Updated: 8/31/10
Maine-ly Specs
The Newsletter of the Maine Chapter
Volume 42 No 1 September 2010
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News from the Chapter President, Bill Charland, CSI, CCCA, MAI
September
2010
I know it’s hard to believe but September 1, 2010 marks the
beginning of the third month of FY 2011 for the Chapter. The summer
has just flown by. It seems like just a few weeks ago we held our
end of year awards dinner, and here we are ready to kick off a new
year of monthly meetings with technical programs and good food.
On August 3, 2010 the Board of Directors held our Annual Planning
Meeting at the home of our immediate past President David Early. We
had a very productive meeting. We’ve laid out plans for all of the
monthly meetings for the entire year. The September and October
meetings are already booked and our board members are lining up the
remaining programs. This should be a very interesting year.
I want to thank Dave for his hospitality and all of the board
members who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the
planning meeting. It’s a team effort all the way to keep the chapter
running smoothly. I feel confident that we’re off to a good start.
We are in need of some help in filling out our board. As of this
writing, we are still without a 1st Vice-president. This is an
important position to be filled to provide an orderly succession to
the chapter presidency. The primary duties of the position include
ensuring that each month’s meeting and program are booked,
registering attendees and preparing certificates for those attending
the educational programs. The 1st vice president also fills in for
the chapter president when the president is unavailable. In the
second year the 1st vice president becomes 1st vice president and
President elect, assuming the office of Chapter President on July 1
of that year.
I would be happy to discuss this important position with anyone who
would be interested in stepping forward to fill the office. As I
stated above, this is a team effort all the way and we are missing a
key player. Filling this position is a top priority.
Please feel free to contact me @ (207) 944-3690 or by e-mail
billcharland@aol.com
We will also be focusing on membership this year, both in recruiting
new members as well as in retention of current members. In this
tight economy individuals and firms are trimming expenses and
professional organization memberships are targets. We as a chapter
need to figure out what it is that makes membership in our
organization valuable to individuals and firms. What makes us stand
out? Let’s think about that. We’ll be talking more about this during
the year.
Bill Charland, CSI, CCCA
Maine Chapter President
* * *
|
IN MEMORIUM The Maine Chapter recently lost a good friend and Chapter Meeting Speaker, Denis Pratt, architect for Alpha One. On more than one occasion, Denis presented a Chapter Meeting program or spoke at a Chapter Seminar to help the Maine Chapter Members better understand the issues related to accessible design. Denis, you will be missed The Chapter also will miss Mori Mitsui, FCSI, a former NE Region Institute Director and former member of the New Hampshire Chapter. Some may remember him from the Region Conference hosted by the NH Chapter in Portsmouth. Mori died on August 26, 2010 after a brief illness. |
* * *
September Chapter Meeting - September 7, 2010
Location - Muddy Rudder Restaurant; Yarmouth, ME
Topic: Design Considerations & Options for Successful Resinous
Flooring Installations (Program has been pre-approved for AIA CES
Credits)
Speaker: Sam Sacks
| 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Board Meeting |
| 5:00 - 6:00 pm | Social Hour |
| 6:00 - 7:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 - 8:30 pm | Educational Program |
| Cost: | $35 for members |
| $40 for non-members | |
| $25 for Students and Retired Members |
Make Reservation by email to: Mark Stillman
mark.stillman@wbrcae.com of by telephone to Mark at
207-947-4511
* * *
Maine Chapter Members
New
Renewed
July July None James Gauthier, CSI, CCS (7/09) August Stephen Goan, PE, CSI (4/00) David Mains, CSI, CCCA (8/00) Douglas Richmond, CSI (7/96) Christopher Streifel, CSI-S, CCCA (9/09) August Ashley McCurdy, CSI (7/06) Valerie Paquin-Gould, CSI-S, CCCA (9/09) Robert Sherman, CSI-I (9/09) Tom Spugnardi, CSI (9/05) September October November December
* * *
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
This section provides an opportunity for any Maine Chapter Member to post a brief informational statement if the member is looking for employment. This is a free service provided by the Maine Chapter to its Members -
Valerie Paquin-Gould, CSI-S, CDT, LEED AP BD+C
designvpg@gmail.com
Ph: 207-541-9022
Cell: 617-620-9143
Valerie is currently a student at USM in Construction Management. She has over eight years experience including work at Hannaford Brothers in Store Planning and the A/E firm SMMA. Her experience includes specifications and contract documents creation, marketing, AutoCad, SketchUp and CS4. She is currently looking for work in Southern Maine. For full resume please send an email to
designvpg@gmail.com
CSI's Career Center
Northeast Region Job Search & Job Openings
* * *
Maine Concrete Technicians Certification
Are your interested in taking the exam to become certified to perform Field or Plant Concrete Testing in Maine? If so "Click Here" to learn when and where the Exams will be given and to download an exam application form.
