2019 QUALITY ISSUE
ACCOUNTABILITY IN ACTION The innovative Caltrans Joint Training & Certification Program sets the standard for excellence and consistency in materials testing
INSIDE: State Capitol ‘Fly-in' Q&A with Kristin Gaspar Member Profile: Mustang Asphalt Plant
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Push Boundaries.
Publisher’s Letter SB1 called for accountability; Joint Training & Certification Program delivers In the early 1990s retired Maj. Gen James van Loben Sels of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was appointed Director of the California Department of Transportation. After assessing the current state of affairs at Caltrans one of his first items of business was to take a page out of the Army Corps of Engineers playbook and begin moving the Department toward the implementation of Quality Control-Quality Assurance (QC/QA) specifications. Recognizing that the success of a QC/QA specifications rely heavily on the proficiency of the technicians performing materials testing, our industry recommended as part of the QC/QA initiative the adoption of a formal Joint Training & Certification program. In 2012 following the implementation several versions of Caltrans QC/QA specifications CalAPA was in the midst of adopting our association’s strategic plan. One area of emphasis identified by our members was the need to remedy the persistent problems related to differences between test results produced by the contractor and the agency. Because my company, Granite Construction, and others were performing work in many other locations at the state and federal level, we were familiar with successful use of QC/QA specification and their reliance on comprehensive Joint Training & Certification Programs. Under these programs industry and government technicians are trained and certified to the same technical standards and levels of proficiency. In our research of the more than 20 other states that have similar programs, we learned that states that adopted this collaborative model found test variability dropped dramatically, and so did disputes, claims and lawsuits. We also saw ample evidence that when industry and public agency personnel learn together and are held to the same standards, a camaraderie develops that can bolster further opportunities for learning from each other and problem-solving in the future. After years of discussion, California State Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly endorsed the concept, and it is easy to see why. At the time he was trying to build support for a comprehensive transportation funding bill in the Legislature, and accountability was a key feature of the bill. In fact, it ultimately became known as Senate Bill 1 (SB1), the Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017. Holding all technicians accountable to the test-results they produce was a natural fit, and I’m pleased to recognize Caltrans for fully implementing the program last year. As you will read later in this issue, the Joint Training & Certification Program, under an inter-agency agreement between Caltrans and California State University, Long Beach, while not fully optimized at this point, has had a very impressive start, training and certifying hundreds of technicians so far and earning excellent reviews. Last year voters were asked to repeal the fuel-tax increases that were part of SB1 in the form of Proposition 6 on the November ballot. Our industry campaigned heavily to protect SB1, and our promise to our fellow Californians was to be vigilant in making sure their tax dollars are spent wisely. I’m pleased that our industry has partnered with Caltrans to implement the Joint Training & Certification Program. This monumental effort brings greater transparency and accountability as to how our transportation dollars are spent on the materials that go into improving our roads and other vital transportation infrastructure. Sincerely,
Tony Limas Quality Management Granite Construction, Co.
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California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
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Equipment
Contents Volume 23, Issue 2
4
Publisher’s Letter
8
Innovative Caltrans Joint Training & Certification Program for materials technicians sets the standard for quality, consistency
14 20
Q&A with Kristin Gaspar, San Diego County Board of Supervisors
Page 8
California Asphalt Magazine
CalAPA®’s ‘citizen lobbyists’ walk the halls of the Capitol in Sacramento to promote transportation
22
Mustang Asphalt Plant – Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc. and Q&D Construction, LLC Welcomed as one of California Asphalt Pavement Association’s newest members
26
Industry News
Kristin Gaspar Page 14
On the Cover: Cover design by Aldo Myftari of Construction Marketing Services. Photo of Joint Training & Certification class participant conducting a hands-on component of a Soils & Aggregate class. Photo courtesy of California Department of Transportation, used with permission.
Page 22
CALIFORNIA ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION www.calapa.net
HEADQUARTERS: P.O. Box 981300 • West Sacramento • CA 95798 (Mailing Address) 1550 Harbor Blvd., Suite 211 • West Sacramento • CA 95691 • (916) 791-5044 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Russell W. Snyder, CAE, rsnyder@calapa.net TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Brandon M. Milar, P.E., bmilar@calapa.net REGIONAL DIRECTOR: Bill Knopf, wknopf@calapa.net • (909) 400-9697 MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER: Sophie You, syou@calapa.net GUEST PUBLISHER: Tony Limas, Granite Construction PUBLISHED BY: Construction Marketing Services, LLC • (909) 772-3121 P.O. Box 892977 • Temecula • CA 92589 GRAPHIC DESIGN: Aldo Myftari CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Russell W. Snyder, CalAPA® and Brian Hoover, CMS ADVERTISING SALES: Kerry Hoover, CMS, (909) 772-3121 Copyright © 2019 – All Rights Reserved. No portion of this publication may be reused in any form without prior permission of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. California Asphalt is the official publication of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. This bimonthly magazine distributes to members of the California Asphalt Pavement Association; contractors; construction material producers; Federal, State and Local Government Officials; and others interested in asphalt pavements in California and gaining exclusive insight about the issues, trends and people that are shaping the future of the industry.
