2013 Spring (PDF) - Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association

www.wuca.org
76
SPRING 2013
Electric Streetcars to Return to
Milwaukee Streets...Maybe
The City of Milwaukee intends to build new street car lines in
downtown Milwaukee providing opportunities for underground
contractors to relocate utility services lines to include sewer, water, gas,
and steam pipes. The estimated cost of this utility relocation is estimated
to be over $50 million and relocations are to begin later this year. The city
has already moved forward with 60% design and engineering.
The city won approval to use a $54.9 million federal grant to help finance
the project. However, at least one Wisconsin state legislator has put
forth language in the state budget bill to stop the Milwaukee street
car project.
The initial ridership is expected to be 600,000 people the first year and
more after people use the system. The streetcar project will take about two years to build.
More information can be found at http://www.themilwaukeestreetcar.com/
On a related topic, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission in December 2012 rejected a proposal to impose a
new utility rate structure that would have increased steam rates for downtown Milwaukee customers that
would have increased rates by 60% over five years. Downtown Milwaukee businesses that use steam to heat
their facilities major include health care, university buildings and other high rise buildings.

Members in the News
• UPI Manufacturing conducted an open house November 1,
2012 at their Eagle, Wisconsin facility.
• R.A. Smith National, Inc. achieved the distinction of Green
Professional from the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council.
The firm added Benjie Hayek to the Brookfield office as a
construction services project leader. She has 24 years
experience in road building.
• C.W. Purpero, Inc. located on Oak Creek, Wisconsin was
highlighted in the November 2012 issue of the Western Builder
magazine for their on-going A.O. Smith/Tower Automotive plant
site demolition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Gabe’s Construction was profiled in the December 2012 issue
of Trenchless Technology magazine. Started in 1942, the
Sheboygan, Wisconsin firm is now 70 years old.
76
• Patrick Fiedler, Axley Law Firm is president-elect at State Bar
of Wisconsin.
• Halquist Stone conducted their 8th Annual Holiday Customer
Appreciation Party December 6, 2012 at Mo’s Irish Pub in
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin with hundreds of people in attendance.
• M3 Insurance has named employee Jeff Christensen an
employee engagement adviser. M3 has offices in Milwaukee,
Madison, Eau Claire and Green Bay.
• Security Insurance Services, Inc. was acquired by the
Marsh & McLennan Agency. The firm also conducted a seminar
February 21, 2013 in New Berlin, Wisconsin on the topic of
Workplace Violence.
We are always searching for
additional WUCA members.
For a membership application,
please visit www.wuca.org
2

Members in the News
• Pat Herzog was appointed vice president of Michels Pipe
Services. Herzog most recently was vice president of Michels
Wind Energy.
• R & R Insurance conducted a two-day seminar February 12-13,
2013 in Waukesha, Wisconsin on the topic OSHA 10-Hour
Training for Underground Construction.
• Kenny Construction located in Illinois was acquired by Granite
Construction for $130 million. Granite is a California-based firm.
• Vinton Construction Co., Manitowoc, won a Wisconsin
Department of Transportation Excellence in Concrete Paving
Award for its work on U.S. Highway 41 at the Highway 54
interchange in Green Bay.
• Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP—Milwaukee announced
John Salza has accepted the position of Principal in the
Milwaukee office. With more than 1,400 employees, Baker Tilly
provides a wide range of accounting, tax, and advisory services.
The firm is ranked as one of the top 20 largest firms in the
country and according to the 2012 Accounting Today it is listed in
the “Top 100 Firms.”
• GRAEF was listed as the third largest Wisconsin engineering
firm in the February 1, 2013 issue of the Milwaukee Business
Journal.
• Krukowski & Costello conducted a seminar on December 13,
2012 on the topic…It is Time to Update Your Employee Handbook
Policies.
• Michael Best & Friedrich conducted a seminar February 20,
2013 on the topic Sand & Non-Metallic Mining Update.
• The Dennis and Janice Klumb Family Foundation was
presented with the Hope Stout Award of the Chris Greicius
Society. The prestigious award recognizes Make-A-Wish donors
who have made a cumulative contribution of $1 million or more.
WUCA 2013
Board of
Directors
President:
Jeff Weakly
Super Excavators
Vice-President:
Mike Dretzka
UPI, LLC
Sec/Treasurer:
Pat Wunsch
Musson Bros.
Director:
Dennis Klumb, Jr.
KS Energy Services
Director:
Adam Biondich
American Sewer Services
Director (past pres):
John Wanasek
Wanasek Corporation
Associate Director:
Chuck Palmer
Michael Best & Friedrich
Executive Director:
Richard W. Wanta
3

