September - Construction News

Transcription

™
CONSTRUCTION
The Industry’s Newspaper
2101 IH-35 So. # 202 Southgate Bldg. • Austin, Tx 78741 • (512) 447-2900 • www.constructionnews.net
AMTA allows marketing,
networking for minorities
IESI makes two
years in Austin
I
ESI, one of Austin’s growing landfill
companies, celebrated two years in
Austin this past month.
The company invited customers and
others out to its location in southeast Austin on FM 812. Those who showed up were
treated to a barbecue lunch and were able
to gain a better understanding of the
company’s services.
“We opened our southeast Austin site
in July 2000,” said Mark Green, site manager for IESI. “We are a Construction and
Demolition (C&D) landfill, and are the only
site in Travis County for IESI. However,
we have locations of our hauling company,
in Johnson City and in San Marcos.”
According to a company release, IESI
has operated multiple hauling operations in
the Austin area since 1997. The company
L-R: Vincent Estrada, Jose Vera and Chino Ledesma
T
he Austin Minority Trade Association (AMTA) is up and running to
promote small construction trade
businesses with a minority status.
The association first opened its doors
this February at 5501 South Congress and
now has approximately 250 members, in
association with the Texas Independent
Truckers Association, with which it shares
an office.
“Any small business involved in the
construction trades can join the association,” said Jose Vera, chairman of AMTA
and owner and president of Vera Construction Company, which works predominately
on interior finish out projects. “We understand the need for there to be an ethnically
bonded association that speaks to cultural
as well as to business and marketing needs.
We want to appeal to the Austin minority
community as a whole from woman-owned
to one-man operations.”
September 2002 Volume 2, Number 9
started in 1995 in Haltom City, TX and is a
private, fully integrated, non hazardous
solid waste management company. IESI
provides collection, recycling, transfer and
disposal services. The company is divided
into two regions with locations in the southern and northern United States.
The acquisition of the landfill in Austin was motivated by Austin’s fast-paced
growth over the last several years.
“We provide services for CTR (Central Texas Refuge) and a majority of demolition companies in south Austin,” said
Green. “This is the first site for use as a
landfill and to house rolloff equipment and
services in this area for IESI. We have other
landfills across the United States, with this
location as the first in Austin.”
Vera and three other partners, Chino
Ledesma, AMTA vice chairman and owner
of Chino’s Construction; Vincent Estrada,
AMTA secretary and owner of Summit
Painting Company, Inc. and Ruben
Rocha, AMTA treasurer and owner of RPR
Electric started meeting two years ago on
the weekends to talk about opportunities
that required services of their companies.
The talks expanded to discussion of the
needs of construction tradesmen and
smaller contractors. From there the seed for
AMTA was planted.
In total, the four have a combined experience of 30 years in the construction industry. There are currently no monthly association meetings. AMTA solely provides
its members the opportunity to stop by the
office to check out what projects and bidding opportunities are up, and meet and talk
Employees of IESI in Austin
continued on Page 20
Scott & Reid, LCRA team up for Dalchau upgrade
By Rachel Jordan
S
ynergy between owner and general
contractor is not mandatory, but poetry when it does happen.
The Lower Colorado River Authority
and Scott & Reid General Contractors,
Inc. share a common ground upon which
to communicate as the project to renovate
and build phases of LCRA’s Dalchau Service Center moves forward.
“Fortunately working with an organization such as LCRA, they understand the
complexities of a construction project,” said
Chris Holechek, vice president for the
Austin branch of Scott & Reid. “It has not
The steel structure of LCRA Building B
at the Dalchau Service Center.
This month in Focus
Architecture
& Design
P.O. Box 791290
San Antonio, Texas 78279-1290
Change Service Requested
been hard working with their schedule to
complete the project. We are not disruptive
to them, even with fencing off the entire
area where we are working to keep it safe.”
The Dalchau Service Center is located
at the intersection of Ben White Boulevard
and Montopolis Drive in southeast Austin.
The center is LCRA’s Transmission Services headquarters. Transmission Services
is a division of LCRA that designs, builds
and maintains electric transmission systems
and related equipment. Many of the buildings at the service center are 30 years old
or older. More than a year ago, LCRA saw
a need to not only renovate some of the
buildings to help improve operations, but
also to create a more pleasant working environment for more employees.
“The reason we are increasing our facilities at the Dalchau Service Center is
driven by the need for additional electric
transmission capability statewide,” said
Mark Doerr, project manager for LCRA.
“Expansions of the transmission system is
ongoing with planned capital expenditures
of approximately $1 billion over the next
five years. As the population in Central
Texas and the entire state continues to grow,
we must meet our customers’ increased
needs for transmission services by planning
and building the necessary infrastructure
which will empower the LCRA to respond
to those needs.”
Scott & Reid bring experience with
interior finish and ground up work that
spans more than a decade. The company is
headquartered in Dallas with offices in Fort
Worth and Austin. Though it is not uncommon to combine aspects of interior finish
and renovation with ground up construction, the project with LCRA is one of the
contractor’s longest.
“The total time we have scheduled for
this project is 16 months,” said Holechek.
“The reason is that we are building in two
phases. We are working on three buildings
and creating an addition. We are now performing the demolition and soon the renovation of Buildings A and B, and will build
an addition and renovate Building C in
PRSRT. STD.
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Page 2 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
KRDB designs for affordability
By Rachel Jordan
C
hristopher Robertson and Chris
Krager of KRDB are out to prove
that architecture is accessible to the
average homeowner.
The two met while attending graduate
school at the University of Texas at Austin,
and soon found they shared a common vision for an architectural practice. A little
more than a year ago they started their firm,
which stands for Krager Robertson Design
Build (KRDB).
“It made sense that single family residential was probably the easiest way to begin a practice,” said Krager. “The idea of
designing moderately-priced or affordable
homes was something we were interested
in principally. On a hunch, we called the
City of Austin, and they have the program,
SMART Housing, which led us to design
and build our first two houses on Cedar
Avenue in East Austin.”
The program is run by the Austin
Housing Finance Corporation. It was instituted to promote production of new housing that is accessible, mixed-income, safe
Chris Krager and Christopher
Robertson of KRDB
and reasonably priced.
“I think what is important to note is
that both of us in school saw that this area
was in need of some design attention,” said
Robertson. “It was happening, but always
on the lower end. We thought that designing houses around $120,000 was a pretty
safe place to try.”
In wondering why this market remained
untapped by architects, both Krager and
Robertson say that it is not that the public
doesn’t want it, but that it is just not offered.
“We felt strongly that there has been a
latent demand in the market for designed
environments,” said Krager. “In architecture, the attention is paid to the very high
end structures, or to housing projects. The
middle area is ignored for a variety of reasons, one of which is that there isn’t a ton
of money in it from the way it is currently
approached.
“I think that the demand has been bared
out with the Cedar Avenue houses as our
first examples. We had an open house with
500 people in attendance and three news
crews. We have been inundated with phone
calls since then.”
FYI
T
he 19th annual AGC of Texas
Trade and Equipment Show is
scheduled for October 8th from 5pm
to 8:30pm and October 9th from 11
am to 7:30pm at the Austin Convention Center. This show is touted as one
of the greatest gatherings of equipment
and people valued in Texas Construction. Approximately 160 exhibitors will
KRDB designed and built the two Cedar Avenue houses with one that sold for
$105,000, and one for $125,000.
“I think the idea for well-designed
modern houses at this price range is really
almost unheard of,” said Robertson. “You
don’t see houses that are that inexpensive
designed with the materials we used. We
didn’t expect for there to be nearly that
much interest, but it proved the point that
people really will seek out houses like this
if given this option.”
The partners agree that they still made
a reasonable profit from the houses, but emphasize that their main goal is to establish
a body of work.
“Having a track record and something
to show people is definitely one of the driving forces behind what we are doing right
now,” said Robertson. “It is also one of the
reason that we have entered into the contracting side, even though it is not our primary love. All our efforts are so we can get
this work out there for others and ourselves
to enjoy.”
feature more than 1,000 products and
services including asphalt and concrete
products, auctioneers, bonding and insurance, computer products, hand tools,
a large variety of heavy and portable
equipment, safety products, tires, trucks
and more. The show is FREE to all attendees. As well, a Contractors Luncheon is open to all exhibitors and attendees. Contractors attending the show
will receive a complimentary meal
ticket. All other luncheon attendees will
be charged $10. Visit www.agctx.org to
find out more information.Ω
CONSTRUCTION
Publisher:
Buddy Doebbler
Austin Area Manager:
Shelley Butler
Associate Editor:
Rachel Jordan
Sales Representative: Colette Gordan
Sales Representative:
Tim Roggen
Production/Art Dir:
Reesa Doebbler
Production/Graphics: Claire Watkinson
Administration:
Kevin Hughes
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© 2002 Austin Construction News
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Austin Construction News • Sep 2002 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 3
Open Sky launches software for
construction industry
NAWIC installs new officers
N
o other way seems
fitting to announce
new officers for an
association than floating
down Town Lake as the sun
sets.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Austin Chapter did just that on the
evening of Thursday, Aug.
15 th. Members and guests
boarded a giant paddle boat,
at the Hyatt on Town Lake,
NAWIC Board members on the eve of the
at 6:00 pm for a night of recassociation’s installation banquet.
ognition and remembrance.
After dinner was served, 2001-2002 were announced. They are as follows:
President: Angela Visintainer
NAWIC Austin Chapter President Laura
Vice President: Bridget Ross
Culin began the evenings events with anTreasurer: Rita Huffman
nouncements. Angela Visintainer, the
Secretary: Beverly Nations
newly elected 2002-2003 NAWIC Austin
Board: Mary Burger, Nancy
Chapter president awarded Shelley Butler,
DelCampo and Linda Handsel
area manager for Austin Construction News,
with the Industry Appreciation Award. The
Visintainer provided these remarks
NAWIC Austin Chapter presents only one
Industry Appreciation Award each year to once appointed president, “Thank you all
an individual or organization that provides for coming together to share this evening.
exemplary service to the construction in- My goal for the year is to continue the
NAWIC mission statement to promote and
dustry.
Tammy Walker, president of W.S. support the advancement and employment
Walker Company, Inc. was one other award of women in the construction industry. With
winner throughout the evening who re- our new members and a stable base of long
standing members, we will work together
ceived the WIC of the Year Award.
Once Culin gave her last speech as on new strategies for community and conpresident of the chapter, the new officers struction industry events.”Ω
Summit Electric reminisces on
first year in Austin
O
ne of ten Summit Electric Supply
locations across the southwest, the
company has marked it’s first year
and counting in Austin.
“With all of the business and personal
challenges that have been thrown our way
since September 11th, Summit in Austin
has come a long way,” said Trent Sanders, operations manager for Summit in
Austin. “We have made the time to develop acquaintances into relationships
with our customers. Whether it be through
our prompt and courteous delivery or our
fast and efficient call service.”
According to Ron Millikin, sales
manager for Summit in Austin, the electrical distributor includes a large inventory,
24-hour emergency service and electronic
ordering capabilities among others.
“Our areas of service include commercial construction, industrial, institutional and OEM,” said Millikin. “This
location is just like all the other Summit
locations that started on a grass-roots level
and built its customer base one at a time.
This is the company’s 25th year in business, and to celebrate and show appreciation to customers that have helped it reach
this point, from September through December, each Summit sales counter will hold a
drawing for a lucky customer to win airline tickets via Southwest Airlines and other
prizes. This company truly believes customer service is our only business 24/7.” Ω
F
ew companies can tout helping to market the company to wider audiences.
“We are scheduled exhibitors at sevprovide ease and manageability to an
entire industry. For Open Sky Soft- eral trade shows coming up including the
Roofing Contractors Association of Texas
ware, that is the company agenda.
The privately-owned, Austin-based (RCAT) trade show, the Sunbelt Builders
construction software company has been in Show and another out of state,” Konderla
operation since March 2000. The company said. “So far, Open Sky Software is the only
has worked this past year to perfect its In- locally owned company in Central Texas
tegrated Management Software called to cater specifically to the needs of the subtracework™ for specialty contractors and contractors and specialty contractors in this
subcontractors nationwide. Several soft- fashion, and for such reasonable rates.”
Businesses that have Internet access
ware installations occurred in the first quarter of 2002 with a reported growing cus- can log onto to the Open Sky web site, and
tomer base.
Tracework™ offers lead
and project tracking, budgeting for bids and change orders, labor tracking, job
costing, tracking of customer invoices, productivity
reporting, payable and receivables and digital document tracking, among others. As well, customers who
order software by December
31, 2002 will receive the
newly-designed General
Ledger Accounting software
Clockwise from L-R: Steve Riley, Paul Shock,
feature for free in the first
Jean George and Mike Konderla.
quarter of next year.
“Since last September we have stream- then to their specific, secured company lolined our software to not only work with cale to view everything from daily profit
mid to large contractor companies, but have margins to employee time sheets. With the
packaged it for smaller businesses and titled on-line set up, employees can also access
it tracework™ SOHO (small office & home tracework™ from home. And for those who
office),” said Jean George, Ph.D., presi- prefer, Open Sky also has an in-house verdent of Open Sky. “The software is de- sion of tracework™ that includes pre-consigned for anyone, regardless of whether figured server hardware. The system will
or not an owner has worked with a com- work with any kind of network including
puter or not. You can get started right away Windows, Mac or Unix.
“Our job is to make accounting and
with very little training. We like to think of
ourselves as a leading software company management needs as easy as possible,”
in an industry that respects people who ex- said George. “ Everyone on our team has
experience with overblown database applicel at their trade.”
Senior Developer, Paul Shock and cations that are unmanageable for today’s
Chief Technologist Steve Riley, Ph.D. have businesses. We built tracework™ to be the
worked along with George to develop the most simplistic and affordable product out
software. Sales and Marketing Manager there.”Ω
Mike Konderla was hired recently to help
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ASA Austin names new executive director
T
he Board of Directors and
officers of the Austin Chapter of the American Subcontractors
Association (ASA) have hired Shelli
Menegos as the association’s new executive director. She has worked for ASA since
July 1st.
Chuck Simpson, president of the Austin Chapter for ASA, contacted Jack
Drummond of the Building Owners Management Association (BOMA) when the association was interviewing for the position
of executive director. Drummond suggested
Menegos who was then working for that association part time.
“Her application and background blew
me away,” said Simpson. “It was when she
interviewed that I knew she would be a great
fit for our association. Her attention to detail is wonderful. ASA was looking for someone with experience working for an association. The experience she brings from her
time with BOMA is a good showing of the
level she can help the Austin Chapter of ASA attain to support its
members.”
Larry Roepke, past president of ASA Austin and owner of
Floyd’s Glass Company echoed
Simpson’s comments.
“Shelli definitely has brought
refreshing ideas for avenues the
association can take to expand.
I’m just tickled pink that she is
with ASA, and I think she is a good
fit and a great asset to the association.”
Menegos has lived in Round
Shelli Menegos, new executive director for
Rock and Austin for the majority
the Austin Chapter of ASA.
of her life. She worked in real estate and property management firms from complete a project.
“During my property management ex1985 to 2000. In 2001, she received a call
from Jack Drummond with BOMA to work perience, I have built banks and overseen the
part time. Throughout her career, Menegos construction of million dollar tenant imhas gained a first hand understanding of the provement projects,” said Menegos. “When
construction industry, and what it takes to I quit real estate, I took some classes at ACC
in construction management. At first I
thought it was going to be focused more on
management, and instead it was more hands
on. I learned how to build a set of stairs and a
picnic table. I even learned how to frame in a
roof, which gave me complete respect for that
line of work, and for what the construction industry provides society.”
Menegos said she is excited to be involved
with the Austin Chapter of ASA, and is looking forward to help the association grow.
