washington State Department Of Transportation

Contract Amount: $37,540,555

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: KLB Construction, Malcolm Drilling, Columbia Basin Rebar, Inland Asphalt, Colvico Inc., John Wayne Construction, Pre-Mix Concrete & Prestress, Sharp-line Industries and Frank Gurney, Inc.

 

Project Description

The US 395/NSC US2 to Wandermere project provides for the construction for 1.68 miles of new 4-lane limited-access roadway, ramp connectors at the US 2 interchange, and a new interchange at US395/Division Street.

 

This project is the 8th contract let by WSDOT, and 2nd awarded to Graham, on the North Spokane Corridor megaproject. The $37,540,555 contract was awarded in August of 2009.

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Keene Road-Phase 3 B

West Company, Inc.

 

Award Category: Highway and Transportation - Renovation

Owner: City Of Richland

Architect/Engineer: David McMullan/Julie Nelson

Contract Amount: $3,564,290.15

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Adams & Smith, Columbia Basin Rebar, Pavement Surface Control, Frank Gurney, Inc., John Wayne Construction, Sierra Electric, Premium Hydro Solutions/Aero Power Vac., White Shield and American Coatings.

 

Project Description

This project entailed converting an existing 20’ wide steel box girder Railroad Bridge into a 41’-3” wide 3-lane Traffic and Pedestrian Bridge spanning 418’ in length over Interstate 182.

 

More than anything, the design of this project was the greatest contributor to its difficulty. The design itself was very complete and accurate; however, the sheer nature of it is what made this project a challenge from start to finish. The design incorporated utilizing portions of the existing bridge substructure and superstructure to construct the new bridge.

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Westview Elementary School

Leone & Keeble Inc.

 

Award Category: Building ($10 Million and Over)

Owner: Spokane Public Schools

Architect/Engineer: ALSC Architects

Contract Amount: $10,569,961

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Spilker Masonry, Kilgore Tec Products, Premier Electric, Tyko Mechanical, Summit Mechanical.

 

Project Description

The new Westview Elementary School located in Spokane, WA is a replacement school built adjacent to the previous school building. The unique structure combines a multitude of architectural features and finishes. The structure is a combination of concrete, steel, and structural masonry.

 

The 2-story structure encompasses 58,988 square feet of floor space. There are 25 classrooms, computer lab / library, multi-purpose room with stage, full hot-serve kitchen, gymnasium, art and music rooms, administrative support spaces, and common areas. Site development includes parking for vehicles and a playground area. Future plans include removal of the old school building and installation of ball fields.

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Orient Elementary School

Burke Construction Group, Inc.

 

Award Category: Building (Under $10 Million) - Renovation

Owner: Orient School District #65

Architect/Engineer: ALSC Architects / Structural Forte

Contract Amount: $4,377,118.74

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Arctic Lighting & Electric, Colville Construction, Construction Services Group , Dempsey Masonry, E-Z Construction, Floor Mart, Helos, Inland Waterproofing, Intermountain West Insulation, L&S Engineering, Otis Elevator, RC Mechanical, Roper Construction, T&T Roofing, Winkler Construction.

 

Project Description

The Original School was built in 1910 is the longest continually running school in the state of Washington. The design of the building was kept so that the new addition and remodel would incorporate the look and feel of the building as it was originally made. This took a thorough understanding and specialists in order to restore the exterior portions of the existing building and match the new building as closely as possible.

 

Burke Construction Group worked closely with the Orient School District and ALSC Architects in order to ensure that they were providing the most cost effective design within budgetary constraints that would at the same time highlight the natural beauty of the structure as well as provide the desired functionality necessary for the school.

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Northern Quest Casino Laundry & Warehouse

Garco Construction, Inc.

 

Award Category: Building (Under $10 Million) – New Construction

Owner: Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority

Architect/Engineer: Garco Construction, Inc.

Contract Amount: $4,040,000

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Eller Corporation, Simplex Grinnell, Steelhead Mechanical, Anderson Masonry, Boone Electric, Mackin and Little, Modern Drywall.

 

Project Description

The Northern Quest Casino Laundry Facility and Warehouse is a 65,000 SF facility designed to meet the casino’s needs for a warehouse facility that could also house a commercial laundry facility large enough to facilitate the growing casino.

 

Garco’s in-house designers developed a design incorporating all the existing architectural elements of the Resort & Casino and the Legacy Landing Convenient Store while creating an efficient laundry and warehouse facility.

 

Started on May 15th 2012, the Casino was able to wash hotel laundry by August 15th. The entire facility was completed on September 15th 2012.

