2009 Spring (PDF) - Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association

SPRING 2009
www.wuca.org
Wisconsin Governor James Doyle (center) visited the C. W. Purpero Milwaukee
office February 2009 to announce the benefits of the stimulus bill for our state.
Federal Stimulus Bill –
More Money for Sewer
& Water
Wisconsin state government will receive about $40 billion of the stimulus measure’s estimated $130 billion in
construction-related funds. This funding includes $3.9 billion for clean water state revolving funds, $2 billion
for the drinking-water state revolving loan funds, and $2 billion for state energy programs. Most of those
funds will be distributed among states according to existing formulas. One added benefit for states in the
stimulus is that the funds are 100% federal money and don’t require the usual state matching share. But
Congress also set down some stiff conditions for the money, requiring states to obligate at least 50% of their
stimulus allocations within 120 days of the bill’s February 17, 2009 enactment. If they fall short of the goal,
anything under the 50% level would go back to the U.S. Department of Transportation to be redistributed to
other states. Wisconsin will receive $105,704,379 million of the federal stimulus money for collector,
interceptor sewers and treatment plant work. That is about four times what we normally receive in federal
money. Of that $2 billion for drinking-water state revolving loan funds, Wisconsin receives $38 million.
Milwaukee alone has maybe 1,000 water main breaks every year. Statewide, water mains have been neglected
for years and some are 100 years old and become brittle when they age.
continued on page 2

WUCA has made annual visits to Washington, D.C. for
20 years for meetings with our congressional
delegation to capture more Clean Water and Drinking
Water Funds for municipal government. And the next
lobbying effort is May 19, 2009. Some years ago,
WUCA joined the Clean Water Construction Coalition
consisting of over 25 contractor associations
throughout the country to collectively hire lobbyist
Robert Roe to help in this funding effort. Their most
recent legislative effort was H.R. 1262 that passed the
U.S. House of Representatives March 12, 2009 by a 317-101 vote. This
legislation appropriates $13.8 billion for the period 2010 - 2014 for the
Clean Water State Revolving Loan program. Wisconsin would receive
$372 million of those funds over 5 years.
Robert Roe
Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold unveiled an Internet website
dedicated to informing Wisconsin communities, residents and
businesses about the details of the federal stimulus plan. That website
is www.feingold.senate.gov/recovery.
WUCA 2008
Safety Awards
Presented to:
RJ Underground, Inc.
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Under 50,000 Man Hours
Willkomm Excavating &
Grading, Inc.
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Under 75,000 Man Hours
Wondra Excavating
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Under 75,000 Man Hours
Powers Lake Construction
Company, Inc.
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Under 100,000 Man Hours
Rawson Contractors, Inc.
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Under 100,000 Man Hours
Wanasek Corporation
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Under 200,000 Man Hours
Super Excavators, Inc.
Under 400,000 Man Hours
KS Energy Services
For Outstanding Safety Performance
Over 400,000 Man Hours
2

Members in the News
• Michels Corporation recently received one on the first
Keystone Pipeline Vice President’s Awards, which honored their
commitment to workforce safety. Pat Michels accepted the award
during a dinner in Houston, Texas hosted by TransCanada and
Conoco Phillips. They were also featured in a Trenchless
Technology magazine article dated January 2009 relative to
installing a power line under the Mississippi River. Michels is
ranked 64 among ENR magazine’s list of Top 400 Contractors.
• R.A. Smith National is providing site work engineering and
surveying services to Opus North Corporation for the Shoppes
at Fox River, a new 498,000 square foot retail center in
Waukesha, WI.
• Wieser Concrete Products, Inc. of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin
has been selected as a finalist for the 2008 Wisconsin Corporate
Safety Award. The firm is a finalist based on their outstanding
lost time injury incidence rate for 2008, and the preceding
two years.
• Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer & Associates changed their
corporate name to GRAEF effective January 2009. They have
offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Phoenix, Ft. Myers,
and Orlando. The firm also hired Paul Lohmiller as business
development leader for civil, environmental, and transportation
services in the Milwaukee office.
• InterCon Construction was featured in a Trenchless Technology
magazine article January 2009 relative to horizontal directional
drilling techniques for underground work in Columbus, Ohio.
• Super Excavators was featured in a Western Builder magazine
article February 2, 2009 for an 80-foot deep tunnel project
Barclay, Chase, & 4th Street, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• R & R Insurance added Paul Lessila to their staff as a
Commercial Sales Executive. Karen Sturm was added to the staff
as a Senior Benefit Consultant.
• Black Diamond Group moved to 6925 S. 6th Street, Suite 100,
Oak Creek, WI.
• Innovative Signs was featured in the March 20, 2009 issue of
the Milwaukee Business Journal.
• In March, professional consulting firm Crispell-Snyder, Inc.,
celebrated 30 years of serving public and private clients
throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. The company,
founded in 1979 by Chris Crispell and Orville Snyder, is
headquartered in Lake Geneva, WI, with offices in the
Milwaukee, Racine, Madison, and the Fox Valley.
WUCA
2009 Board
of Directors
The Wisconsin Underground Contractors
Association (WUCA) named the 2009
board of directors as follows:
President:
Bob Olson
Globe Contractors
Vice-president:
John Wanasek
Wanasek Corporation
Sec./Treasurer:
Mark Karow,
Powers Lake Construction
Directors:
Dennis Klumb, Jr.
KS Energy Services
Dennis Biondich,
American Sewer Services
Pete Schraufnagel,
Super Excavators
Associate Director
Chuck Palmer
Michael, Best & Friedrich
3

