AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES/MARYLAND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 24,2014 A meeting of the Executive Committee of the American Council of Engineering Companies/Maryland was called to order by D. Knight, President, at 8:03 A.M. on Wednesday, September 24,2014 at the ACEC/MD Office, Baltimore, MD. IN ATTENDANCE; D. Knight, President, A. Barrett, Vice President, S. Robinson, Treasurer; J. Jannetti, Secretary; C. Fronheiser, S. Taub, S. McCone, T. Frascarella, M. Sidhu, A. Straus ACEC/MD Directors; L. Kriebel, ACEC Director; J, Moeller, ACEC Alternate Director, T. Mawry, V. Pielli, and J. Otradovec, Executive Director. MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 20 MEETING: A motion was duly moved and seconded that the minutes of the August 20,2014 meeting be approved. FINANCIAL REPORT: S. Robinson distributed copies of the Statement of Financial Condition for the Council as of August 31,2014, as follows: ASSETS: Cash - checking $ 190,216.62 T. Rowe Price Prime Reserve Fund 2,182.67 Accounts Receivable 87,864.43 Dues Receivable Local $ 186,788.93 National 26,851.28 213,640.21 Affiliate Dues Receivable 12,750.00 Joint Council Dues Receivable 350.00 $ 507,003.93 LIABILITIES: Accounts Payable $ 27,808.48 ACEC/PAC Raffle 3.600.00 $ 31,408.48 NET WORTH: Beginning Balance 7/1/14 $ 236,481.25 Total to Date 239.114.20 $ 475,595.45 The Statement of Income and Expense, which is attached to the minutes, was reviewed for two months ending August 31, 2014. S. Robinson reported that $87,000 in Local Dues was received this month. The Statement shows royalties by the ACEC BIT. Expenses associated with the EEA brochure and the BMI Holiday Party are also reflected. Firms are reminded that it is extremely important that firms pay outstanding invoices from the just concluded fiscal year. After discussion, it was duly moved and seconded to accept the financial report as presented. l
OLD BUSINESS: 1. SMART Goals - D. Knight reported that a subcommittee met on September 22nd to build on the goals that were initiated last year. In addition to the goals for the new fiscal year listed below, D. Knight requested that goals provided by committee chairs be publicized. Membership Growth - Add five regular members and two affiliate member firms. Increased Legislative Support - Achieve a minimum of 100 firm representatives at the ACEC/MD Legislative Action Day and 1,000 firm employees acting on legislative alerts. Strategies involving personal contact by Legislative Committee members and highlighting the need to participate in ACEC/MD's legislative efforts prior to the General Assembly session have been identified. Program - In addition to hosting a dedicated program for MEP firm representatives, add a program for firms practicing in the water/sewer arenas. Political Fundraising - -Augment scorecard initiated for ACEC/PAC, CEP AC, and Minuteman contributors by including committee chairs. - Initiate Minuteman fund raising logo for badges. - Initiate reporting mechanism spotlighting significance of contributions to specific legislators. -Increase the number of firm CEP AC pledges to 35, and ensure that pledges are honored at no less than 95%. Dues Billing - -Initiate plaque recognizing member firms for timely dues payments. Firms may hang plaque in their offices as "in good standing". -Achieve 100% dues payments by firms represented on the Executive Committee and committee chairs by the second quarter of the fiscal year (December 31st). 2. Liquidated Damages for MBE Compliance - D. Knight reported that GOMA agreed to forward proposed Q&A section to ACEC/MD by the end of the summer. GOMA will be contacted to get an updated status. 3. Ruppersberger Fundraiser - J. Otradovec reported that as agreed upon at the June Executive Committee meeting, the fundraiser for Congressman Ruppersberger will be held November 12th. To date, no $500 contributions have been received from the host committee. Including ACEC's contribution, if all committed contributions are made, the event would raise $11,500. Host Committee members are reminded that the roundtable discussion commences at 8:00. 4. Delaney Meeting - J. Otradovec reported that the meeting with Congressman Delaney has been rescheduled for his Gaithersburg campaign office on October 1st at 8:30-10:00 AM. NEW BUSINESS 1. The Simple Dollar Website - J. Otradovec reported that he was contacted by The Simple Dollar, a personal finance journal, about linking to their website for recommendations on the best-value online graduate engineering programs. After a cursory review, the Executive Committee rejected the request because it was felt that the journal does not coincide with the mission of ACEC/MD. (Subsequently, following the meeting and after further review, it was requested that the item be reconsidered at the next meeting).