“ASA is the voice for legislative issues,
to represent subcontractors and help them deal
with contracts,” said Menegos. “My big goals
are to get ASA’s name out over this coming
year. We are in the planning stages to build a
web page to let others know that the Austin
Chapter of ASA is such a viable and wonderful association. These members need this organization and vise versa, especially those
who aren’t yet familiar with what the association can do for them.” Ω
USGBC to honor leaders at Austin Expo
T
he U.S. Green Building Council, the nation’s leading coalition promoting green buildings, announced
on Aug. 5th an annual awards program, honoring
leaders who are helping transform the building market.
The nonprofit membership organization, which now
numbers almost 1,800 members in a variety of professional,
manufacturing and service categories, will nominate candidates during the month of August. Winners will be announced on Nov. 14th, during the First Annual International Green Building Conference and Exposition in Austin.
The Annual Awards program will feature awards in
three major categories: The Green Business Award will
honor an individual or company that has demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership in advancing the green building
market through establishing a partnership, technique, product or other form of innovation. The Green Public Service
Award will be given to an individual or organization for
significant contributions in advancing green building
through changes in policies, codes, requirements and other
means. The USGBC Leadership Award will be awarded to
an individual who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the organization through active participation in
the development and advancement of its mission.
The U.S. Green Building Council, founded in 1993,
is a coalition of private and public sector organizations
working to advance buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.
The USGBC developed and administers the LEED(TM)
green building rating and certification system, the leading
standard in the industry used by governments, developers,
universities and nonprofit organizations.
The International Conference and Expo in Austin is
the first of its kind in the U.S. Organizers are expecting
2,000 attendees to register for the November 13-15 event.
The Gala Dinner will feature the Award’s Ceremony, a
video tribute to green building pioneers, and a surprise
guest speaker.Ω
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Austin Construction News • Sep 2002 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 5
Construction Gateway holds job
fair, spreads encouragement
City’s On-Line
Plan Room moves
T
he city’s On-Line Plan Room has a
new home. Located in Building S at
4700 Ed Bluestein Blvd. since July
10th, the Plan Room, along with other offices with the city’s Department of Small
and Minority Business Resources
(DSMBR) and Small Business Development Program (SBDP) were relocated
from 4100 Ed Bluestein Blvd. due to renovation work at that facility.
The move is scheduled as temporary
and different offices will begin to move
back to their original location starting midSeptember.
For the time being, the Plan Room’s
new location not only has larger space but
more equipment to aid contractors in their
search for projects.
“The new Plan Room has a faster T1
connection and a total of six PC’s to view
projects across a 64 county area in Texas
from Waco to the Rio Grande Valley,” said
Vicky Valdez Gomez, On-Line Plan Room
Engineer. “As well, we have dropped our
printing prices and have a continual number of projects to look up on-line.”
The On-Line Plan Room started up in
October of 2001 and subscribes to F.W.
Dodge services on-line to allow contractors to look through a list of projects to bid
for free. The Plan Room also
has a plotter and scanner,
and is open Monday through
Friday, 8:30 am to 11:30 am
and 1 pm to 4:30 pm.
Those who are interested
in using the Plan Room, but
have not yet done so, are required to attend an orientation class. Orientation
classes are offered once a
week on alternating days and
times. For the month of September, classes will be held
every Thursday from 11:30
am to 1 pm. For evening
Michelle Fling, On-Line Plan Room Assistant, helps
classes, please call Vicky
various construction professionals navigate the F.W.
Valdez Gomez at (512) 974Dodge database and view plans.
7620 for times. Ω
T
o help expose students enrolled in
classes with Construction Gateway to opportunities in the construction
industry, the program held
a job fair Fri., July 26th.
All 12 students who
started with the month-long
session July 8th have
stayed to graduate August
9th. The job fair allowed
each student a chance to
Gary Bartsch, Ironworkers Local Union 482 & Silvertre
speak with employers and
Villarreal, Jr. (left), along with Sherwin Wissen, assistant
gain a better understanding director for the NECA/IBEW training facility (far right), pose
of opportunities in the con- with students from Construction Gateway’s fifth class this yr.
struction industry.
“Every student designs their own re- struction Gateway even during slow times
sume and sets up an e-mail address,” said to offer insight and guidance to those with
Silvestre Villarreal, Jr., coordinator with an interest in construction.
Construction Gateway. “The students are
Those companies and organizations
also given preparation for job interviews who participated in the job fair July 26th
in addition to the knowledge and skills include: NECA/IBEW, Ironworkers Lothey receive through the program. This cal Union 482, Titus Electrical Contractprogram and the job fairs are to not only ing, Inc., Intertech Flooring and Fox Meserve the students with an interest in chanical.
construction, but also serve as a resource
“I have two women in this class of 12
for companies to find potential employ- who foresee working in construction for
ees and offer encouragement to those who the rest of their lives,” said Villarreal.
want to work in the industry.”
“Most of the students do see construction
Villarreal says as the economy has as their chosen career path for a number
slowed, so has participation from compa- of years. As long as that is encouraged,
nies with Construction Gateway’s job and we are able to teach and train more
fairs. He hopes that companies and orga- individuals for the different trades, we help
nizations will still participate with Con- the entire industry.”Ω
Open forum at joint code conference
T
he 2002 Joint Annual Conference of Building Officials Code Administrators (BOCA), International
Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc. (SBCCI)
will be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center on Sept.
29th-Oct. 4 th, 2002.
Code development hearings are open to the public free
of charge. Other activities are available to delegates and their
companions as part of the registration fee. This is a one time
opportunity to participate in the only governmental consensus code development forum in the nation.
The conference includes more than 25 courses tailored
to design and building professionals. At EXPO 2002, a variety of exhibits will be on display, featuring innovative prod-
ucts, new technology and related demonstrations. In addition
to these learning opportunities, architects can participate in code
development hearings on the ICC International Codes. An understanding of the process brings insight into the development of
the individual codes and leads to a better informed architect, as
stated by a conference release. For complete registration information visit www.intlcode.org.Ω
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Basilio Baltierra
David Baw
Justin Beard
Kevin Bennett
Jesus Bentancourt
Gerardo Bermea
Alfredo Bosquez
Scott Bradlaw
J-Ines Briones
Melito Brito
Mario Campos
Andre Cannon
Michael Carter
Juan Castellanos
Alejandrino Castillo
Francisco Castillo
Sabas Castillo
Hector Chapa
Percy Clark
Raul Compian
Al Cordova
Mark Crittenden
Alexander Dawson
Tara De Lange
Bonifacio Del Toro
Phillip Devaney
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Julio Estello
Noel Estello
Cristhian Estrada
Macario Estrada
Ulides Figueredo
Fidel Fraire
Steven Fuentes
Diana Garcia
Edwardo P. Garcia
Enrique Garcia
Eric Garcia
Juan W. Garcia
Jorge Gomez Sr.
Luis A. Gomez
Rosendo Gonzales
Santos Gonzales
Leonides Gonzalez
Ricardo Gonzalez
Edward Giddens
Joe Godina
Luis Granados
Wallace Graves
Daniel Guerra
Rumaldo Guerra
David Guzman
Ismael Guzman-Portillo
Clayton Henson
Alberto Heriera
Javier Hernandez
Jose A. Herrera
Jose B. Herrera
Jose E. Herrera
Juan A. Herrera
Bill Herring
Joanne Hickernell
Dan Hoover
Vickie Hudgel
Francisco Ibarra
Lee H. Jackson
William Jackson
Willie Ray Jackson
Michael Jimenez
Michael Jones
Stanley Kallstrom
Candice Kirchner
Charles Lambardia
Arthur Larson
David Laureano
Efrain Leal
Homero Leal
Stanton Leddy
Thomas Lemman
Rosemary Leos
Carlos Limones
Rogelio Lira
John Littleton
Rodolfo Lopez
Andre Loumingo
Jaime Macias
Bobbie Magana
Gabriel Marquez
Juan Marquez
Daniel J. McMurray
Alberto G. Mendez
Shawn Meyer
Hermilio Morales
Richard Natal
Tranquilino Natal
Leny Navarette
David Nichols
Paul Olsen
Benigno Ortiz
Javier Ortiz
Ermelan S. Padron
Jose Padron
Juan Palacios
Justo Parra
Hershell Peck
Martin Pena
Antonio Perez
Homero Perez
Leslie Raburn
Michael Raley
Michael Rawlings
Charlie Richardson
Shawn Richardson
Panfilo Rios
Daisy Rocha
Eliseo Rodriguez
Inocencio Rodriguez
Julio Rodriguez
Robustiano Rodriguez
Alfonso Roman
Nestor Salas
Ruben Salas
John Salazar
Jorge Saldana
Manuel Sanchez
Martin Sanchez III
Jose O. Sandoval
Jerry Sanford
Michael Sanford
Steve Schulte
Robert Sephus
Steven Shahan
SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.
2808 Longhorn Blvd. #307 • Austin, TX 78758 • 512-719-5251 • FAX 512-719-5255
Employee owned and operated
Rigoberto Silva
Roberto M. Silvas
Tony Slayton
Gaye Stephens
George Sullivan
Janie Sullivan
Raul Tavera
Patricia Trevino
Adam Triana
Humberto Triana
Brian Valenzuela
Antonio Valero
Hope Vasquez
Juan D. Vasquez
Evaristo Vega
Arturo Villanueva
Daniel Villanueva
Francisco Villanueva
Jesus Villanueva
Mary Villarreal
Michael Weaver
Roger Weber
Jeff West
John Williams
Joshua Wise
Mike Woodyard
Blaine Zelek
RSC holds BBQ,
seasonal sale
FYI
F
or the second time this year, Rental Service Corporation (RSC) held a lunch time barbecue Thurs., July
25th at its south Austin location on Ben White Boulevard along with a seasonal sale of equipment.
Friends from companies across town within and related to the equipment industry were treated to tasty barbecue brisket, sausage wraps and fixings.
“We were ready to serve at noon when 50 people
showed up,” said James Poole, general manager for the
south Austin location. “We had to make a second trip to
Vic’s Bar-B-Que for more brisket, which I guess that’s always a good sign.”
A seasonal sale of equipment ranging from backhoes
to man lifters was also deemed good by those who came
for a free bite to eat. RSC’s District Manager for Texas,
Chad Matters was on site to talk with interested customers about the corporation’s sale and answer questions about
equipment.
“With this event, we had seasonal sales and barbecues at six RSC locations in Texas and Oklahoma,” said
T
RSC employees and friends gather in the shade for
tasty brisket and good conversation.
Matters. “We hope to continue with these several times a
year to provide customers with what they need and want
in an affordable fashion.”Ω
he 27th annual Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) conference and trade
show is scheduled for Sept., 24th-25th at the
Austin Convention Center.
A bowling tournament at Show Place Lanes will
kick off the convention’s events Sept. 24th at 7 pm.
A golf tournament at Star Ranch Golf Club will be
held the following day beginning at 8 am. Registration for the trade show begins Thurs., Sept. 26th at 7
am and lasts till 5 pm.
An awards luncheon with keynote speaker and
radio personality Cactus Pryor will take place that
afternoon from 11:30-1:30 with the trade show grand
opening and ribbon cutting ceremony from 1:30 pm
to 5:30 pm at the Convention Center, Hall 1.
A casino night and silent auction will be held at
the Marriott at the Capitol from 7 pm to 11 pm Thurs.,
Sept. 26th.
For more information, please call 800-997-6631,
or (512) 251-7690.Ω
Noack Little Architects start up, educate
By Rachel Jordan
W
ith a similar realm of architectural experience,
Clay Little, AIA and Chris Noack, AIA
were drawn to start a firm together.
Noack Little Architects opened it’s doors this past
March and is temporarily sharing office space on West
Sixth Street with Taniguchi Alan y Architect & Associates. In a short time, the partners have encountered a
favorable workload that is somewhat unusual for a firm
just starting out.
“My background is in commercial and institutional
work, and I have spent the past five years doing ground
up public work,” says Noack. “I also am very active
with the AIA Austin Chapter, and was last year’s chapter president. Clay also has a strong background in
commercial and institutional work, and holds vast experience in interior and renovation projects.”
The firm is working on a variety of projects including an office interior finish out, design of retail
projects and a restaurant along with some development
work in the Round Rock historic district. With a resume building rapidly, it was only nine months previous that the two decided it was time to stop joking and
get serious.
“We got everything together on a faster time table
than we thought,” says Little. “When we worked together on a couple of projects, we realized our skills
and how they complement each other. The two of us
have different approaches to a project, but together can
look at a problem and come up with a better solution
than on our own. I think that is our overall benefit.”
The partners are both design award winners on a
local level for individual projects and projects each
managed and designed through other firms.
“We believe that service is everything and is revealed through repeat clients,” says Little. “And, we
think there are different ways of establishing our client base. We’ve noticed in the past that a lot of architecture firms will roll over and do whatever the client
wants. That is not what we are really hired to do. We
are professionals, and we think that our advise is what
a client pays for. We make it a point to convey that
philosophy to our clients. I think that is good service
as well as being attentive and doing the right work by
them. We want to be a service oriented firm as well as
a design oriented firm. Rarely do those two mix.”
The partners believe speaking with everyone involved with a project from the start is also essential
for each project. “We never want there to be any surprises,” says Noack. “We generally approach the
projects as a collaboration between all building and
design team members. I think Clay and I are good at
helping our clients understand the reasons behind certain design choices. We find our clients to be pretty
excited to learn about the process and to be included
in the loop. They feel like they are very much a part of
the process, which they should be.”
With this mindset, Noack and Clay already have
goals in mind to pursue a majority of design/build
projects.
“We want to be on the forefront of that and think
that is a fantastic method to deliver projects to clients,”
says Little. “We think it is quicker, cheaper and better
for everyone involved instead of the competitive bid
process that is almost antagonistic. I think contractors
and architects are better able in today’s times to understand each other and work together more than in
the past.”
Clay Little and Chris Noack, partners of
Noack Little Architects.
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Austin Construction News • Sep 2002 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 7
New city hall for Buda
B
uda, a one stoplight town, is expanding its city hall. The general contractor, Southern Interiors, along
with the architectural firm, Noah Design
Group, have joined forces with Buda city
officials to add 5,000-sf to the original
structure, along with another parking lot.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held
The new addition will provide more meeting rooms and office space for city staff
and council members. As well, the
entryway will serve as municipal art gallery.
The project is specifically significant
for Southern Interiors since it is the
company’s first project in Central Texas
since opening an office in
San
Marcos.
The
company’s headquarters is
in Houston.
“We are excited about
being in Central Texas and
looking forward to the Buda
city hall project,” said
Murry Holley, vice president for Southern Interiors.
“I feel that the project team
has a good understanding of
the project and everyone is
working well together. The
aesthetic appearance will be
very nice when it is finBuda city officials and construction professionals pose with
ished. There is a lot of cresledgehammers at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.
ativity in the design.”
Steven Noah, principal
July 15th. City officials and construction with Noah Design Group, says the ceiling
professionals attended and marked the for the new structure has a multifunctional
occasion, raising sledgehammers with purpose in addition to beauty.
golden veneers to an outside wall of an
“We designed a multifaceted ceiling
old train depot next to the existing city that is made out of tongue and groove
hall. Construction began in August to tear wood,” said Noah. “I don’t think it is a
down the depot and erect the city hall ad- common aspect of a structure in the area.
dition in its place. Construction should be The structure has openings with light
complete next spring.
chambers in addition to windows. The
The first structure was built in 1992 light reflects off into the multifaceted ceiland has a main meeting room for the city ing. With this design, the functions of
council to use along for other city mat- sound abatement and light are met, but
ters. Over time, the city council has out- done so in an extremely unique manner.”Ω
grown the facility and decided to expand.
Texana Machinery
launches new website
A
s technology becomes more and
more intertwined with the construction industry, many companies are turning to the internet to provide
information and services to customers.