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California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
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Innovative Caltrans Joint Training & Certification Program for materials technicians sets the standard for quality, consistency By Russell W. Snyder
As owner of a vast system of 58,000 miles of freeways, highways and bridges that connect every corner of the state, the California Department of Transportation purchases massive amounts of paving asphalt, aggregate and concrete each year. Ensuring that all of that material meets stringent standards for quality and durability falls to the thousands of materials technicians who gather samples, test them in laboratory settings and report on the findings to justify payment. In a system known as “Quality Control/Quality Assurance,” the contractor and material suppliers are responsible for ensuring the quality of the materials, and the state is responsible of ensuring that everything is done to the specific standard or test method. When the contractor and state return test results that are consistent and meet specifications, in the words of longtime CalAPA® trainer Paul Curren, “life is good.” Where trouble arises is when a contractor or their designated testing laboratory produces a result that is different from the result reported by a Caltrans materials laboratory. Often times the dispute must be elevated to an independent, third-party lab to resolve, resulting in delay, added costs and, in extreme cases, claims and lawsuits. In the world of materials testing, consistency is king. Test methods are very prescriptive and very exacting, and must be performed exactly the same way, every time, with properly calibrated equipment, to produce results with a high degree of confidence. Variability in lab equipment, training of technicians,
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Dr. Shadi Saadeh, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering & Construction, California State University, Long Beach and JTCP program manager, provides an update on the program at the 2018 CalAPA Spring Conference in Ontario while Caltrans Program Manager Jeremy Peterson-Self looks on.
how samples are gathered and transported, all can have a negative impact on test results. With too much variability, life is not good. Projects may be halted. A contractor may be forced to have payment reduced, or in a worse-case scenario, face the dreaded order to “remove and replace” or the equally horrifying and ruinous “liquidated damages” for non-performance. Beyond just the contractual and payment complications, variability also clouds the ability of stakeholders to properly assess the quality of material and assess its performance. This increases the risk that poor material is accepted or good material is rejected, and can produce misleading data when engineers are considering changes to specifications and test methods. The human factor in all of this is inescapable. And in the case of Caltrans, as the DOT is known in California, the department is
Dr. Shadi Saadeh of CSU Long Beach (left) shows off the first HMA I class workbook with Caltrans District 11 Materials Engineer Al Ochoa (interim JTCP project manager) at a 2017 unveiling and review of the JTCP curriculum for stakeholders held in Sacramento.
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Members of the Joint Training & Certification Program Advisory Committee meeting in 2018 in Long Beach (left to right): Tim Greutert, Caltrans; Russell Snyder, CalAPA; Dr. Shadi Saadeh, CSULB; Jeremy Peterson-Self, Caltrans; Keith Hoffman, Caltrans; Charles Stewart, SWCPA; Divyesh Vora, Caltrans and Leah Budu, Caltrans.
responsible for certifying its own technicians as well as those of industry. A growing movement across the country has recognized that a better model is for an independent entity to train and certify all technicians to the same standards of proficiency. This longtime reform movement became more critical when the California Legislature was considering boosting fuel taxes and fees to repair the state’s crumbling pavement and bridge infrastructure. Critics of the tax increase demanded more transparency and more accountability in how tax dollars are spent. In fact, the ultimate name of the bill, Senate Bill 1, or SB1 for short, became known as “The Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017.” It was passed by a two-thirds majority of both houses of the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. Ultimately, it was not to be the final word on investing in the state’s transportation infrastructure. That would come in the form of two ballot initiatives in 2018, Proposition 69 on the June primary ballot, which sought to protect transportation dollars from being diverted to nontransportation uses, and Proposition 6 on the November ballot, which sought to repeal the taxes and fees associated with SB1. Proposition 69 passed with 80 percent “yes” votes, and Proposition 6 was defeated soundly. The lesson to politicians and civil servants alike, however, was that there was a strong expectation on the part of the public that transportation dollars are spent prudently. Proper training and certification of those technicians who test all of the material that goes into roads and bridges, therefore,
Dr. Shadi Saadeh with CSULB kicks off the unveiling of the JTCP curriculum at a 2017 meeting of stakeholders held at California State University, Sacramento.