City of Milwaukee
Community Benefits
Ordinance
City of Milwaukee sink hole February 2009
The safety hazards of underground construction are obvious
WUCA staff testified before a meeting of the city
Community & Economic Development Committee
March 2, 2009 and the city Finance & Personnel
Committee March 20, 2009 to oppose among
others things a bid preference of 5% for Local
Business Enterprise (LBE). It also increases the
residency requirement for public works
construction from 25% to 40% and increases the
requirement for Emerging Business Enterprises
(EBE) requirement from 18% to 25% of total
dollars. In combination, WUCA believes that these
three components will discourage contractors
from bidding water & sewer construction in the
city of Milwaukee.
WUCA staff argued that the industry profit
margin was maybe 1% or 2%, too slim to allow
anyone a 5% bid preference. It has been that way
for many years due to a very competitive market
place. In these poor economic times, there may be
10 to12 bidders on a water & sewer project in
various municipalities resulting in great taxpayer
savings. This proposed 5% bid preference would
far exceed the profit margin on the vast majority
of current city water & sewer jobs. This is a
windfall for a Milwaukee domiciled contractor.
The extraordinary special bid preference in the
ordinance (LRB08185-3) significantly reduce
municipal contracting opportunities for all area
small businesses and create an environment in
which water & sewer contractors cannot compete
on a level playing field.
We asked how the city could even afford a 5% bid
preference as we thought that Milwaukee was
strapped for cash. If they are paying more than
needed for water & sewer construction due to a
bid preference, there will be less money for street
maintenance, police overtime pay, squad cars, and
other items in the community. Assuming that a
preference cost the city $50,000 on one project,
that money could have purchased two squad cars.
Now compound that on all water & sewer jobs
awarded with a 5% bid preference, and you are
talking big money. Just losing one non-preferred
bidder on water & sewer work outweighs any
savings with the 5% preference.
And if the city is doing the bid preference idea
because of federal stimulus money, the city must
4

understand that the federal government will not
allow them to use federal stimulus money for bid
preferences. The federal stimulus money came
from state and federal taxpayers. And Milwaukee
is using low-interest federal loan money under the
Clean Water Fund and Drinking Water Fund. We
called their attention to U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations, Section 40, CFR
31.36 that stated in part…that there is a specific
prohibition against geographic preferences.
Regarding an increase in the resident preference
program we stated that years ago, the original
resident preference ordinance raised safety
concerns with the water & sewer contractors
because it required two unemployed residents be
placed in a deep trench to lay water or sewer pipe
with little or no formal training. Specifically, many
believe that the current resident preference
requirement already puts untrained and unskilled
laborers at risk to their own personal safety. We
asked that they imagine if it was them going from
the safety of their environment into a deep trench
with no skills or proper safety training. Water &
sewer construction is very dangerous work! We
have to fear a cave-in, methane gas, and cars and
buses near your work area that vibrate the
ground. It is no place for an unskilled or untrained
resident. Everyone saw on TV February 26, 2009
the big sink hole on Locust Street in Milwaukee
due to a sewer collapse.
Regarding the expansion of the Emerging
Business Enterprise program (EBE), we indicated
that because of the existing ordinance we already
subcontract the trucking, materials, landscaping,
fuel, barricades, lighting, street reconstruction,
and other activities to EBE firms. And any EBE
increase suggests that we sub our work of digging
the trench and placing the pipe. Under current law
of 18%, we have nothing left to subcontract!
All too often, city officials see laborers as day
labor. Our laborers are highly skilled trained
professionals.
The ordinance later passed the full Common
Council by an 8 to 7 vote on March 25, 2009.
Wisconsin
Unemployment Fund
Borrows Federal
Money
For the first time in over 20 years, the state will
borrow federal money to pay benefits to the
unemployed. In late February 2009, the first
loan of $400 million was requested. The state
already increased the amount of employee
wages that are subject to payroll taxes from
9.8% on $10,500 of employee payroll to $12,000
of employee payroll to pay unemployment
benefits. The Wisconsin unemployment rate
was 8.8% in February 2009, up from 5.1% oneyear
prior. If these high unemployment rates
continue, Wisconsin may need $1.2 billion by
year 2010.
Wisconsin was the first state in the nation to
enact an unemployment insurance plan in 1932
when unemployment was 25 percent. It was
meant to be a temporary source of income for
employees laid off from work.
Notice to WUCA Member
Contractors:
Whenever you can, please support
associate members providing equipment,
services, supplies, insurance, bonds, legal
advice, banking and accounting services.
After all, they support our industry and
the underground contracting association.
When buying goods and services, please
buy first from WUCA associate firms.
5