Case in point (no pun intended) is Texana
Machinery, which recently launched its
new website designed to provide “Everything you need to know about Texana.”
New and used equipment, service,
parts, rentals and general information about
the company are now offered in an electronic format to meet with the information
age.
Texana upgraded their web site to better serve customers throughout their entire
38 county marketing area.
Features of this new site include de-
tailed listings and specifications of both
new and used equipment, including used
equipment photos. This sales page allows
you to download complete manufacturer
sites for Case, Takeuchi, Tramac and
Kobelco products. You can also request financing online, open charge accounts, make
parts requests, rent equipment, even look
for job openings. The Texana news download allows you to review Texana’s quarterly newsletter “Movers & Shakers” for
current equipment offers, like their deer
blind offer. There is even a site map that
gives you a quick overview of the entire
website.
Texana’s new website can be toured at
www.texanamachinery.com.
CSHI graduates ARTBA
Spanish class
C
onstruction Safety
and Health, Inc.
(CSHI) graduated
24 students of the American
Road and Transportation
Builders
Association
(ARTBA) Spanish 10-hour
Construction Safety Course
Aug. 13, 2002.
The graduates are as
follows:
Gabriel Acosta, Benitez
Construction;
Sixtos
Bailon, Fillip Construction; Candelario
Barraza, JD Abrams; Argil David, JD
Abrams; Alberto Flores, JD Abrams;
Manuel Flores, Hunter Industries; Eloy
Garcia, Dustrol, Inc.; Isaias Hernandez,
Hunter Industries; Juan Hernandez, Fillip Construction; Leonel Hidalgo, JD
Abrams; Mario Ledezma, JD Abrams; Joe
Martinez, Faulkner Construction Company; Jose Medina, Hunter Industries;
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• Mechanical Design
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Fillip Construction; Jose Rivas, Austin Engineering; Perfecto Rodriguez, Austin
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4707 Weidemar Lane Suite 102, Austin, Texas 78745
Page 8–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
town is Victoria.
ACN: What do you remember most about
living there?
MT: I was very young, and my dad, Richard Tolbert, was serving in Vietnam. After
that, we went to Montana. He was a pilot
and flew across the West Coast during the
Cold War to make sure no foreign flyers
were coming across the no fly zone. He also
flew the same mission watching Cuba when
we lived in Florida and along the East Coast
when we lived in Washington, D.C.
ACN: Did your brother or sister join the
military as well?
Editor’s Note: Matt “Cowboy” Tolbert is MT: No, I have one brother and one sister.
president of Global Electric Services, Inc. My sister, Angie, is a stay-at-home mom
The first thing most people see when they and my brother, Richard Tolbert, Jr., lives
walk into his office is a cardboard cut out of in Oklahoma and runs a route service.
film star Roy Rogers. An electrical contrac- ACN: Are you the middle sibling?
tor by day, a race car driver on his own time, MT: I am in the middle. My sister lives in
Tolbert lives the example of having fun, stay- Kingsland and they have a place on Lake
ing relaxed, but always maintaining stabil- LBJ. My whole family is actually very close
ity. He says Roy Rogers reminds him of good and we visit as much as possible. My wife,
heroes and honest values, something he says Heather and I have a large two acre backyard with a swimming pool and forts for courses for one half of the day and went to ACN: Where did the name Global Electric
he tries to preserve everyday.
our kids and our family’s kids. It’s like a a trade school the second half. I attend high come from?
park and good for entertaining.
school at Anderson and then would head MT: The initials of EC Electric just
ACN: When were you born?
ACN:
Tell
me
about
your
children.
over to the Modern Electric offices. I would wouldn’t ring a bell with customers. I
MT: In 1963. Growing up during the 1960’s
MT:
I
have
a
four-year
old
named
Toby
and
fill job orders with material. The trucks wanted to pick something that was strong
was back when all of the kids worked, and
a
15-month
old
named
Thomas
and
a
stepwould come in and I would stock them and and sounded established.
there weren’t any allowances. If you wanted
daughter
named
Jenny
who
is
14.
check the trucks out and prepare everything ACN: Tell me about your wife.
something you worked for it.
ACN:
And
your
boys,
I
see
from
the
pictures,
for the next morning. At about 6 pm, I MT: Her name is Heather, and she now
ACN: You seem to work hard, balancing
are
learning
one
of
your
passions,
racing?
would talk the owners into letting me clean works in the corporate office for Gold’s
your businesses and a love of racing. Tell
MT:
Yes,
I
keep
them
busy.
Toby
is
racing
the offices so I could stay there for another Gym. She worked at Dell for 11 years and
me first about being a race car driver.
bicycles
and
practicing
on
a
motorcycle
and
couple of hours. On Saturdays, I would go they laid her off last February. That was
MT: I started racing around 1992. I was
rough. She went
in
gymnastics
and
karate.
out with a regular crew
always interested and working on sports
cars and hot rods growing up. My interest ACN: Were you that active when you were to help wire houses. “On Saturdays, I would go out with into work around
grew to where I began racing pro class. It younger?
So, I was putting in a regular crew to help wire houses. Valentine’s Day and
just fits my personality.
MT: No, they didn’t do those kinds of things about 40 hours a week So, I was putting in about 40 hours they told her to
ACN: Tell me about your business.
come back Saturwhen I was growing up. Parents would drop while going to school.
a week while going to school.”
MT: I started the business and it was in- you off at the baseball field and tell you to ACN: What a drive you
day with a cardcorporated in 1990. I managed a company ride your bicycle home (he chuckles).
have. Is that something your parents in- board box. After she got her stuff, she had
before from 1987 to 1990 called EC Elec- ACN: Are you gearing up for any races at stilled in you?
our son, Thomas. She was just about a day
tric. Before that I was with Fox Service with the moment?
MT: They taught us how to work. We had away from maternity leave.
Gary Polka and before that I wired houses MT: Right now the boys are keeping me chores and I was mowing lawns at 6 years ACN: How did you meet?
during
high
busy. Toby is racing with old. And, instead of our parents getting us MT: We met through a neighbor who had a
school for Tom
“People will help you to a point.
the second highest in toys and video games that come already ski boat. He had a girlfriend that worked at
Rowland with
Everyone is a good sportsman, but points in the country in assembled, they gave us model airplane kits Dell. I was labeled the single guy next door
Phoenix Electric.
you always have to pioneer. That’s the five and under class. that we put together ourselves. They also who worked 70 hours a week. They were
My production
He has been racing since gave us rockets we could build to shoot always asking me to join them and telling
just a life lesson.”
manager and estihe was 15 months when straight into the air. Everything we always me about Heather.
mator for Global is Phillip “Dutch” Preston I started pushing him around on a bike. played with was related to reading direc- ACN: How long ago was that?
and has been here for 12 years. Debbie When he was three and a half, I got him a tions and assembling, and I try and do that MT: We were married in 1994.
Krening is the office manager and has competition license and he has been racing with my kids. When I fix something, I bring ACN: What made you take notice of her?
worked here for 11 years. We also employ competitively since. He is very good on a the kids out there to help out and watch. It MT: Well, I was looking for a woman who
18 field personnel and 50 percent of our bike. We hope to go for a national champi- takes me three hours to do a 20 minute job, could handle some responsibility. She was a
employees have been here between five and onship next year.
but at least they are learning and getting single mom that was working full time. That
10 years. We don’t have a big turn around.
impressed me. I saw that we could make a
The neat thing about this type of rac- something from it.
We primarily do commercial, industrial ing, the dad and the mom are on the team ACN: What did you do after high school? good team and were on a similar level.
electrical work and residential service and can coach their child, which makes for MT: I stayed in the electrical trade. I was ACN: Do you have time to go on vacations?
work. We are debt free on the shop, equip- very good bonding. I have to fix his bike working fast food at Bill Miller Bar-B-Q MT: Right now the kids are a handful, but
ment, and the vehicles are all paid for.
and his mom helps keep him on a schedule in San Antonio for a while before I started we have fun with the whole family. We have
ACN: Well that is surely something to men- to stay healthy and focused. Though he ac- with the trade. I told them I was 16, and 15 acres up in Liberty Hill and built a motion.
tually competes, it is a family-oriented sport was really 14 years old. I remember one tor cross track for the kids to race around
MT: Well, I see people struggling in what since it really takes everyone to help stay day the girls who worked the counter came on. We spend a lot of weekends out there.
they call hard times, I see this as a good on track. And your children learn how to out with a birthday cake with 17 candles ACN: Tell me about your driving at high
economy, a real economy. I know for the win and lose right off the bat.
and began singing happy birthday. I had to speeds, what goes through your mind?
last five years, we had an incredible run. ACN: Do you remember being in something react really quickly and play along (he MT: Fear (he chuckles). What I like about
But in my opinion, with growth and profits that competitive or that really gripped you chuckles).
racing is that it is solely individuals and
of 30 percent, it is not necessarily real. Now, when you were
ACN: Did you ever machines in competition. Winning is based
“When I fix something, I bring the kids
it is a regular market, you have to work and growing up?
think you would on whoever gets to the finish line the quickout there to help out and watch. It
sometimes fight to make a living, but that’s MT: I was a
own your own busi- est or works the hardest. All the cards are
how I always remember it. The key to sur- middle linebacker takes me three hours to do a 20 minute
the same. It is a lot of work, yet you gain a
ness?
viving is customer service, and not trying throughout middle
job, but at least they are learning and
MT: No, I really bit of respect from the other drivers because
to grow in the market. Fortunately, the cus- school, and I
getting something from it.”
felt like someone everyone is competing for who is the best,
tomers I have, I’ve known for a long time. wanted to be one
who worked well one on one, and in an honest manner. When
We have never been late on any service.
in high school, but size was not as much in in a support role. That is where my back- you do the best you can, no matter if you
ACN: Did you grow up in Austin?
my favor, so I decided to go out and get a ground is. At EC Electric, the owner was lost a race, you still feel like you won in
MT: No, in Victoria, TX. My dad was in job. I just started going in that direction ear- looking to retire and I was looking for a the sense that you worked for your own
the Air Force while I was growing up and lier than most of my peers.
job. At that time, I figured taking on the goal. In racing there is no favoritism, that
so my mom, sister and brother and I ACN: You mentioned you wired houses business would be one of the only times to is what really attracts me to it. People will
bounced around every three years. We during high school, tell me more about that. start my own business, which is what hap- help you to a point. Everyone is a good
ended up at Bergstrom Air Force Base dur- MT: I was enrolled in the trade schools in pened. I have worked as hard for myself as sportsman, but you always have to pioneer.
ing his last four-year term, but our home- high school where I took my required for anyone else.
That’s just a life lesson.Ω
Spotlight
Matt Tolbert
Global Electric
Services, Inc.
• Celotex Ceilings
• Chicago Metallic
• Interfinish
• Capaul Ceilings
• Fry-Reglet
• Access Doors
• Metal Studs
• Finestone EIFS
• Drywall
• Insulation
• Stucco
• Clean Room
Ph: 512-930-5300
1 1 6
H a l m a r
C o v e
Fax: 512-930-1400
G e o r g e t o w n ,
T e x a s
7 8 6 2 8
Austin Construction News • Sep 2002 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Page 9
When it comes to versatility . . .
Your Story is Worth
a Million Dollars
E
veryone loves to hear a good story. Could your story or
stories be worth a million dollars? Could your story help
you sell more deals, create better customer service or even
motivate your employees to work a little smarter?
The thought of telling a story to increase your sales may not even seem plausible to you, but think about it for a moment. When a salesperson exposes their
own imperfection, or relates a humorous
event in their life, doesn’t it make them
seem more personable?
Let me relate a customer service story
that happened to me fourteen years ago. I
had just finished a remodeling project in
which my company installed a new powder bathroom under an existing staircase
area. We completed the project, collected
the final payment and moved on to other
jobs.
Two days after the project completion,
the homeowner called to inform me that
their toilet was flushing boiling hot water.
It seems that the plumbing contractor had
criss-crossed the hot and cold water lines
in the foundation. We got on this little challenge and completed all of the work, including the clean up in less than two days.
I didn’t hear from those customers for
a long time. They had moved away to work
in another part of the country and we lost
contact. Thirteen years later, that customer
called again. They had moved back to town
and wanted to completely renovate a home
they had just purchased. The new project
was well over $200,000 worth of work.
They didn’t call any other contractors
or take any competitive bids. According to
them, that toilet water experience was convincing evidence that my company was
committed to great customer service.
Could that story be worth a million
dollars? Well, I know that it is worth at least
$200,000. The truth is that I have told that
Paul Montelongo
customer service story many times over the
years to my prospects. It reveals that I am
imperfect and that sometimes people make
mistakes. More importantly, it underscores
that I take care of my customers. T h i r teen years later, I have an even better twist
to the story. I can tell my prospects that
those customers came back to me for more
work.
Here are a few tips and pointers for
telling a story that will help you make more
sales and create better rapport with your
customers.
1. Keep it real. The best stories are the ones
that are factual and that really did happen
to you.
2. Mix in the humor. When people laugh,
people buy.
3. Make it relevant. Make your stories fit
the occasion.
4. Keep it short. A short story that is interesting is much more effective that a long
drawn out boring set of events.
5. Stories are everywhere. Every day, you
have events that happen to you in your business that can turn into a great sales story.
Tell a story and sell more deals, improve your customer service, inspire your
employees to be more effective. Tell a story
and improve your attitude.
Paul Montelongo is the author of “101
Power Strategies; Tools to Promote
Yourself as the Contractor of Choice”.
Paul is a nationally recognized speaker
and consultant to the construction
industry. Visit Paul at
www.ContractorOfChoice.com.
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Intertech Flooring presents
scholarship to UTSA
I
ntertech Flooring, an
Austin-based flooring
company with offices in
San Antonio, has bestowed
the University of Texas at
San Antonio (UTSA) with
its first scholarship for interior design students at
UTSA’s School of Architecture.
The Intertech Flooring
Scholarship in Interior Design totals $7,500, and will
be used over the next five
years to send students to the
Flooring CEO Bill Imhoff, left, presents $7,500
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair Intertech
scholarship check to the University of Texas at San
held annually each summer
Antonio. Accepting the check are Julius M. Gribou, AIA,
in Chicago. According to an dean of UTSA’s School of Architecture, right, and Susan
Intertech release, NeoCon is B. Lanford, IIDA, senior lecturer and coordinator of UTSA’s
Interior Design Bachelor’s Degree program.
North America’s largest conference and exhibition for interior design est product introductions, interact with proand facilities management, drawing more fessional interior designers, architects and
than 4,000 registrants a year.
facility managers, and participate in edu“NeoCon is considered the premier cational seminars on industry trends,” said
event for commercial interior markets,” said Imhoff. “We wanted to create a way for
Susan Lanford, IIDA (International In- aspiring interior designers to gain a deeper
terior Design Association) senior lecturer understanding of the commercial sector of
and coordinator of UTSA’s Interior Design the design business. As these students
Bachelor’s Degree program. “Attending graduate and enter the interior design inthis type of national market is one-of-a-kind dustry, their exposure to leading-edge comopportunity for our students to supplement mercial design trends will be a tremendous
their classroom learning with a real-world asset to their clients.”
look at the commercial sector of the design
Intertech Flooring provides commerindustry.”
cial flooring products, installation and
Bill Imhoff, president and CEO of maintenance to clients throughout Texas
Intertech Flooring said the company placed and the Southwest. The company’s Austin
few guidelines on the selection process of office was established in 1988 and its San
students.
Antonio location is celebrating its tenth
“Those students selected for the UTSA anniversary this year.Ω
interior design scholarship will see the lat-
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Qualify For:
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Page 10–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
The Knox Company
is on the up and up
What is Silica?
Joann Nataranjan
Crystalline silica and quartz refer to the same substance. Crystalline silica is a natural component of the earth’s crust and is a basic component of sand and granite.