* * *
August Board Meeting
Board Meeting Minutes of Maine Chapter of CSI
August 3, 2010
Home of Dave Early, Scarborough, ME
Prepared by Keith Lowell
Attendees: Dave Early, Bill
Charland, Dick Eustis, Brad Armstrong, Denis Lemieux,
Steve Dunn, Mark Stillman, Keith Lowell, Linda Lowell,
Dick Dolby and Lori Rohr.
Bill opened the meeting at 1:25 p.m. and thanked all
for attending.
Secretaries Report: Minutes of May Board meeting were
approved.
Treasure's Report: Denis presented the final report for
FY 2010 and a proposed budget for FY 2011.
1. The cost of functions at the Muddy Rudder is more than the cost of meals collected and we should be aware of this when scheduling meetings there. Only $200 shows as collected from Table Tops. Linda Lowell and Keith Lowell will watch this for the next fiscal year. There was brief discussion on Pay Pal that would help collect from those who registered but did not show.
2. The proposed budget for FY 2011 was discussed.
3. The proposed budget for FY 2011 was approved as modified. See attached budget sheet.
Committee Reports: There were several changes to committee chairs as follows:
1. General: Bill Charland requested each committee prepare a written report for their work in FY 2010 and submit them at the September meeting.Unfinished Business:
2. Academic Affairs Committee: Dave Early will chair committee and see if Rob Sherman will co-chair.
3. Awards Committee: Steve Dunn will chair committee and Bill Charland will co-chair.
4. Bylaws Committee: Dick Eustis will chair committee.
5. Certification Committee: Lori Rohr will continue to chair committee.
6. Education Committee: Jeff Larimer will continue to chair committee.
7. Electronic Committee: Dick Eustis will continue to chair committee.
8. Finance Committee: Is vacant at this time. John Rasmussen wants to continue to chair committee but has not confirmed.
9. Historian: Denis continues to collect and store relevant information for the chapter.
10. Membership Committee: Steve report that we have been losing members this spring and summer. The economy has taken its toll on some.
11. Ads & Billing Committee: Keith Lowell will continue to chair committee and indicated that the invoices for web ads have been sent out.
12. Newsletter Editor (Hard Copy): Keith Lowell will continue to chair committee and indicated that the board needs to do a better job about getting information to Dick Eustis on time for Newsletters. Several issues were not printed last year because of lack of timely information.
13. Nomination Committee: Ken Brann wants to be replaced as chair. Keith Lowell will chair committee and Brad Armstrong will co-chair along with Denis Lemieux.
14. Planning Committee: Chapter board and officers serve as committee.
15. Product Show/Seminar: Vacant.
16. Program Committee: Mark Stillman will serve as committee chair.
17. Scholarship Committee: Dick Eustis will continue to chair committee.
18. Social Committee: Steve Dunn will chair committee, Bill Charland will co-chair.
19. Table Tops Committee: Linda Lowell will chair committee and Keith Lowell will co-chair. This committee has already met this summer and plans at least one Table Top per meeting this year.
20. Technical Committee: Mark Stillman will continue to chair committee.
21. Concrete Board: Ken Brann will continue to be the Maine Chapter CSI representative on the Concrete Board.
Vacant 1st Vice President position: The nominating committee and Bill Charland have made attempts to find someone to fill the position without success to this point. Bill suggested that he meet again with the Board to try and find someone to fill the position.
Monthly Programs:
September 7, 2010: Make arrangements to hold meeting at Muddy Rudder in Yarmouth. Linda Lowell or Lori Rohr will prepare program.Member Profiles: Mark Stillman to encouraging member to provide profiles.
October 5, 2010: Make arrangements to hold meeting at Verrillo’s in Portland. Linda Lowell or Lori Rohr will prepare program.
November 2, 2010: Keith Lowell will make arrangements with UM Augusta for meeting. Keith will prepare a program on Hazardous Waste.
December, 2010: All Industry Meeting, location and date to be determined.
January 4, 2011: Dave Early to set up joint meeting with the New Hampshire chapter. Location and program to be determined.
February 1, 2011: Dave Early to set up meeting location at UM in Gorham. Program to be determined.
March 1, 2011: Denis Lemieux and Brad Armstrong to set up a tour of Maine Wood Treaters plant in Mechanic Falls. Location to be determined.
April 5, 2011: Bill Charland will make arrangements at the Seadogs in Bangor. Program to be determined.
May 3, 2011: Denis Lemieux and Dick Dolby to prepare All-Day Seminar on the most current Maine State Building and Energy Codes for both residential and commercial projects, location likely to be Ramada Inn in Lewiston.
June 7, 2011: Annual Awards Banquet. Location to be determined.
September 6, 2011: Make arrangements to hold meeting at Muddy Rudder in Yarmouth.
Membership: Discussion on how to increase membership. Board members urged to invite other individuals to meetings.
Pay-Pal: Dave Early, Denis Lemieux and Bill Charland to set up account.
New Business:
Northeast Region Leader Workshop and Board Meeting to be held in Sturbridge MA, August 21 and 22. Mark Stillman will look into attending.
