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Please click on the link below to read the Boston Herald's story regarding DOT workers facing snow plow bid-rig charges.

http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1387744

Mass DOT Post Season Vendor Meetings
Mass DOT has scheduled post season vendor meetings for all districts, 1-6. Please see below for your district, time and date of meetings. We encourage all of our members to please try to attend these meetings!
District 1
MassDOT District 1 Headquarters
270 Main Street
Lenox, MA  02140
Phone: (413)637-5700
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 @ 6PM
District 2
MassDOT District 2 Headquarters
811 North King Street
Northampton, MA  01060
Phone: (413)582-0599
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 6PM
District 3
MassDot District 3 Headquarters
403 Belmont Street
Worcester, MA  01609
Phone: (508)929-3800
Thursday, May 17, 2012 @ 6PM
District 4
Holiday Inn Select Tewksbury/Andover
4 Highwood Drive
Tewksbury, MA  01876
Phone: (781)641-8300
Monday, May 14, 2012 @ 6PM
District 5
District 5 Headquarters
1000 County Street
Taunton, MA  02780
Phone: (508)824-6102
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 @ 6PM
District 6
MassDOT District 6 Headquarters
185 Kneeland Street
Boston, MA  02111
Phone: (617)951-6200
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 @ 6PM
Amazing! More State employees alleged to be involved in a scheme to use public office for there own personal gain.
A note from a former Mass Highway Snow and Ice Contractor:
"in 2007 I chose not to plow for Mass Highway but continue to support
MSICA because I believe in what you have done, and continue to do. United
we bargain, divided we beg!!!"
                                                                   -George Bumila
                                                                     Taunton, MA

 

Thank you to all of our members who have voluntarily increased the amount of their annual dues!

We would also like to welcome all of our new members who have joined this year. Thank you all!

The Massachusetts Snow & Ice Contractor's Association is happy to announce that back by popular demand is our Hydraulics Hoisting License Class. As always, it's being offered in conjunction with Edgewater Career Training. It will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 28 Foundry Street in South Easton. The class will start at 9am and should be 5-6 hours long.

This class will prepare attendees for the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Safety Hydraulics Hoisting Engineer License. The state exam will not be given at this class. This class will prepare you for the 2a/1c state exam which covers all track type and rubber tired excavation equipment, bob cats and uni loaders, as well as all forklifts, lulls and tele handlers, including the moffett.

Attendees will leave this class with all approriate study material, sample tests and the exam application forms.

The cost of the class is $275 per person and it is open to the public. There will be a light lunch served as well.

Everyone must pre-register for the class as space is limited. To register, please call Ali on our toll free line, (888)842-SNOW or simply email ali.msica@comcast.net. We hope to see you there!

November 4, 2011: Early sign up deadline extended

After much consideration by Mass DOT, the early submission sign up deadline has been extended to November 11, 2011. (Please keep in mind that November 11 is Veterans Day and all state offices will be closed. Therefore, you will want to get your paperwork in no later than November 10, 2011).

The extension of the deadline was a direct result of the October snow storm that affected the central and western parts of the state. Many towns were left without power and without the ability to finish work on their trucks and/or paperwork. The extended deadline ensures that everyone who does snow and ice removal for the state will have the time needed to submit their paperwork.

 

NOTICE!

The M.S.I.C.A. is NOT affiliated with the Massachusetts Snow and Ice Contractors Collaborative, LLC., a for-profit equipment sales company.

 

2011-2013 AGREEMENT RATIFIED

The 2011-2013 Snow and Ice Equipment Rental Agreement negotiated with Mass DOT has been ratified by a unanimous vote of our general membership. Please be diligent at observing the deadline dates contained in the agreement, which are listed below. Failure to adhere to deadline dates will result in your loss of the early sign up bonus stipend, and perhaps your position (s). 

Annual General Membership Meeting

Our annual General Membership Meeting is on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Raynham Park, (1958 Broadway, Raynham) in Club House # 1 at 7pm. Board members will share with the general membership our concerns throughout the summer while talks proceeded with MassDOT, as well as concerns we have as we move forward. Among our topics to be discussed are Drive By Download Discussion, Fuel Surcharge, Massachusetts office of Dispute Resolution, just to name a few. Every member counts! Voice your questions and/or concerns. We hope to see you there!

2011-2013 Agreement Submission Deadlines & Requirements

In order to receive MassDOT's Sign-Up Bonus, Extended Season Bonus, Contractors must complete, sign and submit all of the specified documents on or before the following deadlines.

October 7, 2011 - The following items must be delivered to the District Office indicating your interest in working for MassDOT for the 2011-2012 winter season:

      1.  One original Equipment Listing and Vehicle Code sheet for each Depot a Contractor requests to work.

      2.  One original of MassDOT's 2011-2013 Snow & Ice Control Agreement Signature Page.

      3.  Attachment F, Contractor License Certification Form.

      4.  Attachment H, Executive Order 481, Contractor Certification Form

      5.  W-9 Tax Form (Only required for new vendors or returning vendors, who have changed their company name,      address or tax identification number).

November 4, 2011 - The following itmes must be received by the District Office:

      1.  Attachment I, Closed Loop Data Verification Form

      2.  A Vehicle Inspection Checklist signed by the vehicle owner and MassDOT representative

      3.  A Safety Inspection Checklist signed by the vehicle owner and MassDOT representative.

      4.  A minimum of 2 recent photographs of each piece of equipment listed in the Agreement. One must be taken from the rear left of the vehicle and the second from the front right of the vehicle. The photographs must show the vehicle registration number, all vehicle accessories, safety lights and retroreflective sheeting.

      5.  A copy of the current vehicle registration for each piece of equipment listed on the Vehicle Code sheet. (Equipment without Massachusetts Commercial Snow Removal (SR) plates must submit a new registration prior to January 1, 2012).

      6.  Attachment G, Certificate of Spreader Calibration form. (If applicable).

      7.  A Spreader Body Volume Form. (Only required if the body is new or has been modified). 

September 13, 2011

Board Members Meet with DOT Management

M.S.I.C.A. Board members met on Monday September 12 with Senior MassDOT Staff at Headquarters in Boston in an attempt to reach accord on several pending changes to the Snow and Ice Equipment Rental Agreement authored and posted by the Highway Division on August 17th, 2011. Several issues were resolved, including, but not limited to the following;

 

  • The Agreement will be for 2 years with no option for renewel for a 3rd year.
  • The Bench mark date for fuel adjustment will NOT change in year 2!
  • Extended early sign up deadline to a date which will be published on this site later today!
  • Extended the $16.50 hourly stipend for the installation of closed loop into year 3!
  • Fuel adjustment multiplier of 1.5X for equipment with wing plow was retained!
  • Paid travel/ prep time for post storm clean up which was stricken from DRAFT was retained!
  • Preserved the hourly rates for small and medium blowers
  • Bargained back $20.00 per hour for large blowers. With an agreement that more study will be done to better identify the value of the large blower and possibly adjust it's hourly rate in a future agreement.
  • Deleted language which would have taken your early sign-up hourly bonus away if you requested MassDOT to visit your property to perform equipment inspections.