Milwaukee
Sick Leave
Ordinance
Joining with other
contractor associations,
WUCA helped file a
friend of the court
brief in opposition to
the ordinance that
required sick leave
benefits when private
contractors worked in
the city of Milwaukee.
Over 30 groups filed
similar actions. On
February 6, 2009
Milwaukee County
Circuit Court Judge
Thomas Cooper issued
a preliminary injunction
against enforcement of
the ordinance.
A formal trial on the
topic is scheduled for
May 11, 2009.
WUCA Staff
Meets with
Milwaukee
DPW Official
WUCA staff met with City of
Milwaukee Commissioner of
Public Works Jeff Mantes
January 22, 2009 at his office to
discuss long term water & sewer
funding, apprenticeship issues,
and the possibility of partial
combined sewer separation
along waterways to reduce rain
water from entering the sanitary
sewer system. Partial separation
would be a way to employ central
city residents. WUCA staff also discussed with the commissioner water
main replacement in the city due to the high number of water main
breaks that occur each year. In Milwaukee those water main breaks
total nearly 1,000 each winter and are expected to increase as the water
infrastructure continues to age.
According to studies done by the Ontario Sewer and Watermain
Construction Association…” the thawing and freezing that take place
play havoc with the older water mains still in use. In older
municipalities, parts of water systems date back to the nineteenth
century. And in many municipalities, those underground water pipes
may leak for years. Many drinking water distribution systems have
leakage rates ranging from 10 to 30 percent. As well, a broken or
leaking water main could compromise fire-fighting operations, with
tragic consequences. The majority of water main breaks occur at night.
Pipes are at their maximum pressure in the early hours of the morning
due to reduced water demand, and a brittle pipe is more likely to break
or leak when under higher pressure. The cost to repair a burst water
main far exceeds what it would have cost to properly maintain it.
Emergency repairs for a moderate break occurring in a 10-inch
diameter pipe costs between $30,000 and $50,000. The cost of a major
sinkhole may exceed $1 million.”
For two decades or more, WUCA staff has encouraged the city to
maintain a sustained program of funding water main repair and
replacement.
Jeff Mantes
We appreciate that Mr. Mantes heard our comments.
6

In Memoriam
The industry lost a lot of great people!
Henry Nagy, Spancrete Group, Inc. died at age 100. He died of natural causes in January 13, 2009
at his home in Brookfield, WI.
Suzanne Bolda, age 63, and wife of Rick Bolda, M & I Bank died January 30, 2009. Suzi attended
numerous WUCA events and conferences over the years.
Harold J. Mueller, age 82, died February 15, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. He
was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin March 13, 1926. In 1956 Harold joined his
father in the underground utility construction industry. The company was
named Mueller Company in 1960. Over time, Mueller Company evolved into
MRM Technical Group, the largest distribution pipeline construction
company in the United States. At its peak, the company employed almost
3,000 people. Harold started the monthly WUCA Safety & Insurance
Committee in 1990 and the Annual WUCA Midwinter Conferences. Both are
still very successful WUCA programs.
Harold J. Mueller
Scott Thomas Makela, age 45, a resident of Wakefield and Bayside died
Thursday, Dec. 31, 2008 as a result of a snowmobile accident. Scott was born
on Sept. 20, 1963 in Wakefield, son of Carl G. and the late Catherine M. (Gerovac) Makela. He
graduated from Wakefield High School in 1981. From 1981 up until his death, Scott worked in
Milwaukee as a construction superintendent. He was presently employed by the C.W. Purpero
Company.
Raymond B. Ervin, age 84, former Business Manager Laborers Local 113 died December 27,
2008. He was very active in WUCA meetings representing the laborers in collective bargaining,
safety, and training.
Nathan & Jennifer Kender, both age 26, died in a snowmobile accident in
upstate Wisconsin early January 2009. Nathan worked for Platt Safety Services
and was active on the WUCA Safety Committee. He also frequently participated
in the annual CONEX Equipment Show at State Fair Park conducting seminars
and doing industry promotion.
We will miss them all.
Nathan & Jennifer
Kender
Wisconsin Laborers Health Fund Update
For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2008 the fund had year to date revenue of $87 million compared
to expenses of $68 million. For three months ending November 2008 the fund had revenues of $5.9
million compared to expenses of $14 million due to losses in investment income.
7

Operating Engineers
Local 139 and
Wisconsin Laborers
District Council
apprenticeship training
coordinators
participated in an
Annual Career Day held March 24, 2009 at
Waukesha County Expo.
New Members
Please welcome the following new members to
the association.
• Advanced Technologies / AT&T
Authorized Retailer, Chase Tower
111 E. Wisconsin Ave. Suite 100,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Telephone 888-488-2898, Fax 414-768-1069
The firm is represented by Kory Ide,
262-366-6171 (cell), kory@advancedtech.tv
(AT & T Wireless - home phones, Internet,
television).
• Von Briesen & Roper, S.C.
411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 700,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Telephone 414/276-1122, fax 414/276-6281
The law firm is represented by Attorney
Lauren A. Schwarz Triebenbach.
(Legal Services).
• Hawk Construction, LLC
P.O. Box 642, Slinger, WI 53086
Telephone 262/677-9410, fax 262/677-9460
The firm is represented by Ron Spoerl.
(Vacuum Excavating Contractor).
• Zurich Surety
20935 Swenson Drive, Suite 150,
Waukesha, WI 53186
Telephone 262/798-2292, fax 262/798-2295
The firm is represented by Thomas J. Homer.
(Surety Bonds).
• Positioning Solutions Company
2236 Bluemound Road, Unit A,
Waukesha, WI 53186
Telephone 262/798-5252, fax 262/798-5253
The firm is represented by Tom Walrath.
(Lasers, supplies, measuring & surveying
equipment).
8