2. Approval of name Rhythm Engineering, LLC- Per Maryland statute, the Executive Committee reviewed the name and a motion was approved to allow the use of the name in the state of Maryland. 3. Design Opportunities - J. Otradovec reported that he was contacted about providing member firms with a complimentary copy of Design Opportunities. Reportedly, as an example, the most recent issue includes an announcement of over 100 projects valued at over $2 B, where the owner or developer has not yet selected a designer. After discussion, the Executive Committee agreed to the request." SPECIAL REPORTS: 1. ACEC Reports - L. Kriebel and J. Otradovec reported the following: Member firm representatives are encouraged to contact their representatives in the House to request support for preserving the option of using cash accounting for all engineering companies. BOD discussion items for the ACEC Fall Conference, being held October 22-25, include early results of the contracting out study and the impact of M&A. The Leadership and BOD meetings are scheduled for October 22nd. ACEC/MD representatives will attend an ACEC orientation session November 13-14111. Scheduled to attend are: President D. Knight, Vice President A. Barrett, Treasurer S. Robinson, and J. Otradovec. NCEES has voted to drop language in their model law that would have required a Master's or equivalent for engineering licensure starting in 2020. Recent Minuteman Fund contributions have been used in Georgia for a $1B infrastructure initiative and in Virginia to preserve QBS. ACEC/MD is now approximately $2,800 short of achieving its $22,000 ACEC/PAC goal. To date, $8,400 has been raised through the sale of raffle tickets. Since the drawing will be held in October, firms are requested to purchase tickets in the very near future. Tickets are only $100 for a chance to win the $2,000 grand prize and other cash prizes. ACEC will be contacted about distributing budgeted contributions to Sen. Cardin and Representatives Hoyer and Harris. Following the short September Congressional session and during the lame duck session, ACEC is focused on the following priorities: - Passage of a continuing resolution to fund federal programs. -Early action on long-term transportation funding in advance of MAP-21 expiration in May, 2015. - Extension of several expiring tax provisions including R&D tax credits, Section 179 expensing limits, and parity for employer provided transit benefits. - Passage of the Defense Authorization Act, which sets government wide procurement rules. - Reauthorization of the Import-Export Bank charter. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. CEP AC - Gov. Calvert House, Annapolis (January 22, 2015) - S. McCone reported that the committee members have been attending pro-business candidates' events throughout the
summer. The current balance in the PAC is approximately $40,000. He requested that he be copied on deliberations regarding contributions to elected officials. 2. Legislative - S. McCone and J. Otradovec reported the following: The committee met on September 11th to address initiatives for the upcoming General Assembly session. The committee agreed to continue pursuing issues from last year that included: Liquidated Damages, Certificate of Merit, and Duty to Defend. They are also looking to pursue legislation that would move Section 15-508 from the government article to the procurement statute. The Suburban Maryland Transportation Alliance (SMTA) is requesting that ACEC/MD join a coalition that will publicize the importance of supporting the ballot question that would restrict the use of the TTF funds. After discussion, a motion was approved to contribute $10,000 to the "Committee to Protect Marylander's Transportation Trust Fund". Firms will also be encouraged to make individual contributions that will be bundled by ACEC/MD due by October 9. Contributions will go toward increasing awareness of the meaning of Question 1 and how to answer so we get the response we desire. Regulations are being proposed that would define the statutory term "signature" to include digital signatures, and to adopt procedures for groundwater use to water systems serving Priority Funding Areas established prior to January 1, 2000. Barry Rascovar will be the featured speaker at the November 20th Legislative Breakfast. 3. EWC/ESBAC - J. Otradovec reported that ESBAC has established a strategic planning group to address the future of the E Week challenges. The Executive Committee requested that the chair advise if there is anything that ACEC/MD can do to assist in this effort. 4. Federal Government Liaison/Corps of Engineers Liaison - J. Otradovec reported that USAGE is requesting comments from the private sector on the "workplace of the future". The questionnaire will be forwarded to the Executive Committee. Based on feedback, C. Fronheiser will work with the chair to provide input. At the request of USAGE, the next semi-annual meeting will be held the second or third week in January. 5. Baltimore City Liaison - T. Mawry reported that he is participating on a task force that is addressing revamping the city's Boards and Commissions. They are looking at issues such as pre-qualifications, performance reviews and quality. Increasing the caps is on the "long term agenda". He also participated in a small group meeting with Director Chow and his deputies. Minutes from the meeting are forthcoming. Topics on the agenda included the city's multiplier, the city's staffing up for consent decree projects, and the EAR approval process. The semi-annual large group meeting will be scheduled in late fall. 6. Career Outreach - J. Otradovec reported that the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education is seeking volunteers for a speakers' bureau and professionals that could co-teach lessons with teachers that would demonstrate the real-world application of content knowledge. Interested individuals should register online at www.thesteinnet.com/programs, and copy the ACEC/MD office. Also, the first internal committee meeting of the new fiscal year is scheduled for October 15th.