became the poster child for reform and accountability. It was likely the biggest change since the department moved to the Quality Control/Quality Assurance model in the 1990s. The effort grew partly out of a construction materials “summit” organized by CalAPA® and held Sept. 10, 2015 in Sacramento where industry and agency representatives huddled over numerous issues that can impede the timely delivery of transportation improvement projects. Prompt sharing of materials test results and the skill-level of testers were two issues that were targeted for improvement, and two industryagency task forces were created to develop a series of process improvements. Ensuring that all materials testers, in both the public and private sector, possess the same level of knowledge and skill in performing lab and field tests was deemed critical to reducing conflict and delay on construction
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
projects. More than 20 other states have implemented a joint agencyindustry training and certification program and have reported dramatic reductions in test variability and claims on construction projects. In its 2015 announcement that the Joint Training & Certification Program had been green-lighted, then-State Materials Engineer Phil Stolarski said the goals of the program would be to: • Provide highly skilled, knowledgeable materials sampling and testing technicians • Promote uniformity and consistency in testing • Provide quality improvement • Create a harmonious working atmosphere between public and private employees based upon trust, open communication, and equality of certification
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Consultant and longtime industry materials expert Tom Carter (left) and JTCP Program Manager Jeremy Peterson-Self with Caltrans take a break during an HMA I class at California State University, San Jose in 2018.
Caltrans provided the $1.3 million in start-up capital to launch the JTCP and would offer training and certification in soil, aggregates, Hot Mix Asphalt and Portland cement concrete. The department entered into an agreement with California State University, Long Beach, to manage the program. “Caltrans is looking forward to working with the various segments of the construction and consultant industries in developing a Joint Training Program for material testers,” Stolarski told CalAPA® at the time. “This is a unique opportunity in that collectively we will build a program from the ground up that will center on providing quality training, and true partnership relations, among materials testers.” Tracy Zubek, Quality Control Manager for CalAPA® member DeSilva Gates Materials and a member of CalAPA®’s Technical Advisory Committee, said he was pleased with the department’s announcement. Zubek saw first-hand the benefits of a joint program when he worked in Oregon, which implemented a similar program years ago. “Having a joint training program for Caltrans and industry is another great leap forward in the pursuit of partnering and will have a direct correlation to improved quality of materials used to build California’s transportation infrastructure,” said Zubek, who is also co-chair of the Caltrans-industry
10
Pavement & Materials Partnering Committee Asphalt Task Group. “This will help further strengthen relationships between project owners and industry.” The program officially launched at the beginning of 2018, and was later touted in a joint announcement by Caltrans and California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Shadi Saadeh from the CSULB School of Engineering was designated as the project manager, leveraging his school’s educational expertise. Since the training includes hands-on exercises, it must be done in a materials lab setting, and CSULB and San Jose State University were designated as the two training locations. The training modules, encompassing dozens of individual test methods, were grouped by material type: Hot Mix Asphalt, Soils and Aggregates and Portland cement concrete. Technicians earn certification by taking a prerequisite test in an area of specialization, followed by in-person class, laboratory and written and practical examination sessions. CSULB manages the program and has recruited a stable of experienced lab managers and other experts to teach the classes in Long Beach and in San Jose. “The Joint Caltrans/CSU Training Program is a partnership that helps guarantee SB1’s funding is spent wisely by preparing qualified
technicians who are capable of testing and evaluating the materials we use to repair roads to ensure they meet the exacting standards we expect for quality, durability, and safety,” said state Sen. Jim Beall, D-San Jose, chairman of the Senate Transportation & Housing Committee in a 2018 announcement officially launching the program with officials from Caltrans and Cal State Long Beach. “The highway construction industry, including private companies, local government agencies, and Caltrans, has had a longstanding interest in a joint materials testing certification program,” said Shadi Saadeh, JTCP Program Manager and associate professor in civil engineering. “The strong response to the classes indicates that the industry is embracing this new program, which will allow them to become certified in four different sets of construction materials tests.” With a full year of classes and certifications in the books, Caltrans Director Laurie Berman said the program is performing as expected. “Over the past year, this program has broken down barriers for more than 800 engineers and technicians in the materials testing industry, some in obtaining proficiency and others in the collaboration between state and private industry,” Berman told California Asphalt magazine. “This is essential as we deliver projects funded by SB1 and ensure materials used in the construction of our roadways and bridges are of the highest quality.” Brian Annis, secretary of the California State Transportation Agency, who replaced Brian Kelly last year, offered similar praise. “Now that SB 1 projects are being implemented in full force across California, it’s more imperative than ever that we create innovative solutions to deliver on the promises of this critical infrastructure investment,” Annis told California Asphalt magazine. “Training programs like this one provide efficiency, access and opportunities, while ensuring the highest standards are met for quality materials on [ Continued on page 12 ]
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
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Left: Joint Training & Certification instructors and participants at a class held at California State University, Long Beach.
