Council overrides mayor’s veto, upholds responsible contractor ordinance
The Warren City Council voted 5-1 to override Mayor James Fouts’ veto of a responsible contractor ordinance that was approved by the council Feb. 14.
The measure applies to companies bidding on publicly-funded construction projects in the city of $50,000 or more and seeks to ensure those awarded construction contracts are providing adequate wages and benefits to employees and engaging in fair business and employment practices.
Contractors wishing to bid on such projects submit paperwork so they can be prequalified as a responsible contractor. That prequalification would be valid for three years during which time that contractor could bid on multiple
projects.
In his veto issued Feb. 17, Fouts said he agreed with the principle of a responsible contractor ordinance but wanted to ensure it was written in a way that did not put undue burden on the city’s purchasing department.
“A responsible contractor ordinance can be a positive step for the city as long as it is written with consideration for bidding procedures, administrative operations, and legalities,” said Fouts.
Members of the council did not engage in any discussion prior to the vote to override the veto. Councilman Eddie Kabacinski voted against the override and Ron Papandrea was absent.
Some members of local unions came to Tuesday’s council meeting to voice their support of the ordinance.
Glenn McIntyre, who identified himself as a sheet metal worker, said he is proud to be a union tradesman.
“As someone who has been on hundreds of jobs over the years, both large and small, I have been on some jobs where there were not the skilled tradesmen that I expected we would have,” said McIntyre. “The results on the job are clear: you get shoddy workmanship.”
A man identifying himself as Robert George of the Michigan Laborers’ District Council approached the podium with members of Laborers’ Local Union 1191 and urged the council to override the veto.
“Municipalities that have responsible contract policies saw the number of bids for projects increase by 8%, construction workers earned 8% more and there was 2% less turnover,” said George. “This policy is not only good for workers but good for public trust in local government.”