New Members continued
• Willis HRH
122 E. College Avenue, P.O. Box 122
Appleton, WI 54912
Telephone 1-800-236-3311, Fax 920-560-4001
The firm is represented by Troy Carson.
(Insurance, surety).
• Dolson Inc.
150 S. Stevens Street, P.O. Box 1459
Rhinelander, WI 54501-1459
Telephone 715/365-1920, Fax 715/365-1929
The firm is represented by Greg Dolson.
(Contractor).
CARDAY ASSOCIATES, INC.
Professional Administrators of
Pension and Insurance Trusts
CONTACT:
Mary Jane DeBattista
Vice-President
N27 W23233 Roundy Dr.
P.O. Box 160 • Pewaukee, WI 53072
Support
WUCA
Associate
Members.
They
Support
Us!
(414) 549-9190 • 1-800-242-7018
9

WUCA Safety & Insurance Committee Updates
Since our last newsletter the following safety committee presentations were conducted at the
association office.
In December 2008, Michelle Cardenas, Regional
Area Administrator, Concentra Medical Centers
discussed the topic of drug testing procedures.
Their presentation included general drug &
alcohol abuse facts; workplace substance abuse
facts; written drug policies; testing procedures;
effects of alcohol; supervisor responsibilities
and more.
In January 2009 Attorney
Tim Costello, Krukowski
& Costello presented the
topic OSHA– How Will
Your Job Change…as safety
directors. Mr. Costello
presentation included the
2007-2008 OSHA
Enforcement Activity;
OSHA Emphasis
Programs; Workplace Fatality Rates; Number of
OSHA Inspections over the past 5-years;
Violations Found; and what is on newly elected
president Obama’s agenda for change at OSHA.
Attorney Tim Costello, Krukowski & Costello
414/423-1330.
Also in December 2008,
Randy Kratz, Symmetry
Balanced Workplace
Services discussed the
topic of drug testing by
providing helpful
information, referral
guidelines, personnel
topics, reasonable
suspicion procedures, and
how to interview. He explained what is tested,
how to detect someone under the influence, signs
& symptoms, and things to look for on test day.
In January 2009 Matt Stefanich,
Fleming Safety Group presented
the topic of Ergodyne Work Gear
and demonstrated various safety
products.
Matt Stefanich, Fleming Safety
Group 262/844-5142.
In February 2009 Dave
Nosek, Badger Fleet
Solutions presented the
topic of Global Position
Systems. He explained his
fleet tracking services.
Dave Nosek 414/349-4988.
WUCA Safety & Insurance Committee
January 2009
10

WUCA Associate Member Profile: DirtPail.com
A new interactive website designed for the facilitation of dirt and other
spoil materials to and from job sites, DirtPail.com began with its launch
to the World Wide Web on January 1, 2009. This innovative and
interactive website allows member contractors to network with each
other, with the ability to list an unlimited number of projects, making it
more feasible and easy to find Free Dirt and Free Dump Sites.
Also included with the service is a Classifieds Section with pictures,
which also allows members an unlimited number of listings, a tool to
find the cheapest fuel, weather, website advertising, and other
beneficial money saving options. Associate Memberships are also
available to vendor contractors such as equipment sales/rentals,
portable sanitation, and other. Homeowners are also invited to list
their project needs.
Mr. Tremmel conducted a presentation
before the WUCA Safety & Insurance
Committee February 2009.
DirtPail.com offers all members a 90-day free trial to use the site, with
no obligation to continue service after the Free Trial expires. The
membership fees for a Contractor Membership are only $19.95/mo,
and extended term memberships can be purchased at a substantial discount. The membership fees for an
Associate Membership are only $9.95/mo, and the same discounts apply. Homeowners pay a flat fee of
$9.95. Advertising options are also available for a nominal fee. For more information, or to view the site,
go to www.DirtPail.com. If you have any questions, you may contact WUCA member Max Tremmel at
414-750-9340, or via email at Max@DirtPail.com.
Mark Your Calendar!
WUCA Associates Spring Golf Outing
May 27, 2009
Western Lakes Golf Club
Pewaukee, WI
Fall WUCA Golf Outing
August 3, 2009
North Hills Country Club
Menomonee Falls, WI
Check out the
WUCA website
for more
information
www.wuca.org
11

Joint Contractor/Associate/Engineer
Luncheon April 8, 2009
WUCA conducted a contractor/associate/engineer luncheon April 8, 2009 with guest
speaker former baseball league Umpire Bruce Froemming. The luncheon was held at
Panos Char House Restaurant in Brookfield, WI with about 90 people in attendance.
Froemming was a crew chief and worked in the major league for 36-years. He
became a member of the Major League staff in 1971...has worked the All-Star Game
(1975, ‘86), Division Series (1981, ‘95, ‘96, ‘98, ‘99, 2001-‘03), League Championship
Series (1973, ‘77, ‘80, ‘82, ‘85, ‘89, ‘91, ‘93, ‘97, 2000) and World Series (1976, ‘84, ‘88,
‘90, ‘95)...with his first game of service in 2007. Bruce will have the longest period of
consecutive years of service for an active umpire in baseball history...worked his
5,000th major league game on August 16, 2006 at Fenway Park, joining Klem (5,374)
as the only other umpire to top 5,000 major league games...first game as a major
league umpire was snowed out at Shea Stadium in New York...previously umpired in
the Nebraska State League, Midwest League, Northern League, Northwest League,
and the Texas League.
Bruce Froemming
Meeting Attendees
Building Trades United Pension Trust Fund
For the 4-county Milwaukee area, and on December 31, 2008, this pension fund had a year to date
fund balance of $1.19 billion compared to $1.25 billion one year prior.
SERVING CONTRACTORS AND THE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SINCE 1930
Accounting, tax & consulting services
www.wipfli.com
David Christianson, CPA
10000 Innovation Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53226
414.431.9399
12