WUCA Receives Prestigious
Make-A-Wish Award
The Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association will receive the prestigious Wisconsin Make-A-
Wish Winner-in-Sharing (WISH) award April 11, 2013 at the downtown Milwaukee Hyatt representing
20 years of fundraising efforts. WUCA members raised over $540,000 for various child-oriented
charities. Accepting the award will be John Wanasek, Wanasek Corporation and former WUCA
president.
In addition to WUCA, past W.I.S.H award recipients include Bill Janz; Joseph H. "Bud" Morgan; Judy
Schwerm; Les Weil & Jodi Peck; Midwest Airlines; The Green Bay Packers; Klumb Family Foundation;
Vince Condella; Hunzinger Construction Co.; Six Main Medical Referral Sources; Todd & Muriel
Lappin; Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club; and the Badger Mutual Insurance Company.
Dear WUCA,
On behalf of Board Chair Ellen Stark, we are honored to announce this year's
winner of the W.I.S.H. Award (Winner-In-Sharing Happiness): Wisconsin
Underground Contractors Association. WUCA will be presented with the award at
Wish Night (formerly Host Night) on Thursday April 11, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency
Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association has been very involved with
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin since 1991. This year was the 21st. consecutive year that
WUCA has raised a significant amount of funds and community awareness for
Make-A-Wish through their annual fundraising dinner held each fall. Collectively, they
have raised nearly a half million dollars to make more than 75 wishes come true.
WUCA members are passionate about the Make-A-Wish mission and the special
children we serve.
Many WUCA members have become active within the Make-A-Wish world over
the years, whether it's been through fundraising events, friend-raising, introductions,
help on wishes, as volunteers, etc. Many other WUCA members and their families
are generous, caring champions of Wisconsin wish kids. We are very proud to honor
WUCA this year.
Patti Gorsky, President & CEO
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin dated December 4, 2012
4

Good Afternoon,
Here’s to sending my sincere congratulations to you and all the wonderful people associated with
the Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association as this year’s recipient of the W.I.S.H.
Award. I just celebrated my 15-year anniversary with Make-A-Wish and definitely recall how wellcommitted
WUCA was when I started. Your commitment and support has grown so much
stronger. Even though we don’t see each other as often, when I hear WUCA, it brings a smile to
my face. As the recipient of the W.I.S.H. Award, we’ll definitely see WUCA at Wish Night next
April! Thanks again for 21 years of support of our Foundation.
Janice M. Smith, Director of Program Services
Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin dated December 6, 2012
Dear WUCA,
Congratulations on WUCA being nominated as the recipient for the W.I.S.H. Award to be
awarded at Wish Night 2013. WUCA have been tremendous, generous supporters and well
deserve this honor. I have always enjoyed your fall WUCA event. Look forward to seeing you at
Wish Night. Congratulations again!
Susanne Gidan, LCSW
Medical Social Worker, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin dated December 4, 2012.
Dear WUCA,
As a current member of the Make-A-Wish board and active volunteer I wanted to congratulate
the members of WUCA on receiving this year’s W.I.S.H. Award! Patti Gorsky has made sure
that all of us connected to the organization are aware of the significant contributions that WUCA
and the organization’s membership have made over the years and for that we are truly grateful
and blessed.
I can tell you first hand as a wish granter that because of the efforts of your association, and
other sponsors, our role in making that one special wish of a child come true is so easy to
complete – and for that I say THANK YOU!
I hope to have an opportunity to meet you at the Wish Night celebration in April and thank you in
person. Again – congratulations and thank you!
Patrick J. Walsh, Vice President & Chief Claims Officer - Corporate Claims
Accident Fund Holdings, Inc., New Berlin, Wisconsin
5

