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
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?
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