Silicosis is a disease of the lung due to breathing dust containing crystalline silica
particles. This dust can cause fibrosis or scar tissue to form in the lung which reduces the lung’s ability to take up oxygen. Since there is no cure for this disease,
prevention is the only answer.
The most severe exposures to silica result from sandblasting, jack hammering, rock/
well drilling, concrete mixing and drilling, and brick and concrete block cutting and
sawing. The more dust created by the activity, the greater the risk of silica exposure.
The early stages of silica exposure may go completely unnoticed. Continued exposure may result in the person noticing a shortness of breath upon exercising, possible
fever and occasionally bluish skin at the ear lobes or lips. Silicosis makes a person
more susceptible to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Progression of the disease leads to fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain in the chest,
and respiratory failure, which can all lead eventually to death.
OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit which is the maximum amount
of airborne crystalline silica that an employee may be exposed to during a work shift.
Where silica is present, companies are required to provide and assure the use of
control measures such as water sprays to reduce dust and increased ventilation to
pull dust away from workers. When sandblasting, an air supplied respirator approved
for sandblasting is required to be worn.
Employees should be made aware of those tasks that could result in silica exposure
and the health effects of silica. Smoking can add to the damage that silica causes.
Where respirators are required for silica, wear a respirator approved for silica containing dust. Workers who wear tight fitting respirators cannot have beards /mustaches that interfere with the respirator seal to the face. If possible, workers should
change into disposable or washable work clothes at the worksite, shower and change
into clean clothing before leaving the worksite to prevent silica from being taken
home and further exposing family members. Employees should wash their hands
and face before eating, drinking, or smoking to prevent ingestion of silica.
If you have any questions about any occupational health matter, feel free to ask us.
For more information, we can be contacted at 512-916-5783. Ms. Natarajan is the
Compliance Assistance Specialist in the Austin OSHA office. She is available to
speak to employer and professional organizations on OSHA topics and can be contacted at 512-916-5783 x 232.
When You Need A Lift . . .
. . . Call Alamo Crane
(210) 344-7370
San Antonio, Texas
Fax (210) 651-3051
23 Years in
Business
T
he Knox Company,
authorized distributor for KIP America,
celebrated its fifth anniversary in August.
KIP America is one of
the largest manufacturers of
engineering copiers and
equipment across the globe.
The Knox Company, owned
and operated by John
Knox, sells and services the
equipment in the Austin
area exclusively, and has
other locations in San Antonio and Houston. As well,
the company just finished
The team of The Knox Company outside their
the installations of a new looffice on East Riverside Drive.
cation in Nuevo Laredo,
Mexico.
“We were originally a branch of a show how certain equipment can work
company, Digital Printing Solutions, with the software and other equipment that
from Birmingham, Ala.,” says Knox. they are using.”
“That company manufactured materials
In addition to distributing and servicused by engineers and designers. What is ing equipment for KIP, The Knox Comexciting about where The Knox Company pany also distributes and services equipis now is our relationship with KIP, and ment for Hewlett Packard.
what’s happening in the architectural and
“When we started off, we were probengineering environments as far as using ably making $20,000 a month,” says Knox.
these pieces of equipment.”
“We are now making between $100,000
Knox explains that KIP has released to $125,000 a month. Our goal is to bea new design on copiers, plotters and scan- come the leading distributor in the marners that makes using the pieces of equip- kets where KIP and Hewlett Packard prodment cost effective and easy to use.
ucts are desired. Yet in doing so, we be“The main focus with the equipment lieve in helping all engineering and archiwe distribute is to demonstrate how it is tectural companies maintain their equipuser friendly,” says Knox. “We distribute ment. That’s why we also service other
to architects, engineers and blueprint com- brands of equipment. We believe that the
panies. The first thing we talk about is type of equipment we work with offers
what they are doing, and what software what architectural and engineering compackages are they working with. We then panies are looking for today.” Ω
(512) 282-6866
Austin, Texas
(800) 880-0134
www.alamocrane.com
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Austin Construction News • Sep 2002––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page11
The Great Outdoors welcomes your photos and stories.
We will print on a first-come, space-available basis, and all photos will be returned when requested.
Mail to: Austin Construction News • 2101 IH-35 South, Suite #202 • Austin, Texas 78741
2002-03 TEXAS HUNTING
SEASON CALENDAR
What every hunter needs to know
W
ith the fall hunting
season approaching,
it’s a good idea to
make sure everyone in the deer
blind, in the brush, or on the
water is licensed or with someone who is.
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD) guidelines state that every hunter
born on or after Sept. 2, 1971
who is at least 12 years old must
pass a Hunter Education Training Course. Individuals between 12-16 years old who
haven’t completed the course
must be accompanied by a person who is at least 17 years old or older
licensed to hunt in Texas.
Accompanied means within normal
voice control, and preferably within arm’s
length. Those who are age 17 and older
must successfully complete a hunter education course in order to legally hunt.
The Hunter Training Education Course
is a minimum 10-hour class that teaches
hunting safety, wildlife conservation, outdoor skills and responsibility. When the
course is completed, individuals receive a
certification card that is good for life and
is honored by 49 states, Mexico and 13
Canadian provinces that require hunter education.
All hunters must purchase a hunting
license to hunt any animal in Texas. Certification from a Hunter Education Training
Course is not required to purchase a hunting license, but proof of certification must
be carried while hunting.
Legend:
• In all counties that have an open season for those
species.
% In all counties that have an Oct. 1-Feb. 2 and May
1-31 Open Squirrel Season.
+ Rio Grande as well as Eastern Turkey may be hunted
in these counties.
** In all counties where the general or special late
seasons have closed before the dates indicated.
Hunter education became mandatory
in Texas in 1988. Since that time, hunting
related accidents have dropped by 50 percent, according to Terry Erwin, hunter
education coordinator for the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department.
“Hunter education is an important first
step toward a lifelong commitment to conservation ethics and sportsmanship,” Erwin
said. “And now hunters can choose between
three different course formats, including the
traditional classroom study, a home study
course and an online course.”
The schedule of course offerings is
available at local TPWD offices by calling
800-792-1122, ext. 62. Interested persons
may also check online at http://
w w w. t p w d . s t a t e . t x . u s / e d u / h u n t e d /
hunted.htm. Local sporting or 4-H clubs,
scouting organizations and community education centers also offer hunter education
course information.Ω
SHOW OFF YOUR CATCH!
Did you bag something special? Take your child on a first
fishing trip? Did you have an interesting or humorous story
along the way? Send your stories, hunting and fishing photos
to Austin Construction News
2101 IH-35, #202 Southgate Bldg., Austin, Tx 78741
DOVE
Mourning
• North Zone; Sept. 1-Oct. 30.
• Central Zone; Sept. 1-Oct. 29, Dec. 26-Jan. 5.
• South Zone; Sept. 20-Nov. 3, Dec. 21-Jan. 14.
White-winged
• Special South Texas Zone; Sept. 7-8, 14-15.
• And Sept. 20-Nov. 3, Dec. 21-Jan. 10.
TEAL-ONLY
• Statewide (all counties); Sept. 14-22.
• ALLIGATOR
by permit only; Sept. 10-30.
• PRONGHORN ANTELOPE
by permit only; Sept. 28-Oct. 6.
• WHITE-TAILED DEER
Archery; Sept. 28-Oct. 27.
General:
• Special Youth Season; Oct. 26-27.
• North Texas (200 counties); Nov. 2-Jan. 5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Panhandle (six counties); Nov. 23-Dec. 8.
South Texas (29 counties); Nov. 2-Jan. 19.
Edwards Plateau (25 counties)
Late Antlerless and Spike; Jan. 6-19.
South Texas (30 counties)
Late Antlerless and Spike; Jan. 20-Feb. 2.
Muzzleloader (19 counties)
Late Antlerless and Spike; Jan. 11-19.
**Special Youth-Antlerless Only; Jan. 18-19.
MULE DEER
Archery;
• Sept. 28-Oct. 27.
JAVELINA
43 counties
• Oct. 1-Feb. 23.
50 counties
• No closed season.
SQUIRREL
• % Special Youth Season; Sept. 28-29.
• East Texas (51 counties); Oct. 1-Feb. 2, May 1-31.
• Remaining counties; Sept. 1-Aug. 31.
LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN
• Panhandle (eight counties) by permit; Oct. 19-20.
PHEASANT
• Panhandle (37 counties); Dec. 14-29.
Coastal (seven counties); Nov. 2-Feb. 23.
QUAIL
• Statewide (all counties); Oct. 26-Feb. 23.
RIO GRANDE TURKEY
Archery: Sept. 28-Oct. 27.
Fall Season:
• Special Youth Season; Oct. 26-27, Jan. 18-19.
• North Texas (119 counties); Nov. 2-Jan. 5.
• South Texas (25 counties); Nov. 2-Jan. 19.
• Brooks, Kenedy & Kleberg counties;
Nov. 2-Feb. 23.
Spring Season:
• North Texas (129 counties); April 5-May 11.
• South Texas (32 counties); March 29-May 4.
+EASTERN TURKEY
Spring Season Only
• East Texas (32 counties); April 14-27.
CHACHALACA
• Cameron, Hildago, Starr and Willacy counties;
Nov. 2-Feb. 23.
RABBITS AND HARES
• No closed season.
General:
• Panhandle (36 counties); Nov. 23-Dec. 8.
• SW Panhandle (seven counties); Nov. 23-Dec. 1.
• Trans-Pecos (19 counties); Nov. 30-Dec. 15.
Lone Star Materials, Inc.
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Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
by John Jefferson
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Construction News’ outdoor page as its regular columnist. www.johnjefferson.com
All Photos taken by John Jefferson
RING IN THE NEW YEAR!
By John Jefferson
S
eptember 1 is New Years Day! Hunting season opens on that day and lasts
through every month with an "r" in it.
At least some hunting season is open
during every one of those 'r" months. But
don't go out and whack a deer in September or March and try to convince the war-
hunters. Fathers take sons. Husbands take
wives. Mothers (and daddies) take daughters. Everyone with a dog takes it, too. And
it matters not that it's 101 degrees. You're
supposed to be hot on opening day. That's
why God created mesquite trees (some were
wondering) and ice water (save that other
stuff 'til bird
pickin' time).
If you
do take a dog,
be aware that
canines can
suffer from
heat stroke,
too.
Keep
them in the
shade as much
as possible,
and
have
plenty of water for them to
drink.
Dr.
Greg Biehle,
an Austin vetHalf the fun of dove hunting is the comeraderie before the hunt, and
erinarian,
afterwards while picking the birds.
takes along a
den to let you go. Check the new Texas kid's wading pool and puts water in it to keep
Parks & Wildlife Outdoor Annual available his dog cooled. Luther Young, of the Bwhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold Bar-B, in Riviera, pours water on the ground
before you hunt anything!
and lets the dog lie in the cool mud.D o n ' t
In September, we're talking doves. push your dog too hard, either. The way I
More people hunt doves than any other spe- shoot, Pilo has plenty of time to rest up becies. It's a tradition. Hunters reunite with tween retrieves.
In this part of Texas, we live at the
southern end of the Central Dove Zone
(which opens September 1), and a short
drive from the north end of the South Dove
Zone (which opens September 20). Highway 90 is the dividing line west of San Antonio, and I-10 is the line east of S.A.
About all you need is a shade tree beside a grain field, sunflower patch or near a
water hole -- and the landowner's permission. The birds will come to you. Provided
you can sit still until they are within range!
Conditions are ripe for good hunting this
season, according to wildlife officials. We'll
have about 40 million birds in Texas. In
addition, several million more migrant
doves from northern states make their way
across Texas. Last season, 400,000 Texas
dove hunters took 4.5 million birds. I can't
remember how much gravy that requires.
For $40, the Annual Public Hunting
Permit entitles you to hunt on 61,000 acres
of TPW public dove leases. Fifteen of these
are within an hour's drive of San Antonio;
twelve are near Austin. Permits can be purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold.
In the Central Zone, there is good hunting,
unique canyon lodging and fine food in the
Frio Canyon, north of Uvalde. Call Frio
Country (888) 926-6226 or (830) 232-6625.
Near Austin, call Onion Creek Ranch (512-
Some of the best shooting is half an
hour before sunrise, but in the Special
White-winged Dove Area Sept. 7-8
and 14-15, you can’t shoot until noon.
“WE SELL WHITE TRUCKS”
Specializing in Pre-owned Commercial Trucks, Vans
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Sure it’s hot during dove season.
Just dress for it and have plenty of
water for hunters and retrievers.
627-0203). When the South Zone opens,
The Chaparrosa Ranch, south of La Pryor,
offers dove hunting, bass fishing, excellent
meals and lodging (830- 365-4422).
The Central Zone closes October 29,
and the South Zone closes November 3.
Both re-open in December for a short time.
Check the regs. Shooting hours are one-half
hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag
limit is 12 doves (mourning and whitewinged in the aggregate).
A $7 white-winged dove stamp is required to hunt whitewings anywhere in
Texas. You'll need it. Whitewings are everywhere!
The best bet is to purchase the Super Combo
license package, which, for $49, includes
resident hunting and fishing licenses plus
all seven special stamps. New licenses are
required September 1.
The white-winged dove season in the
Special White-winged Dove Area in the
Valley is Sept. 7, 8, 14 and 15. Bag and
possession limits are 10 white-winged,
mourning and white-tipped doves in the aggregate, including no more than five mourning doves and two white-tipped doves per
day. Shooting hours are noon to sunset.
JJ
GREAT OUTDOORS
Welcomes your stories and photos. We print on a first-come,
space-available basis, so get your photos in early.
Give Gary or David a call at
512-259-1116
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Flounder Tactics
Capt. Steve Schultz - Baffin Bay Charters
L
ike our redfish, flounder live a good smell the flounder baking when I get close
portion of their lives in our bays and to one of my favorite flounder spots.
migrate to the Gulf to spawn. It is
As far as spoons go, I’ve experienced
during this migration that the flounder can great results with just about every style
be found “stacked” in the channels that lead available. The only way to improve upon
to the Gulf. Since many of the back bays most spoons is to tip them with the brightly
and flats are the summer home to a large colored tail from a worn out, soft plastic
number of flounder, the migration is often bait. Some spoons, like the Sprite, come
first seen in the narrow ditches that con- with a “teaser skirt”.
nect these backwater areas to the major
Plastics are a different animal. I prebays. This turns out to be a boom for shal- fer the smaller swimming style baits for
low water anglers who like
to target these tasty flatfish.
With a few exceptions,
most anglers who collect
flounder via rod and reel are
apt to look upon them as a
bonus, something they
stumbled into and are quick
to accept. During early fall,
however, it is wholly feasible to focus your total fishing effort upon flounder.
For anyone who has done
this, they will agree, the rewards can be considerable!
If you’re as fond of sea- Jeff Middleton, Martin Marietta Materials, wasn’t expecting
food as I am, you too probthis trophy on a recent fishing trip with Capt. Steve
Schultz. The huge trout was 30.5-ins. and weighed
ably enjoy baked, stuffed
flounder. I find it almost 9 lbs. This one will definitely be sent to the taxidermist.
impossible to motor past a
channel brimming with a strong fall cur- flounder. I believe the swimming types
rent and nervous baitfish. Chunking a small possess an advantage over the diving/dartsilver spoon, such as a Johnson Sprite or ing varieties such as Trout Killers, Assasone of the smaller soft plastic lures, and sins, Sand Eels and Eel Diablos, due to the
letting it work down toward bottom just fact that you can keep them swimming
seems so natural! Sometimes, I can almost deeply, just above the bedded flatties, a
TEAL SEASON SHORTENED
B
ased on duck
counts that may
have been conducted
before the birds arrived, the teal season
has been cut from 16
days to nine. Dates are
September 14-22. Bag
limit remains the same
at four birds/day.