Public Works
Industry
Improvement
Program (IIP)
2013 Officers and
Board Members
President:
Dennis Biondich
American Sewer Services
Vice-President:
Tom Schaitel
KS Energy Services
Sec/Treasurer:
Pete Schraufnagel
Super Excavators
Director:
Bob Olson
Globe Contractors
Director:
Larry Schluter
D.F. Tomasini Contractors
Director:
John Wanasek
Wanasek Corporation
Director:
Phil Purpero
C.W. Purpero
Executive Director:
Richard W. Wanta
The Public Works IIP was
formed in 1965 for industry
promotion, legislative initiative,
scholarships, safety seminars,
specification book preparation
and sales, and more.
New WUCA Members
• The Expediters, Inc.
400 N. Summit Moors Drive, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Telephone 800/657-0879, fax 262/965-4203
Contact: Catherine Muchka, email: kmuchka@aol.com
(The firm provides sewer clean and televise, manhole lining and
manhole grouting)
• Hausmann-Johnson Insurance
700 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53715
Telephone 608/257-3795, fax 608/257-4324
Contact: Ross Squires,
email:ross.squires@hausmann-johnson.com
www.hausmann-johnson.com
(Risk management, insurance & surety bonds.)
• Husqvarna Construction Products
17400 West 119th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061
Telephone 888/928-9016, fax 866/383-4670
Contact: Justin Hubbard, email: justin.hubbard@husqvarna.com
(The firm manufacturers equipment and diamond tools)
• M3 Insurance
3113 West Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53708
Telephone 608/273-0655, fax 608/273-1725
Contact: Tim Cleary, email: tim.cleary@m3ins.com
(Insurance, bonds, financial services, and safety)
• Prinsco, Inc.
510 North Lilas Drive, Appleton, WI 54914
Telephone 920/734-2665, fax 920/734-2259
Contact: Jason Forgette, email: jasonf@prinsco.com
(Materials & Supplies – Storm water drainage pipe &
accessories)
• Prism Technical
6114 W. Capitol Drive, Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53216
Telephone 414/847-0990, fax 414/847-0992
Contact: Randy Crump, email: rcrump@prismtechnical.com
(Participant management, training, government relations)
• D.F. Tomasini Contractors, Inc.
N70 W25176 Indian Grass Lane, Sussex, WI 53089
Telephone 262/820-8300, fax 262/820-8400
Contact: Larry Schluter, email: dft@dftomasini.com
(Underground contractor)
• Veit & Company, Inc.
2445 S. 179th Street, Suite E, New Berlin, WI. 53146
Telephone 414/372-9803, fax 414/372-9804
The construction firm is represented by Rolo Wallnow.
(Contractor)
• Wisconsin Utility Exposure Inc.
510-C Biddle Street, Waukesha, WI 53186
Telephone 262/524-4040, fax 262/524-4044
Contact: Kim Wehse, email: kim@wue-xpose.com
www.wisconsinutility.com
(Hydro vac excavation)
6

WUCA Safety & Insurance Committee Update
Since our last newsletter, the following presentations were made to the WUCA Safety & Insurance
Committee.
On December 14, 2012 guest
speaker was Investigator Jeffrey
P. Swan, Compliance Review
Investigator, Motor Carrier
Enforcement Investigation Unit,
Wisconsin State Patrol Southeast
Region. He spoke about medical
cards, securing a load, tie down
requirements, and CSA changes.
Investigator Jeffrey P Swan
Compliance Review Investigator
Motor Carrier Enforcement Investigation Unit,
Wisconsin State Patrol Southeast Region
Office & Fax: (262) 514 4832
Cell: (608) 220 7148
Email: jeffrey.swan@dot.wi.gov
On February 15, 2012 Brad
Stehno, M.S., Account Executive,
R&R Insurance Services, Inc.
spoke on the topic “Supervisory
Development - Leaders vs. Bosses.”
This program discussed how to
get the best performance out of
your employees by discussing a
supervisor's changing role in the industry that
includes safety awareness. He will discuss
becoming an effective supervisor; establishing
credibility and gaining support and cooperation of
co-workers; common management missteps you
will want to avoid; fundamentals of planning;
decision making; delegation....a tough decision to
make; and a leadership proficiency profile.
Brad Stehno M.S.
1581 E. Racine Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186,
Ph: 262-953-7226
Fax: 262-953-1382
email:Brad.Stehno@rrins.com
On January 25, 2013 guest
speaker was FBI Special
Agent Richard Bilson, on
the topic of “Cyber Security
Focusing on Hackers and
Intrusions.”
FBI Special Agent
Richard Bilson
U.S. Dept. of Justice
330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 600
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Telephone 414/291-4387
email: Richard.bilson@ic.fbi.gov
On March 15, 2013 Mr. Tom
Stemrich, Office of Pipeline
Safety, Public Service
Commission spoke on the topic
“Update of Federal Rules &
Regulations.”
Also speaking was Mr. David J.
Dybdahl, President, American
Risk Management Resources
Network on the topic
“Environmental Liability Risks for
Contractors.”
On April 12, 2013 Bob Bartel
spoke on the topic “Concealed
Carry ot the Jobsite.”
Bob Bartel
Krukowski & Costello
7