[ Continued from page 10 ]
thousands of new construction projects statewide.” For legislators who voted for SB1, seeing innovation and accountability in action via the JTCP is gratifying. “As a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee and Chair of the Education Committee, I understand the intersection between fixing our roads and educating the employees that perform the work,” said Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, D-Long Beach. “A big part of SB 1 is accountability, and this innovative training and certification program will ensure that the workers who test construction materials are highly qualified, and taxpayers are getting what they pay for.” Joe Peterson, now retired, was the chief of the Caltrans Office of Roadway Materials Testing when he was tasked to put together the blueprint for the California version of the Joint Training & Certification Program, and he drew upon examples from numerous successful programs across the country, including in Oregon, Colorado and Texas. When Peterson retired, District II Materials Engineer Al Ochoa served as interim project manager until the new project manager for the program, Jeremy Peterson-Self, was named. The program was designated to reside within the Caltrans Materials Engineering & Testing Branch, Office of Roadway Materials Testing. Hisbosses who are largely responsible for making sure the program is successful are Dan Speer, the current METS Chief and state materials engineer, and Tim Greutert, Chief of the Office of Roadway Materials Testing.
12
In addition to managing the contract with Cal State Long Beach, monitoring the training classes and dealing with various issues that have come up with a new program, Peterson-Self also launched an industry-agency Advisory Council to ensure the curriculum and testing is relevant and meeting the needs of the various stakeholders. Peterson-Self reported that, in 2018, there were a total of 48 classes held (24 in Long Beach and 16 in San Jose), plus eight Portland cement concrete classes via an already established and respected training & certification program developed by the American Concrete Association (ACI). The program counted 13 instructors, with recruitment of additional instructors ongoing. There were a total of 833 people who attended the classes (424 in Long Beach and 259 in San Jose), plus an additional 150 trained through ACI. All trainees are asked to evaluate the classes, and the overall ranking was a 4.46 out of 5, with a slightly higher 4.56 rating for JTCP instructors. The overall pass rate for the courses is 98.47 percent, which members of the Advisory Council attribute to the prerequisites required of trainees before they are admitted to the class, the quality of the curriculum and instructors, and the hands-on reinforcement in a real-world materials lab setting. Perhaps one of the most telling statistics is the evaluation of the class by participants based on experience. For technicians with zero to five years experience, the overall class rating
was 4.45, but for technicians with more than 20 years experience, they ranked the classes at 4.65. “That shows us that we are reaching and satisfying students with a lot of experience, and that is our toughest audience,” said Peterson-Self. “They’ve been doing this a long time, are very knowledgeable, and know the right way to perform these tests. For the program to rank so high with the most experienced technicians speaks volumes about the quality of the curriculum and instructors.” It is the perspective of those instructors that offers an illuminating look at how the JTCP concept is working in practice, and so far the reviews are positive. Roger Khoudessian, a principal materials licensed engineer for Kleinfelder West, Inc., who has taught HMA, Soils & Aggregate and PCC classes, said he was amazed at the diversity of experience and perspectives among his students. “I have taught students that have never been in a plant or tested material in the field or a lab, so those students get excited the most. And I have taught experienced testers who have been testing for so many years but were doing things incorrectly just because someone told them to do it that way,” Khoudessian said. “And then there are the experienced ones that haven’t performed a specific test simply because they were always in the field and the test was being performed by lab folks, or the agency testers who worked only on Caltrans projects and were eager to know what other local agencies or the FAA were
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Left: Instructor Dave Aver makes a point; Middle: Student assistants preparing samples for one of the many hands-on tests that are part of the JTCP. Right: Instructor Greg Reader (left) shares a laugh with class participants as CalAPA®’s Brandon Milar (right) looks on.