DOT Staff agreed that a simple Post Card announcing the final early submission deadline was a good idea where as some contractors have no access to the internet. Staff will be working on this and some other details on Tuesday September 13th and the MSICA will have more information as the day progresses.

 Please email or call us today with any questions/ concerns.

 888-842-SNOW

 

 

September 8, 2011

Negotiating Team from M.S.I.C.A. to Meet with D.O.T.

Members of the Massachusetts Snow and Ice Contractors Associations' negotiating team are scheduled to meet with MassDOT officials on Monday September 12 at 1:00 PM.

While we remain devided on some issues pertaining to the DRAFT agreement which whent live on the DOT web site on August 17th, we are optomistic that we will have resolve on the 12th!

September 5, 2011

DO NOT SIGN DRAFT AGREEMENT!

Several members have contacted Association Board Members as well as Staff wondering what to do about the continued lack of a final agreement with MassDOT. Many members have asked if they should consider signing the DRAFT agreement posted on the DOT web site. DO NOT sign and submit this document, as it is only a DRAFT of an agreement and not an actual agreement.

We are confident that additional meetings will happen and that we will resolve issues we have with the DRAFT agreement, allowing the Highway Division to issue a final version very soon. Please stand by!!

September 5, 2011

2011-2013 AGREEMENT REMAINS DRAFT

Mass DOT Officials have agreed to leave the agreement in draft form on it's web site pending further meetings with representatives of the MSICA. Our team of negotiators hope to bring compromise to the following;

  • Sudden loss of paid travel/prep time for post storm clean up
  • Sudden loss of compensation for 11' plow on certain class codes
  • Sudden loss of 1.5 multiplier of fuel adjustment for wings
  • Sudden loss of early sign up bonus for all equipment if a site visit is requested for equipment inspections
  • Restore the rate for snow blowers who have taken a $65 per hour cut in pay
  • New language pertaining to Dispute Resolution being final and binding
  • Mass DOT still refuses to add even 1 snow and ice contractor to it's dispute resolution committee, leaving it one-sided and unfair
  • Restore an earlier bench-mark date for fuel surcharge to be figured from, as the current date all but strips us of realizing any fuel surcharge
  • Discuss added costs of installing flow meter system on all closed loop liquid applications
  • Clarification of in-state and out-of-state registrations
  • No rate increases in any class codes to off set added expenses and loss of above benefits

  

 

August 11, 2011

MassDOT hopes to have a DRAFT verision of their proposed contract on their website today or tomorrow. Our negioating team from the MSICA have attended meetings discussing this draft.

We encourage all snow and ice contractors to review the draft when it's posted and contact any of our directors with questions or comments or contact MassDOT directly! You can also contact the MSICA, toll free, (888)842-SNOW

Post Season Snow & Ice Vendor Meetings Schedule

Please note the list of meetings, dates and times below. Mass Highway did not put this information on it's website and did not send out letters via USPS.

District 1

Date: May 11, 2011

Time: 6:00PM

Location: District One Headquarters

270 Main Street

Lenox, MA  01240

District 2

Date: May 19, 2011

Time: 6:00PM

Location: District Two Headquarters

811 North King Street

Northampton, MA  01060

District 3

Date: May 26, 2011

Time: 6:00PM

Location: District 3 Headquarters

403 Belmont Street

Worcester, MA  01609

District 4

Date: May 12, 2011

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Holiday Inn Select Tewksbury

4 Highwood Drive

Tewksbury, MA  01876

District 5

Date: May 18, 2011

Time: 6:00PM

Location: Holiday Inn Taunton

700 Myles Standish Blvd.

Taunton, MA  02780

District 6

Date: May 25, 2011

Time: 6:00PM

Location: District Headquarters

185 Kneeland Street

Boston, MA  02111

 

 

April 22, 2011

Checks are Flying!

Contractors are reporting accross the state that snow and ice payments are hitting mailboxes today! Most contractors are reporting partial payments at this point. Some contractors are reporting more than one check in the same visit to the Post Office.

April 21, 2011:

Partial Payments Recieved:

MassDOT District 4 has reported to some contractors that they should not be surprised to recieve only a partial payment at the outset of the payment process this week. Another accounting glitch has happened and most contractors will be recieving multiple checks!

Keep checking the mail, or your account if you have direct deposit!

April 19, 2011:

Update on Snow and Ice Payments:

After an entire day speaking with various MassDOT officials, State Legislators and Legislative Aids, President Frazier has confirmed late this afternoon with Budget Director Mike Esmond of Administration and Finance, that Mass DOT is now in control of the $49 Million plus in supplemental funding and that checks are being processed as soon as this afternoon!

Mass DOT officials have stated that payments will be processed in "batches" so as not to over load the system. The first to see payment should be direct deposit vendors, followed by paper checks which could start hitting the mail boxes early next week.

We will update this site in the morning with further information.

April 16, 2011:

Snow and Ice Funding Held Up:

MSICA President Matthew Frazier has learned that the $49Million + owed to snow and ice contractors state wide is being held up for some unknown reason by the Governors Office of Administration and Finance. Based on past experience with supplemental funding, we would have expected payments to be in the hands of contractors beginning Friday April 15th! MSICA Staff will be investigating the reason for the delay Monday morning April 18th.

Updates will be posted on this site Monday April 18th

April 12, 2011:

Governor Signs Supplemantal Budget

The staff of Governor Deval Patrick has informed MSICA President Matthew Frazier that the Supplemental Budget, H3318 was signed last evening (4/11/11). The House Clerks office is also reporting on it's web site that the Bill was signed.

Frazier had communications with Deputy Chief Engineer Jerry Allen today. Allen explained that payments will be go out as soon as the funds are loaded into the MARS system, which is the State Vendor Payment System.

We will be speaking with additional Mass DOT staff on Wednesday and imploring the Department to expedite the processing of getting payments to contractors.

President Frazier and the entire Board of Directors would like to thank the Massachusetts State Legislature for it's attention to H00037, which became H3318. We would also like to thank the many state legislators who have committed themselves and their staff to working with us on a fix of this perennial budget problem.

