Underground utility strikes are a dangerous and costly event. Almost all line strikes are expensive and many of incidents that damage gas or electric lines can be extremely dangerous for everyone in the area. It is vital to understand the frequency at which line strikes occur and the best practices to assist in preventing line strikes.

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Heavy equipment such as cranes, maintainers, bull dozers, front loaders, dump trucks, excavators, etc. are used on virtually every single construction site.

There are many hazards created by the use of this equipment for those who operate it and especially for those who work around the equipment.

It is easy to become complacent when working around these machines every single workday.

It is important to continually remind yourself of the hazards of working around heavy equipment.

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Heat stress creates many hazards in the workplace for those employees who have to work in a hot environment. Hot environments can create indirect safety hazards such as causing employees to lose focus on their work task or becoming fatigued. Heat stress also causes more direct illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

According to a report published by the CDC, during 2004–2018, an average of 702 heat-related deaths (415 with heat as the underlying cause and 287 as a contributing cause) occurred in the United States annually.

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As creatures of habit, people sometimes do things “routinely” without thinking about them. Remember your routine this morning? Did you go through the motions without much thought?

At work, do you take the same path “automatically?” This is not necessarily wrong, because your routines often save time and energy. But when it comes to emergency situations involving escape and evacuation, people tend to use the most familiar route too.

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Potentially Big Project in Sonoma County Moves Towards an RFP From Developers:

The opinions expressed in the Soapbox are not necessarily the opinions of the ECA.  I am speaking my own mind and not stating any collective ECA opinions.

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On May 10, five leading economists presented the State of the Construction The Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) was originally purchased by the State of California in 1889 and utilized as a live in residential care facility until it was closed in 1985 and phased out the care facility.  The Department of Developmental Services ceased operations completely in 2018.

Of the State’s Original Acquisition of 1700 acres, the State has sold or transferred land to the County of Sonoma (“County”) for the Sonoma Valley Regional Park, conveyed conservation easements to the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District on Sonoma Mountain, and annexed a portion of the SDC to Jack London State Park resulting in an approximately ±180 acre developed core campus (“Subject Property”) surrounded by over ±700 acres of open space.

In the October 2015 Plan for the Closure of the Sonoma Developmental Center, the State Department of Developmental Services recognized the unique natural and historic resources of the property and acknowledged that it was not the intent of the state to follow the traditional state surplus property process.

In December 2019, DGS and the County finalized a three-year agreement for the County to develop a Specific Plan and related Environmental Impact Report, complete technical studies, and provide for robust community engagement in land use planning to facilitate disposition of the property.

Location:  The SDC, covers about 945 acres located at the northern edge of Eldridge, a census-designated place (“Eldridge CDP”) and south of the Glen Ellen, a census-designated place (“Glen Ellen CDP”) in Sonoma County. The SDC is located 6 miles from the plaza in downtown Sonoma and 15 miles from downtown Santa Rosa. The SDC is bisected by Arnold Drive and Sonoma Creek. Jack London State Historic Park borders the SDC to the West and Highway 12 and the Sonoma Valley Regional Park borders the SDC to the East.

In December 2019, the state of California Department of General Services (DGS) and the County finalized a three-year agreement for the County to develop a Specific Plan and related Environmental Impact Report, complete technical studies, and provide for robust community engagement in land use planning to facilitate disposition of the property.

The County’s planning agency (“Permit Sonoma”) began its public outreach in January 2020. Significant community input has been gathered through community meetings, workshops, and online surveys. Information on community input gathered and work completed to date are available at the project website: https://www.sdcspecificplan.com/documents/. Community members have also been engaged since 2015 on their vision for the SDC site, with numerous community members providing input over a span of years prior to the current Specific Plan process. Community outreach will continue as a Specific Plan is developed and finalized.

