CCMIN041712 - Laserfiche WebLink

Rob Stoker, Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 104, said that what the Council had initially supported as a project that would provide middle class jobs for local workers seems to have evolved into a union versus non-union workers issue. The applicant has insisted that local contractors compete with those who do not pay area standard wages and to this point, has reached out only to non-union contractors. Local 104 and other unions expect that developers who do projects in their community demonstrate a commitment to that community and that they see the value in contractors who pay area standard wages and provide comprehensive benefit plans. It is expected that developers will seek to build more than 1,600 new homes in Pleasanton over the next two years. Local unions hope to work with these developers and the Council to ensure that those who are building the homes can afford to live in them. Dan Ryan stated that the wages offered by outside, non-union contractors are inadequate to raise a family in the tri valley. John Dalrymple noted the heavy presence of plumbers, sheet metal workers and electrical workers in the audience. He agreed that the contractors who have historically partnered with the applicant pay below market wages and offer no benefits. Those on the Council have the ability to pass policies that encourage a fair deal and help to preserve the future of the middle class. Councilmember Sullivan asked what mechanisms he would recommend to ensure a fair wage. Mr. Dalrymple said that the development agreement could have included conditions requiring area standard wages and a certain percentage of local contractors in order to set a fair playing field. The conditions could also have stipulated the expectation that a certain number of apprentices be present on the job. He recommended as much to BRE but was unsuccessful in gaining their cooperation. David Theobold said he operates a family-owned commercial painting business and considers himself to be a good contractor who provides good wages, benefits and career opportunities, and supports the local community. He stated his support for the project and the opportunity to bid as an open job contractor. Ron Capilla, Can-Am Plumbing, described his company's 40 years of commercial service in Pleasanton, the last 22 of which have been conducted as a non-union member. As a non-union contractor, his employees are not tied to him by contract; if he does not provide for them fairly and with respect, they will go elsewhere. As a small business, he said he would love to see this project built and to be provided with the opportunity to bid on and secure local work. Erin Kvistad, Turman Commercial Painters, said her organization is based on the core values of a real family-owned business. She hoped the Council would approve the project and allow them the opportunity to continue to work in their own backyard. Nicole Goehring, Associated Builders & Contractors of Northern California, said her organization is non- profit construction trade association with general and subcontractor members who perform commercial, multi-family housing, industrial and public works construction throughout northern California. She invited the Council to attend of tour of their tri valley training facility on May 2, 2012 and urged them to approve the project. Frank Capilla, Can-Am Plumbing, described his experiences as both a union and non-union contractor. As the workforce and margins shrank to the point that being in business as a union contractor became precarious, he attempted to create a more competitive union structure. Ultimately, he became a merit shop contractor because he had no other choice. Since doing so, his business and his workforce have grown considerably. He stated that BRE is a very fair developer who puts out a quality product. He encouraged the Council to approve the project and allow them to build it in a competitive fashion. City Council Minutes Page 7 of 13 April 17, 2012