 

April 11, 2011:

BOSTON NEWS STATIONS ARE REPORTING BILL SIGNED!

BOSTON TELEVISION NEWS STATIONS ARE REPORTING ON VARIOUS WEB SITES THAT GOV. PATRICK HAS SIGNED HOUSE BILL #3318 WHICH PAYS THE MAJORITY OF MONIES OWED TO SNOW PLOW CONTRACTORS STATE WIDE. WE WILL REPORT MORE ON THIS WEB SITE TOMORROW MORNING. IT IS REPORTED THAT THE ONLY LINE ITEM VETO WAS FUNDING TO THE BARNSTABLE COUNTY SHERRIFFS OFFICE.

April 11, 2011:

Governor Said To Be Signing Bill Today:

Sources close to the Governors office tell MSICA staff today that the Governor does intend on signing House Bill #3318 which contains more than $49 million dollars in state snow plow funding.

April 4, 2011:

SNOW PLOW CONTRACTORS STATE WIDE AWAIT GOV. SIGNATURE:

Snow and Ice Contractors state wide remain in the dark after waiting nearly 3 months for the state Legislature to debate and eventually pass a $325 Million dollar supplemental budget containing nearly $50 Million dollars for state plow contractors. We wait to be called for duty, then we wait to be paid!

April 2, 2011:

MassDOT thanks contractors, announces passage of supplemental budget:

MassDOT's Paul Brown has sent out an email to all snow and ice contractors in the DOT email data base thanking all contractors for their hard work this winter season and announcing the passage of more than $49 Million in snow and ice supplemental funding to pay snow and ice contractors. The original request made by the Governor in House Bill H00037 was $25 Million. Because DOT and Ways and Means Leadership stayed in close communication throughout the almost 60 days it took to debate and negotiate the supplemental package, additional monies were added to the request as more storms occured.

Lets hope the Governor signs the Bill Monday and checks are processed this week! 

April 1, 2011:

Executive Board awaits word of Governor's intent to sign supplemental budget into law:

Even as hired equipment remains plowing and deicing mainly in central and western Massachusetts, we await word as to whether mor not Governor Patrick intends on signing into law one of the largest supplemetal funding packages ever to compensate DOT contractors for several months worth of snow removal work. We intend on continuing our push for quick passage of this piece of Legislation, right down to the Governors signature, and the State Treasurers' mailing of the checks!

April 1, 2011:

SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET LEGISLATION PASSES WITH HOUSE AND SENATE VOTE....BILL SITS ON GOVERNORS DESK AWAITING HIS SIGNATURE, VETO, OR LINE ITEM VETO.

".......Sen. Stephen Brewer, the Senates top budget writer, described spending items in the bill as "time sensitive" and noted that the funds for snow removal hadn't factored in the storm predicted to wallop central and western Massachusetts on Friday."  (from the State House News Service)

Senator Brewers' comments were being articulated as spreaders and plow trucks accross the state were being dispatched for duty to treat and plow the Commonwealths roads and bridges.

March 31, 2011:

HOUSE BILL H3318 PASSES!

House Bill #3318 has been passed with a vote of 144 to 9. The Bill now moves onto the Senate where we expect quick passage. More updates to follow throughout the day today.

March 30, 2011:

HOUSE BILL H00037 IS NOW H3318!!

The original house bill containing a $25M request to pay MassDOT Snow and Ice Contractors is now House Bill #3318, and contains more than $49M dollars to pay contractors!

Since the bill was first authored we have had quite a bit of snow and ice activity and luckely the State Legislature, along with DOT Staff have kept tabs on the over all spending and made certain that the dollar amount within the bill for snow and ice funding escalated accordingly.

We are expecting activity on the H3318 today in the form of a formal vote of the full House now that it has been released from House Ways and Means Committee.

We checked on the status of House Bill #00037. It has been updated. According to their website, "Bill reported favorably by committee with Amendment". That means that the bill is out of the House Ways & Means Committee and is now in the hands of the full house for a vote. Please contact your local representative and push them for a speedy vote so that you can get paid for your snow and ice work!

After notifying MassDOT that the link on the DOT web site linking contractors to the Late Payment Interest Forms was down, the Department rectified the problem almost immediately. PLEASE apply for interest! It is your right, and it's NOT RIGHT that contractors have not been paid!! 

click on this link:

www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=snowandice/interestrates&sid=about

By applying for and being paid interest on the monies we are owed, we are sending a clear message to the State Legislature that they need to listen to both the contractors as well as Mass DOT, and fix a perennial problem!! 

 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

The Board of Directors will be setting a date shortly for a spring General Membership Meeting at the Raynham/Taunton Greyhound Park. Please stay tuned to this web site for further information.

 

House Bill # H00037 remains stuck in House Way's and Means. Please contact your Legislator today and ask for quick passage of the bill which contains funding for snow and ice contractors.

Did you perhaps NOT have a fuel adjustment surcharge included on your last Payment Voucher?

 

Due to a computer glitch at MassDOT, some payment vouchers whent without a fuel adjustment included on them. You will however be paid for this item and it will be included in the check that represents payment for those PV's without the fuel adjustment on them.

Click on the link below to read the letter that went out to all Representatives and State Senators on Monday. We are doing our best to put pressure on them to pass House Bill #37. Please help us help you by contacting your representative and asking them to push for passage of this bill. Once this bill is passed there will be money available to pay snow and ice contractors again!

Letter to Legislators (Bill 37)

Click here to access the Letter to Legislators (PDF)

Please click on one or both of the links below to identify your State Rep. and Senator. please contact them today and urge for quick passage of House Bill 00037! Small business owners need to be paid!

www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

or

www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm

 

The Hydraulics Class whent very well and was attended better than we anticipated! Thanks to V.P. Brad Ness for hosting the class at his offices in Easton. Watch out for additional information very soon on another class in Central Massachusetts.

BE SAFE.......BE LICENSED!

 

2 weeks left to register for Hydraulics Hoisting Class

Information below on how to register.

Get licensed! Stay safe!

Back by popular demand; a new Hydraulics Hoisting License Class

The Massachusetts Snow & Ice Association, in conjuction with Edgewater Career Training, is proud to announce our next Hydraulics Hoisting License Class on February 19th, 2011 (Snow date February 26th) 28 Foundry Street , South Easton. This is part of the series of Education & Certification classes sponsored by the MSICA.