Reimbursement to members for attending Region and National Meetings was discussed as part of the budget.
Dave Early suggested that the Maine Chapter of CSI purchase and donate a copy of the CDEP to help Phil Dunn prepare his class for the CDT exam. Board voted to approve purchase.
Lori Rohr will provide a notice for the fall Study Group. Dick Eustis will assist and Mark Stillman is happy to provide location.
Keith Lowell indicated that the Board needs to find a replacement for Robin Lowell. Keith will pursue replacement.
Meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.
Board members enjoyed Dave Early’s home, BBQ and refreshments after meeting.
Maine Chapter CSI BUDGET for FY2011
| Income | Budget FY10 | Actual FY10 | Budget FY11 |
| Income | |||
| Dues | $3,700 | $3,802.00 | $3,700 |
| Newsletter Ads | 1,200 | 0.00 | 1,200 |
| Meeting Income - Registrations | 7,000 | 6,615.00 | 7,000 |
| Other Income - Table Tops | 1,500 | 200.00 | 1,000 |
| Seminars | 5,000 | 0.00 | 5,000 |
| Interest | 10 | 7.44 | 10 |
| Miscellaneous Income | 0 | 40.00 | 50 |
| Pin Fins | 25 | 50.00 | 25 |
| TOTAL INCOME | $18,435 | $10,714.44 | $17,985 |
| Expenses | |||
| Northeast Region Assessment | $2,000 | $1,660.00 | $2,000 |
| Meeting Expense | 7,000 | 7,073.26 | 7,000 |
| Pin Fine Winners | 500 | 0.00 | 500 |
| Awards Committee | 400 | 139.48 | 400 |
| Web Site | 200 | 0.00 | 200 |
| Travel & Registration | 3,000 | 3,070.13 | 3,500 |
| Admin. Planning Meeting | 200 | 142.83 | 200 |
| NERC Journal Ad | 500 | 0.00 | 500 |
| Dues - Student & Retired Members | 200 | 92.00 | 200 |
| Printing & Postage | 100 | 44.00 | 100 |
| Committee Expense | 250 | 0.00 | 200 |
| Miscellaneous Expense | 2,585 | 1,006.59 | 685 |
| Seminar | 1,500 | 0.00 | 2,500 |
| CDEP | 0 | 0.00 | 500 |
| TOTAL EXPENSE | $18,435 | $13,228.29 | 17,985 |
| Balance - June 30, 2008 | $10,519.74 | ||
| Balance - June 30, 2009 | $14,037.23 | ||
| Balance - June 30, 2010 | $11,523.38 |
* * *
FY2010 Ralph Knowlton Memorial Award Winner
Joyce Newman
Maine Chapter Outstanding Chapter Award - 2010

Other Maine Chapter Awards
Organizational Certificate of Merit and Appreciation
Cianbro Eastern Manufacturing Facility - For your outstanding March 2,
2010 technical program consisting of a tour of the Brewer Maine
Module Fabrication Facility and presentations on the application of
3-D modeling and its application to the development of detailed work
packages and Modular Unit Construction you are presented the
Certificate of Merit and Appreciation from the Maine Chapter
Construction Specifications Institute on the 1st day of June 2010
Certificates of Merit and Appreciation
David Early, CSI, CCCA - For
your devoted and selfless personal contribution to the Chapter while
serving as President, July 2009 to June 2010, you are presented the
Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
William Charland, CSI, CCCA, MAI - For your devoted and selfless
personal contribution to the Chapter while serving as
President-elect and 1st Vice President, July 2009 to June 2010, you
are presented the Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st
day of June 2010
James Beaulieu, CSI, CDT, LEED - For your devoted
and selfless personal contribution to the Chapter while serving as
2nd Vice President, July 2009 to June 2010, you are presented the
Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
Keith Lowell, CSI, CCS, SCIP - For your devoted and selfless personal
contribution to the Chapter while serving as Secretary, July 2009 to
June 2010, you are presented the Certificate of Merit and
appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
Denis Lemieux, CSI, CDT,
AIA, LEED - For your devoted and selfless personal contribution to the
Chapter while serving as Treasurer, July 2009 to June 2010, you are
presented the Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day
of June 2010
Jeffrey Larimer, CSI, AIA - For your devoted and selfless
personal contribution to the Chapter while serving as Advisor to the
Board, July 2009 to June 2010, you are presented the Certificate of
Merit and appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
Linda Lowell, CSI - For your devoted and selfless personal contribution to the Chapter
while serving as a Director, July 2009 to June 2010, you are
presented the Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day
of June 2010
Lori Rohr, CSI, CDT - For your devoted and selfless
personal contribution to the Chapter while serving as a Director,
July 2009 to June 2010, you are presented the Certificate of Merit
and appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
Mark Stillman, CSI, CDT - For your devoted and selfless personal contribution to the Chapter
while serving as a Director, July 2009 to June 2010, you are
presented the Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day
of June 2010
Stephen Dunn, CSI - For your devoted and selfless
personal contribution to the Chapter while serving as Membership
Chairman, July 2009 to June 2010, you are presented the Certificate
of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
Brad
Armstrong, CSI, CCPR - For your devoted and selfless personal
contribution to the Chapter while serving as the Maine Chapter
Region Director, July 2009 to June 2010, you are presented the
Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the 1st day of June 2010
Jeffrey Larimer, CSI, AIA - For your devoted and selfless personal
contribution to the Chapter while serving as the Maine Chapter
Member of the Region Nominating Committee, July 2009 to June 2010,
you are presented the Certificate of Merit and appreciation on the
1st day of June 2010
* * *
News of our Members
Dick Eustis, PE, FCSI, CCCA, CSC was recognized at the 2010 CSC Convention for 15 years of continuous membership in CSC.