Don't let the shortened season make you
think it will be less of
a season during the
There is excellent teal hunting on many ponds
days you are out there,
and small lakes in this area
though. There'll be
plenty of blue-winged teal in Texas to test of the little speedsters.
The big problem, as always with a
your ability to swing fast and out in front
greater percentage of the time. It’s the wig- might be fishing under, do not give up begling tail that seems to do the trick.
cause a few boats are using your channel
Any of the shorter paddle-tailed baits to gain entrance to a lake or back bay. The
will work. However, the new Redkiller from flounder, like all predators, are efficiency
Ray’s Texas Tackle Factory is swiftly be- experts and opportunists. They have evicoming a personal favorite.
Since flounders have relatively small mouths as compared to redfish and trout,
sticking with the shorter versions of any particular brand/
style you might wish to try
can definitely enhance your
hook-up ratio.
As for times and tactics,
I heartily recommend visiting
these guts during periods of
moderate to strong tidal
movement. The flounder will
bed on the bottom and sides
Another trophy trout caught! Here, Charlie Jacobs,
of the guts/ditches, facing
Capital Aggregates/ Austin poses with his 30-in. trout,
caught in August, with Capt. Steve Schultz.
into the current. I personally
prefer to work the bends and
curves of the channels as these usually have dently learned to potlick the disorientated
a gentle tapering mud bank on the inside of bait from outboard wakes. As a flats boat
the bend and a deep hole that sweeps along motors through your channel, just wind
the outside. Both inside and outside can be your line up quickly and smile. Then cast
stacked with flounder when everything is straight into the foamy wash, you maybe
right. Try throwing across the bayou, in an pleasantly surprised!
up-current direction, then retrieve your lure
If you’re serious about collecting
slowly. If you’re not feeling the bottom oc- flounder, it’s a good idea to carry a dip net
casionally, you’re not spending the maxi- when wading. To do otherwise is akin to
mum time possible in the strike zone, so practicing catch and release. I like to leave
slow down!
my flounder lying in the net while I remove
Another good place is often found on the hook and get them on the stringer. Trust
the delta, or sandbar that these channels usu- me, a flounder is a good match for Houdini
ally create just inside the lakes they con- in the escape department!
nect to the bays. During incoming periods,
If you would like to plan a fishing trip,
you’ll usually find the best results on the feel free to call me at 361-949-7359. Good
lake end of the bayou. When the tide is flow- luck and Good Fishing.
ing out, I usually find the fishing better on
the bay side. Whichever condition you
September season, may be heat and mosquitoes. And this year, that's a bigger
worry due to the threat of West Nile Virus.
Liberally apply a repellent containing
Deet, and have plenty of drinking water
with you.
That late in the month, though, you can
always hope for a cool front!
JJ
Action Propane Inc.
Leander TX. 512.259.1196
Family Owned & Operated Since 1984
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY & HEALTH, INC.
1701 W Ben White
Bldg. 4
Austin, TX 78704
512-462-1234
512-442-4393 Fax
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Inspections
Training
September 9-10: OSHA 10 hour in Spanish
Saturday Sept. 21: Excavation Comp. Person
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BAFFIN BAY –– LAGUNA MADRE –– LAND CUT
SPECLED TROUT –– REDFISH –– FLOUNDER
FISHING AND HUNTING TRIPS
(361) 949-7359
www.baffinbaycharters.com
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U.S. Coast Guard &
Texas Parks and Wildlife Licensed
Page 14 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
Clay Shoot draws crowd
Bell’s largemouth bass
M
F
or those readers who
have photos of successful hunting and
fishing trips, or those that are
just plain funny, follow Alan
Bell’s, example and send
them to us for publication.
Bell sent in the following information and photo,
and we all held gaping
mouths when we saw the
size of the fish he caught.
Last September, he was
fishing on Lake Austin near
his home when the 12
pound, 10 ounce largemouth
bass he is holding in the picture grabbed
his line around 7 pm.
“I was so excited,” said Bell, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin
Chapter president and corporate architect
for Dell Computer Corporation. “I have
lived in Austin and fished on the lake for as
long as I can remember, and this is definitely one of the largest bass I have caught.”
Bell said that many Texas fisherman
try to reach the goal of catching a fish of
13 pounds or more to submit to the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Angler Recognition
Awards Program. The program helps to
maintain quality fisheries in Texas by providing catch information that is used in
conjunction with other survey methods to
evaluate the success of habitat management,
stocking and harvest rule changes.
For those interested in submitting a trophy fish to the program, an application is
downloadable from the TPWD site: http://
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish/lakes/
arp.htm#inst.
It is possible to receive a certificate to
frame, and special achievements may be
noted in official reports that are sent to newspapers and magazines across Texas. Photos
submitted with applications may be selected
for display on the TPWD website or at the
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.Ω
embers and guests of the Associ- #1 with Larry Nelson, Jerry Reed, John
ated Builders and Contractors Patton and Stacy Rudd with a combined
(ABC) gathered at the Cypress score of 138.
Valley Preserve Fri., Aug. 16th to test their
Deemed the best shooter was Chuck
accuracy at their Annual Sporting Clay Steenken of Capitol Aggregates team with
Shoot and Fundraiser.
a score of 42.
There were eight-six shooters divided
“I would like to thank Cypress Valley
into teams consisting of four each. The Preserve and all of our sponsors for helpevent began at 3pm with an organized ing make this event possible,” said Kathey
warm-up prior to start. Prizes were given Gillispie, president/CEO of ABC. “The
to the best scores in the warm-up. There continued support of our sponsors and the
were a total of ten perfect shooters in the safety consciousness of the employees of
warm-up.
There were also several
door prizes won that consisted of various camouflaged items.
The winners of the
shoot were:
1st place: Lone Star Materials Team #1 with Byron
Bonnet, Gary Cannon,
Mike Islet and Fred Jordan
with a combined score of
157.
2nd place: Lone Star MateVRW Construction team at the annual ABC clay shoot
rials Team #2 with Bruce
Bonnet, Rick Mannella, Zack Smith and Cypress Valley Preserve make this
Tom Nelson with a combined score of 139. fundraiser a safe and pleasurable event to
3rd place: Larry Nelson Company Team look forward to every year.”Ω
Hunting Humor
DUST CONTROL
A company in California has started to market ‘camouflage toilet paper’ for
use in the woods and plans to run testimonials from hunters who claim they
have been shot at while using ordinary toilet paper by hunters who mistook
them for white-tailed deer.Ω
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email: Ahughes123A@aol.com
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254.793.0182 fax
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Architecture and Design
Security holds meaningful presence in architectural fields
The following four interviews reflect personal and professional experiences of architects as they have worked throughout the
past year after the events of September 11
th. Austin Construction News asked not only
how the issue of tighter security has come
into play in all facets of projects, but what
does this mean to the practice of architecture and design.
J
ohn V. Nyfeler, FAIA, is vice president of Aguirre Corporation in Austin. The corporation has been in operation for 42 years and is
based out of Dallas with
branch offices across the nation. The corporation provides
a range of architect, engineer,
construction and management
services.
Nyfeler has practiced architecture in Austin for 19
years. Aguirre has 100 people
of whom approximately 10
percent work in the Austin office on projects throughout
Texas.
Yet, regardless of region or type of
project, Nyfeler notes that the topic of security has played a larger role in projects
the firm has taken on since last year’s events
of Sept. 11th.
“The events of September 11th have
raised the level of consciousness of clients
to security related issues across the nation
and has caused owners, both public and
private, to call for design elements which
respond to those concerns. The work of the
design team has re-emphasized both physical barrier, operational protocol and electronic security techniques. The additional
program requirements sometimes cost more
money and project budgets can go up.”
Peering into how security affects work
within the firm, Nyfeler explained that the
type of design work the firm is involved
with requires screening of employees.
“Because of the special background of
Aguirre Corporation with its experience
and skill in airport design and security systems, specifically with the current program
for the new Transportation Security Administration placement of baggage screening
equipment in every airport terminal in the
United States, the firm’s employees are subject to stringent regulations as to who is
permitted to be involved in the
work for the security focused
agency of the federal government. Apart from that specific
situation, our regular screening
practices serve us well in hiring procedures.
“The security measures
we have taken to protect our
personnel and business activities are those most businesses
have that are housed in downtown office towers,” said
Nyfeler. “Access into the building after
hours includes individual registration of all
coming and going. We already have document destruction protocols that preserve the
integrity of the clients’ data and drawings.”
With the piqued focus on security most
clients now have, Nyfeler said that security elements are often an addition to project
budgets, and there have been no major cutbacks elsewhere in project budgets.
“Often security issues displace other
more routine programs,” said Nyfeler. “We
offer our clients the service of assisting in
setting budgets, establishing priorities and
preparing conceptual comprehensive security programs as a part of their long range
planning.”Ω
A
lfred Godfrey, AIA is principal,
lead designer and co-founder of
Limbacher & Godfrey Architects
along with his wife and partner, Laurie
Limbacher, AIA. The firm was established
in 1995 and performs a majority of its work
in the Central Texas area.
During his 24 years in the Central
Texas design community, Godfrey has designed and had built institutional, residential and urban projects throughout the region.
With regard to the events of September 11 th, Godfrey notes that the issue of
security to public and private projects has
touched aspects in all areas.
“September 11th caused tremendous insecurity, making even
the immediate future hard to
forecast. Somehow it seemed that
when the U.S. got through
Christmas without incident,
many people realized that it
would be safe to return—however tentatively—to some sense
of normalcy.”
Yet, the economic slowdown
and adjustment from September
11 th hasn’t perked requests from the firm’s
residential clients for increased security
devises or features.
“Our residential clients really haven’t
been talking about it as a design consideration at all,” said Godfrey. “It’s as if they
recognize that there are new dangers in the
world today, but if those dangers strike,
security features in their house will have
little impact on their safety. I would venture the possibility that September 11 th
could actually cause an increased focus on
domestic life. If this is a period of uncertainty, and if travel is especially perilous,
then it makes sense that people would not
only stay home, but that they would invest
in the comforts of home.”
In contrast, Godfrey mentions that the
firm has seen an increased focus on security at government facilities.
“This renewed focus on security has
also created new needs that will require the
services of architects and builders. For example, we have recently been engaged by
the City of Austin’s Health and Human
Services Department to design emergency
training space for bio-terrorism events.
Clearly public entities are heightening their
preparedness.”
In Godfrey’s encounters
with clients, the rise in security also comes at a time when
an interest in green building
has taken hold.
“Many institutional clients have adopted a commitment to a new green building
initiative called LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient
Design). We view this as an
outgrowth of public demand
for environmental accountability from the design and building industries. LEED demands a comprehensive approach to green architecture. Building a
LEED certified building definitely costs
more, but the quality of the building is
higher, too. Since LEED is so new, we’re
still in an adjustment period where owners, architects and building professionals
are sorting through the new requirements
and responsibilities. But overall, a commitment to green building, as we are seeing
with LEED, is an encouraging sign.”Ω
Architects/Owners pair quality with frugal spending
Throughout the past year, owners and architects have taken a closer look at what is
actually necessary to include in projects.
Though frugal spending has gained more
ground, architects are finding that owners
still find it important to pay for piece of
mind when choosing quality materials and
building systems.
J
ay Barnes, AIA, principal with
Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Archi
tects, has practiced architecture for 24 years with a
majority of work in the public sector in Texas. Presently,
he says budgets for a majority of projects are tight.
“We are finding owners
are more conservative about
how they spend. If an existing property can be renovated
in a way to meet their program, generally that is option
one.”
Barnes further states that for the first
two quarters of this year, firms were focused
on whether or not projects were actually
going to take place. Leading into the third
and fourth quarters he notes more encouraging signs of projects starting up and moving forward.
“Many times it is a balancing of first
costs and budget realities versus the life
cycle of materials and other associated
costs. Working with the owner and clearly
communicating the benefits of selecting
quality materials and systems is the first
step. From there, they can make informed
decisions as it relates to their overall budget.”
When choosing materials that fall under the category of green building, Barnes
explains that the long-term benefits of the
materials generally outweigh the cost.
“We are a big proponent of green building and sustainable design. Working mostly
on the public side, our clients are generally
very experienced at developing projects and
understand the benefits of green building.
With that said, all of our projects have set
design budgets that must be
met. Whatever materials are
specified, the end result has to
be a project within the budget.”
As a result of budget constraints, Barnes sad the firm’s
growth did slow during the first
quarter. However, with projects
that have presented themselves
over the past six months,
Barnes sees a more promising
turn around.
“While there are more projects opportunities, there is certainly more competition now for those projects than there were
a year ago.”Ω
D
onna D. Carter is president of
Carter Design Associates and has
practiced architecture and design
for 24 years. With offices in Austin, the
firm has seven employees and performs the
majority of its work in Texas.
With much of the firm’s work in preservation, restoration and existing building
rehabilitation, Carter sees projects in this
area holding steady for the time
being, though she says she does
expect a downturn, as the weakened economy affects the availability of money. With this she
says budget constraints can put
a grip on what materials are
chosen for a project.
“All projects are a balancing act among budget constraints (costs), quality and size
(scope). Certainly one of the
areas of expertise and knowledge that the
design professional brings to a project is
specifying the products that provide the best
value and long term performance for the
dollars spent. Our clients are institutional
owners and are concerned with the long
term performance of the project.”
Focusing specifically on green building, Carter says owners are swayed to experiment or request green materials or
building methods regardless of the higher
costs associated with them as long as they
can see the benefits of how an integrated
green process will benefit the project in the
long run.
“When there can be some leeway on
size, many of our clients are expressly requesting green building products, systems
and construction methods. We are entering
the construction phase for the Carver Museum and Branch Library Expansion, which
is designed to be a LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) certified building. It definitely added to the initial cost of the building, but will pay off
over the life of the building. Institutional
owners understand this trade-off.”
Looking internally at the
building of her own firm,
Carter says growth, for
growth’s sake, is not the main
focus.
“We do not anticipate
new growth because we have
grown to our desired level in
the past two years. We are
working to solidify that
growth. This is not a situation
of being on hold. This is where
we want to be.”Ω
M
orris Hoover, AIA, NCARB is
president of Hoover & Associ
ates, Inc. He has practiced architecture and design since June of 1981 and
currently has two employees working at his
office in Austin.
He is a registered architect in nine
states and has completed projects in 11
states and in Mexico. Working in both residential and commercial markets across the
nation and border, Hoover sees that owners do prefer to work with existing areas
and structures, but will invest in new design and construction when necessary.
“Owners are definitely looking to optimize existing operations and facilities
when base cost and infrastructure are already in place. Additional revenue at existing locations more easily falls to the bottom line. However, some business types
require a new location for each new outlet,
and the owner must deal with site developcontinued on Page 16
Page 16
F O C U S
continued from Page 15 - Security holds meaningful presence in architectural fields
A
lan R. Bell, AIA, is president-elect
for the Austin Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects
(AIA) and corporate architect for Dell Computer Corporation. He manages day to day
facilities design and planning requirements
for product development.
“The bulk of my work is in the Central
Texas area, but I do support
facilities worldwide,” says
Bell. “The greatest impact
in regard to security I have
found as of late is the awareness of physical condition.
The high tech community
has typically had strict security because of the nature of
the business and intellectual
property.
“The public has probably noticed the concrete
barriers around public buildings. I think a
number of these barriers will start to be designed into a facility rather than placed by
front end loaders. I’m afraid we will see these
for a long time as they are functional, inexpensive and owners will use these in existing
facilities to save money.”
Bell further states that in the high tech
industry, remodeling of office space often
precedes new construction.
“The high tech industry has a tendency
to break the mold. I have seen a number of
new owners and developers remodel existing
facilities to create new workspace intent on
promotion of innovation and creativity.”
When looking at the topics of budget and
materials, Bell has found an appreciation in
the investment of sound materials with a reasonable budget.