This class will prepare attendees for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Hydraulics Hoisting Engineer License. The state exam will NOT be given at the class. This class will prepare you for the 2a/1c state exam which covers all track type and rubber tired excavation equipment, Bob Cats and uni loaders, as well as all fork lifts, Lulls and Tele Handlers, including the Moffett.

Attendees will leave this class with all approriate study material, sample tests and the exam application forms.

The cost of the class is $275 per person. This price includes coffee in the morning and a buffet style lunch. The class will start at 9am and should last between 5 and 6 hours.

Everyone is welcome to attend. To register, please call Ali on our toll free line at (888)842-SNOW or you can email ali.msica@comcast.net.

 Get licensed! Stay safe!

From everyone here at the Massachusetts Snow and Ice Association, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011! We wish you all a very joyous holiday!

It's that time of year again when we ask for your financial support of the Association that has been working on your behalf for the last seven years. Once per year we invoice our members for their annual dues of $150. Our billing went out the first week of October. If you haven't sent yours in, please take the time to do so today. We are totally supported by our members and every member counts!

 

At our September 22nd meeting, our membership unanimously voted to accept the 2010-2011 MassDOT contract. Much thanks was given to our Board of Directors who worked so hard on getting a fair and well balanced contract for everyone! Also a big welcome to our new members who have joined our Association. Thank you for your support

 

September 17, 2010

Our directors have spoken with MassDOT again this morning. They have assured us that their website will be updated today with all the latest changes to the contract!

MSICA Reaches Accord with DOT!!

New deadline to sign MassDOT Snow and Ice Agreement is Friday September 24, 2010!!

 

MORE INFO TO FOLLOW ONCE DETAILS ARE WRAPPED UP

General membership meeting moved to September 22, 2010 7:00 PM

at the Raynham/ Taunton Dog Track Rte 138 Raynham, MA

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS ATTEND SEPTEMBER 22 MEETING TO HEAR THE RESULTS OF NEGOTIATIONS AND POSSIBLY VOTE TO ACCEPT THE NEWEST CONTRACT OFFER

 

Board Members have been invited to meet with MassDOT officials this Wednesday to discuss the ongoing contract dispute. We are optomistic that a resolution can be reached!

Breaking News!
We now have the legislature moving on MassDOT 2010-2011 contract issues. Please click here to read Senator Pacheco's letter to MassDOT Secretary Jeffrey Mullan

Addendum to 2010-2011 Contract. Please click here to see the contract changes made on September 8th by MassDot.

HOLD THE LINE!!

MassDOT has come out with a seven day sign up extension for the sign up deadline!

They have also come out with an addendum to the contract putting $4.50 back on the table for liquid tanks, and corrected many mistakes regarding 10' and 11' plows, etc.

This addendum came out prior to Sen. Marc Pacheco sending DOT Sec. Mullan a letter backed by 39 additional State Senators and State Representatives. Additional Reps. and Sen. where still calling into pacheco on Wednesday to sign on but the letter had already gone out.

Please click the link below to view video interview of plow contractors:

www.thebostonchannel.com/video/24964892/detail.html

DO NOT SIGN!

 Sen. Pacheco has asked Sec. Mullan or is staff to sit with us and hammer out a fair and well balanced agreement.

Our efforts, and those of the State legislators backing us are working!

$8.9 Million dollars over 2 years on Closed Loop Ground Speed Control with no testing and no pilot program is unbelieveable, and State Legislators agree.

BREAKING NEWS 

 

At our meeting on Wednesday September 1, at the Raynham/ Taunton Park

The membership VOTED UNANIMOUSLY to stand down and NOT SIGN the 2010-2011 Snow and Ice Contract offered by MassDOT and published on it's web site.

The contract is one sided and unfair, the Department has made it impossible for any contractor to make an informed decision with in the short period of time between publication of the document and its submission deadline!

The contract shows excessive financial cuts in many areas including the loss of payment for liquid saddle tanks, loss of payment of 11' plows on some class codes, loss of 2/3 of fuel adjustment surcharge, and virtually no seniority or fair rotation!

It is for these and many more reasons why Senator Marc Pacheco and several other State Legislators have banded together to work with MassDOT and bring them to the bargaining table with our group.

Some eqipment will take as much as a $25.00 per hour cut in pay by returning without the upgrades, and only $6.00 per hour increase by adding approximately $35,000 in closed loop ground speed control, wing plows, 11' plows, and liquid saddle tanks. Contact your State Representative and Senator today and ask them to contact Sen. Pacheco

Click here to read the latest letter sent to Mass DOT from our Association

Please click her for latest contract offer from
Mass DOT, see the contract that they don't want you to see!

 

VERY IMORTANT!!

Your help is needed contacting each and every state Represenative and State Senator regarding the unfair and one-sided contract that Mass DOT has published on it's web site.

Please click on the links below to identify and contact your Representative and Senator:

www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

and

www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm

 

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE LATEST CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE MSICA AND MASS DOT.

A LIST OF PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO MASS DOT BY OUR NEGOTIATING TEAM ALONG WITH SEVERAL DATES THAT THE TEAM IS AVAILABLE TO MEET AGAIN WITH MASS DOT AND DISCUSS THE PROPOSALS

 

 

 

  Latest Correspondence Between MSICA and MassDot

MSICA General Membership Meeting

Wednesday, September 1st @ 7pm

Raynham Park

1958 Broadway, Rte 138, Raynham

Clubhouse #1

This is an important membership meeting! We encourage everyone to please attend. There is alot going on with MassDot right now and many changes are on the horizon. Please click the above link " Latest Correspondence Between MSICA and MassDot" to get a preview of what will be discussed at this meeting. We will be sending out reminders next week so please mark your calendars now!

NEW MEMBERS ARE JOINING WEEKLY, PERHAPS DUE TO THE EXPENSIVE AND SUDDEN DEMANDS THAT ARE BEING MADE BY MASS DOT ON CONTRACTORS STATE WIDE.

PLEASE MAKE IT A POINT TO BE AT THE MEETING. BRING ANOTHER CONTRACTOR!

AND REMEMBER: WE CAN HANG TOGETHER, OR YOU CAN HANG ALONE!

GET ALL OF YOUR THOUGHTS TOGETHER AND WRITE THEM DOWN!

COMING SOON TO THIS WEB SITE WILL BE THE MSICA BLOG WHERE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PEN YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER CONTRACTORS WHO MAY, OR MAY NOT, SHARE YOUR VIEWS!

 



www.advancedexpos.com

ali.msica@comcast.net. I am currently in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays 9am-2pm.