Valerie Paguin-Gould, CSI-S, CCCA, LEED AP received the Maine CSI Chapter Scholarship that is awarded annual to a University of Maine System student based on an application process established by the Maine Chapter when they endowed a scholarship several years ago. The amount of the Annual Award is somewhat dependent upon the income generated by the endowment, this year the award is for $2,000. This is the first year in which a Maine Chapter Member received a Chapter scholarship.
Member Profile - Richard A. Dolby, CSI
A Maine native, I was raised in Saco, graduating from
Thornton Academy.
I can say I tried a year at Bentley College, (no fun at all,
what ever made me think of being an accountant).
I offered my services to the Marines, (they were kind enough to
train me as an electrical optical repairman). On returning to
Maine I join the State Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire
Inspector, attended the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and was
assigned to Washington County. I came to Augusta to take on a
position as “Plans Examiner”, where I remainder for most of my
fourteen years with the Department of Public Safety.
I was fortunate to meet my wife Billiann in 1977, and soon after
we built a home in Windsor and began raising our three children
Josh, Andrew and Molly.
I accepted a position as the Director of Code Enforcement with
the City of Augusta where I expanded my knowledge of fire codes
to include building, plumbing and land use regulations
unfortunately zoning was part of the program too. During my
career I earned an associates degree in fire science from SMVTI
in South Portland and have been an instructor with the community
college system for over twenty years.
The Guard/Reserves program permitted me to remain active first
as an Army Drill Instructor, and then as a senior leadership
instructor eventually retiring with over twenty-two years of
combined service.
All three of our children have attended USM earning degrees in
Sociology, Philosophy, Communications and Economics.
Retiring from Augusta in 2009, I hit the books to become a
weatherization technician and energy auditor instructor with
KVCC. A temporary position with the Town of Kennebunk was soon
followed with a return to state service, again with the
Department of Public Safety, this time as Director of Building
Codes and Standards.
My passion is and always will be the family my wonderful wife
and children have created. A Master Maine Guide, if I am not in
the woods, I am thinking of how and when to get back there;
occasionally with a paying client….
My wife and I now reside in Hallowell, in a great neighborhood,
Billiann is with Kennebec Savings Bank where she has enjoyed a
career of just under fifteen years.
One Members Opinion - September
Membership Growth
We are at the beginning of a new CSI year. The
Maine Chapter increased their membership in 2010 by just over 4%
but only two Chapters in the Region had a greater increase in
membership percentage. On the national scene, CSI saw a
reduction in total membership for another year. There is no
question that the “down economy” has played a part in the lost
membership but if it was the major cause, one would think that
an “up economy” would have resulted in membership increases.
What is the reason we have lost members no only when the economy
was going downhill but also when the economy was going up?
This brings us to a very basis question that I think we all need
to consider, “Why would anyone want to join CSI or a CSI
Chapter?” This is intended to be a very serious question because
unless we are providing sufficient value for the investment, we
will be the first group that gets dropped when money gets tight
and the last to join when money become plentiful. Is the reason
that the “down economy” has resulted in a drop of members is
that we were not providing as great a return on investment as
some other organizations.
All of the studies that I have seen indicate the basic reason
why most people joined CSI is because of the value that is
received at the local Chapter level. Sounds great but what are
we providing of value at the Chapter level? What services are
provided to members that are not provided to non-members? Yes in
Maine, non-members have to pay an extra $5 to attend a monthly
Chapter Meeting but it does not take a calculator to determine
that $5 times 9 monthly meeting is substantially less than the
combined Institute/Chapter dues. Yes, non-members have to pay
more for a copy of MasterFormat or a copy of the PRM but these
saving are limited because most of us do not buy multiple copies
of these each year and this is not a Chapter based service. CSI
is not about a name or initials, it has to be about value that
is provided to the membership commensurate with the cost.