“Every project is budget constrained. The
more knowledgeable architects are with
owner’s considerations and maintenance practices, the better it makes it to specify materials in support of those initiatives. As an architect who deals daily with janitorial services
and building maintenance, I
found that in my previous experience as a design professional, I
did not have an appreciation for
the day to day operation of a
building long after the warranty
period had passed.”
To that end, an area Bell believes could support a structure’s
longevity and economical gain are
green building products.
“If the architect and engineer can illustrate to the owner
the payback on the system of green building
over the long term, I think many owners will
step up to the plate. Lighting control systems
and energy management systems can pay for
themselves overtime and provide for remote
fixes to problems at satellite locations.”Ω
T
om Cornelius is an architect with
Graeber Simmons & Cowan, and
has practiced architecture for 22
years. He performs the majority of his work
in Central Texas.
In regard to security precautions from the
past year, Cornelius says that clients’ motivation for various security systems is influenced
more by conventional security and theft issues,
and not so much from terrorist threats.
Architecture & Design
“It has
become conventional for
our government, technology,
healthcare
and retail
projects to incorporate
bollards adjacent to the entrances to prevent forced
vehicle entry into double entry doors. We
have been asked to incorporate those or other
less obvious vehicle barriers into the latest
office buildings for the same reason. We are
aware of site revision projects to add retractable bollards that can be deployed from central or remote locations to quickly control
government agencies.”
Cornelius elaborates on the firm’s involvement with security on projects mentioning that Graeber Simmons & Cowan has
been asked to revise the lobby of a project
under construction to direct all persons
through a card reader/ proximity sensor that
allows only one person to enter per card key
operation.
Viewing existing space in comparison
to newly designed areas, Cornelius says he
has seen a decline in modernizing buildings.
“We see our clients accommodating
growth or consolidating by taking existing
space “as is” without making significant interior improvements. We see clients making
less investment in those buildings but possibly due to the generally shorter duration of
the leases.”Ω
continued from Page 15 - Architects/Owners hold quality above frugal spending
ment and total building and utilities construction. Those clients most often require full
design services for each project we help them
with.”
Hoover specifically elaborates on residential upgrades by
stating that his clients come to
him enjoying the neighborhood
they live in, but needing their
house to better accommodate
the needs of everyone living
under one roof.
“We have worked with several clients with aging parents
who will come to live with them.
One gentleman in particular was
suffering from ocular degeneration and had recently become
legally blind. Our addition to that home included a second master suite for the father,
and an updated kitchen and family areas. The
client ended up with a home that was optimized for someone with vision difficulties,
and updated for the teenage children and parents as well. This client had seen
nothing that would come close
to meeting those needs in the
marketplace.”
Expanding to the selection
of green building products,
Hoover says that the cost to use
such products is not a deterrent
so much as the uncertainty of
how much the overall cost of a
project will be when using the
materials.
“A single green building
choice may affect many different parts and trades involved in the building
process. With each area of newness or uncer-
tainty comes additional assumed costs linked
to installation speed, coordination, callbacks
and warrantee exposure. Until all trades involved in the building process are comfortable with a new product, system or technique,
there will be substantial pricing cushions included to cover the unknown variables.”
Looking internally and at the economy
at large, Hoover says his firm is prospering
well and that he sees the economy in Central Texas as relatively strong.
“Interest rates are low, and credit is easy
to obtain for both residential and commercial clients. Our office is capable of mobilizing for multi-million dollar projects, and is
ready to help our clients with smaller projects
that can value from our participation. The
last 21 years of practice have yielded an interesting array of project types and client
profiles. We are confident that the future
holds similar challenges and benefits.”Ω
Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
Calling all
architects
T
he Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC)
and the Port Authority of New
York and New Jersey are issuing an
open RFQ to architects throughout
the world interested in participating
in an LMDC design study focusing
on the future of the World Trade Center site. There could be as many as
five teams selected to prepare alternatives to the six preliminary plans
publicized last month. Registered architects, landscape architects and professional planners are eligible to participate. The deadline for responses
to the RFQ is Sept. 16th. For more
details visit www.RenewNYC.com.Ω
FYI
T
he Texas Society of Architects
(TSA) will hold its 63rd annual
convention and expo October 24–26
at the Austin Convention Center.
The convention’s theme is “Taking
Texas Places.” Eleven winners of
the 2002 Design Awards program
sponsored by TSA will be recognized at a special ceremony. The
Austin award winners are as follows: Pledger Guest Cabin in Austin by Barbee Associates of Austin
and Lake Austin Boat Dock by Miro
Rivera Architects of Austin.
As well, the convention will allow architects from across Texas the
opportunity to discuss how to better design communities.
Edward A. Feiner, chief architect of U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) will be one of
the guest speakers. Feiner is the top
designer for federal buildings and
personally oversees each major construction and modernization project
under consideration by all federal
agencies.
For more information, visit the
TSA Web site at texasarchitect.org.Ω
Requirements of the Texas
Architectural Barriers Act
By Nancy Foster, special to Austin Construction News
The Texas Department of Licensing and
Regulation (TDLR) has the responsibility
of enforcing the Texas Architectural Barriers Act (TABA) and ensuring that buildings and facilities are accessible to all Texans, including persons with disabilities.
The TABA mandates accessibility in
publicly-funded buildings and facilities, as
well as facilities leased or occupied by state
agencies, and temporary or emergency
construction. Although the TABA is a state
law separate from the federal Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), most requirements are similar. The U.S. Department of
Justice has certified that the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), which are the
technical standards developed to facilitate
compliance with the TABA, meet or exceed federal ADA requirements for new
construction and alterations.
All newly-constructed or altered facilities, which are subject to TABA, must
comply with TAS. Those facilities with estimated construction costs of $50,000 or
more are required to be registered with
TDLR and undergo a plan review and post
construction inspection to verify compliance.
TABA also defines who has the responsibility of complying with the registration,
plan review and inspection requirements.
The architect, interior designer, landscape
architect or engineer with overall responsibility for the design of covered buildings and
facilities is responsible for registering construction documents with TDLR not later
than the fifth business day after the date on
which the respective design professional issues the construction documents. A design
professional who fails to register the project
in a timely fashion will be reported to the
respective state registration board.
In the absence of a registered design
professional with overall responsibility, the
owner is responsible for registering the
project. On application to a local governmental entity for a building construction
permit, the owner shall submit to the entity
F O C U S
Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
SURVEY
SURVEY
This month we are highlighting Architecture and Design.
The response was 12%.
64% considered their firm “small” with less than $2 million in sales.
28% considered their firm “medium” with $2 - $5 million in sales.
08% considered their firm “large” with $5+ million in sales.
Page 17
Architecture & Design
We use local plan rooms to access proposed projects: ............. 08 16 33 16 25
We have had a computer virus within the last 3 months: ........... 08 25 07 42 16
We employ a fulltime IT professional: ........................................ 17 08 17 08 50
We find the Internet to be a valuable research tool: ................... 67 25 00 08 00
PRODUCTS
We’re specifying more “green” materials in our projects: ........... 42
The cost for “green” materials has come down in the last 5
years: ............................................................................ 17
Mfg. reps are showing more mold resistant products: ............... 08
We recommend newly-developed products to our clients: ......... 08
1 firm was involved in a lawsuit in the last 12 months.
1 firm was audited by the IRS in the last 12 months.
2 firms are woman or minority owned.
50 08 00 00
25 33 25 00
50 25 17 00
58 26 08 00
FINANCIAL ISSUES
1 = Strongly Agree
2 = Agree
3 = Neutral
4 = Disagree
5 = Strongly Disagree
Results are measured in percentages.
1
2
3
4 5
PERSONNEL
We outsource Human Resource functions to save money & time:
Number of applicants for employment have increased since last
year: .............................................................................
Employee benefit package costs have risen dramatically: ........
Hiring practices are more strict since Sept. 11th: .......................
We have a professional engineer on our staff: ...........................
17
25
00
08
33
17
00
00
42
42
75
17
08
08
17
00
00
08
08
75
00
00
00
17
16
08
33
33
17
42
25
25
25
33
25
08
42
17
17
17
Computer security is a top priority today: ................................... 25 34 25 08 08
Threats of lawsuits have increased: ........................................... 00
Attorney’s fees for representation or consultation have
increased: .................................................................... 07
We have resorted to legal proceedings to collect fees: .............. 17
Governmental immunity prevents us from contracting with
Gov’t entities: ............................................................... 00
00
08
42
08
00
00
00
00
37 37 07 00
proof that the plans and specifications have
been submitted to the department as required by TABA. A public official authorized to issue building permits may not accept an application for a building permit
unless that official verifies the subject building or facility has been registered with
TDLR. Importantly, building plans need not
have the plan review completed and approached in order to apply for or receive a
permit.
Once registered, the plan review and/
or inspection can be provided either by a
Registered Accessibility Specialist, a Contract Provider, or TDLR. Building owners
are responsible for having the post-construction inspection performed within one
year of the completion of the building.
Newly-constructed buildings that are found
in substantial compliance with TAS receive
an “Access for All” decal, distributed by
TDLR in conjunction with the Governor’s
Committee on People with Disabilities.
Building owners who fail to comply with
state regulations may be liable for administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation per
day.
Detailed information about the AB
program can be obtained from the TDLR
web site, www.license.state.tx.us. Requests
for technical and procedural assistance can
be made by phone, 877-278-0999 or 512463-3211; Relay TDD: 800-735-2989,
Voice: 800-735-2988. To send inquiries by
fax, 512-475-2886, or e-mail to
techinfo.ab@license.state.tx.us.Ω
Next
Month in
Glass & Glazing Contractors
Business demands have reduced time with my family: ............. 08
Affiliation with professional associations improves our
credibility: .................................................................... 25
I still have time to play. ............................................................... 08
I generally work on Saturdays: ................................................... 19
I would rather win the lottery than work for a living: ................... 33
Glass & Glazing products
manufactures
Glass products manufacturers
Any company that sells items to
glass contractors.
Represent your
industry
Call for space reservations
(512) 447-2900
08 75 17 00
55 38 00 00
33 25 25 00
17 42 17 08
PERSONAL
continued from Page 16 - Requirements of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act
Glass &
Glazing Industry
33
42
25
50
LEGAL ISSUES
TECHNOLOGY
Oct 2002 Issue
50
33
25
34
00 08 25 42 25
SECURITY ISSUES:
We have consulted with professionals about in-house security:
We secure background checks on prospective employees: ......
Theft of intellectual property is common in our profession: ........
Client concerns about security issues have increased: .............
We see a trend toward more remodeling vs. new construction: 17
Money availability for new projects is tight: ................................ 17
Fees are paid promptly by the owners: ...................................... 08
We’ve increased our architectural fees over the past year: ....... 08
Cost of professional liability insurance rose substantially in
2002: ............................................................................ 19
http://ewh.ieee.org/soc/pes/centraltexas/
28 37 19 08
17
37
09
00
50
28
37
17
00
08
18
08
08
19
18
42
Page 18–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
SAFETY
INSURANCE
Want to save yourself
time and money?
What is Safety?
By Greg Smith, C.S.P.
By Bill Simpson
W
e spend a tremendous amount of time and energy pro
moting, complying with, admonishing about, train
ing and educating in safety. The one thing that we
seem to regularly forget however is the definition.
I
f you subcontract any work you are subject to being sued by
parties claiming that your subcontractors damaged them in
some form or fashion. Lawyers tend to sue everyone remotely
associated with a project when someone or something is actually
or allegedly damaged by a subcontractor.
If you have not taken the steps to protect yourself from these lawsuits, prepare
to spend time in courtrooms and additional
money as your insurance renews due to the
additional money your insurance carrier
spent defending you.
Most of you have probably heard this
before and have taken the proper steps to
protect yourself. For those who have not,
the following steps are strongly recommended:
First, never allow a subcontractor on
the jobsite without providing you with a
certificate of insurance. Keep in mind that
the dollar value of a subcontract has little
to do with the size of a potential insurance
claim. A worker changing a $0.70 light bulb
can fall from a ladder and create a million
dollar claim.
Second, have all subcontractors, at
minimum, name you as “Additional Insured” on their general liability and auto
policies and note it on their insurance certificates. This will allow your insurance
company to tender their defense of you to
the insurance carrier of the subcontractor
that actually caused the alleged damage.
This saves the insurance carrier and ultimately you, money.
Third, have all subcontractors provide
”waivers of subrogation” on their workers
compensation, general liability and auto
policies. This also should be noted on their
insurance certificate. This helps prevent the
subs insurance carrier from coming after
your insurance carrier to recoup their losses.
Fourth, have your insurance agent
verify that insurance limits provided on subcontractor certificates are adequate and that
the companies providing those limits are
legitimate. This is a simple but important
step to help avoid fraud.Ω
Bill Simpson is vice president of Elsey &
Associates Surety/Insurance Agency and
a former senior surety underwriter for
CNA. (214) 392-0635,
bills61@hotmail.com.
SUBSCRIPTION UPDATES!
Contact the Construction News at (512) 447-2900 and
we will send you a form for updating your subscription
and company information.
Attention
Contractors
Texas Owned and
Operated Since 1974
We have moved to 2 new locations to serve you better
We Beat Anybodys Deal!
South
North
2101 W. Ben White Blvd.
Austin, TX
16401 Central Commerce Dr.
Pflugerville, TX
512-383-8386
512-989-0001
The dictionary defines safety as “the
condition of being safe” Hmm. Let’s look
at safe: “secure/free from danger, harm, or
evil.” That’s a little better; we can work with
that definition. But many times we don’t.
We assume everyone knows what we mean
when we talk about safety. But an
individual’s concept of safety is formed
over time just as the other facets of personality are formed: experience, training, observation, and example. It is modified the
same ways. The task of creating and maintaining a “safe” work (or home) environment ultimately rests with the individuals
that are present in that environment at any
given time, so we have to give them a clear
definition and clear expectations of “safe”
to prevent injuries.
One of the techniques I have used for
years is simply posing the question “What
is Safety?” to the group I am interacting
with at the beginning of the session (be it a
training class, safety meeting, or conference
presentation). “What is Safety?” has garnered more blank looks, head scratching,
and looking around at the other people than
I would have ever imagined. But with a little
encouragement, people will start giving
one-line statements about what safety is to
them. The more definitions you get, the
more head nodding and “that’s right” you
see and hear from others in the group. The
more diverse the group, the greater the
range of the definitions. (If you REALLY
want some diverse answers, ask a group of
safety people!)
The interesting thing is that they all
agree in principle with each other as they
listen. The unsettling thing is that they,
many times, had never considered some of
the other definitions as being applicable to
what they do until they really thought about
what they were hearing. And if you never
consider something, it’s unlikely you will
utilize it.
Try asking the question the next time
you interact with a group in a safety leadership role. After you hear the answers,
define what safety means as it applies to
the group. Tell them how you and/or the
company define safety. Give the people a
framework to be safe within, some tools to
work with as far as behaviors, and results
expected. Then follow up. And keep following up. And keep reinforcing. Opinions
weren’t created overnight and they won’t
change overnight. But if you show people
the personal value of being safe, they will
be safe.
Go ahead and ask the question: “What
is Safety?” You’ll be surprised by what you
hear. But before you ask them, ask yourself. You might even be more surprised.Ω
Greg L. Smith, C.S.P., is president of
Construction Safety and Health, Inc. You
may reach him by calling (512) 462-1234
or glssmithtx@prodigy.net
New features added with AIA
electronic document upgrade
T
he job isn’t over until the paperwork
is done, and this case the job prob
ably never started without the paperwork either. American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract documents are a collection of 89 forms and contracts that define contractual relationship used in design
and building concepts, and the organization
has announced a new version available to
users.
The latest upgrade now makes AIA
electronic contract documents easier to purchase, install, and use and includes 11 new
or revised contract administration forms.