General Membership Meeting

Wednesday, May 19th at 7pm

Raynham Park (previously Raynham/Taunton Dog Track)

Club House #1

1958 Broadway

Raynham, MA  02676

Our current contract expires May 31st, 2010.  It's time to get together to discuss various issues that are common to all of us. We must continue to fight for prompt pay, maintain the fuel surcharge and work towards the repeal of the 33.3% increase in commercial registrations we endured this year at the RMV, with virtually no notice. Other items that we will be addressing is the minimum 11' plows, new closed loop speed control and other issues. We encourage everyone to attend this meeting! This is also the kick off to our annual membership drive, so even if you are not a current member, you are welcome to attend. Come stand with us and let your voice be heard!

 

Snow & Ice Vendor Meetings

MA Dept. of Transportation

District 1:

MA Dept. of Transportation

270 Main Street, Lenox

Tuesday, May 4th at 6pm

 

District 2

MA Dept. of Transportation

811 North King Street, Northampton

Wednesday, May 5th at 6pm

 

District 3

MA Dept. of Transportation

403 Belmont Street, Worcester

Thursday, May 6th at 6pm

 

District 4

Holiday Inn

4 Highwood Drive, Tewksbury

Wednesday, April 28th at 6pm

 

District 5

Holiday Inn

700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton

Thursday, April 29th at 6pm

 

SAFETY FIRST!

Remember, a surprise inspection should not be a surprise. Have your safety gear including hard hats and reflective vest's/jackets on-board or on your body at all times.

Has your vehicle/equipment inspection sticker expired? An expired sticker is grounds for removal from the rotation list, and possible contract termination.

Back by Popular Demand...

New Hydraulics Hoisting Class

The Massachusetts Snow & Ice Contractors Association Inc., in conjunction with Edgewater Career Training, is proud to announce our next Hydraulics Hoisting Class on Saturday, April 17th, 2010, at 28 Foundry Street in South Easton. This is part of the series of Education & Certification classes sponsored by the MSICA.

This class will prepare attendees for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Hydraulics Hoisting Engineer License. The class will prepare you for the 2a/1c state exam which covers all track type and rubber tired equipment, bob cats and uni loaders as well as fork lifts, lulls and tele handlers, including the moffett. Please note that the state exam will NOT be given at this class.

Attendees will leave the class with all appropriate study materials, sample tests and the exam application forms.

The cost of the class is $275 per person and is due the day of the class. The price includes coffee in the morning and a light lunch. The class will start at 9am and should last between 5 and 6 hours. Everyone is welcome to attend. We encourage you to book your seat early as space is limited and interest is always high. To register, please call Ali on our toll free line, (888)842-SNOW or email

Stay safe! Get licensed!

February 9, 2010

It's been a while since we've had some snow, now things are looking up. Please stay safe on the roads this week!

Some interesting government web sites that you may want to check out:

www.mhd.state.ma.us All things snow & ice related.

www.mass.gov (Under highway Dept, you can check out the snow & ice budget)

We have had some calls from people wanting to take our Hyrdaulics Hoisting Class. We do not have one scheduled at the moment. While the weather can be unpredictable this time of year, we will have our next class sometime in the spring. We will post all the information on this site as soon as we have things set up.

Stay safe and think SNOW!!

We have 2 more companies that do mobile inspections on equipment. One is TD&I out of Wareham (508)577-5567 and also F. Brewer Inspections out of Rockport (978)810-0926. Thanks to our members who passed this information on to us so we could pass it on to you!

The Board is precipitating talks with MassDOT regarding our next snow and ice contract. The Board of Directors of the MSICA are meeting and compiling our members needs and desires which we would like to see incorporated into the next agreement.

If you should have any thoughts please feel free to contact any one of our Directors, or contact our office at 888-842-SNOW. 

Our annual membership billing went out on October 15th, 2009. While the majority of our members have paid their dues, their are still some members who have not. A second notice will be sent soon. We encourage everyone to please pay their 2009-2010 dues. We are solely funded by membership dues and donations. Every member counts.

A huge welcome goes out to all of our new members!!

And a sincere thank you to several members who took a year or two off and have decided that the benefits of membership are important! Welcome back!!

Our last Hydraulics Hoisting Class was a big success once again. We are currently working on arrangements for our next class. We hope to hold it in January, possibly in Braintree.

Some of our members have reported problems in finding someone to do mobile inspections on their equipment. We put the word out there and one of our members told us about Tri State Truck Center in Shrewsbury. They do mobile inspections. Their telephone number is (508)753-1200. We hope this is helpful for everyone who has had that problem. If you have any questions, please call Ali at (888)842-SNOW or email ali.msica@comcast.net. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. Think Snow!

MassDOT   becomes a reality!

Mass Highway is now MassDOT, Highway Division. After many years of failed attempts at merging several Massachusetts Transportation Departments, the State Legislature has officialy merged the MBTA, Mass Highway, EOT, and Mass Turnpike.

Former Mass Highway Comm. Louisa Piewonsky has been appointed as Administrator of the newly formed Highway Division of the DOT.

The MSICA looks forward to working with the new Division!!

Announcing Annual Membership Meeting

7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 

1958 Broadway, Route 138, Raynham

Some of the topics being discussed are as follows;

*Committee Reports

*Report of the Treasurer

*Bob Lalicata Depot Rep. System

*Closed Loop Ground Speed Control

*Contract Talks/Negotiating with Mass Highway

*Brad Ness: Composite Blades

We encourage everyone to attend this meeting to discuss these topics and others. To avoid postage, you can also pay your dues at this meeting.

Announcing New Hydraulics Hoisting Class

The Massachusetts Snow & Ice Contractors Association, Inc., in conjunction with Edgewater Career Training, is proud to announce our next Hydraulics Hoisting License Class on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 28 Foundry Street in South Easton. This is part of the series of Education and Certification classes sponsered by the MSICA.

This class will prepare attendees for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Hydraulics Hoisting Engineer License. The state exam will NOT be given at this class. The class will prepare you for the 2a/1c state exam which covers all track type and rubber tired equipment, Bob Cats and uni loaders, as well as all fork lifts, lulls and tele handlers, including the moffett.

Attendees will leave this class with all appropriate study material, sample tests and the exam application forms.

The cost of the class is $275 per person. This price includes coffee in the morning and a buffet style lunch. The class will start at 9am and should last between 5 and 6 hours.

Everyone is welcome to attend. To register, please call Ali, our Executive Secretary on our toll free line:

(888)842-SNOW or email ali.msica@comcast.net.

Get licensed! Stay safe!

BREAKING NEWS!!