7. Information Technology - J. Otradovec reported the committee has been addressing Deltek Vision CRM. 8. Educational Facilities - J. Otradovec reported that Morgan State held an open house on September 15th to review upcoming projects. Also, UMCP was contacted about RFP #84905-R. Questions centered around their selection process, liquidated damages and a duty to defend clause. 9. DGS Liaison/Interprofessional - M. Sidhu reported that the next meeting with DGS, UMCP and the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections has been rescheduled for October 2nd. 10. Small Business Enterprise - M. Sidhu reported that the committee leadership has scheduled a strategic planning meeting on October 15th 11. MDOT Liaison - A. Straus and J. Otradovec reported the following: The next SHA Partnering meetings are scheduled for September 24th and December 16th. D. Knight, A. Barrett and PB's M. Harrell will participate in an EDC forum in Virginia October 7-8. After discussion, the Executive Committee requested that the committee consider the following timetable for scheduling meetings: MTA - Before the end of the year. MDOT - After the election. MDTA - After D. Hutchinson retires During the meetings with MTA and MDTA commute mileage for inspectors should be addressed. 12. Construction Services - J. Otradovec reported that the next meeting with clients will be held in the fall. 13. Business Finance - A. Straus and J. Otradovec reported the following: The chair is awaiting an official response from SHA on overhead issues revolving around field versus office rates. Acting on the Executive Committee's request the committee will pursue a meeting with N. Calvert and B. Connor to discuss a potential change to fixed fee. Stambaugh Ness' S. Hursh provided the following report on the AASHTO Audit Conference: -Momentum is building to update the 2012 AASHTO Audit Guide in the upcoming year. - State DOTs are issuing more cognizant audits. - More states will be added to the ten states that are now participating in the Safe Harbor Indirect Cost Test Project that uses a 110% rate. - The new BCA Compensation Cap will increase to $487,000 effective on contracts executed after June 24,2014. - The treatment of specific project costs was addressed. It was reiterated that states are not allowed to dictate a firm's accounting policies. - The FHWA cost recovery effort is essentially a dead issue.
- The final rule on consultant services is expected to be published this fall. 14. Membership - A. Barrett presented an application for Affiliate Membership from KLEIN AGENCY. After discussion, a motion was duly made and seconded that: "The application from KLEIN AGENCY for Affiliate Membership be presented to the membership for acceptance in ACEC/MD." Motion approved. Also, follow-up contact will be made with MA Engineering, Benesch, and Chesapeake Environmental Management. 15. County/Municipal Government Liaison - V. Pielli reported the following: QBS - Some counties appear to taking a step backward. The committee will continue to work with the QBS Council to improve this situation. * Insurance Clauses - At the direction of the committee, A. Ebersberger is taking the lead. * Harford County - A letter was sent out to pre-qualified firms advising them that if services cannot be provided through open ends they would be invited to submit price proposals. A meeting will be scheduled after the election. Culvert - Water/Sewer group is seeking price proposals on tasks. 16. Gov. Golf Outing (May 4,2015, Greystone) - No report. 17. Human Resources - S. Taub reported that at their September 11th meeting, presentations were made on ERISA compliance. The next meeting will be held November 13th 18. QBS - S. Taub reported that QBS Council Executive Director R. Lepson continues to participate in county liaison visitation to address QBS issues. Firms are reminded to contact the ACEC/MD office when inappropriate procurement practices are being encountered. 19. Awards & Recommendations - T. Frascarella reported that 21 projects were submitted for the EEA competition. Judges will independently shortlist the projects. The announcement of the shortlisted firms will be made at the October 16th GMM. Also, the award deadlines for the Young Professional is October 4th and Community Service is December 19th. 20. Environmental - T. Frascarella reported that the first committee meeting of the new fiscal year is scheduled for October 7th. 21. Program/Annual Conference - Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, VA (June 24-26, 2015) T. Frascarella and J. Otradovec reported the following: ACEC/MD's 2015 Conference will be held at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA, Wednesday June 24th to Friday June 26th. The resort has agreed to offer room rates beginning at a base price of $200. Room reservations can be made by calling 1-800- 832-5665. Firms are encouraged to offer suggestions on conference speakers. Leadership Program - ACEC/MD will once again offer the program to its member firm's rising stars, commencing January 2015. The program is targeted for individuals with approximately ten years of experience in the industry.