Wisconsin Laborers Apprenticeship Fund
Update
As of April 2013 the six-county Milwaukee area there are six Laborers’ working and 21 laid off.
The laborers have an excellent training center just north of Madison, WI. Training coordinator is
Craig Ziegler, telephone 608/513-0518.
Federal Legislative Sewer & Water Funding
Update
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government’s
remaining fiscal year 2013 federal budget. The federal government was operating under a CR that ends
on March 27, 2013. The new CR will fund the federal government’s operations to the end of FY 2013,
which is September 30, 2013. The CR and the Sequester will have an effect on federal clean water and
drinking water construction investments for the remainder of federal FY 2013.
The House CR for federal FY 2013 funds most federal programs at the same level as federal FY 2012.
The legislation funds federal Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water construction programs at $1.465
billion and $919 million respectively, however, when Sequestration is factored in, these funding levels
drop to $1.345 billion ($120 million cut) for the Clean Water SRF program and $844 million ($75 million
cut) for the Safe Drinking Water SRF. Although the level of funding is slightly less than federal FY 2012,
the investment levels for the Clean Water SRF and the Safe Drinking Water SRF are significantly higher
than the original House Appropriations Committee’s FY 2013 funding amounts and overall higher than
President Obama’s FY 2013 budget proposal.
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, buy
first from WUCA associate firms.
8

Operating Engineers Central Pension Fund
Update
As of April 2012 the pension fund is in the Green Zone under the Pension Protection Act. In spite of the
weak construction economy and anemic investment returns, the funded percentage was 88% as of
February 1, 2012 compared to 87% one year prior. In February 2009 the funded percentage was 71%. The
fund is administered out of Washington, D.C.
Operating Engineers Local 139 Health Fund
Financial Update
For the period ending December 31, 2012 the fund
had revenues of $83.5 million compared to $66.8
million one-year prior. Expenses during that same
period were $50.7 million compared to $50.1 million
one-year prior. The fund has 34 months of cash
reserve versus 34 months one-year prior. The
average age of a Wisconsin operating engineer is 45.
Long time fund administrator Mary Jane De Battista
retired April 1, 2013 after 30 years and was replaced
by Ms. Rita Becker.
Rita Becker (Left) and Mary Jane DeBattista
Operators Local 139 Apprenticeship
Fund Update
For the period ending December 2012, the fund had year-to-date revenue of $4
million compared to $3.6 million one-year prior. Expenses were $2.6 million
compared to $2 million one-year prior. As of February 14, 2013 the operator
apprenticeship fund had total 239 apprentices. Of that amount 231 are male,
Dan Sperberg, Operators
8 are female. There are 9 minority apprentices. As of February 2013, 100
Training Director
apprentices were laid off but are expected to return to their employers soon. dan@woetrainingcenter.org
There are 200 applicants on a waiting list. In May 2013 the school will start
accepting additional apprenticeship applications on the second Tuesday of
each month. The operators’ training school, located in Coloma, WI, is overseen by training director
Dan Sperberg.
Wisconsin Apprenticeship Conference Scheduled
The 26th Biennial Apprenticeship Conference is scheduled for January 26-28, 2014
Chula Vista, WI Dells. Please plan on attending.
9

Federal Affordable Health Care Mandate
January 1, 2014
The new employer mandate takes effect on January 1, 2014 and companies are deciding what kind of
health insurance, if any, to offer employees. Some employers will drop employee health care coverage
and pay the required federal penalty. A business that fails to offer insurance to workers can avoid paying
any penalties if it has fewer than 50 full-time employees. Some employers are replacing full-time
employees with part-timers. State health fund exchanges are expected to open for enrollment on
October 1, 2013. Employers should seek advice from their financial advisors on how best to handle
this topic.
For 2013, New Tax Increases
• A payroll tax increase in the Social Security portion of the payroll tax from 4.2 percent to 6.2 percent
for workers. This tax increase impacts all Americans.
• The top marginal tax rate increase from 35 percent to 39.6 percent for taxable incomes over $450,000
($400,000 for single filers).
• A phase out of personal exemptions for adjusted gross income (AGI) over $300,000 ($250,000 for
single filers).
• Phase down of itemized deductions for AGI over $300,000 ($250,000 for single filers).
• Tax rates on investment increase in the rate on dividends and capital gains from 15 percent to 20
percent for taxable incomes over $450,000 ($400,000 for single filers).
• Death tax increase in the rate (on estates larger than $5 million) from 35 percent to 40 percent.
• Taxes on business investment expiration of full expensing—the immediate deduction of capital
purchases by businesses.
• A 3.8% surtax on investment income for taxpayers with taxable income exceeding $250,000 ($200,000
for singles).
• Another payroll tax hike 0.9 percent increase in the hospital Insurance portion of the payroll tax for
incomes over $250,000 ($200,000 for single filers).
• Reduction of the income tax deduction for individuals’ medical expenses.
• Elimination of the corporate income tax deduction for expenses related to the Medicare Part D
subsidy.
(Source: The Foundry January 8, 2013)
Returning Heroes Tax Credit
The Returning Heroes Tax Credit provides up to $5,600 in credits for each unemployed veteran you
hire. The Wounded Warriors Tax Credit provides up to $9,600 to companies who hire veterans with
service connected disabilities. There are tax benefits for hiring a military veteran. (Source: WMC
January 2013)
10