Mass RMV Commercial Registration Fee's

to increase at 12:00 AM on October 4th

To save $5.00 per thousand on your GVW, register your snow and ice equipment now!! 

September 8, 2009

The support from our Hydraulics Hoisting Classes has been outstanding. We have held 3 classes so far and the turnout has been overwhelmingly great. People have attended from across the state. The Massachusetts Snow & Ice Contractors Association has been proud to offer these classes to our members.  We are still getting calls from people who couldn't make it to the other classes and so we are making arrangements for another class which is tentative for Bridgewater. Please stay tuned to this website. We will post the date and time as soon as we have it.

We hope that everyone has had a safe and prosperous summer. Before we know it, the snow will be flying again and we will be busy keeping the roadways and highways safe for the citizens of Massachusetts!

We are working on making arrangements for our general membership meeting. That announcement will also be posted here when the arrangements are complete. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Ali, our executive secreatry is in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9am to 2pm. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her at (888)842-SNOW or email, ali.msica@comcast.net.

6.1.09

New Board Members Appointed !

Roger Rene of Dist 3, Robert Sullivan of Dist 4, Joseph Cusce of Dist 4, and Jordan MacEachern of Dist 5 have all been appointed to serve as Directors of the MSICA. President Matthew Frazier and the entire executive Board wish to welcome the four new members to the Board and look forward to the year ahead working diligently with these gentlemen!  

5.18.09

GOT  PICTURES?

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW AND EXCITING SNOW AND ICE RELATED PICTURES TO DISPLAY ON OUR SITE. PLEASE EMAIL PICTURES TO:  ali.msica@comcast.net

4.20.09

Hydraulics License Prep Class to be Scheduled

A second Hydraulics License Prep Class is being sceduled and will be held in the Arlington, MA area. Please stay tuned for more information on this web site very soon.

4.16.09

  Hydraulics License Prep Class Scheduled

CLASS HAS REACHED CAPACITY!

The MSICA, in conjunction with Edgewater Carreer Training is hosting a Hydraulics License Prep Class on May 9, 2009 in Wellfleet, MA. on the Cape. This class will be the first of a series of Education and Certification Classes sponsored by the Massachusetts Snow and Ice Contractors Association, Inc.

The Class will prepare attendees for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Haydraulics Hoisting Engineer License. The State exam will NOT be given at this class. Space is limited to 20-25 attendees, please book early!

Attendees will leave this class with all appropriate study material, sample tests, and the exam application forms.

This class will prepare you for the 2a/1c State Exam which covers all track type and rubber tired excavation equipment, Bob Cats and uni loaders, as well as all forklifts, Lulls, and Tele Handlers, including the Moffett.

Call Ali, our Executive Secretary today at  888-842-SNOW to book your spot.

Class Location: M.A. Frazier Co.,#10 Kear Circle Wellfleet,MA

Rte 6 East bound, enter Wellfleet and Kear Circle (A/K/A Matt's Way) is on your right. Turn onto Kear Circle and we are the only building on your right.

Be Safe....Be Licensed!

4.15.09

Board Opposses 1% Tax

The Board of Directors oppose the implimentation of a 1% administrative fee being proposed by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance which is an arm of Governor Patricks' office.

The 1% fee would be imposed on all contractual payments made to all contractors who do business with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under any contractual agreement.

This would burden every snow and ice contractor state wide!

Our Executive Board will be in contact with the Executive Office of Administration and Finance in an effort to stop this action from moving forward.

Please stay tuned to this web site for further information.

4.04.09

Get Plates Turned In!

Do you use seasonal Snow and Ice Plates on your equipment? If you do, and the truck/ equipment does not work in the off season, return your plate prior to the first day of the seventh month following the effective date and recieve nearly 50% of your registration fee back!!

Use the link provided below to print out your rebate form.

www.mass.gov/rmv

3.27.09

Payments Begin to Hit

Contractors are reporting the arrival of snow and ice funds via direct deposit as well as US Mail. Check your mail ASAP!

3.26.09

Brad Ness Elected Vice President of MSICA

Brad Ness, of Viking Sheet Metal in Easton, MA has been elected Vice President of our Association.

Brad has worked tirelessly on behalf of all snow and ice contractors state wide during his tenure on the Board of Directors. President Matthew Frazier welcomes the elevation of Brad to his new position and looks forward to working side by side with Brad as we move forward.

Brad joins Vice President Robert Lalicata of Arlington, MA, Treasurer David Colter of Kingston, MA, and newly elected Clerk Charles MacNamara of Stoughton, MA at rounding out the possitions as officers of our organization.   

 

3.26.09

Board of Directors To Expand

Acting on a vote of the general membership, the Board of Directors are seeking additional board members. If you are a member, and interested in serving as a Director of the MSICA, please contact our office at 888-842-SNOW(7669). Or email: ali.msica@comcast.net

3.24.09

Governor Patrick Signs Funding Package

On Monday, March 23 Gov. Patrick signed into law a supplemental funding package which contains funding to pay snow and ice contractors for work performed this winter.

Please contact your respective snow and ice District Office for further detailed information on when you might expect to recieve your check. 

 

 

3.13.09

Supplemental Funding Package Passed

The suplemental funding package authored by the Governors Office has been approved by both branched of the Legislature and has been layed before the Governor for his signiture.

Payments should begin flowing from Mass Highway within 10-14 day's!!

 

2.28.09

Supplemental Budget Needed

As we all know, MHD has had one heck of a winter dealing with dozens of snow and ice events accross the state since early November '08.

As you mihght have expected, MHD has spent its aloted funds for snow and ice- even the $50M in deficit spending authority that we all worked so hard for.

Please contact your State Representatives and Sate Senators today and urge there support and quick passage of the Governors Supplemental funding package that is about to go before them.

 

 

 

2.18.09

       Hydraulic Hoisting License Class

The MSICA will be sponsoring a series of prep classes which will be given by Edgewater Carreer Training. This class will prepare the student for the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Hydraulic Hoisting License exam. Edgewater has 28 years of experience in the operation of heavy equipment, and the training of heavy equipment operators.

A list of locations and a training schedule will be announced on this web site soon, along with the fees to be charged.

The MSICA encourages safety in the field at all times.

Be Licensed! Be Safe!

 

1.9.09

STAY SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS WINTER

Clean off all of your safety lighting regularly

Run fresh wipper blades

Stay a safe distance from other vehicles

Slow down while plowing over-passes

Stay Safe! Wear your approved vest/ jacket and hardhat while out of the vehicle!!