In this Member’s Opinion, we need to look at membership
promotion the same way that a product representative looks at a
potential sale of a product. What does our product offer to the
buyer that makes it worth the cost? Why is our product a better
investment that the competitor’s product? What makes our product
a good long-term investment? What are our short-term and
long-term values? Each of us needs our own short “elevator
speech” on why CSI Membership has provided the greatest benefit
for our professional career. However, we do need to be sure that
we can deliver on our promises. The greatest number of
non-renewals is in the group that has been members for less than
3 years. Is this because we raised expectations beyond our
ability to provide? Just like the product representative, we
should know that we should never promise more than we can
deliver. Future sales depend upon a good reputation for
delivering what is promised. Now, how do we apply this to
increasing our membership?
* * *
Curmudgeon's Corner - Go-to Guys
By Sheldon Wolfe, RA,
FCSI, CCS, CCCA (Former NC Region Institute Director)
I recently
received an e-mail from my local IMI (International Masonry
Institute) representative, saying that she would be retiring in a
few weeks. Even though I had known her all the twenty-plus years I
have been a CSI member, and knew we were about the same age, it was
a bit of a shock. After trying to convince her not to retire (not
very hard), I thought about other favorite product reps - my go-to
guys, some of whom retired or lost their jobs in the past couple of
years.
Specifiers have a simple job: to know everything about
everything. Which is interesting, given that they not only must try
to keep up with new products and changes in old ones, but must
somehow divine what it is that the rest of the project team has in
mind. Of course it's impossible to know everything, so what they do
know is phone numbers for their go-to guys. These are the people who
have the right answer or know where to get it, help extract
information from manufacturers' labyrinthine websites, respond
quickly, and appear to remain unfazed by calls made just days - or
hours - before bidding documents are issued. They're the ones who
know not only their own products but those of competitors, and are
able to offer advice about installation, maintenance, potential
problems, and corrective measures for defects or failures beyond
their control.
Thanks to years of experience, both good and bad,
when I meet new reps I quickly develop a feel for their experience
and knowledge, and my BS meter occasionally warns me that I'm not
likely to get the straight scoop from a particular rep. I may call
them later, but I remain uncertain about the value of what they say.
One thing that gives new product reps, if not instant credibility, a
big step in that direction, is three letters on their business
cards. You might think I mean CSI, but what I look for first is CDT;
if I see both CSI and CDT, we're ready to rock! If the CDT isn't
there, before they leave, they get a quick and friendly lecture
about the value of CDT to a specifier. And if they are CDTs, I tell
them how much I appreciate their efforts to understand construction
documents. Although my go-to guys don't have to be CDT or CSI
members, most of them are.
Not all of my go-to guys are product
reps. Many of them are specifiers, architects, engineers, and others
whom I trust in the same way as the product reps. Some of them I
know only through online forums, but, as is the case with the
product reps, most of them are CSI members.
I often am amazed at how
personal business can be. In theory, you can get good information
from any product rep, from any company's customer service
department, or from any company's literature or website. And, also
in theory, you'll get the same excellent support from those same
sources. That being the case, I find it strange that a particular
brand of hardware or roofing, for example, is dominant in one area
while virtually unused in another. If one hospital or university
believes it is the best option, why is it dismissed elsewhere?
The
answer, unfortunately, is something that can't successfully be
specified, but is realized only through personal relationships. It's
the experience, knowledge, and trust that come from knowing that the
person you're dealing with is someone you'll work with again, and
will be there when needed. It's easy to specify that a manufacturer
must have 24-hour service, or maintain a local parts center, but
once the final payment has been made there isn't much an owner can
do if those post-completion requirements disappear.
Perhaps more
important is the confidence that this person will be not only
honest, but will tell the whole truth. There are few things that
will build credibility more quickly than a suggestion that the
manufacturer's product may not be the right one for the job.
Just a
few days ago, I put my network to the test. I got a call from one of
our construction administrators, something about fireproofing. I
thought I knew the answer, but to make sure I called my fireproofing
go-to guy. She was on vacation, but answering machine included the
name and phone number of someone who would fill in for her. A nice
touch, better than the usual "press zero and take your chances."
At
this point, one of Murphy's laws kicked in; the less time you have
to get an answer, the more difficult it will be to find a person
with the answer. I called the back-up person and got another
answering machine, this one telling me only that the person I called
was not available; no indication of when he would be back or how to
contact anyone else. My next move was to pull up CSI's online member
database, and search for people who worked for the fireproofing
company. Several names appeared, and I recognized one of them as a
person I had worked with several years ago and, fortunately, one of
my go-to guys from that time. He was in, and was able to confirm my
belief immediately.
Another recent experience, which also started
with a call from a construction administrator, confirmed the value
of go-to guys. This one involved a proposed substitution for a
specified joint sealant. Again, my go-to guy wasn't available, but
this time, instead of looking for another CSI member, I called the
manufacturer's customer service number. During the conversation, the
person who took the call told me several interesting things; among
them that the company does not provide information about expected
life of their products, and that there is little difference between
polyurethane and silicone sealants. I asked for a recommendation for
use with masonry, and was given the name of a specific product.