On February 9, 2022, Permit Sonoma filed a Notice of Preparation for a Program Environmental Impact Report (“Program EIR”) for the Sonoma Developmental Center Specific Plan (“NOP”) with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse. The NOP can be found here: Sonoma Developmental Center Specific Plan (ca.gov) The NOP describes a development program for the core campus (“Project Description”) consisting of the following:

• A housing development program ranging from 450 to 1,000 residential units within the existing 180-acre developed core campus, including market-rate and affordable housing, to meet a diversity of community needs. Housing unit types would include small-lot single-family and attached housing, multifamily housing, and “missing middle” housing that reflects the needs of Sonoma County community and workforce, and housing types that support a range of options including family, co-housing, and senior housing, and support services and/or shelter for the unhoused.
• A non-housing development program within the existing 180-acre developed core campus including institutional, office, research and development, and other creative uses focused on sustainability and climate-focused enterprises, organizations, and businesses. o Small-commercial uses—such as restaurants, cafés, and small retail uses—to support neighborhood needs and walkable lifestyles. o Visitor and community-serving uses such as a hotel, meeting and event facilities. o Public and community uses, such as a museum honoring the legacy of the site, community center or gathering and recreational spaces, emergency command center, fire station, and social support services.
• Parks and community gathering spaces and other green spaces within the existing 180-acre developed core campus, including areas dedicated to wildlife habitat and movement and areas that serve to buffer the community against future wildfire risks.

Continued from page 2

• Potential creation of a new vehicular route to connect Arnold Dr and Hwy 12, either as emergency access or full-time multi-modal access.

• Adaptive reuse and new construction of existing historic contributing buildings such as the Main Building, Sonoma House and key buildings along view corridors. A majority of buildings are likely to be new construction at various heights to ensure efficient use of land and foster compact development, sustainability, and walking and alternative transit use.
• Climate resilient and multimodal infrastructure may include the development of new streets and bicycle and pedestrian connections, and extensive upgrading of the existing infrastructure as a multi-modal, resilient and sustainable community. Other project components may include but are not limited to development of a microgrid and a recycled water plant/facility, in addition to other utilities and maintenance needs.
• Open Space Preservation: The Project will also include policies to govern the retention and preservation of the open space surrounding the 180-acre core campus, which encompasses the vast majority of the SDC Property (approximately 765 acres) and includes two lakes, the Eldridge Cemetery, and Camp Via. Policies will address the use of infrastructure within the open space such as the existing water system infrastructure.

Specific Plan Schedule Permit Sonoma contemplates completing the Specific Plan and related documents pursuant to the following timeline:

Publish draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and Specific Plan June 2022

Public Hearing on draft EIR July 2022

Publish final Specific Plan/EIR; Present recommendation to Planning Commission on final Specific Plan/EIR August 2022

Adoption of Specific Plan, Certification of final EIR by Board of Supervisors September 2022

The State of California and Sonoma County are moving forward with requests to find a development group that wishes to purchase and develop the Sonoma Developmental Center property that remains-basically a 180-acre core property surrounded by 700 acres of open space.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/RESD/Resources/Page-Content/Real-Estate-Services-Division-Resources-List-Folder/DGS-Surplus-Property-Homepage/Page-Content/DGS-Surplus-Property/Other-Properties-for-Sale/Former-Sonoma-Developmental-Center

Although this information is not typical for a “Soapbox”, I felt it was important enough to pass it on to you good folks.  This is a potentially huge project that may gain the interest of a developer very quickly.  I know how some of your private work guys work, so I included the needed links so your team can pursue getting into the lineup to perhaps provide estimates to the prospective new owner of the property.

Get to work, and may the best hustler find the nugget!!

That’s All Folks!

John

Specification Committee –Mission Statement-“The Specification Committee is set up to be a resource for public agencies and ECA membership alike.  This Committee reviews standard specifications and special conditions with the intent of providing input to public agencies that will result in lowering overall costs to the public for projects, and also fostering communications between public works entities and the general engineering construction industry

–the Spec Committee met on Wednesday, 5-18-22 and discussed the following:

* Reviewed the proposed standards for private fire lines.  It was decided to put the drawings out to all the spec committee members and ask them to review them with comments back by June 14, 2022, to John, Dave and Geoff.