1.9.09

Contractors Begin to Recieve Payments

Contractors throughout the state are reporting this morning that they have recieved payments from MassHighway for plowing/ deicing that represent payment vouchers through Dec 20, 2008.

We would like to thank all of the contractors who have called the MSICA office thanking our Board and Staff for all of there hard work regarding Prompt Pay Legislation.

10.27.08

House & Senate Pass Prompt Pay Legislation

An additional $50 Million now available for state snow and ice contractors

The hard work of our Executive Board has paid off! On Thursday, October 30th both the House and Senate approved a supplemental budget requested by Governor Patrick which contained a resolution authorizing Mass Highway to spend in deficit up to $50 Million Dollars to solve timing discrepencies inherent in the process of paying state snow and ice contractors promptly throughout the winter season. This $50 Million is in addition to the $20 Million already in the snow and ice budget for fiscal year 2009.

"If not for the hard work of our Board of Directors, and the support of our membership this would never have become reality", said Matthew Frazier, President of the MSICA.

Frazier and other Board Members recently testified before the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversite, and brought with them to the hearing some 900 contracts, unsigned, which had been sent out by Mass Highway to contractors this August. Contractors had refused to sign, protesting the lack of prompt payment.

 Association leaders and members worked very hard throughout the past year with Legislative Officials on Beacon Hill to make this Legislation a reality. We watched this issue go down in defeat as many as five times this year, weather it was attached to the FY '09 Budget, Senate Amendments, or when it was attached to the Transportation Bond Bill.

The Governors Supplemental Budget, which also gives the Executive Branch new and expanded budget cutting authorities, was obviously the correct vehicle for it to be attached to.

Special thanks goes to:

Senator Marc R. Pacheco(D) Taunton, Senator Bruce Tarr(R) Gloucester, Rep. Jeffrey Perry(R) Sandwich,

Rep. Sarah Peake(D) Provincetown, Rep. Cleon Turner(D) Brewster, and Gov. Deval Patrick

  

 

10.16.08

Prompt Pay Remains on Radar Screen

Governor includes Prompt Pay for Snow & Ice in Supplemental Appropriations Bill 

On October 15 Governor Patrick submitted a Supplemental Appropriations Bill to the Leqislature which includes $80 Million Dollars in deficit spending authority for the MassHighway and DCR Snow and Ice Programs.

Please contact your State Representatives' and Senators' today and urge them for quick passage of the Governors Supplemantal Appropriations Bill!

click on this link to see Legislation:

 www.mass.gov/Agov3/docs/Legislation/10-15-08%209C%20Budget%20Legislation.pdf

Look for Section 18 of the Bill

 

 

10.15.08

Unanimous Vote to Sign Contract

The membership of the MSICA has voted to sign the 2008-2010 Snow and Ice Contract

 

The membership has ratified the 2008-2010 Snow and Ice Equipment Rental Agreement with Mass Highway with a unanimous vote to sign the contract and return to work.

Late breaking news from Attorney John Slattery on October 15th regarding his reciept of a letter from MassHighway Chief Legal Counsel further expressing the departments desire to work with our Association on various fronts, and the Departments' sincere and dedicated approach to obtain prompt payment for snow and ice vendors certainly weighed heavy on the memberships decision making process.

Correspondence from MHD also further outlined there intent pertaining to certain language in the 2008-2010 contract which could have been easily interpreted in ways which would adversely effect those contractors signing the agreement.

 

Atty. John Slattery is in touch with MHD legal staff and a meeting is being scheduled for later this week, or early next week. Mass Highway has been working with representatives of the Governors office of Administration and Finance in an effort to craft language which will ultimately recieve the blessings of the House and Senate. 

 

 

10.16.08

We move on! 

Association's focus turns to prompt pay and reinstatement of contractors

The Board of Directors, after recieveing the direction of the membership to sign the 2008-2010 Snow and Ice Rental Agreement will now focus it's attention on securing prompt pay language which must ultimately be approved by the State Legislature, and reinstatement of displaced contractors who failed to the sign the snow and ice agreement by it's deadline date of Sept 15.

Please check back often for more information!!

 

 

 

 

 

Again, the MSICA is working closely with State Legislators on the need to pay contractors in a timely fashion. Do we need the Commonwealth to enact a Deficit Spending Statute for Snow and Ice, so as MHD can have the ability to pay contractors and worry about the House and Senate approving a supplemental funding package later? 

 

 
   
 
 
   
 

IS GPS BECOMING A THING OF THE PAST?

Breaking news has it that GPS distribution will be left up to each individual District Highway Director and may only be assigned to Spreader Trucks for the winter season 2007-2008!

We are learning more about this new policy each day, and will post additional information as it becomes available. 

PAYMENT REMAINS MAJOR CONCERN FOR MSICA:

Once again snow and ice contractors are paid in the last month of the State's Fiscal Year. The Board of the MSICA is asking state lawmakers why so many other vendors who provide services to MHD's Snow and Ice Operations are paid on time, yet the contractors who are pushing the snow and spreading the salt always wait!

This question has been asked of the MHD on many occasions, yet the uniform answer is that the State Legislature underfunds the snow and ice operations every year, causing the need for a suplemental budget request to pay unpaid bills. While we understand fully the need for supplemental fundinging once the alloted monies are spent, we don't fully understand or agree with what the monies are spent on, causing plow contractors to go unpaid until June.

We will continue to make our Legislative friends on Beacon Hill aware of what we see as waste at Mass Highway, and continue our fight for a separate snow and ice snow removal contractors budget.

New Senate President, Therese Murray greets our Executive Board:

On Wednesday, March 28th our recently elected Senate President met with members of our Executive Board at a meeting in Boston. Senator Murray has always taken the time to hear our issues as they have evolved over the last several years. Whether it be lack of prompt payment to contractors, or a one sided and unfair contract proposal from Mass Highway, Sen. Murray has always listened and helped us whenever possible. 

The entire MSICA congratulates the Senate President and wishes her well!

www.patrickmurraytransition.org

Please click on the link above to access up to date information
regarding the Deval Patrick/ Tim Murray Transition Team Working Groups.

It is with great pleasure that the MSICA announces our involvement with the Patrick/Murray Tranportation Working Group who interviewed more than 350 people representing key stakeholder organizations. Our  President, Matthew Frazier was interviewed by Mr. Fred Salvucci, a member of the Transition Team Working Group who has authored a detailed report of there findings relative to the various transportation related Departments of the Commonwealth including EOT and Mass Highway.  Mr. Salvucci is currently a senior lecturer and senior research associate for the Center for Transportation and Logistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A detailed report which notes our involvment and can be found at the web
link above.