The upgrade can be downloaded from the
AIA web site at www.aia.org.
“We have dramatically improved the
user experience for the AIA electronic contract documents software,” said Jim
Dinegar, chief operating officer of the AIA.
“Key functions have been improved, especially how the software is initialized and
the way the contract documents are formatted for printing.”
Improvements in reliability and usability of 3.0 PLUS include:
Faster printing and less intrusive
“DRAFT” watermark that permits copying
and faxing without obscuring text.
User-friendly pop-up navigation aids
are added at key points.
Eleven new or revised construction
administration forms have been added,
broadening the system to 89 documents.
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Call Patrick at 512-719-5263
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Austin Construction News • Sep 2002 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 19
LEGAL
ACCOUNTING
You need to know about
the statutes of repose
The best tax deduction
you have ever heard of!
By Matthew J. Sullivan
By Russell Morrison &
Bradley Van Houten
T
here are two documents that are absolutely critical for the
protection of contractors and design professionals.
The first is a signed contract and the second is the certificate of substantial completion. The value of a signed contract is
pretty obvious, but believe it or not the certificate of substantial
completion can be even more important. Let me explain why.
As a result of intense lobbying efforts
by various trade and professional associations in the 1960s, Texas, along with many
other states, adopted several statutes of repose applicable to contractors, architects,
engineers and surveyors. These statutes operate to completely bar lawsuits that a party
may file against a contractor or design professional more than ten years after the date
of substantial completion. Think about it—
complete immunity from liability. Of
course, there are ways to extend the time
period (written warranty, notice of claim in
the ninth year, etc.) but there is no better
protection from a claim for building defects
or personal injury than the statute of repose.
As with most things legal, there are exceptions to every rule and there are some limitations on the statute of repose. However,
space is limited so allow me to cover a few
items of general interest.
Here is why these statutes make sense
for contractors and design professionals.
Your efforts produce a building that may
be around for 50 years or longer. After 10
years, memories fade, documents are lost,
or witnesses may not be available to testify
about what happened during design or construction. Those factors may place a contractor or design professional at a disadvantage if they have to defend a claim 10, 20
or 30 years after the building is substantially complete.
A statute of repose is often confused
as a statute of limitations. A statute of repose operates to bar an action if it does not
accrue within the statutory period of time,
whereas a statue of limitations bars an action if it is not brought within the statutory
period of time after it accrues. For example,
if a piece of a building falls and hits someone five years after substantial completion,
the injured person has two years from the
date of the injury to file a lawsuit against
the owner, contractor, and/or architect alleging negligence. The action “accrued”
on the date of the injury. If the person was
injured on a date that was 14 years after
substantial completion, the claims, if any,
against the contractor or architect are completely barred by the applicable statute of
repose. Although the injury had not occurred—or accrued—ten years after substantial completion, the statute of repose
still serves to protect the contractor or architect from any claim.
Because of the protection afforded by
these statutes, any contractor, architect or
engineer should make sure that a certificate
of substantial completion is issued at the time
a building is substantially complete. Perhaps more important, be sure to keep a copy
of the certificate in a safe place.Ω
Matt Sullivan is a construction lawyer and a
partner in Haynes and Boone, L.L.P., where
he represents clients involved in the design
and construction industry.
matthew.sullivan@haynesboone.com
(512.867.8424)
BUILDING SPECIALTIES, INC.
M
ost of the people we talk to have
never heard terms like “419
Plan” or “Welfare Benefit
Trust.” These terms, however, represent one of the greatest opportunities for an employer to reduce taxes and simultaneously provide for life insurance needs in a tax-deductible manner.
Internal Revenue Code Section
419A(f)(6) provides employers with a way
to contribute money to a “Welfare Benefit
Trust” and take a deduction for that contribution. The trust then provides death benefits, medical benefits, or disability benefits
to employees. We particularly like this
strategy for funding the insurance costs associated with succession planning (i.e. buy/
sell agreements) and estate planning.
The ideal candidate for a plan of this
nature is a C-Corp., S-Corp., partnership
or LLC with substantial profits and a need
for the current owner(s) to provide for the
purchase of their interests by others in the
event of their death. These strategies are
complicated and clearly are not for everyone; however, for those entities with high
marginal tax rates, these plans are definitely
worth a closer look.
A nice feature of 419 plans is the flexibility of the amount of contributions to the
trust. In leaner years, a minimal contribution can be made to the trust, and in prosperous years, larger contributions can be
made. 419 plans do not impact 401(k)s,
pensions or other types of qualified retirement plans. Additionally, 419 plans can be
established and funded as late as the last
business day of the year, after the entity’s
financial results are more defined.
These plans are a hot topic in Washington D. C. The IRS proposed regulations
on July 11, 2002 to limit 419 plans in a
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Russell Morrison and Bradley Van
Houten are both CPAs with Garland R.
Shelton & Co. CPAs. The firm offers tax,
accounting, auditing and financial
services to its clients and has a large
concentration of clients in the construction industry. Contact them at (512) 3109277 or through their website
www.sheltoncpa.com.
FYI
SINCE 1960
MODERNFOLD - Authorized Modernfold Service Center
First in Walls That Move! Accordian Doors/Folding Partitions
TOILET PARTITIONS / TOILET ACCESSORIES (In Stock)
SMOKE GUARD - Smoke Containment Systems
KALWALL - Translucent Skylights - Windows
Products in Division 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, & 12
number of different ways. On November
5, 2002, the Treasury is holding a hearing
to discuss the proposed regulations. Additionally, proposed legislation exists in the
form of House Bill HR 2370 and Senate
Bill S.1386. By most accounts, though, it
looks unlikely that these will make it to the
president, much less be signed into law
anytime soon.
We believe that the strategy outlined
above is sound and supportable. Regardless of the outcome of the proposed regulations, it appears these plans will be around
in the future. If you think a 419 plan might
be a good fit for your organization, be certain, especially in light of the proposed
regulations, to consult with someone
knowledgeable in the area such as your
CPA or financial advisor. Stop putting off
that buy/sell agreement and look into this
exceptional benefit to reduce taxes and fulfill your succession and estate planning
needs.Ω
T
he end of construction in the underground parking garage for the new
City Hall and Public Plaza is near.
According the a news release from
the city, construction crews are on schedule with only three major concrete placements remaining to set in place. Concrete
is poured daily into columns and walls
that will provide support for the plaza and
the new City Hall. Fire suppression system and cable guardrails are being installed. Construction crews have also begun preparing for final inspections of the
garage by architects CKNR and the City
of Austin.Ω
continued from Page 1 - AMTA allows marketing, networking for minorities
with one of the officers concerning business needs.
“Our goal is to illuminate more of the
smaller businesses and contractors in town,”
said Ledesma. “One of our largest goals is
project procurement. We help business
owners figure out the best way to market
their businesses and services, and we help
those owners network with each other and
larger more established general contractors.”
In addition to the Independent Truckers Association, AMTA collaborates with
along with the Austin Black Contractors
Association and the Asian Contractors
Association.
“We enjoy working with other associations who have a similar mission to help
members find jobs and even establish relationships with private sector contractors,”
said Vera. “Our goal is to do all that we
can to help small businesses flourish and
keep owners educated about what’s going
on in our industry.”
Those interested in contacting that association may call 707-0009.Ω
FYI
Governor Rick Perry is spearheading the movement to honor the Texans lost in
the September 11th attacks and Operation Enduring Freedom. Presently, the Governor’s
Office is soliciting Texan architects, artists, engineers and designers to submit schematic designs for a Texas Memorial for victims of the terrorist attacks. Governor Perry
will dedicate a site at the State Cemetery for the memorial on September 11th. The
maximum budget for the design and construction of the memorial is $100,000, including a 10 percent retainage. Prior to Sept. 3, 2002, three finalists will be asked to produce
a scale model of their design. The design shall incorporate all or some significant portion of one or both of the two pieces of the steel structure from the World Trade Center.
For more information, please call the Governor’s Office at 512-463-2000.Ω
Bonding seminars
provide needed info
T
he first part of a two-part bonding
seminar series was given by the Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the
law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Wed., July 31st at the Doubletree Hotel
Austin.
The first two seminars are on “Everything You Need to Know About Performance Binds in Two Parts.” Steve Dobson,
AFSB, owner of Statewide Bonding
Agency, and Amy Mithchell with Fulbright
& Jaworski gave the first seminar entitled,
“Bonding 101: Fundamentals.” The seminar explained what a (surety) bond is, how
to apply for one and what to expect when
going through the application process.
Dobson and Mithchell said that surety
bonds provide financial security and place
a guarantee on building and construction
projects by assuring projects owners that
contractors will perform the work and pay
certain subcontractors, laborers and material suppliers.
There are three types of corporate or
contract surety bonds: bid bonds, performance bonds and payment bonds. Bid
bonds assure that a bid has been submitted
in good faith and that the contractor plans
to follow through with the work agreed to
and payment bonds.
Performance bonds protect the owner
from financial loss if the contractor fails to
follow through with the terms of the contract. Finally, payment bonds guarantee that
the contractor will pay those subcontractors, laborers, materials suppliers associated
with a project.
INDUSTRIAL
To enter into bonded work, a contractor must complete a prequalification underwriting process that involves an in-depth
look at a contractor’s entire business operation that determines the company’s ability to meet current and future obligations.
Dobson and Mitchell said the
prequalification process can be lengthy, but
is well worth it to help give contractors that
competitive edge in today’s market place.
Some of the information a contractor
will need to provide his or her surety agent
to apply for a bond are: an organizational
chart of key employees and their responsibilities, detailed resumes of key employees and the business owner, a business plan
of the work the company performs, the process of getting work and growth and profit
goals. References from subcontractors and
suppliers are helpful in establishing good
credit as well as a plan outlining how the
business will continue in the event of an
owner’s death or disablement.
The Surety Association of America
and The National Association of Surety
Bond Producers have links to find local
professional bonding companies or agencies. The web site for the Surety Association of America is : www.surety.org. The
web site for the National Association of
Surety Bond Producers is : www.nasbp.org.
The second seminar on bonding will
be Wed., Oct. 23rd from 11:45 am to 1:15
pm. Those interested to find out more on
surety bonds may visit the web site for the
Surety
Information
Office
at
www.sio.org.Ω
INDUSTRIAL
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ASPHALT & SEAL, INC.
ASPHALT
PAVING COMPANY OF AUSTIN, INC.
CITY WORK
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SEALING
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(512) 312-1666
ROUND-UP
E
M
T
M
L
J
lizabeth
Geller was
hired in July as
an administrative
assistant for the
American Institute of Architects
(AIA) Austin
Chapter. Originally from New
York, Ms. Geller worked two years for
Barnes Gromatzky Kosarek Architects
as an administrative assistant before
joining the AIA Austin Chapter. She has
resided in Austin for eight years.Ω
he American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
Austin Chapter
has hired Shelli
Menegos as the
a s s o c i a t i o n ’s
new executive
director. Mrs.
Menegos has worked for several property management companies in Central Texas and holds a real estate license. She has previously served on
the Board of Directors for Building
Owners Management Association
(BOMA) of Austin.Ω
loyd Bluhm
now serves
as ELK Electric,
Inc.’s service
manager
appointed to oversee
the service, sales
and security aspects of the company. Bluhm began working for the
company in March of 2000 bringing 24
years of experience working in the electrical field in Austin. Mr. Bluhm’s experience and responsibilities include
sales and bids of jobs in the service,
telecommunication, voice and data and
CCTV markets for ELK. Mr. Bluhm is
also a member of IBEW, NECA and
AAFME.Ω
ahereen
Maherali
was hired in July
as an administrative assistant
for the American Institute of
Architects
(AIA) Austin
Chapter. Ms. Maherali is in her third
year as a student at the University of
Texas at Austin and handles accounting,
membership and documents for the AIA
Austin Chapter. She is originally from
Houston, TX.Ω
i k e Ko n d erla is an
Austin native who
has joined Open
Sky Software as the
construction software company’s
marketing and sales
manager. Mr.Konderla transitioned into sales and marketing after a seven year professional baseball career. As well, he had his own
drive-time radio program, “The Mike
Konderla Show” on KJFK in Central
Texas, was a small business owner and
has more than 14 years of experience
in traditional and high-tech sales
fields.Ω
.R. Bell, partner at Haynes
and Boone LLP,
was elected secretary of the Austin
Intellectual Property Law Association, a non-profit,
professional organization for individuals interested in intellectual property issues. Mr. Bell has more than 25
years of patent and trademark experience. He has written several hundred
mechanical and electro-mechanical
patent applications in the technology
areas of medical and dental prostheses,
automotive, construction, farm and
packaging machinery and computer
hardware, among others.Ω
continued from Page 1 -Scott & Reid, LCRA team up for Dalchau upgrade
phase two.”
Scott & Reid completed a project of
similar size to the LCRA project for Cranes
Mill Elementary School in Comal County.
“From there we rolled right into this,
which is about $7.9 million,” said Holechek.
“These projects are similar in scope to some
extent, but the complexities are different
since the elementary school project was all
brand new construction. This also is a neat
project in that everything we are doing will
become a show piece. Graeber Simmons &
Cowan is the architect on the project, and I
think up front the design has already been
submitted for several awards.”
Scott & Reid began renovation in late
May, and plans to have all buildings complete by August 2003. The total project is
80,000-sf with the addition at 15,000-sf. A
lot of the buildings were used for vehicle
maintenance, equipment maintenance and
shops that the company is converting into
office space. There is one shop area in
Building B that will remain as is, but the
other buildings Scot & Reid are working
on will be turned into offices. Around the
end of October, Scott & Reid will near the
end of the first phase and begin phase two.
“The heart of the construction has to
do with the excavation and demolition with
what we are taking down,” said Kruger
Johnson, superintendent for Scott & Reid.
“Everything is being put into different containers so that it can be salvaged, resold and
recycled, which is part of the green build-
ing with this project. We are using a certain paver’s stone for the parking lot that is
pervious and allows water to flow through.”
Looking at the interior of the buildings,
a concentration of materials for insulation
and energy efficiency will be used.
“We are to install plate glass windows
that will contain an EFIS System (Exterior
Installation Finish System) and metal lining that will run along the exterior of the
window,” said Kruger.
EFIS System consists of two inches of
Styrofoam with polystyrene foam underneath a plaster finish. It has a high insulating factor, and putting the insulation on the
exterior of the building helps to increase
square footage on the interior.
“This will be a show piece for everyone involved from the architect, ourselves
and LCRA,” said Holechek. “Over the last
five years the organization has been growing by leaps and bounds. It has been wonderful to be involved on a project for them.”
The following are the subcontractors
working on the project: Ledwik Excavating; Jenkins Construction; Industrial Asphalt; Teds Trees; Kellystone; Whitetail
Construction; Optimum Steel; Romero
Inspection Fab; A Plus Sealants; Brit-Tex
Plastering; A.D. Willis; 4MC Enterprises;
Texas Glass; Surfaces & Interiors;
Re:Source TX; Foremost Painting;
Boriack Interiors; Hudson Fire Protection; Airco Mechanical; LMH Plumbing;
and Tieco Electrical.Ω
Austin Construction News • Sep 2002 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Page 21
ASSOCIATION NEWS
ABC
AGC OF TX
ARA
Sept. 2: On Labor Day, the office of the
Associated Builders and Contractors will
be closed.
Sept .3: Scaffolding Safety Training.
Sept. 5-6: OSHA 10 Hour Class.
Sept. 6: Excavation Safety Class.
Sept. 7: Defensive Driving.
Sept. 16: Fall Golf Tournament at Avery
Ranch.
Sept. 20: Excavation Safety Class.
Sept. 23: ABC Apprenticeship Classes begin.
Sept. 24: ABC Chapter Dinner Mtg.
Sept. 28: ABC 1 st Annual BBQ Cookoff.
