PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

STA staff and board members remained busy during this summer!

On the legislative front, the State Senate and Assembly passed a bill for which the STA and New York Electrical Contractors Association had strongly advocated, dealing with the formation of a state advisory committee which would review the state procurement and contract process and recommend much needed reforms.  This bill is currently awaiting the signature of Governor Hochul.  In addition, the STA working through the Empire State Subcontractors Association, was able to gain passage of chapter amendment legislation which would clarify the definition of “substantial completion” on construction projects.  This bill was signed by Governor Cuomo and is now law.

The STA also continued to meet with public agencies in July and August.  Specifically, the STA’s Change Order Working Group chaired by Randy Rifelli of United Iron, was able to clarify and reach closure with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) on a number of issues related to allowable costs for subcontractors on change orders.  This Working Group will continue to meet with other state and city agencies in the coming months to continue to press for reforms that will allow for the just and timely reimbursement of costs incurred by our subcontractor members on change orders.  In addition to DASNY, the STA also recently met with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to press for a better turnaround on payments to subcontractors.  The STA will continue to continue to meet with NYCHA on a quarterly basis and will hold similar meetings in the Fall with the New York School Construction Authority and New York City Department of Design and Construction.

I am also pleased to report that the STA also designated a new individual for the position of Legal Counsel effective September 1.  That individual is Andrew Richards of the firm of Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck.  Andrew and his firm are long term members and supporters of the STA and you can expect to see his Legal Log in this newsletter beginning in October.  I would personally like to thank Henry Goldberg, our outgoing Legal Counsel over these past 13 years, for his service and support of the STA.  Henry’s presence at our board meetings and sage advice will be missed and we wish him well in his future endeavors.

Finally, I would like to bring to your attention that the STA will be holding its first major event at our October 14 General Membership Meeting being held “in person” at the Club 101 in Manhattan.  Entitled “NYC Opening” this event will recognize some of New York City’s most prominent public sector leaders  and front line workers responsible for moving our City forward during the past 18 months of the COVID pandemic.  We hope that you will join us in honoring these leaders and front line workers while supporting the STA.

I hope that you enjoy the rest of the summer and continue your involvement in the STA.

Regards,

Joseph Leo

President/STA Board of Directors