Wisconsin Standard Specifications
Approved 12"-108" Reinforced Concrete Pipe
Wisconsin reinforced concrete
pipe manufacturers have always
supported the proper
manufacture, proper testing
and inspection of our pipe and
have done so by helping develop
and maintain proper standards
to do so.
Reinforced concrete pipe has
been in the Standard Specification
for Sewer and Water in Wisconsin
since it was first published in
1970, and its manufacturers
encourage all engineers to use
and follow the requirements for
proper testing and inspection.
When reinforced concrete pipe
arrives at the job site, it arrives
not only as a conduit but also a
structure. It has the vast majority
of its required strength built into
the pipe which makes it less
dependent on backfill material
and the installation for its
strength. Side support, provided
by backfill material, is so much
more critical for almost all other
alternative pipe material products.
The Standards for alternative
flexible pipe products call for the
proper selection, use and
compaction of backfill material
and installation testing by use of
deflection testing to lessen the
chances of pipe failure and more
strongly assure the installed
pipeline will reach its intended
design life.
At times, alternate pipe materials
are installed without proper
manufacture, product testing or
installation inspection. Failures of
these installations can become a
liability of the designer, developer
and contractor.
Shell Lake, WI installed a 30 inch
diameter HDPE pipeline in
2003, costing over $1,650,000.00,
to drain water from Shell Lake
which had no natural outlet. Due
to improper installation and
performance failure, a liner had to
be installed, costing the engineer
and contractor over $750,000.00 of
additional personal cost.
Factors such as flow
characteristics, physical strength,
ease of handling and installation,
life expectancy, resistance to
corrosion, and availability, make
concrete pipe the “traditional
storm sewer pipe material
specified by Wisconsin DOT”.
(Sect.13-1-17 of the WI DOT
Facilities Development Manual)
Reinforced concrete pipe
manufacturers must apply for and
undergo an extensive annual
inspection performed by an
independent certified AASHTO
materials engineer to obtain a
Wisconsin DOT Product
Certification. Although the
strength of concrete pipe is built
into the pipe, we still applaud the
standards for installation that
were developed by experienced
people in the field, especially
those required for products that
are very installation sensitive.
13
Reinforced concrete pipe has a
design life of 100 years. The
strength, life and quality of our
product make it a product of
which we are extremely proud. It
is not hard to understand why
design engineers have specified
the installation of thousands of
miles of concrete pipe for sewers
in Wisconsin since 1941.
WISCONSIN CONCRETE
PIPE ASSOCIATION

WUCA helps sponsor Noah’s wish!
14

Dear WUCA Friends,
On behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin’s staff, board
of directors, volunteers, and most importantly, Wish Kids and families,
thank you for your tremendous fundraising efforts on our behalf. You
have made a lot of wishes come true over the years thanks to your
generous philanthropic work, and have created smiles and memories for
wish kids, their families, and the rest of us! We are fortunate to have
partners like you, dedicated as we are to fulfilling our mission. Thank
you again for your continued support. It is our pleasure to work with
you.
Best Wishes
Brian Trexell
Board Chair, Make-A-Wish Foundation
February 2009
15

The Annual CONEX Equipment Show was
held January 28-29, 2009 at State Fair
Park, West Allis, Wisconsin. A number of
WUCA member associate firms maintained
promotional booths at the show to include
Brooks Tractor, Con-Cor, Ditch Witch,
FABCO, Milwaukee Tractor & Equipment,
Platt Safety Services, Positioning Solutions
Company, The Daily Reporter, Vermeer-
Wisconsin; US Upfitters, Volvo Construction
& Equipment Services, Wisconsin Shoring &
Supply, and more.
This was the largest construction-products
show of the year with dealers present to
shore the latest technology and products to
include electronic positioning equipment,
construction-related computer software, and
consulting services.
The 2010 show is scheduled for
January 27-28
Wisconsin Exposition Center
State Fair Park
16