While we were talking, I pulled up the data sheet from the
manufacturer's website, and found that it made no mention of
staining masonry, while another product specifically said that it
was recommended for masonry. I asked about the second product, and
was told, "Oh, you could use that one, too."
About then, I saw that
I had another call coming in, from my go-to guy, so I took his call.
He provided all the information I did not get from talking with the
factory rep, recommended specific products, and discussed at length
the differences between them. I couldn't help but compare my
experience with the factory rep to that of buying a camera or
computer from Target. The sales people are friendly and helpful, but
their knowledge extends no further than the information printed on
the outside of the box. Most calls I've made to manufacturers were
much more satisfying, but I'll always prefer talking with someone I
know to talking to a faceless person who might have started the same
day.
There are times when I don't know anyone who is familiar with a
given product. When that happens, my first stop is the member
database, where I look first for certified members. When I find a
likely source, I call and start by identifying myself as a CSI
member, then go on to say that I found the person's name in the
member database. Does that get me a better or faster answer? I'm not
naïve enough to believe that every CDT or CSI member is going to be
the go-to guy I need, but thus far I have not been put off or
disappointed. The longer I do this job, the more I know how much I
don't know. So here's to the go-to guys who make it possible!
©
2010, Sheldon Wolfe
* * *
Alternate Bids are for Sissies
By: Joe Ostwald, CSI, Director of the Planning, Design &
Construction Division of the State's Bureau of General Services
I have never had the pleasure of pulling together a bid for a
construction project. So I can only imagine the joy a contractor,
subcontractor or supplier must have in seeing the blanks on the bid
forms for Alternate Bids 1 through 21e. It must be fun figuring the
right dollar amount for each item that you feel may be the
determining factor in winning the contract. The bidder wonders:
Should I write $245 or $250 on Alternate number 12g for the
fifty-three euonymus shrubs on this 23 million dollar High School
project? How should I bid on the kitchen equipment, knowing they
can't operate the building without accepting the alternate?
Wait a minute. If this is a trend in bidding documents, are we
witnessing a positive trend in competitive bidding of state
projects? I don't think so.
Planning, Design & Construction Division
(PDCD) works in an advisory capacity to state agencies and public
schools on public improvement projects. By statute1 we approve
Architect/Engineer procurement and plans for public improvements. So
you can see that PDCD has some say in how the bid documents are
developed, but we sometimes have things working against our
preferences. Even though the documents on which a contractor bids
should be clear, unambiguous and appropriate to the project, we have
seen a number of complicated bid forms. Some of the problem is in
the Alternate Bid items. Sometimes there are late "strategies"
implemented just before (or during!) the bid period.
One way that PDCD assists our clients is by advising them on a
preferred approach for creating Alternate Bids. We offer these
guiding principles:
*
Scope. An alternate should include only a scope of work that is not
necessary for the completion of the project. For example, the
heating system should not be an alternate. The Architect should
design the Base Bid to include all of the functions of a complete
project. Necessity should not compel the Owner to accept alternates
in order to create a complete, functioning facility.
* Quantity. The
alternates should be few in number, depending on the project,
perhaps no more than seven alternates for a large project. The
alternates should not create an undue burden on the bidders to
engage in multiple estimating calculations in addition to those
required for the Base Bid. Some alternates are minimally effective
as competitively bid items given that some work can be incorporated
in a project by Change Order after the contract is awarded.
* Cost.
The dollar value an alternate should not be small and insignificant
relative to the Base Bid. The estimated construction cost of the
alternates should not exceed the available bid contingency.
*
Complexity. To the extent possible, alternates should involve only
one, or a select few trades. Where alternates are proposed in
addition to work in the Base Bid, the work of the alternate should
be uncomplicated in terms of coordination relative to Base Bid work
and potential Alternate Bid work. Where alternates are proposed in
lieu of an item in the Base Bid, the bid documents should also be
very clear as to the scope that is replaced as well as the scope
included in the alternate.
* Selection. The Owner shall not
purposely create an undue advantage for one particular bidder
regarding the award of a contract due to alternates being chosen or
not chosen. Selections of alternates are made relative to available
funding and the value of the individual Alternate Bid.
* Priority.
Alternates more highly desired than others, are generally placed in
order before those less desired. However, the order of alternates on
a bid form does not obligate the Owner to select one alternate
before another. Each alternate is judged independently by the Owner.
Some of the benefits of careful consideration of alternates are a
smooth bidding period, bid well, and a smooth bid evaluation period.
After all, don't we want to award this project without undue stress?
We also cannot underestimate the appreciation of the contractors,
subcontractors and suppliers who choose to bid our projects.
Next time, I'll discuss the BGS boilerplate documents. Your comments
are welcome. Thank you. ~Joe Ostwald
* * *
From Our History
The following is a brief excerpt from a copy of "Maine-ly Specs"
from the issue listed as "dateline". These are offered to
allow current members to get a small glimpse of our past history.