Mark Your Calendar!
WUCA Annual
Golf Outing
Monday July 15, 2013
Westmoor Country Club
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Effective January 1,
2013 the standard
rate for use of a car,
van, pickup or panel
truck will be 56.5
cents per mile for
business miles
driven or 24 cents
per mile driven for
medical or moving
purposes. The rate
increased 1 cent
from the
2012 rate.
11

WUCA 2013
Midwinter Conference
The Annual Wisconsin Underground
Contractors Association (WUCA)
Midwinter Conference was held February
28-March 3, 2013 at the Westin Resort &
Marina in Key West, Florida. The
conference included group meals,
receptions, dinners and great educational
seminars. Although temperatures were in
the low-70's during our stay, members had
a good time sightseeing and visiting
historic Duval Street, Hemingway House,
Truman White House and other
area attractions. Watch future WUCA
newsletters for the 2014 conference dates
and location.
WUCA would like to thank the
conference sponsors that help to
ensure a great program.
KS Energy Services
R & R Insurance Services
TT Technologies
12

Photo from
the past
World War 1 era
VAC truck
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Regional
Internships in Science & Engineering (RISE) Program
The local sewerage district alerted WUCA members of an opportunity in conjunction with the
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Workforce Development Training & Placement Program. In
2009, the MMSD added an internship component to the program. The "Regional Internships in Science
and Engineering," or "RISE" Program targets talented students from the District service area who are
currently pursuing a degree in scientific, engineering, or construction management fields at an
accredited college. Through the RISE Program, it is hoped that local firms can identify, employ, and
retain qualified and diverse local talent.
Over the last four years, thirteen MMSD service providers, AECOM, Brown & Caldwell, CH2M Hill,
Dakota Intertek, Donohue & Associates, Inc., GRAEF, HNTB, JF Ahern Co., Pieper Electric, Rawson
Contractors, Short Elliot Hendrickson, The Concord Group and WasteCap have employed students from
Marquette, UW-Platteville, MSOE, UW-M, Columbia University, Pennsylvania State University,
Tuskegee University and Western Michigan University. This year they welcomed J.P. Cullen & Sons,
C.W. Purpero, Inc. and the City of Milwaukee, DPW to their list of partners and hope that you will join
them.
If your company decides to offer a paid summer internship to a student, the MMSD
will provide a $1,500 stipend. Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District consultant
Prism Technical will recruit, pre-interview, monitor, and offer leadership
development seminars to students in the R.I.S.E. program. Randy Crump also
serves as chief executive officer of Prism Technical. If interested, please contact
Keesha Sutton of Prism Technical at (414) 847-0990, ext. 108 or
email: kjsutton@prismtechnical.com.
Please click the following link to learn more about the program:
http://issuu.com/prismtechnical/docs/report_2012
Randy Crump, CEO
Prism Technical Management
& Marketing Services, LLC
6114 W Capitol Drive – Suite 200,
Milwaukee, WI 53216
14

CONEX 2013 -"Where buyers meet sellers"
This equipment show was held January 30-31, 2013 at the Wisconsin
Exposition Center located at State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin.
WUCA members that maintaining a promotional booth included
Diamond Discs International, Diamond Blade Solutions, Milwaukee
Tractor & Equipment, Positioning Solutions, Vermeer-Wisconsin,
MSI Data, and ESCH Construction Supply. The Wisconsin
Underground Contractors Association also maintained a
promotional booth.
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.
15