* Discussed conflicts that some members have with the current Spec Committee meeting dates and times, and Spec Committee meetings were moved to the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm, at the NCBE small conference room.

* We discussed current “triggers” that make it necessary for having a grading permit with the County of Sonoma.  The existing policies come from the 2006 Grading Ordinance and SWPP requirements for stormwater runoff on impervious surfaces.  It is now a 50 cubic yard “trigger” with a combination of dirt to be moved plus rock and AC and concrete to be placed that makes a grading permit required.  Also, grading permits are taking up to 6 months to be issued and that is ridiculous.  Ways to mitigate these issues were discussed and it was concluded that a small amount of Spec committee time each month could be allocated to discuss these issues.

* Another issue discussed on a 1-time basis was the common complaint by City and County staff that they are short-handed and that is leading to delays in issuing capital improvement projects as well as delaying private development.  It was determined this is not the focus of the Spec Committee at this time.  John was encouraged to go find a district/municipality that has a good working plan to get projects to bid, and to advocate to the City of SR and the County of Sonoma to adopt the good aspects of the program so that projects go to bid sooner.

* Discussion on the 2 toughest departments at the County of Sonoma to deal with are Planning and Well/Septic.

* Next Spec Committee meeting to be held on June 15, 4-5:30 pm at NCBE small conference room.

Car Show Committee-led by our Chair Mr. Walt Turner announces the 27^th Annual Father’s Day “Show and Shine” Car Show will be held at Julliard Park in Santa Rosa on June 19, 2022.  A Car Show Committee meeting was held May 18, 20 The following was discussed:

* Singer for the Star-Spangled Banner not lined up yet.  John has contacted Andrea Krout (David Rabbitt’s contract assistant) and has not heard back from her as to her availability.  Mary was to pursue the gal that sang at our last three car shows to see if she is available.

* We asked Dustin Abbott for help with convincing Recology to donate garbage cans and Dustin got Recology to donate!!  A savings to us of over $900.  Thanks Dustin and thanks Recology!

* Security issues were discussed, and it was determined we are in ok shape for security without spending any money.

* DJ is lined up as are tables, chairs, shade, generator, beer, and food vendors.  Minor issue of getting a cable crossing traffic tray is needed.  Walt was following up

* Raffle items are needed, and we are appealing to our ECA members as well as going out (thank you Paul Stathotos,  Bob Harder, and others!  We need restaurant coupons and battery/muffler/tire coupons in particular.

* Current signups are low, so the Committee decided to make a bigger effort to take flyers out to the public.  John, Paul, Walt and others distributed flyers to many local businesses on Thursday and Friday last week, and Walt and Bob Harder made a big sacrifice and went to the American Graffiti car show in Petaluma and handed out over one hundred flyers to car show enthusiasts.  Thanks Walt and Bob!

* Ghilotti Brothers stepped up and have 5 volunteers to park cars on June 19.  Thanks Casey Wood and GBI!!

All in all-the Car Show is in pretty good shape with a month to go!