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OR99E:MLK/Grand O-Xing UPRR Viaduct

Max J. Kuney Company

 

Award Category: Out of Area

Owner: Oregon Department Of Transportation

Contract Amount: $68.9 Million

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Apply-A-Line, AVAR, B Gentle, Dirt & Agg, Glacier Northwest, Harris, Hogan, KF Jacobsen , Knife river, Kodiak, Malcolm Drilling, Morse Bros, Pacific Precast, Precast By Design, PSI, Station Demolition, Sundown Electric, Valley Growers, Westlake

 

Project Description

The OR99E: MLK/Grand O-xing UPRR Viaduct project involved reconstructing the 1,700 foot long viaduct running through the heart of the Portland industrial district.

 

The new viaduct is a composite structure consisting of three box girder spans over very active railroad tracks, and 9 pre-cast girder spans, crossing over several local streets.

 

The project had numerous engineering challenges, such as providing a temporary bridge to carry live southbound OR99E traffic, and an extremely narrow corridor to work in. The project also included pile driving, falsework shoring, heavy lifts, staged demolition, retrofit of existing structures, post tensioning, and architectural elements.

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Security Barrier Concrete Blocks Fabrication

WM. Winkler Company

 

Award Category: Special Projects

Owner: Energy Northwest

Architect/Engineer: Energy Northwest

Contract Amount: $1,066,788

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Columbia Basin Rebar

 

Project Description

The project included the construction of a security barrier needed to improve security and comply with new Homeland Security laws at the Columbia Generating Station-Energy Northwest near Richland, Washington.

 

Work encompassed 4,626 cubic yards of Self Consolidating Concrete (SCC), 103 tons of reinforcing steel and 21,090 square feet of contact form.

 

Although the RFP was for a conventional precast product, Wm. Winkler Co. proposed an alternative utilizing the features of a cast in place scenario. The SCC offered significant time savings in providing early strength for picking and hauling to the project and minimal form time required before stripping the forms and re/setting on adjacent casting slabs.

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2012 CDA Casino Parking Construction

Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc.

 

Award Category: Small Projects

Owner: Coeur D’Alene Casino

Architect/Engineer: CLC & Associates

Contract Amount: $700,000.00

 

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Poe self-performed base rock and asphalt paving. The Casino used other contractors for earth work, electrical and striping.

 

Project Description

The Coeur d’ Alene Casino is ever expanding its foot print in size. As a result, the need for yet another parking lot was required to handle the influx of people who visit their facility on a daily basis.

 

Starting in 2009, the Casino embarked on a major renovation of its existing facilities, added a new Hotel structure, and changed the landscape to accommodate a large parking area. The roadways into and out of the Casino had to be rerouted and modified. Ever problematic storm water had to be tamed, controlled, and handled, and making a place for the thousands of cars that enter and leave the facility daily had to be drawn up.

 

Upon completion of the parking area, roadways, and SH-58 off-ramp tie-in, the project had changed the landscape forever.

During the first six months of 2012, Lydig employees spent over 6,600 hours training and fund raising for The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. The company raised over $110,000 toward lifesaving research and was recognized for setting a new standard in corporate philanthropy, as they had the largest corporate team ever to participate in this event.

 

On January 16, the AGC of America and its charitable arm, AGC Charities, Inc. named Lydig a Member Company Winner of the 2013 AGC in the Community Award! This program is designed to showcase the community service efforts of AGC Chapters and members that epitomize the essence of charitable giving through actual hands-on service and donations to charitable organizations.

 

Congratulations to Lydig for this well-deserved honor.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) announces its 2012 National

AGCSafety Awards (NASA) Program.  The deadline for submission to your Chapter is January 18, 2013.

The National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program has been an ongoing effort since 1991 to offer AGC members an opportunity to evaluate their safety record.  NASA compares an AGC member’s safety record with other AGC members according to the member size and construction type.  Additionally, NASA provides a great opportunity for contractor members who have excellent safety records to compete for nationally recognized awards.

 

Eligibility:

AGCcontractor members must have participated in the National AGCSafety Awards Program for three consecutive years in order to be eligible for an award. This means a member must have participated in the program for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012 in order to be eligible to receive an award in 2013.

How to Enter: Companies must complete the entry form and return to the Inland Northwest AGC no later than Friday, January 18. The application form pulls information directly from your OSHA 300 log and only takes 10 Minutes to fill out and return. You may submit the form by fax to (509) 535-3706 or by email to cstewart@nwagc.org.

 

Imagine being able to use as a marketing tool “Recipient of the 2012 National AGC Safety Award.” You have worked hard to achieve your safety status, why not get the recognition you are due? The only way this can be done is to begin applying today and continue annually.