Car Insurance - What You Don't
Know Can Hurt You
Car insurance is one of those things in life we pay a good deal of money for, but
seldom use. As a result very few of us, even lawyers, take the time to read and
understand our car insurance policy. Most people have only a passing familiarity with
the amount of coverage they have and what that coverage does for them.
This is not a situation where ignorance is bliss. While everyone need not rush to
review their entire auto policy, it is well worthwhile to look at the declarations
page which shows what coverage you have and decide whether it is the right
coverage for you. This is certainly something you should discuss in detail with
your insurance agent, but having a basic idea of what questions to ask is useful.
Author: Mike Riley
Axley Law Firm
608.283.6778
email: mriley@axley.com
WUCA associate member
Automobile policies have two basic forms of coverage. The first type which lawyers call first-party coverage,
are there to protect you if you are injured in an accident. First-party coverage also includes the collision and
comprehensive coverage which protect your vehicle. The second type, which we call third-party coverage, is
intended to protect you if you injure someone else in a car accident.
The coverage which protects you if you are injured in an automobile accident includes medical payments
coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. The rules which govern that
coverage have changed several times in recent years. That makes it particularly important that you review
your policy and discuss with your agent whether you are adequately protected if you suffer an injury.
Wisconsin law now requires everyone to carry automobile insurance, but the limits required under the law
are far below what most people need to insure they are adequately protected. The minimum medical
payments coverage under the law is $1,000.00. The minimum uninsured motorist coverage is $25,000.00 per
person and $50,000.00 per occurrence. Underinsured motorist coverage is not required, although the
insurance company must offer that coverage with a minimum limit of $50,000.00 per person and $100,000.00
per accident.
So what does all that mean? First of all, the per-person limit means that is the most amounts you can recover
as a result of injuries to one person in an accident. The per accident limit is the overall total amount that the
company would be obligated to pay, no matter how many people might be injured.
Let’s talk about the adequacy of those limits. In this day and age $1,000.00 in medical payments coverage
would just about cover an emergency room visit. Most people probably also have health insurance that would
cover some or all of their expenses, but medical payments coverage can be very helpful to fill in the gaps. One
thousand dollars is simply not enough. Until recently, the law required $10,000.00 in medical payments
coverage and that is certainly a more reasonable number.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are injured by someone who does not carry insurance. Your
first reaction may be that since insurance is now required, that should not be a problem. Unfortunately, there
are still many people on our roads without insurance, and uninsured motorist coverage is essential to protect
you if you are injured by one of those people. The current mandatory limits of $25,000.00 per person and
$50,000.00 per accident are well below what you would need to be adequately compensated if you suffered a
significant injury in an accident. The law formerly required $100,000.00 in uninsured motorist coverage per
person and $300,000.00 per accident. Again, that limit is far more realistic than the current minimum limit.
16

Car Insurance cont.
The cost of purchasing the additional limits is relatively modest and should be given careful consideration.
The situation with respect to underinsured motorist coverage is even more concerning. Underinsured
motorist coverage protects you if you are injured by someone who does not have enough liability insurance
coverage to compensate you for the injuries they have caused. Underinsured motorist coverage is not
required at all. Insurers must offer limits of $50,000.00 per person and $100,000.00 per accident, amounts
which are again quite inadequate. You should carry at least the $100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per
accident limit that was formerly required. The cost of doing that is relatively modest. You can discuss the cost
and what limits would be adequate for you with your agent.
In deciding what to do about your underinsured motorist coverage, you should keep several things in mind.
Because the required amount of liability insurance is only $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 per accident,
there is a very real possibility that you can be involved in an accident with someone whose coverage is far
below what would be required to cover your medical expenses and compensate you for a serious injury.
Indeed, in recent years we have seen a number of cases where that has occurred. You should also remember
that the amount of your underinsured motorist coverage, under most policies, will be reduced by any amount
you recover from the insurer of the person who injures you, and possibly by other amounts as well. That
means that the limits you purchase are more than you will receive from your own company – one more reason
to ensure that those limits are adequate.
Let’s move on to the third-party coverage, which protect you if you injure someone else. Before doing that, I
would note that in recent years we have seen a number of instances where clients’ uninsured or underinsured
motorist coverage was less than the liability coverage which protects them against claims by others. In effect,
the policies were providing more protection to people who the clients injured than they were to clients if they
were injured. In my mind, that makes very little sense, particularly because the cost of protecting yourself and
your family through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is quite modest compared to the cost of
other coverage in auto insurance policies. The third-party coverage under an auto policy is property damage
coverage and bodily injury liability coverage. Property damage coverage is just what it sounds like-coverage
with protects you against claims for damage you may have caused to another vehicle or other property. The
minimum required coverage under our current law is $10,000.00. Given the cost of cars and car repairs these
days, that is simply not sufficient.
Bodily injury coverage protects you against claims by others who are injured in an accident which you cause.
The current required limits are $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 per accident. The law used to require
$100,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 per accident. We believe that is a far more reasonable amount of
protection. Given the costs of medical care, injury claims can easily exceed $25,000.00, and, in fact, it is not
rare to see medical bills well above that amount.
The cost of increasing the liability limits should be relatively modest. You may also want to consider
purchasing an umbrella policy, which would provide a far higher level of protection. Those are issues you can
and should discuss with your insurance agent.
It is our hope that you never have to use your auto insurance. If you do, you will want to be sure that you and
your family are adequately protected.
17