17
Tim Goetz, Greg West, Steve Buffalo

Summit panel of damage prevention techniques discussion with industry experts.
Wisconsin Common Ground
Alliance Summit Held
A Wisconsin Common Ground Alliance (CGA)
Summit was held February 12, 2009 at the office of
Ruekert & Mielke in Waukesha, Wisconsin with about
100 people in attendance and it was excellent. It
began with a one-hour presentation by national CGA
president Bob Kipp who provided numerous
informational slides on national damage prevention
activity. Other speakers, presenters, or panelists
included:
Bob Kipp
Carl Thiesen, Payne & Dolan, Inc.
Steve Nachreiner, Edgerton Contractors, Inc.
Don Coe, We Energies
Debbie Griffith, AT&T Communications
Mike Parilac, publisher, Underground Focus magazine
Rich Eberhardt, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Randy Bern, Vanguard Utility Partners
Darin Stalbaum, SM&P Locating
Chad Krueger, Wisconsin Diggers Hotline
Dennis Miller, City of Milwaukee
George Glocka, R.A. Smith Engineering
Harold R. Winnie, U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline Safety Program
Saul Lopez (Co-chair CGA Wisconsin & We Energies) and Darren Muljo,
Musson Brothers, coordinated the Summit and took questions from the
audience. Handouts included the CGA Best Practices book published March
2008 and Wisconsin Diggers Hotline Excavator Handbook. Other handouts
included a copy of a publication called Damage Prevention is a Shared
Responsibility, and CGA - DIRT Annual Program Report (damageinformational
reporting tool). There was discussion on the impact of 811 on
damage prevention and updates on local damage prevention initiatives.
Finally, there was an Underground Focus magazine safety video presentation
by Mike Parilac, publisher.
George Glocka, R.A.
Smith & Walt Kelly,
formerly with Office of
Pipeline Safety attending
the CGA Summit. Glocka
spoke on the topic
Emerging Role of Global
Positioning Systems
(GPS) in Wisconsin.
18

Darren P. Muljo, Musson Brothers, Inc. co-chairing CGA Wisconsin Summit
meeting with about 100 in attendance.
Wisconsin CGA Summit February 12, 2009
A great Wisconsin CGA Summit crowd!
811
Designated
the
Nationwide
One Call
Number
The Federal
Communications
Commission announced
that it had designated
811 as the nationwide
One Call number
contractors and others
should use to give
advance notice of their
plans to excavate.
Contractor Members
Please do business with
WUCA member associate firms
and advistisers.
19

WUCA
Midwinter Conference
was Perfect!
January 28- February 1, 2009
The Buccaneer Resort
St. Croix
U.S. Virgin Islands
The Annual WUCA Midwinter Conference was held
January 28 to February 1, 2009 over five days at the
beautiful Buccaneer Resort in St. Croix U.S. Virgin
Islands. A total of seventy seven delegates attended
the conference. Weather was beautiful with high
temperatures of 84 degrees daily and a lot of sun.
The resort went out of its way to provide great
personalized service and hospitality. The program
included educational seminars each day, group
dinners and receptions.
On Wednesday January 28, 2009 delegates enjoyed a
buffet breakfast looking over the ocean followed by
educational seminars on such topics as:
1. Wisconsin Common Ground Alliance update
2. Exploring Pipe Options with a Limited Budget
3. Large Diameter Pipeline Rehab
4. Use of HDPE Pipe for Water Mains
During the afternoon hours each day, WUCA
delegates participated in island tours, golf,
swimming, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, shopping, and
other activities. On this first evening, WUCA
conducted a reception in the Sugar Mill area of the
resort with open bar, three-piece steel drum pan
band and Moko Jumbie stilt dancers. The reception
was co-sponsored by our friends at R & R
Insurance Services, TT Technologies and
Bore-Master, Inc.
On Thursday January 29, 2009 there was a buffet
breakfast followed by educational seminars on such
topics as:
1. Milwaukee Tunneling
2. Carbon Fiber: Lessons Learned.
3. Water Main Distribution System Replacement
4. HDD for Municipalities
WUCA reception January 28,
2009 Buccaneer Sugar Mill area
In the evening WUCA conducted a formal dinner in
the Brass Parrot room at the resort. The program
included great food, open bar, and entertainment that
included a four piece Caribbean band and Latin
female singer. This program was sponsored by our
friends at Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Inc.
On Friday January 30, 2009 we had another buffet
breakfast followed by educational seminars:
1. OSHA Update
2. Personal Protective Equipment
3. Sanitary Sewer Laterals ROW
4. OSHA Confined Space/Trench rescue
The evening hours included a downtown
Christiansted dine-around experience to one of three
restaurants located ten minutes from the resort.
Those restaurants included the popular Tuttu Bene,
Savant and Zebo’s. Delegates pre-registered for the
individual restaurants and WUCA provided round
trip transportation to and from the locations.
On Saturday January 31, 2009 delegates enjoyed
another buffet breakfast and participated in the
following educational seminars.
1. Pipe Ramming for Gas
2. Deep Tunnel Lining
3. WUCA Safety & Insurance Committee
4. Pipelines for cables
In the evening we had a final group
reception/dinner/open bar on Mermaid Beach at the
resort with a bass steel pans drum soloist sponsored
by Security Insurance Services, Inc.
On Sunday February 1, 2009 delegates enjoyed a
final buffet breakfast prior to resort checkout.
20

Dear WUCA,
All I can say is “WOW” - you did a great job locating a great
facility and I wanted to say Thanks for all your efforts - my
wife and I enjoyed everything. Good Job!
WUCA Conference Delegate
Dear WUCA,
Thank you for planning the trip to St. Croix. It was a beautiful
resort and Island. I’m sure you spent a lot of time planning and
making arrangements. Everything was very enjoyable and we really
appreciate all that you put into planning this trip.
Thanks Again.
WUCA Conference Delegate
Dear WUCA Board,
What a great conference. The location at the Buccaneer was
charming. The views and facilities were second to none. Moreover,
the staff was accommodating and friendly. Suffice it to say it
was well done. My wife and I have been to past conferences, this
was one of the best.
The new challenge is now next year!
WUCA Conference Delegate
22