For more information call 512-719-5263.
Oct. 8-9: The Associated General Contractors of Texas will host their 19th Annual
AGC of Texas Trade & Equipment Show
at the Austin Convention Center.
Sept. 12: The Austin Remodelers Association will hold their monthly Board of Directors meeting at the ARA headquarters
office beginning at 11:30 am.
Sept. 19: General membership meeting at
the Old San Francisco Steakhouse beginning at 11:30 am.
AGC
APHCC
Sept. 10: The Austin Chapter of Associated General Contractors will hold its
Safety Committee meeting beginning at
11:30 am.
Sept. 11: Membership committee meeting
beginning at 10:30 am.
Sept. 11: Activities committee meeting
Sept. 20: AGC Third Annual Skeet Shoot
at Capitol City Trap & Skeet Club.
Sept. 23: Education committee meeting
Sept. 28: Retama Park Horse Racing event.
The Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas are offering several classes in Austin at the PHCC of Texas
office on 505 E. Huntland Dr., Ste. 170.
Sept. 28: Plumbing Professional Continuing Education class.
Oct. 5 & 26: Plumbing Professional Continuing Education class.
Nov. 2 & 16: Plumbing Professional Continuing Education class.
Dec. 7: Plumbing Professional Continuing
Education class.
For more information call David Palacio,
education director at 1-800-831-9313.
AIA
Sept. 10: The American Institute of Architects will hold their ExCom meeting beginning at 11:30 am.
Sept. 17: Evening program.
Oct. 5-6: AIA Austin Homes Tour.
ASA
Sept. 10: The American Subcontractors
Association will hold their monthly meeting beginning at 11:45 am at the Old San
Francisco Steakhouse, top floor meeting
room.
IEEE
Sept. 24: Austin Chapter IEEE Power Engineering Society meeting begins at 6 pm
at El Gallo Mexican Restaurant. Guest
speaker is Sue Hart with Highest Vision.
Dinner is $10 and free for students.
For more information call Steve Kanetzky
at 512-326-3380. RSVP to Laurie Davis:
ldavis@elkelectric.com.
NAWIC
Sept. 4-8: The National Association of
What would you like to see on our web site?
Let us know . . .
ideas@constructionnews.net
NEW & USED
STRUCTURAL STEEL PIPE
RCATX
Sept. 24-28: The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas will be hosting its 27th
Annual Conference & Trade Show.
TSA
Oct. 24-26: The Texas Society of Architects
will host their 63rd Annual Convention and
Products & Ideas Expo. This event will be
held at the Austin Convention Center.
For more information call Gayle Pickering
at
512-478-7386
or
email
gpickering@texasarchitect.org.
WIR
Note: As of Aug. 2002 the Women in Remodeling meetings have changed to every
other month.
Oct. 23: Monthly meeting at the ARA office from noon until 1:15 pm.
For more information call 512-708-0637.Ω
Sunbelt Builders Show 2002
www.constructionnews.net
Austin Construction News
San Antonio Construction News
Women in Construction will host their Annual Meeting and Convention in Nashville,
TN.
Sept. 12: Monthly meeting at the Texas
Land and Cattle at Mopac & 2244 (Bee
Cave Rd.) from 6 pm until 8 pm. Focus of
the meeting will be a ‘round table’ discussion.
T
he only trade event dedicated exclusively to the home building industry,
the Sunbelt Builders Show, is to take
place Oct. 17-19, 2002 at the Dallas Convention Center.
Henry Cisneros, CEO and chairman
of the American City Vista is scheduled as
the keynote speaker for Fri., Oct. 18th. As
well, there are many opportunities planned
for attendees to gain in-depth knowledge on
building trends, product issues, including
mold, building systems, technology and
more.
For those who arrive early on Wed.,
Oct. 16th, and Texas Shoot-Out Golf Tournament will be held from 1-6 pm at the
Buffalo Creek Golf Club. The famed Fall
Parade of Homes¨ and Housing Tour-Sneak
Preview will take place Oct. 18th and 19th.
The homes featured will include those in
the $600,000 to $800,000 price range in
the Hills of Breckenridge in Richardson,
TX and other developments.
On Fri., Oct. 18th, 23 Lone Star
Awards will be presented. These awards are
the only statewide tribute to excellence in
the remodeling industry.
And, what could be better than helping to spur business than a Client Day on
Sat., Oct. 19th? The trade show will open
its door to clients interested in new home
building products to showcase what’s new.
For clients to participate, have them complete a registration form selecting the Client Day Guest, and admission is FREE.
For more information about registration and the conference, visit the Web site,
www.SunbeltBuildersShow.com.Ω
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The Business Section
Don’t get lost in
ATTACHMENT WORKS
OF TEXAS
the shuffle put your
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• General Liability
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• Bonds
Also offer; commercial auto, workers compensation, contractors equipment, umbrella liability
www.capitolcityinsurance.com
(512) 281-3129
Evelyn Page
Nick Page
Nick’s Bricks Masonry, Inc.
Specializing in Quality Masonry Projects
Light Commercial
Custom Residential
Brick, Block, Stone
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Call us today:
512.280.5194
Fax. 512.280.1704
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Aluminum Screen & Glass
35 years of Experience
• Custom Built Aluminum Screens
• Patio Screen Doors
• Rescreen & Sunscreens
• Phifer & Mason Products
DARILEK ALUMINUM SCREEN CO., LTD.
Fax: 830-693-4868
Easy Access: Just off Highway 71 Between Smithville and LaGrange
P.O Box 446 Marble Falls, Texas 78654
Action restores open
competition with Feds
O
• General Liability • Builder Risk
• Bonds
Also offer commercial auto, workercomp,
contractors equipment, umbrella liability
Fax: (512) 388-2352
Commercial / Residential
n July 12th, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit upheld President Bush’s
Executive Order 13202, overturning a lower
court’s decision. The executive order prohibits mandatory project labor agreements
on federally-funded and federally-assisted
projects. The action is considered a major
victory for the U.S. construction industry
as it ensures a neutral government position
and restores full and open competition in
the federal contracting process. The order
helps to ensure open competition in the U.S.
construction industry.
In April of 2001, the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department
STORE
Glass Block
SHARP SAND AND GRAVEL
145 N. Kirtley Road Smithville, Texas 78957
INSURANCE
Ph:
Office: (512)343-0280 / 1-800-473-8962
Fax: (512)343-0352 /
THE INSURANCE STORE
THE
and others sued to bar enforcement of the
executive order. In August 2001, a federal
judge in the District of Columbia ruled in
favor of the AFL-CIO’s position. In November 2001, the Justice Department appealed this decision. A broad coalition of
business organizations filed a friend-of-thecourt brief in opposition to the AFL-CIO.
The July 12th ruling overturns the lower
court and upholds the Bush executive order.
Joining in the brief were the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce, Associated Builders and Contractors, the National RightTo-Work Legal Defense Foundation and
others. Ω
512-443-3663
Austin, Texas
Industrial & Construction show
headed for Alamo City
N
o matter if you are looking for
new equipment or just trying to
make new contacts, the 21st Annual South Texas Industrial & Construction Show will be the place to be in
mid-September.
This year’s show will be held on
Sept. 17th from noon to 7 pm, and Sept.
18th from noon to 5 pm, at the Joe and
Harry Freeman Coliseum.
Last year, the show offered 175
booths to over 3,500 attendees, providing a forum for both vendors and spectators.
“One good thing we’re going to have
on the first day are the Dallas Cowboy
Cheerleaders!” said show owner Quincy
Barnes. “They’ll be autographing photos during the mixer, from 5 – 7 pm.”
Attendees can enjoy free parking and
admission, a beer and sausage mixer,
seminars, product demonstrations, skills
contests and door prizes while browsing
through vendor booths.
Co-sponsors for this year’s event include the Associated Builders and Contractors, Dodge Trucks and Alamo Iron
Works.
ARCHITECTURAL ACCESSIBILITY IN TEXAS
FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY LAWS & STANDARDS
On Location
The Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (amended 1988)
The design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing
Act apply to all new multifamily housing first occupied after March
13, 1991. Covered multifamily dwellings are: (1) all dwelling units
in buildings containing four or more units if such buildings have
one or more elevators, and (2) all ground floor dwelling units in
other buildings containing four or more units.
REQUIREMENT 7, Part A:
Usable Kitchens:
and cabinets must not encroach upon this
60-inch diameter turning space.
“...covered multifamily dwellings with a
building entrance on an accessible route
shall be designed and constructed in such
a manner that all premises within covered
multifamily dwelling units contain usable
kitchens such that an individual in a wheelchair can maneuver about the space.”
Fair Housing Act Regulations, 24 CFR
100.205
The team of Austin Sales & Scaffold gather together for a group shot in
front of the store at 7803 FM 969.
Clearance between Counters and
All Opposing Elements
The Guidelines require a clearance of at
least 40 inches between all opposing base
cabinets, countertops, appliances, and
walls. The 40-inch clearance is measured
from any countertop or the face of any appliance (excluding handles and controls)
that projects into the kitchen to the opposing cabinet, countertop, appliance, or wall.
Refrigerators vary greatly in depth and may
extend up to eight inches beyond cabinet
faces. Standard free-standing and drop-in
ranges may project up to three inches. Appliance depths (excluding door handles)
must be included when calculating the 40inch clearances.
In addition to the turning space, the kitchen
must be arranged so there is a 30-inch x
48-inch clear floor space for a parallel approach centered on the sink, range, or
cooktop. The centerline of the fixture or
appliance must be aligned with the
centerline of the clear floor space.
In a narrow kitchen the 40-inch minimum
clearance provides an additional five inches
on either side of the required clear floor
space of 30 inches x 48 inches at each fixture or appliance, so a user in a wheelchair
can maneuver as close as possible to appliances or fixtures. A narrow kitchen such
as the one shown below meets the Guidelines and is usable, but may be difficult for
many people using wheelchairs. Its narrow corridor design requires a user in a
wheelchair to exit the kitchen to turn
around.
The staff at Derrick Rental Equipment in Bastrop.
Linda Griesenbeck and her daughter, Sarah, stand outside the entrance to
Manufactured Stone Installations (MSI) on Sarah’s 8th birthday.
U-Shaped Kitchens
A 60-inch diameter turning circle is required in a U-shaped kitchen that has a sink,
range, or cooktop at its base. This turning
diameter is necessary to provide adequate
maneuvering space for a person using a
wheelchair to approach and position themselves parallel to the appliance or fixture at
the base of the U. Any appliances, such as
refrigerators and ranges (excluding door
handles), that project beyond countertops
Robert Buck, AIA, has provided architectural
accessibility plan reviews/inspections for over
2700 projects in 17 states. He is a Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation Registered
Accessibility Specialist (RAS), Section 504/ADA
Accessibility Consultant to the Brownsville Independent School District, and Fair Housing
Consultant for the City of Austin. 13438
Bandera Road, #104, Helotes, TX 78023 (210695-5326)
Ernest Huerta with Rainbow Materials, L.P. stands proudly next
to his truck at the company plant.
COMPLETE INVENTORY OF
LATHING • PLASTERING • DRYWALL
ACOUSTICAL MATERIAL
KEMLITE FRP • THERMAX • KARP ACCESS DOORS
CELOTEX CEILING • EUCLID CONCRETE CHEMICALS
Toll Free
1-800-580-9052
1146 W. LAUREL
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78201
Fax (210) 477-3090
www.lbminc.com
Texas Crane Services changes light bulbs at the University of
Texas at Austin’s practice field along IH-35.
Page 24 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Austin Construction News • Sep 2002
U.S. Hispanic Contractors praise city officials
T
he Austin-based United States His- Chapter.
panic Contractors Association reAccording to Frank Fuentes, presicently recognized two top city offi- dent of the Hispanic Contractors Associacials for efforts to promote Hispanic en- tion de Austin, the conference was detrepreneurship.
signed to present an avenue for the many
At the association’s first annual na- small, minority and women-owned busitional conference held at the Renaissance nesses to gather and show their strength,
Austin Hotel, Austin City Manager Toby capabilities and sheer volume of numbers
Futrell and Director of Small and Minor- to the various level of government officials
ity Business Resources (SMBR) Lino throughout the country. The conference
Rivera were recognized for strides to re- also represented an excellent networking
duce or eliminate obstacles faced by many event that allowed the attendees to interminority and women-owned businesses, act with a host of federal departments and
according to a release by the City of Aus- state agencies. As well, opportunities to
tin.
interact with various large general contracMany other awards were presented at tors who were looking for minority subthe conference that spotlighted individu- contractors abounded.
als and organizations that exemplify the
Training and information relevant to
spirit of “Building Inclusion by Eliminat- the construction industry was available
ing Exclusion,” the theme of the confer- through the three-day conference at many
ence.
workshops and seminars. A two-day busiThe Hispanic Contractors Association de Tejas
were cosponsors of the conference in conjunction with
its seventh annual Hispanic
Contractors Association
Statewide Conference and
the Hispanic Contractors
Association de Austin. The
conference spanned three
days from Aug. 1st–3rd, attracted many sponsors, 60
exhibitors and approximately 350 conference attendees nationally. Contractor of the Year awards were
presented to a contractor
from each HCA chapter.
L-R: Council member Raul Alvarez, HCA Austin Chapter
Jeff Candales, MPI (MatePresident Frank Fuentes; Austin City Manager Toby
rials Products Interna- Futrell; Mayor Gus Garcia and Sergio Ornales open the
conference with a traditional ribbon cutting. Photo
tional, Ltd.) was the award
credited to Kendra Mack, 2002.
recipient from the Austin
ness exchange and exhibit
hall forum featured the
more than 60 exhibitors.
An impressive list of
dignitaries from across the
United States flew in for the
occasion including Ruben
Barrales, deputy assistant
to President George Bush
and director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Pancho
Kinney, director of Policy
and Plans for Homeland Security from the White
House. Both were featured
L-R: Frank Fuentes, president of the Hispanic
keynote speakers during the
Contractors Association Austin Chapter; Senator
conference.
Gonzalo Barrientos; Frank Puente and Molly Beth
Malcolm, Chairwoman for the Texas Democratic
Lynn Gorski, director
Party. Photo credited to Kendra Mack, 2002.
of Small Business Construction for the Pentagon
Renovation Program presented a work- weekend, national comedian Paul
shop forum during the conference. U.S. Rodriguez emceed the closing night
Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, Broward awards gala held on Saturday. HCA AusCounty Florida Commissioner Diana tin Chapter President Frank Fuentes saw
Wasserman-Rubin and Alabama State Rodriguez perform before and rememRepresentative Thad McClammy were bered a story he told about wanting a cusalso in attendance.
tom chrome bike as a child. The story is
Local dignitaries who were present told that Rodriguez asked his father for the
include U.S. Senate candidate Ron Kirk, bike, but was told the $60 to buy it was
Texas Lt. Governor candidate John too expensive. On Rodriguez’s birthday his
Sharp, Texas Attorney General candidate father presented him with a book instead
Kirk Watson, Senator Gonzalo of a bike. Over time, Rodriguez’s father
Barrientos, Senator Judith Zaffarini and asked whether he had read the book.
Chairwoman of the Texas Democratic Rodriguez, not wanting to disappoint his
Party Molly Beth Malcolm.
father said yes, but it was years later that
Governor Rick Perry gave the break- he finally opened the cover to find $60
fast keynote speech Fri., Aug. 1st along tucked inside the front cover.
with Ruben Barrales. Also in attendance
To show appreciation to Rodriguez for
at various events were Austin Mayor providing entertainment during the conferGustavo “Gus” Garcia, Austin Council ence, Fuentes presented Rodriguez with a
members Raul Alvarez, Betty Dunkerly custom chrome bike he had once longed for.
and Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe.
Sheri Aaron and Kendra Mack conTo add a little spice and humor to the tributed to this article.Ω
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September - Construction News

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