WUCA
2012 Safety Awards
WUCA awards for safety
excellence were presented to the
following firms April 12, 2013 at
the association office:
RJ Underground
Wanasek Corporation
Reesman’s Excavating & Grading
Globe Contractors
KS Energy Services
Super Excavators
Past WUCA
Presidents
Some WUCA past presidents seated include Dan
Olson, Globe Contractors; Justin Kolster, Super
Excavators; Norb Dretzka, Underground
Pipeline; standing include Dennis Biondich,
American Sewer Services; Tom Schaitel, Arby
Construction; and Scott Maly, United Sewer &
Water. The association dates back to 1937.
76
Milwaukee OSHA assisted in the
award presentation.
Advertise on WUCA Website!
www.wuca.org
Advertising rates are listed under the Member Information tab.
18

6th Edition
Standard Specification for Sewer & Water
Construction in Wisconsin
First published in 1970 by the Public Works Industry Improvement Program, Inc. this standard specification
manual has received wide acceptance throughout the state of Wisconsin. Over the years, this publication
has become a definitive resource for every municipal and consulting engineer, public works contractor, as
well as equipment and material suppliers. To order your copy, please complete the following order form.
Quantity
Description
Unit Price
Total
Sixth Edition of the "Standard Specification for Sewer &
Water Construction in Wisconsin"
$45.00
Each
1 - 3 Books
Handling & Fed. Express Shipping Charge
$10.50
4 - 6 Books
Handling & Fed. Express Shipping Charge
$12.00
7 - 9 Books
Handling & Fed Express Shipping Charge
$13.00
Over 9
Call for Shipping & Handling Charges
Sub Total
Addendum 2 (Includes Addendum One) dated
April 22, 2008
$4.00
Each
1 Addendum
Handling & Shipping via U.S. Mail
$4.00
2, 3 Addendums
Handling & Shipping via Fed. Express
$6.50
4, 5, or 6 Addendums
Handling & Shipping via Fed. Express
$7.00
Sub Total
Add Wisconsin Sales Tax Milwaukee County @ 5.6%,
Waukesha & Racine County @ 5.1%, Your county ___%
or Tax Exempt Number _____________
Total Enclosed (Check or Money Order)
To save shipping costs, books and addendums can
be picked up at the IIP office at the address listed
below. The IIP office is located in the Wisconsin
Underground Contractors Association office.
Please call (414) 778-1050 for office hours.
Send this form with Check or Money
Order payable to:
Public Works – IIP
2835 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 22
Milwaukee, WI 53222-4483
Name ___________________________________________________________
Company ________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State________________ Zip ______
Telephone _________________________
19

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
WUCA members are in business to do construction – and not to be involved in expensive lawsuits that
take them away from their work and into the courtroom. Yet differences between customers, contractors
and sub-contractors do arise and can result in litigation. There are ways of resolving disputes short of
going to trial. The two most common types of ADR are mediation and arbitration.
Mediation is a voluntary procedure where the parties agree to attempt to reach a settlement by using a
mediator. The mediator acts as a neutral and works with the parties to determine what is really at issue
and what ways exist to resolve the dispute. The mediator will offer suggestions and give opinions but
they are not binding. Ultimately, it’s up to all of the parties to decide if there is an outcome that is
acceptable.
Arbitration is binding and requires an agreement by all parties that the arbitrator’s decision is final. The
arbitrator is neutral and acts in a manner similar to a judge presiding over a trial. Witnesses are called by
each party and give both direct testimony and testimony under cross-examination. At the end of the
hearing, the arbitrator gives a decision.
A major advantage of both mediation and arbitration is that they are confidential proceedings. This is in
contrast with a court hearing which is open to the public and where all of the documents filed with the
court are available for public review.
If you have a dispute, is it better to go to mediation or arbitration? The answer is “It depends.”
The advantages of mediation are as follows. It takes less time so it’s less expensive, the parties
determine the outcome because it’s voluntary and, if it’s successful, the parties achieve certainty as to
the result. The disadvantage is that, since it is voluntary, it does not always result in a resolution.
The advantages of arbitration are as follows. It’s less expensive and faster than going to trial and an
outcome will be reached whether both parties agree or not. Thus, it is final. The disadvantage is that the
parties do not determine the outcome, the arbitrator does.
Whether you choose to mediate or to arbitrate, it is important to select a qualified, experienced
individual to conduct the process. This will increase the chances of resolution and cut down on the
expense. In making your selection, it is important to know the number of mediations and arbitrations the
person has conducted, what type of disputes were involved, what is his or her success rate, and does the
individual have significant litigation experience. If a case goes to trial, you cannot handpick the judge.
But if you decide to mediate or arbitrate, you can select the person you want to
work on your dispute.
Article provided by Patrick Fiedler is a partner at Axley Brynelson, LLP
with offices in Madison and Waukesha. His practice focuses on litigation
and alternative dispute resolution. Prior to joining Axley, he was a
Dane County Circuit Judge for 18 years. Pat can be reached at
(608) 283-6753 and pfiedler@axley.com.
20