Here is the link to the sponsor Flyer and the Registration form

1. San Rafael-Bye By Country Club Bowl-Hello 70 Housing Units!– San Rafael approves Canal townhouse project (marinij.com)
2. Compare Marin Supervisor Candidates-ECA endorses Eric Lucan!– Novato race for Marin supervisor seat draws contrasting rivals (marinij.com)
3. Vintage Oaks on the Town Green gets underway–Construction begins on large downtown Windsor housing development (northbaybusinessjournal.com)
4. James Gore Vs Challenger-Read about the comparison here-ECA Endorses James Gore!- Drought, affordability, transit drive race for 4th District Sonoma County supervisor (pressdemocrat.com)
5. Want to fly direct to Tahoe/Reno from Sonoma County?- aha! announces nonstop flights to Santa Rosa from Reno-Tahoe hub (ca.gov)
6. City of Santa Rosa Website for roads has most recent “News article” as Feb 3, 2018-that should tell you all you need to know!!- News (ca.gov)
7. Governor Newsom proposes $300.6 Billion budget. https://www.ebudget.ca.gov/budget/2022-23MR/#/Home
8. ‘Risk of further outages’: California warns of blackouts as another hot summer looms
9. Officials said California has made considerable progress in shoring up the grid, including the addition of nearly 4,000 megawatts of battery storage in just over two years. But climate change is creating ever-worsening heat waves, and supplies are tightening all over the West, making it harder for the state to import electricity in a pinch. Wildfires can knock transmission lines out of commission. Dale Kaslerin the Sacramento Bee
10. White House seeks to speed infrastructure permitting
11. Speedier permitting without sacrificing attention to environmental factors is the goal of a new action plan for infrastructure released by the White House. The plan calls for agencies to coordinate their efforts early in the permitting process, but critics say the plan could lead to cutting corners and less thorough reviews. Full Story: The Hill The White House
12. Study: Nonunion firms struggle more to find workers
13. The ongoing worker shortage in construction is affecting nonunion firms more than those with unions, according to a review of surveys by Associated General Contractors of America from 2018 to 2021. The disproportionate shortage began before the pandemic, with nonunion firms 16% more likely to have difficulty filling positions and 13% more likely to lose qualified workers to other industries, according to AGC. Full Story: Contractor Magazine
14. Economists see uncertain outlook for construction
15. A long list of factors, including the war in Ukraine and the pandemic, could bring a slowdown in US construction after a good first quarter, according to five economists, including the Associated General Contractors of America’s Ken Simonson, participating in an online presentation. Although recession is possible, AIA chief economist Kermit Baker pointed to other factors that could sustain a good pace of growth, including job gains, corporate profits, consumer spending and business investment. Full Story: Daily Commercial News (Ontario)
16. Buttigieg seeks $1.5B for infrastructure upgrades
17. Improvements for existing transportation infrastructure across the US are the focus for $1.5 billion in funding requested by the Biden administration under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program, says Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The fiscal 2023 funding would help state agencies and serve to ease snarls in the movement of goods along the supply chain, Buttigieg said during a recent House subcommittee hearing. Full Story: Transport Topics
18. Contract goes out for $235M Calif. transit project
19. Kiewit Shea Traylor has received a $235 million contract to design and prepare for construction of a Bay Area Rapid Transit extension in San Jose, Calif. The Valley Transportation Authority board, which awarded the contract, is concurrently beginning an independent review of the single-bore tunnel plan for the 6-mile project. Full Story: The Real Deal/San Francisco
20. Balfour Beatty tapped for $16M in Calif. light-rail work California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has awarded Balfour Beatty a $16 million contract for renovation, modification and replacement of the overhead contact system along the Guadalupe light-rail corridor. The work will include replacing 38 miles of contact wire and an array of other components as well as introducing safety improvements at a maintenance facility. Full Story: The Construction Index (UK)

At our safety meetings we stress accident prevention. And we try to follow through on the job. But accidents sometimes occur despite all of our efforts.

HELPING A VICTIM MAY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

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Ever feel that the motoring public is out to get you? Speeding through your work area and if you do not hop out of the way quickly enough, they will run you down? It is probably because many drivers take the attitude that we should see them and keep out of their path. Just one of the hazards of flagging traffic. When flagging traffic, we want to do everything we can to prevent an accident. Because when an accident occurs, everyone suffers: the motorist, our Company, and us. An accident can mean damaged vehicles and equipment, personal injury, and fatalities.

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There is an endless list of possible hazards that result from the operation of heavy equipment. A few incident types in particular cause many serious injuries and fatalities each year.

Three types of incidents that result in these serious injuries and fatalities are struck-by incidents, caught-in or between incidents, and tip overs.

While these incident types deserve a lot of attention because of the harm they can cause, there are also many other hazards relating to heavy equipment operation that can result in frequent injury.
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Every single day, new technologies and equipment are being introduced into the marketplace. These technologies and equipment eventually make it to our workplaces.

It is important to fully understand these new tools before beginning work. Often new tasks and equipment are a source of injury on the job.

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