The October 16th GMM will feature a presentation by attorney Jim Lee from Affiliate Member Firm Lee & McShane. He will address current legal issues impacting the profession. Wells Fargo has agreed to sponsor a complementary program on Firm Valuation on November 5th The second GMM of the fiscal year, hosted by the Fellows Committee, will be held December 18th at ESB. Fellows are requested to provide suggested program topics. The Holiday Party is scheduled for December 2nd. 22. Public Relations - The Executive Committee requested that the committee produce a flyer in support of the TTF protection ballot question. The committee is also requested to assist in promoting the Legislative Action Day in January. 23. Nominating - No report. 24. Past Presidents Advisory/Bylaws/Fellows - J. Otradovec reported that past president J. McBride has selected the Wit and Wisdom restaurant for the annual committee dinner. The event will be held November 11th. NEXT MEETING 1. ACEC/MD Executive Committee Meeting (October 16,2014) - The Engineers Club, Baltimore. 2. ACEC/MD General Membership Meeting (October 16,2014) - The Engineers Club, Baltimore. 3. ACEC Fall Conference (October 22-25,2014) - Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, HI. 4. ACEC/MD Legislative Breakfast (November 20,214)- The Engineers Club, Baltimore. 5. ACEC/MD Executive Committee Meeting (November 20, 2014) - The Engineers Club, Baltimore. 6. ACEC/MD Holiday Party (December 2,2014) - Baltimore Museum of Industry, Baltimore. 7. ACEC/MD Executive Committee Meeting (December 18, 2014) - The Engineers Club, Baltimore. 8. ACEC/MD General Membership Meeting (December 18, 2014) - The Engineers Club, Baltimore. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:48 A.M. Respectfully submitted, J. Jannetti, Secretary, American Council of Engineering Companies/Maryland
AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES/MARYLAND Statement of Income & Expense - Two Month Ended - August 31, 2014 2013-2014 2014-2015 Year End Budget INCOME: Local Dues $234,360 * $252,000 ** Joint Council Dues 50 50 Affiliate Dues 10,500 8,250 Golf Outing 17,989 22,000 Application Fees 900 Legislative Luncheon 4,310 6,000 Leadership Program - 35,000 Meetings-Gen. Memb. 13,737 12,000 Sponsorship-EEA Banquet 8,150 8,000 Seminars, 15,000 DOT Agencies 8,030 Environmental 3,900 Educational Bus. Forum 2,610 Int. on Savings - - Int. on Del. Accts. 83 Ann. Mtg./Conf. 41,170 50,000 Holiday Party 15,200 11,000 Miscellaneous 1,824 - sub-total $362,813 $419,300 National Dues 83,579 82,000 $446,392 $501,300 EXPENSES: Exec. Dir. Operations $150,000 $160,000 Exec. Dir.-Perfrm.Bonus 10,000 12,500 Leg. Cons. Fee 12,000 12,000 QBS Facilitator - 3,000 Dues & Subscriptions 1,090 1,000 Golf Outing 16,788 22,000 Insurance Expense 2,743 2,500 Legislative Luncheon 6,456 6,600 Meetings-Gen. Memb. 11,088 12,000 Credit Card Fees 833 Meetings-Committee 2,893 3,200 Meetings-Fellows 2,465 2,500 Leadership Program - 35,000 Seminars 15,000 DOT Agencies 3,828 Environmental 1,766 Matchmaking Educational Bus. Forum 1,995 Office Expense 3,043 3,500 Postage 1,685 1,800 ACEC/MD Publications 2,114 2,500 Professional Fees 850 850 Pub. Afrs./Leg.Afrs. 6,184 10,000 PA-Cont.FromACEC/MW (5,000) Public Relations 8,590 10,000 Scholarship 5,000 6,000 Scholarship Res. Fd. 2,000 3,000 Schol.Fd.-GO Proceeds 1,201 Telephone 1,798 1,700 Travel 17,493 21,000 Ann. Mtg./Conf. 39,997 50,000 Holiday Party 10,631 11,000 Garrett-JacobsEnd.Fd. 2,000 2,000 Website 3,336 3,400 CEAM Recognition - 400 'Misc. Expense For Reserve 37,946 5,150 sub-total $362,813 $419,300 National Dues 83,579 82,000 $446,392 $501,300 Net Profit (Loss) Current Month 748.72 748.72 748.72 $13,333.34 72.92 166.40 181.30 29.99 22.50 580.54 147.36 1,750.00 277.99 $16,562.34 $16,562.34 ($15,813.62) Year To Date $258,300.00 *** 50.00 11,250.00 748.72 $270,348.72 24,237.00 $294,585.72 $ 26,666.68 190.00 150.00 72.92 237.55 220.57 59.98 22.50 580.54 292.84 53.50 381.46 1,750.00 555.98 $ 31,234.52 24,237.00 $ 55,471.52 $239,114.20 * 744 Index #s @ $315; ** 800 Index #s @ $315; *** 820 Index #s 8 $315