2006-2007 Membership

All '05-'06 members have now been sent there renewal notices for dues to be paid for the '06-'07 snow and ice season. Please be prompt and forward your check to the office of the Associations' Treasurer in Marshfield. It is imperative that we all do our part by paying our dues which enables our great Association to conyinue to grow. All members are strongly urged to double there dues when writing there check! Additional funds will enable our our Legislative Committee to continue working with our consulatants on Beacon Hill, as well as our Attorney and Contract Specialists who helped us craft our proposals for the 2006-2008 snow and ice contract.

Below is a list of contractors who have proudly reached into there pockets and have been huge financial supporters by volunterely increasing the amount of there dues:
Edwin Gibbs/ Gibbs Septic Service Sandwich
Woodwards Spring Shop Brockton
James Varrasso/J&J trucking Abington
Matthew Frazier/ M.A. Frazier, Inc. Wellfleet
Robert Lalicata/Lalicata Landscape Products Arlington
Brad Ness/ Viking Sheet Metal Easton
C. Paladino Company/ Fred Paladino Hyde Park
Charles McNamara/ McNamara Farms Stoughton
Forrester Quinn/ F.L. Quinn Construction Orleans
Henry Zion/ Zion Enterprises Middleboro
Daniel Salvadore/ Salvadore Trucking Oakham
Lawrence "Skip" Sawyer/ Skip Sawyer & Sons, Inc. Berlin
Dena Warren/ T.W.Excavating & Development Corp. Rowley
Fred Bevins/ the Car Shop Gloucester
Jillaine Rinkaus/ Zion Enterprises Middleboro
Mark Williams/ Northway Dist. Services Byfield
Paul M. Santora/ P.M. Santora Company Shrewsbury
Mark Player/ Player Trucking Tyngsboro
Bob Napoli/ R. Napoli Trucking Littleton
Raymond Silva/ RDS Trucking Falmouth
Douglas Edson/ Renaissance Community Turners Falls
Richard Brewer,Jr./ Riteway Const. Co. Randolph
Robinson Landscaping Malden
Louie Barretto/ L&L Services Malden
Lawrence H. Wheeler, Jr. Berlin
Lawrence Ray/ Lorenzo D. Corporation Marshfield
Michael Greiner/ M. Greiner Trucking Brockton
Mike Sawyer/Mike Sawyer Contracting, Inc. Berlin
Brett Field/ Northside Land Const, LLC Mashpee
Ron Moreau/ J.R. & Sons, Inc. Attleboro
Joseph Saccone/ J. Saccone & Sons, Inc. Whitman
James R. Dias/ James R. Dias & Sons No. Dartmouth
Jeff Morse Marshfield
Jim Ketchopulos & Sons Excavating, LLC Rockport
Joseph D. DeBarros/ Joey's Septic Service, Inc. Marstons Mills
Kevin Rose/ Ken Rose Septic Service Wellfleet
Dana Morse/ A. Jandris & Sons Gardner
Alan dellaghelfa/ Adams Trucking Co. Adams
Tim O'Brien/ Badlands Trucking, Inc. Forestdale
Chester F. Porowski/ C&D Porowki Trucking Ware
Charles Ashley/ Charles Ashley Co. Swansea
Francis DeCiero/ DeCiero Enterprises, Inc. Marlboro
Lewicki & Sons Excavating, Inc. Plainville
Steven M Shepley, Jr Middleboro
Billy Lucini/ Lucini Bus Lines, Inc. West Bridgewater

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS!

While we are thrilled with the results of the November invoicing, the returns from new members could be better! Please help us grow. Our goal this year is to represent at least an additional 15%-20% of equipment over last years final numbers. Please, if you are a member in good standing, do your part and find another snow and ice contractor to join our fine organization!  
And remember "We can hang together........or you can hang alone." -John Slattery, October 2003

Contract Early Submission Deadline:

In order to reap the benefits of the $2.00 per hour early sign-up bonus all contractors must meet the requirements of the November 1, 2006 submission deadline. A signed snow and ice contract, pictures of equipment, as well as a copy of each active vehicle registration must be submitted to your area District Office no later than 4:00 PM on October 31st, 2006. Good Luck!!

Snow Plow Exemption Requests:

Please, do not submit a request for snow plow exemption for equipment that only plows snow. A plow exemption request form pertains only to spreader trucks, and or liquid anti-icing vehicles which also have plowing capabilities.

RATIFICATION OF CONTRACT:

At its annual general membership meeting on October 12th the membership of the MSICA voted unanimously to approve the final version of the MassHighway Snow and Ice Equipment Rental Agreement, which was negotiated by the Executive Board of the MSICA during multiple negotiation sessions and numerous conference calls. Many great questions where asked by our members, and most all of the finer points of the contract where touched upon.

The Board of Directors would like to welcome Mr. Charles McNamara of McNamara Farms in Stoughton to the Board of Directors. Mr. McNamara was voted in as a class 1 Director at the meeting on the 12th, along with Fred Palladino of Hyde Park, Brad Ness of Easton, and Christopher Carney of Rockland.

During the meeting many ongoing projects were discussed including education, health and safety certification, as well as future and current Legislation our group is working on with the help of various Legislators throughout the state.

A very welcome surprise was a visit from Senator Marc R. Pacheco who sits as the Chair of the Senate Post Audit and Oversite Committee. As we are all well aware of, it was Sen. Pachecos' Committee who intervened and held a special Legislative Hearing into MassHighway's practices relative to the lack of snow and ice equipment under contract this year. Our Executive Board will continue to assist the Oversite Committee in any way we can. The meeting adjouned at 9:38 PM.    

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING:

The annual meeting of the General Membership will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 PM at the Raynham/ Taunton Greyhound Park 1958 Broadway Raynham, MA 02767

At the annual meeting the Executive Board will answer any questions our members may have regarding the latest two year contract offered by MassHighway. The contract will be brought to a ratification vote at this meeting. Also we will be holding an election of officers. A nominating committee has been appointed by the President for this purpose. If you, or anyone you know is interested in serving on the Executive Board, please contact David Colter at 1-800-339-3714 for more information.   Please remember, without your membership and participation we are nothing!

Please note, this meeting is open to members in good standing only, please have your member ID with you!

(if you do not have a current laminated ID Badge, or if you should have any questions relating to membership, please contact our Executive Secretary Cheryl Kain at 888-842-SNOW)

CONTRACT ENDORSEMENT:

The Executive Board of the MSICA has officialy endorsed the final versio
  Snow and Ice 24-hour hotline 1-888-842-SNOW

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