In
Memoriam
Marteen
"Dutch"
Vliegenthart
entered
Eternal Life on
January 9, 2013,
at the age of 72.
He was a resident of
Raymond, WI.
Dutch was the beloved
husband of Kathy (nee Last)
for 25 years and father of
Nicholas, John, Marty,
Darrell, Derek and Brian
plus grandfather of seven
grandchildren. Dutch is
further survived by siblings
in Holland.
Dutch was a pioneer in the
mining industry. He was a
strong man who had an
authentic fun side to him. He
will be remembered by all
those who met him and
greatly missed by the many
who loved him.
He worked many years with
J.F. Shea Construction and
helped build Milwaukee’s
deep tunnel during the
1990’s.
For those that knew Dutch,
he will be solely missed.
Truly a great person.
21

Advertise
in WUCA
Publications
The Wisconsin
Underground
Contractors Association
accepts advertising from
member firms in this
publication, our annual
roster, and the
association website
located at www.wuca.org
For information on
advertising rates, call
WUCA at 414/778-1050.
WUCA encourages its
contractors to purchase
from member firms.
Please attend
monthly
WUCA Safety
& Insurance
Committee
meetings!
Installation is a
Breeze with Precast!
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• Grease Traps
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• Water/Meter Vaults
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Call Today for Your Quote
800-325-8456
www.wieserconcrete.com
WUCA Members Should
Support Fellow Members
WUCA contractors are encouraged to support associate
members for services, supplies, and equipment as they
support the underground contracting industry.
Always call WUCA associate members for your needs.
22

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

Photo from the past
1930’s Construction
24

WUCA Association Presidents
1937 to the Present
LABORER’S
LOCAL No. 113
AFFILIATED
WITH
AFL-CIO
Building, Sewer, Tunnel, Utility
& Paving Laborers
6310 W. Appleton
873-4520
MILWAUKEE
BUILDING
TRADES
COUNCIL
2012-2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff Weakly
2010-2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Wanasek
2008-2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Olson
2006-2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pete Schraufnagel
2004-2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis Klumb, Jr.
2002-2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan Olson
2000-2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norb Dretzka
1998-1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Justin Kolster
1996-1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Schaitel
1994-1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scott Maly
1992-1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Muth
1990-1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ken Servi
1988-1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis Biondich
1986-1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas B. Kolster
1984-1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim Gabrielse
1982-1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edward D. Depreter
1980-1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ramon E. Olson
1978-1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Schraufnagel
1976-1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marvin Schroeter
1974-1975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norman Bernstein
1972-1973 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Walter Schmitz
1970-1971 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ken Peterson
1968-1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Don Tomasini
1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .James Bonness
1965-1966 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Len Olson
1960-1964 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. Malloy
1958-1959 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. Haugsted
1956-1957 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. Beaver
1953-1955 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Louis Radin
1951-1952 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. F. Hickey
1944-1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .W.J. Lazynski
1941-1943 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. Hohensee
1937-1940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant Hinkamp
76 Years of WUCA Leadership
76
25

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
(414) 549-9190 • 1-800-242-7018
Wisconsin WDBE/EBE Certified
Safety and
Risk Management
provided by
Bruce Morton
26

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Investment
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Contractors with the full line of quality
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We are a Wisconsin-based, family owned
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stable and dependable partner. We'll help
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
- Certified Rebuild Machines
- 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
27