Dateline - First published in December 1970 Maine Chapter
Newsletter
President Howard McCartney, in his “President’s Message,
included the following comments about attending the Institute
Convention in Chicago:
“Niran C. Bates, Robert Armitage and I made it to Chicago and back
safely. It certainly was an experience to attend a National
Convention. The numbers involved and the magnitude of such an
undertaking was quite impressive. (NOTE: in 1970, there were 265
Exhibit Booths and 2,752 registered for the Convention)
The theme of the Convention was built around Continuing Revolution
in Construction Communications. A great deal of time was devoted to
this subject. Many of the seminars dealt with the experience and the
mechanics of attempting to utilize mass reproduction media in the
preparation of specifications. The specifications industry is
relatively new as an organization and is apparently undergoing a
period of review and change. The complete nature of this change is
at present difficult to discern and adequately predict. We in Maine
will be a part of the movement and hopefully we may play our part in
helping to shape the future of CSI.”
* * *
Per-SPEC-tives
By: Ralph Liebling, RA, CSI, CDT; Cincinnati, Ohio
Why Do We Keep Doing This?
You tell me-- why do we keep doing this? Writing specs, that is!
Clients and owners too often perceive or see this work as
unnecessary and added costs for no value returned! Contractors still
persist in ignoring them [doors still need to be propped open,
etc.], obviating them, complaining about them, or purely violating
them [as a challenge to us to justify them in view of schedule
intrusions, unnecessary costs, convoluted construction, etc. and so
on!!!] They persist in seeing them as intrusive, conniving and
convolutions aimed at minimizing profit or putting them out of
business.ork
Manufacturers have their own little gems that often say too much of
what need not be said at all. Suppliers gasp at what we require as
opposed to what they “could” provide. Corporations see them as
needless in view of their own “engineering standards” [whoa!!!!!].
Code agencies dismiss them as impediments to their “expeditious”
processes and “extra” work caused them because of opening the books
and looking for information. And of course, BIM has its insidious
side to render us obsolete and inadequate to the required database
[which they fill with overly verbose and questionable data].
Everybody has their own second agenda, another way to do this and an
excuse to obviate use of the specs. Nobody wants them; yet everybody
needs them!
So why do we keep doing them? Sure some of us make a living out of
doing them for others; even where the contractors dispel them in
favor of how they “could” do the same projects
“better-faster-CHEAPER” [let’s not get into the cheaper part too
deeply]. Why do some organizations still require them, and hire us
to do them? Why do in-house writers still exist? Is there an
inherent value in specifications that needs validation, airing,
discussion and open support of their contribution as Contract
Documents [i.e., as you well know, perfectly valid and necessary
companions to the drawings enumerated in most contracts-- they are
to be and cannot be ignored, etc.!]
It really seems like a slippery slope of benign neglect since
specifications appear to really serve no “real” purpose, until, of
course, a good lady or gentleman climbs onto the bench, and bangs
the gavel to start the trial of the lawsuit. Then, the very first
document reached for, by the attorneys, is...... THE SPECS!!!!!!
What if they aren’t there????
Whatever argument you choose to develop and no matter how fast your
convictions, I think we may need NEW AND DIFFERENT! With all their
words, specs cannot speak for themselves or defend their value,
contribution and “honor”; they exist in the silence of needed but
misunderstood! We need, sad as it may be, to re-establish specs as
the important and requisite “third” CD; their interrelationship to
the drawings, their function as contract documents; and the
necessary information they convey. What other way is there to move
information to the field, when everything cannot be reduced to a
drawing? Specs are a necessity, like it or not! They are not “game
pieces”; busy work; ego trips, impediments, or creative nuisances to
befuddle and impair! Simply, they are part on the in-place system--
period! We need new tactics to bring specifications to higher
profile, better understanding by others including allied disciplines
and to all users.
Even with the cloud of BIM and whatever else hanging over us, we
still need to be; to produce good, valid specs, and to contribute to
quality in projects, by having it required and built-in. Our clients
despite their lack of full understanding still want the “biggest
bang for their buck”. that we can produce, and we can defend [is
that the right word?] our professional insight and expertise in
that. We just need a new game plan, with a bigger game face, a wider
audience and new larger megaphone. Maybe we can’t do informative
advertising, per se, [why not?] or attract attention in other ways,
but we can do much better for specifications than we have been.
We really do need to do this!!!-- up, down and all around us, far
and wide, to all even remotely effected audiences. Besides, we
really love to keep doing specs!
* * *
Certification Exams and Study Groups
By; Lori Rohr, CSI, CDT - Maine Chapter Certification Chair
The Institute has announce the spring exams for 2010 for the
Construction Documents Technology (CDT) Certificate, the
Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), Certified Construction
Contract Administrator (CCCA) and Certified Construction Product
Representative (CCPR). As in the past few years, the exams will
be given electronically at the Prometric sites in South Portland
and Bangor.
The 2010 exams will be updated to include questions on Building
Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
and Green Building, which will cover GreenFormat and
Sustainabliity.