Frequent WUCA Safety Seminars
Bruce Morton, Platt Safety Services conducts numerous safety related seminars for WUCA members
throughout the state. Topics include CPR-First Aid, Working Safely in A Confined Space, OSHA 10, and
more. He can be contacted at 414-761-3868, fax: 414-761-3591, Mobile: 414-406-6744 or email:
www.plattcon.net.
WUCA Competent Person safety instructor Harry Butler conducted an 8-hour competent person safety
seminar January 10 and April 4, 2009 at the association office. Future seminar announcements can be
found on the WUCA website www.wuca.org.
Bruce Morton conducting a confined space safety seminar for
member Mainline Sewer & Water February 5, 2009 WUCA office.
Safety instructor Harry Butler
262/650-2000.
Safety instructor
Louie Jungbluth,
Wisconsin Safety Services
920/954-9689 is also available
for safety seminars.
Do you have
a New or
Interesting
product or
service?
Consider
writing
an article
for this
newsletter!
please submit
an article to
wuca@wuca.org
23

A WINNING COMBINATION...
YOUR PROJECT,
OUR EXPERIENCE!
WUCA
Internet
Advertising
The Wisconsin
Underground Contractors
Association board of
directors has authorized
advertising on our new
website located at
www.wuca.org.
• Power Vaults
• Grease Traps
• Fuel Containment
• Water/Meter Vaults
• Oil/Water Separators
• Communication Vaults
Innovation,
Quality
and Service
Since 1965
• Handholes
• Utility Manholes
• Utility Trenches
• 3-Sided Bridges
• Utility Buildings
Just click on the website for
an advertising registration
form and rate sheet.
WUCA Internet
advertising is very
affordable and it helps
support the association’s
mission of providing
services to its members.
WUCA Safety
Videos/DVD
Call Today for Your Quote
800-325-8456
www.wieserconcrete.com
Sonag Ready Mix, LLC
Locally Owned and Operated
• ACI Certified Staff and Drivers
• Professional Engineer
• Over 40 Ready Mix Trucks
Milwaukee & Menomonee Falls
MBE & DBE Certified
(262) 252-9911
The association has
70 safety videos and/or
DVD’s available to
members for free loan.
Call WUCA @
414/778-1050.
A Safe Worksite is
No Accident!
24

10 Steps to Secure Your Data
by Todd Kile (IT Consultant)
Computers have become an integral part of every business. However, many businesses
do not have adequate security measures in place to protect their systems and data from
external and internal threats. Threats such as viruses, spyware and computer hackers
can cause a loss of use at the worst possible time, such as right before a bid or other
deadline for an important customer.
Todd Kile
Here are some tips to increase the security of your computers and data. This is not a
complete list, since every company requires a different level of security, but it will give you a solid foundation
to build upon.
1. Create an IT security policy that includes rules, processes and procedures.
2. Use Windows passwords on every PC and server.
3. Use screensaver passwords.
4. Use hard to guess passwords.
5. Backup your data regularly and store backups off site.
6. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and run regular updates.
7. Do not open any email attachments from unknown sources.
8. Do not click on any questionable web pop-ups.
9. Use a “hardware” firewall in your network versus software firewalls on your PCs.
10. Have a 3rd party perform a comprehensive security audit of your information systems.
For additional information regarding these tips or if you have other technology concerns or questions, please
contact me at (414) 570-1596 or visit my website at www.toddkile.com....TK
25

Letter to the Editor
Sent by Phil Karow
Powers Lake Construction,
Telephone 1/ 262-537- 4431
Hello WUCA members! I would like to take the time to introduce myself
and a tool that I feel will revolutionize the construction industry. My
name is Philip Karow and I have been in the sewer & water construction
business for over 25 years.
One of the most difficult tasks that I have seen is a new laborer, even a
veteran top man, cutting and beveling PVC sewer & water pipe. Using an
8” SDR 35 as an example, the average top man takes 5 to 8 minutes to
cut the pipe and bevel one end of the cut pipe and another 3 to 5 minutes
to bevel the other end of a cut pipe. The end result of this operation most
often leaves somewhat of an undesirable finished product. Not to say that
safety is a large concern using the side of a fiber cutoff saw blade to grind
a bevel and to see a person dancing on one foot and rolling the pipe with
the other while bent over using a power cutoff saw. Then we have the
dreaded day when the crew pressure tests the pipe and it leaks. We all
know what our crew costs are and the expense of a cut or rolled gasket.
Needless to say the cost of lost production due to leaks or injuries could
be enormous.
Recognizing the problem, I wanted to introduce a prototype tool that I
have designed and built. The tool has a patent pending for application,
design, and process. There is also a patent pending for the cutting bit.
This easy-to-use tool will cut a pipe into two pieces and bevel both cut
pieces simultaneously with accuracy, leaving a factory quality bevel or
better. This tool will perform this process in 2.5 to 3.5 minutes. I estimate
with the ever increasing labor costs, the reduced chances of rolled or cut
gaskets, the potential of reducing injury. This tool has the potential to
save your company thousands of dollars per year.
26

