ACEC of Delaware EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINUTES

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Sheraton Inn – Dover, DE

 

Meeting called to order: 10: 35 am

 

Attendees:

Mike Karia                        Executive Director                                                       MK Consulting

Tim Anderson                                    National Director                                       Karins and Associates

Ted Januszka                    President                                                                        Pennoni Associates

Scott Rathfon                                     Vice President                                             Century Engineering

Mario Gangemi                Treasurer                   /Programs                                   Duffield Associates

Mike Angelo                    Secretary/Transportation                         McCormick Taylor

Bruce Jones                      Environmental                                            Greenstone Engineering

Shane Minner                                     Education/Public Relations                   Landmark Engineering

Jessica Nichols                                  Sussex County                                           Meridian

Mike Riemann                                   Kent County                                                Becker Morgan

Rhett Ruggerio                Legislative /Lobby

Steve Johns                      New Castle County                                                      VanDemark & Lynch

 

Not Present:

Brian Carbaugh               Affiliate Members                                      Artesian Water Co

Tom DeLorimier              Environmental                                            URS

Dave DuPlessis               Membership                                                JMT         

Ted Williams                    National VP/Legislative                          Landmark Engineering

 

Minutes

Treasurer’s Report – Mario Gangemi

A treasurer’s report consisting of an account balances report, budget report and accounts receivable (A/R) report for September 2009 and October 2009 were reviewed and approved by the board.

Executive Director’s Report – Mike Karia

Cabe Associates notified Mike that they are seeking 2 engineering positions. Cabe made this request through ACEC-DE to benefit member firms that may have to layoff engineers as a result of the poor economy.

Action Items:

Mike will email a survey to member firms to determine interest in participating in a fund raiser for Congressman Castle.

PAC goal is $4600. To date we are approximately $1000 short of our goal.

Legislative Committee – Ted Williams/Rhett Ruggerio

The board discussed our draft legislative agenda for 2010. Rhett suggested that Dave McBride (D) or Gerald Brady (D) be contacted to possibly champion ACEC-DE transportation issues in the legislature. McBride is a PE and Brady is involved in labor issues and is also an advocate of QBS. The board agreed that a meeting with each should be scheduled to discuss our issues. Rhett will try to set up meetings with McBride and Brady before the end of the year.

The DelDOT consultant rate freeze issue discussed. Rhett noted that Secretary Wicks is aware of our issues and supports our position. However, ACEC-DE needs to provide Secretary Wicks with documentation that she can use to assist her in discussions with state legislators. Rhett suggests altering the current version of the position paper. An Executive Summary will be written with back up attached. Rhett also suggested sending this out via email to legislators.

 

 

National Directors Report – Tim Anderson

Tim discussed national meeting held in October 2009. The raising of the national dues based on a “flat” budget in accordance with the CPI plus a 1.9% inflation factor for the three year period of 2010 to 2013 is being considered at this time in light of the poor economy. The actual vote on this three year budget will not occur until the 2010 Spring conference. The board approved to allow Tim to provided ACEC-DE vote for national position nominees.

Report attached.

Membership – Dave Duplessis

No report available.

Program Committee – Mario Gangemi

Allen Barnett from UD Solar Power Program possible - January

DelTech Program overview (representatives from all 3 Counties) – March

Another potential meeting is Dave Culver, General Manager of NCCDLU

Other topics for discussion include forums:

-        Professional liability insurance issues

-        Land use throughout the state

Transportation Committee – Mike Angelo

Report given discussing labor rate freeze instituted by DelDOT. Transportation Partnering Committee Meeting Minutes not complete prior to the Executive Board Meeting. Final minutes have been attached.

Environmental Committee – Bruce Jones/Tom DeLorimier

No report provided.

New Castle County Committee – Steve Johns

Report attached. A major discussion item involved redefining non-delineated wetlands. ACEC asked NCC to limit to 50 acres. Steve indicated that he would like to step down as committee chair. The board will need to select a new NCC representative.

Kent County Committee – Mike Riemann

Report provided from meeting with Kent Conservation District (attached).

Sussex County Committee – Jessica Nichols

Report provided from meeting with Georgetown Planning (attached).

Education/Public Relations Committee – Shane Minner

No report available.

Shane discussed the new scholarship brochure.

EWeek Banquet will be held on 2/18/10 at the DuPont CC. Openings are available for committee membership to assist in EWeek preparations. Contact Shane Minner to volunteer. The board discussed the need for a recognized industry leader for EWeek Banquet speaker to help draw additional interest from all engineering disciplines.

Engineering Excellence Awards were discussed. Poster font size issue was discussed. It was noted that the font size criteria is confusing and should be clarified for next year.

Affiliate Membership – Brian Carbaugh

No report available.

Other Items – Ted Januszka

Executive Committee Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:40 am.

The next ACEC-DE Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16 at 11:30 at Stewart’s Brew Pub in Bear, DE.