The Maine Chapter of CSI will be offering a free study group for
the CDT exam. It will be taught by Dick Eustis, FCSI at the
Bangor offices of WBRC with a direct link to the Portland office
while Dick is teaching. Dick is very acknowledgeable about CSI
and we are very lucky to have him volunteer his time. No dates
or time have been established yet, but the study group typically
starts in mid-November and runs every other week until
mid-March. People interested in joining the study group should
contact either Dick Eustis at
eustis@infionline.net or Lori Rohr
at lrohr@brannspecs.com.
There has also been a request for Dick to teach a study group
for the Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA)
exam. The Facilities Group at the University of Maine Orono has
volunteered a conference room for the study group if there is
enough interest for this. People interested in this study group
should also contact either Dick or Lori.
The exams will be given at Prometric test centers for a weeklong
period of time. Candidates can register for the exam at a time
that is convenient for them during this period of time. There
are two exam sites in Maine and they are:
Prometric Test Center, 101 Foden Road,
#20 Atlantic Place, South Portland.
Prometric Test Center, 1460 Outer Hammond Street, Unit 8, Bangor.
All exams will be offered for a week in the spring and again for a week in the fall. The Institute has announced the exam dates and the registration period for the spring exams. They are as follows:
Spring 2010 National Exams: March 29 - April 3, 2010
Early
Registration Deadline: January 29, 2010
Final Registration Deadline:
February 26, 2010
The cost of the exams are based on when you register and on whether you are a CSI member or not or if you are a student (CDT Exam only). The rates are as follows:
| Members | Non-Mem | Students | |
| CDT Exam Costs | |||
| Early Registration | $235 | $370 | $105 |
| Final Registration | $295 | $430 | $105 |
| CCS, CCCA & CCPR Exam | |||
| Early Registration | $275 | $410 | N/A |
| Final Registration | $340 | $475 | N/A |
There is a savings for being a member of CSI and those wishing to join the Maine Chapter are welcome. The chairpersons of the Membership Committee are Steve Dunn, steve_dunn@ici.com, Bill Charland, bill.charland@umit.maine.edu, and Linda Lowell, linda@capozzaflooring.com. They will be glad to answer any questions you may have regarding membership.
* * *
From the Chapter Education Committee
By: Jeff Larimer, CSI, AIA - Maine Chapter Education Chair
The February meeting of
Maine CSI was well attended by a wide cross section of people as the
topic of the program was beneficial to all of us in the design and
construction industry. Dick Lambert, Code Enforcement Officer for
Saco, and Dick Dolby, former code Enforcement Officer for Augusta
and newly appointed interim Director of Building Codes and
Standards, gave a very informative update on the new Maine Uniform
Building and Energy Code that goes into effect this year. The
Technical Advisory Board has been working diligently for over a year
to bring the new code to realization.
Architects, engineers and
contractors in Maine have for years had to deal with a myriad of
building codes simply because cities and towns throughout Maine used
various editions of building codes, if they used one at all. Dubbed
by the Bookings Institute as “Code Chaos”, the Maine legislature
finally decided to change that. Beginning on June 1, 2010, the new
Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code will go into effect in all
Maine cities and towns that have a population greater than 2,000
people.
There will be a six month grace period until December 1,
2010 before the new code becomes official meaning that cities or
towns that have an existing building code in effect can continue
using that code or switch to the new code. After December 1, 2010,
the only code that will be in effect statewide will be the new Maine
building code. Finally, the design and construction industry will
have a consistent building code to follow in Maine.
The basis for
the new building codes is the 2009 editions of the International
Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
Other standards that have been adopted are the 2007 editions of
ASHRAE 90.1, 62.1 and 62.2 and the 2008 edition of ASTM E-1465.
While the State Fire Marshal’s office will continue to use NFPA 101
Life Safety Code, one of the tasks of the Board was to resolve
conflicts between NFPA 101 and the IBC to make the code review
process easier and more uniform.
As was stated by our presenters, it may not be perfect and it may be
messy, but at least it’s a start in the right direction. Thanks to
both Dick Lambert and Dick Dolby for an interesting and timely
presentation.
* * *
From the Chapter Membership Committee
BY: Steve Dunn, CSI - Chapter Membership Chair
MEMBERSHIP 2010- 2011
Warning! Warning! Warning!
Our membership is on the decline. Since May we have lost 7 members
and we are under 100 for the first time in a long time. We need the
current membership to seek new blood to grow the Maine Chapter.
These new members may people you work with as vendors for your
specifications. They may be acquaintances in your career. They may
also be friends that share you interests. We have a very large
geographic region from which to draw from. Our dinner meetings are
topics that the membership are interested in and are current for the
times. It goes without saying how powerful the networking in our
chapter is for conducting business. So I (we) need you to help in
finding people that understand the benefit of membership to the
Maine Chapter of CSI. I will be working on pulling in the student
members that start this year at school. But everyone needs to help.
Thanks!
