R.C. Wegman Construction

Teamwork and Cooperation in Aurora

The new Aurora police station was a tremendous boost to the city, its law enforcement staff and the local economy. But it took a team dollar state-of-the-art facility in on time and within budget. It was one of the first projects Mayor Weisner tackled when he was elected four years ago and his leadership got it up and running within three years.

”Four years ago I saw our dilapidated facility with antiquated technology and tools, which were original built to meet the needs of one-hundred, our current force is over three-hundred,” said Weisner.

From left to Right: Terry Bohr, President R.C. Wegman Construction Company, Barbara Kattermann, Project Manager, City of Aurora,Officer Josh Horton, City of Aurora Police Department, Thomas Weisner, Mayor, City of Aurora, Abby Schuler, Alderman, 1st Ward, Chief Greg Thomas, Aurora Police Chief

”This facility is a tribute to the men and women who built it.”

-Mark Baum

What Mayor Weisner started, union members finished with remarkable speed and a sense of pride and cooperation.

”One of the most important elements of the project was the project specific PLA (Project Labor Agreement) and OSHAC Partnership Agreement that we set up at the beginning,” said local 916 business Representative Bill Gerrish.

Due to the public bidding process out-of-state contractors who specialized in firing range equipment were awarded that particular portion of the work.

During a meeting with the Fox Valley Building Trades members, Bill Gerrish, together with Terry Bohr, president and Bill Arnolde, project manager of R.C. Wegman Construction Company the construction manager for the Garage and TAS Building suggested a change-order system agreement be implemented for the out-of-state contractors. This meant that they agreed to hire local subcontractors to supply the union labor and work with their experts.

This type of brainstorming is the cornerstone of success with a Project Labor Agreement,” said Arnolde. “This type of agreement not only helps the trade unions, but it protects the construction manager, architect and owner in so many ways.”

We set up performance criteria and expectations.” Added Gerrish. “And our efforts were beneficial for all those involved.”

The design consultant on the project, Jim McClaren of McClaren, Wilson & Lawrie, Inc., has worked on two-hundred and sixty-five police stations in forty states and he was amazed by the level of cooperation and the problem-solving attitude of our carpenters.

“On many projects I would show up at sites with my stomach already in knots, knowing what I would be facing,” said McClaren. “But, here, it was amazing. I would show up and the carpenters and the other trades would either show me how the had solved the problem, or explain what they thought would be a reasonable solution. I cannot tell you how rare and what a joy that is. What a great working relationship.”

From left: R.C. Wegman's Mike Beebe, Site Superintendent, Terry Bohr, President, Lisa Garcia, Administrative Assistant, Bill Arnolde, Project Manager, Dan Peterson, Site Superintendent

“The local carpenters and contractors know one another and work efficiently and safely as a team.” Added Bill Arnolde. “We had no down time due to an accident.”

Mark Baum, Director of Business Development for R.C. Wegman summed it up perfectly, “This facility is a tribute to the men and women who built it. Our company understands the importance of cooperation, teamwork and engaging ‘Local Teams’ of ‘Local Trades,’ who will painstakingly complete the project thoroughly and safely.”

Tenner, Gene. "Teamwork and Cooperation in Aurora."
The Carpenter's Forum. Summer 2009/2nd quarter: 18.