Strengthening and streamlining the Rhode Island Builders Association's workers' compensation programs was at the top of the agenda on September 2nd as the association's board of directors returned to business after its summer recess.
RIBA's relationship with Beacon Mutual Insurance Co. ended on October 1st, said Kenneth Jones of Ken Jones Construction Inc., who chairs the workers' compensation committee.
"This development made it necessary for us to work with two other providers, but we were not able to have new safety group status approved by the state Dept. of Business Regulation in time for the October 1st annual renewal date. So each member will renew individually for now," Jones said.
Nominations
The nominating committee announced RIBA's slate of officers who were voted on and installed at the association's annual meeting on October 7th. That event took place at the West Valley Inn in West Warwick.
Fee monitoring
On behalf of the executive committee, RIBA president Thomas McNulty reported that RIBA is closely monitoring the "in lieu of" fee situation in East Greenwich, where builders constructing a home on certain lots must also construct an "affordable" one or pay a $200,000 fee.
McNulty also reported that RIBA has reached a $58,000 settlement with the town of Johnston over its high fees for design reviews by fire officials. The settlement will be disbursed among contractors who had to pay the fee.
"In the course of this, we have achieved an agreement to apply a uniform fire fee in towns throughout the state," McNulty told directors.
Registration issues
RIBA member Felix Carlone, chairman of the state Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board, addressed members on challenges the board is facing, along with tips on how contractors can avoid the pitfalls of claims hearings and a semi-permanent public record.
Remodelers activities
Remodelers committee co-chair Tanya Donahue said the highly successful seminar with Shawn McCadden attracted nearly 60 participants on August 27th. She pointed out that the committee's educational activities take place on the last Wednesday of each month at RIBA headquarters, unless otherwise announced.
Safety Alliance
Health insurance committee chairwoman Christine Lynch reported that the Safety Alliance Furthering Educational Resources (SAFER) has begun breakfast meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the New England Institute of Technology, 2500 Post Rd., Warwick, from 8 to 10 a.m.
The purpose is to advance safety and safety education among all groups involved in the shelter industry. Contact Chris Lynch at [email protected].
Paul Eno is the owner and editor-in-chief of New River Press, Woonsocket and is the editor of the monthly RIBA newsletter, The Rhode Island Builder Report.