To operate you just open the pipe clamps and carriage, install the pipe
centering your pre-measured length mark, close and latch the pipe
clamps, close and latch the carriage clamps, start and lower the cutter
then start the rotation. Once the cutter has rotated 365 degrees it will
stop. Then you activate the reverse rotation until the carriage stops at
the home position. You then activate the cutter raising switch and turn
off the cutter Once these steps are complete you then open the carriage,
the pipe clamps and remove the pipe pieces with an accurately cut and
beveled finish. Depending on the length of the pipe you may have to use
the pipe supports. The operation of this tool is primarily done while the
operator is in a standing position working at waist level.
Some of the benefits this tool will provide are:
• More accurate and consistent cutting & beveling
• Reduced labor costs
• Reduction in man hours training people
• Safer operating v/s current cutting & beveling
practices
• Reduction in wasted pipe
This tool will be available in 3 different sizes:
• Size #1 will cut 6” 8” 10” SRD 26 & 35. C900 & C905 pipe
• Size #2 will cut 12” 15” 16” 18” SDR 26 & 35. C900 &
C905 pipe
• Size #3 will cut 21” 24” 30” SDR 26 & 35. C900 &
C905 pipe
For more information please contact me via email:
Philip Karow phil@plc-inc.com
Thank you.
27

Operating engineer in-house educational training class. Afterward they go out in to the field to practice their skills on heavy
construction equipment February 2009
Operating Engineers Local 139
Apprenticeship Fund
As of February 17, 2009 there were 385 apprentices in the program.
Of that amount 31 are minority, 15 are female. The Local 139
apprenticeship program accommodates both prospective heavy
equipment operators and those with limited experience. With a total
of 6000 hours of on the job training for the entry-level operator, the
experience levels are broken down to four -1500-hour pay periods.
This allows applicants with limited experience to be placed at a level
in accordance with the amount of prior experience they have.
Statistics show that the average age of Wisconsin apprentices in
various trades is 28, a pretty high average.
Operating Engineers Local 139 Training
Coordinator Dan Sperberg (left) showing a
new confined space training simulator
constructed at the Coloma, Wisconsin training
site February 2009.
According to the union’s Internet website, the Joseph J. Goetz
training site located in Coloma, Wisconsin consists of nearly 400
acres of rolling Kettle Moraine hills and serves every member from
a beginning apprentice to the accomplished journey worker looking
to either diversify themselves in their trade, or to hone the skills they have already acquired in the field.
Held during the off season, the skill improvement courses are typically three weeks long, with a majority
of the class being held outside either hands-on or in the seat, depending on which class people attend
and the weather. In-seat training is conducted with a generous supply of current, late model equipment
acquired through the equipment loan program in which contractors and heavy equipment dealers work
with our training and safety programs by donating the necessary tools they need to further their skills
and heighten safety awareness. Certifications that are required are available through this training
program. WUCA believes that the school has a great training staff.
Active members of Operating Engineers Local 139 allocate money out of their negotiated pay-raise to
fund the school and to assure that state of the art training is made available for both apprenticeship and
journey worker training. To learn more, call Dan Sperberg at 1-800/779-2173 or visit their website
atwww.iuoe139.org.
28

LABORER’S
LOCAL No. 113
AFFILIATED
WITH
AFL-CIO
MILWAUKEE
BUILDING
TRADES
COUNCIL
Building, Sewer, Tunnel, Utility
& Paving Laborers
6310 W. Appleton
873-4520
29

WIPFLi Conducts Business
Seminar
WIPFLi CPA’s & Consultants conducted a 2-hour mini
seminar of the topic Understanding Your Financial
Statements to Control Costs & Better Manage Your Business,
January 21, 2009 at the association office. Topics included
Profitability, Volume, Liquidity, Productivity, and Borrowing.
Conducting the seminar were David Christianson and
Mark Steffes.
Dave Christianson, CPA
Mark Steffes, CPA
25 YEARS
Would you like to be
Awarded More Bids?
Security Insurance utilizes these tools to improve your bottom line:
• Loss Control Expertise
• Accident Investigation
Training
• Risk Management
Audits
• Internet Safety Training
• Claims Management
• Job Site Visits
• Tool Box Talks
• Bonding Expertise
Serving the Construction Industry for 25 Years
Security Insurance Services, Inc.
2725 S Moorland Rd., New Berlin, WI 53151 ♦ Phone 262-785-9490 ♦ www.securityins.net
30

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FABCO has the depth of resources to help you
pair up the right equipment – whatever your
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We are a Wisconsin-based, family owned
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relationships. You can count on us to be a
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you make smart equipment decisions that will
allow you to adjust to market conditions and
move your business forward.
Only FABCO offers so many equipment solutions
at so many different price points. Let us know
how we can help you.
- New Equipment
- Rental Purchase Options (RPOs)
- Used Equipment
- Rental Fleet Rollouts
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- Rental Equipment
- Rebuild Options for Your Existing Fleet
- Caterpillar Financial Services Resources
www.FABCO.com
MILWAUKEE
(414)461-9100
MADISON
(608)271-6200
GREEN BAY
(920)498-8000
WAUSAU
(715)359-6220
EAU CLAIRE
(715)832-6647
SUPERIOR
(715)398-9696
LA CROSSE
(608)783-4891
MARQUETTE
(906)475-4191
31