doing. When I explain why we do things in a certain way or why it’s important to do it correctly, they seem to appreciate their work more.” He also said the camaraderie that develops among JTCP students from agencies or private industry is already beginning to pay dividends. “The way I see folks interacting, there is a great atmosphere when industry testers work side-by-side with Agency testers, and they share their experiences, especially when they come from different districts and different geographical and environmental areas. Working long years on Caltrans projects, I always used to see disputes and delays. I’m seeing those less and less already.” Pascal Mascarenhas with Vulcan Materials, a JTCP instructor of several classes, said sometimes even experienced testers develop bad habits that can negatively impact a test result, and this has been illuminated in class. “I found seasoned individuals, who by many measures are competent, did not follow the test methods as published 100 percent of the time. They would argue the validity of certain steps or use common shortcuts knowing the test method did not support those actions. I was surprised how often this occurred.” JTCP instructor Dave Aver, who has years of experience in private industry as well as working for a public works agency, says the design of the program has optimized the learning experience, which speaks well of the influence of the CSU expertise in developing instructional programs. “JTCP allows the participant
to ask questions during presentations, laboratory exercises, breaks and even after formal instruction periods have been exhausted,” Aver says. “There are fellow testers sitting next to you asking the exact same question while experienced testers can share their thoughts without prejudice. It is about providing a group setting with Agency and Industry all biding for the same outcome.” “Understanding of the test method,” Aver says, “is covered in what I call a three-dimensional setting: (1) Instruction with PowerPoint, work book and test procedure, (2) Instruction in a laboratory with hands-on demonstration and practice, (3) Peer group consultation, which can take the form of questions, such as how this applies to them, and asking that something be demonstrated again, within one’s group. The JTCP has captured the perfect way to learn and absorb a specific test method, in my opinion.” He also said the Caltrans Independent Assurance staff are the “unsung heroes” of the program because they proctor the exams on “very long Fridays,” and also offered praise for the student assistants at Cal State Long Beach and San Jose State University for handling a lot of the logistics for the classes. “I have a special appreciation for the dedicated students at both locations who keep things running smoothly.” Another instructor, Mark Switzer with LOR Geotechnical Group, said the setting for the classes, with the proper equipment in a college setting, also sets the right tone for the learning experience.
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
“The environment Caltrans has created, using the Cal State University locations, supplying brand new testing equipment, and putting industry, local agency and Caltrans technicians in one room for a few days of committed study, drives people to learn,” Switzer says. “When a student steps onto campus, they feel a sense of purpose. That student is not there away from their day job for a vacation -- they are there to get an education. The university laboratories have been set up with the latest testing equipment and tools to get students’ hands dirty with practical training.” As the program enters into its second year, program managers are gathering numerous recommendations for improvement, such as revising modules, pricing, scheduling, adding test methods and holding classes at more locations among them. Overall, however, the program has far exceeded nearly everyone’s expectations. “This program isn’t cheap, and it consumes time and resources,” says Greg Reader with George Reed Inc., another JTCP instructor. “But it’s an investment in our infrastructure, and an investment in the personnel who build our infrastructure.” CA Russell W. Snyder, CAE, is executive director of the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA®). Contributing to this article was Brandon Milar, P.E., Director of Technical Services, for CalAPA®.
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Q&A with
Kristin Gaspar San Diego County Supervisor
By Russell W. Snyder
Editor’s Note: Kristin Gaspar is a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors representing the Third District. She is the youngest woman ever elected to the board. Prior to becoming a Supervisor, she was an Encinitas City Council Member and went on to become the first elected Mayor in that city. She also served as president of the Encinitas Rotary Club. She is the first elected official from San Diego County to meet with the President of the United States in strategy sessions regarding local and state issues. She attended Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. She and her husband, Paul, have three children and live in Encinitas. Together they built a physical therapy business that has grown to seven offices, employs 150 people and serves more than 6,500 patients throughout the county. What brought her to the notice of the asphalt pavement industry in California was her initiative, which she launched when she was chairwoman of the County Board of Supervisors, to place an emphasis on innovation and efficiency in improving the county’s vast network of streets and roads. The effort became known as the “Building Better Roads” initiative, and it was a collaborative effort involving county staff, private industry and other stakeholders to look for ways to stretch scarce transportation dollars and repair roads in an efficient and more sustainable 14
way. A signature emphasis area has been a re-examination of the potential for the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in pavement mixes utilized by the county, in recognition of the fact that the county faces an acute shortage of aggregate resources. In a March 22 letter to the Board of Supervisors, CalAPA® said: “We are pleased to offer our full-throated support for the very impressive ‘Building Better Roads’ initiative undertaken in your county. This effective collaboration between the county’s elected representatives, professional staff and private industry has resulted in a number of innovative and cost-effective recommendations that will pay dividends for all residents of San Diego County for many years to come.” The letter went on to say, “this is a model of good government that others should follow.” On March 21 of this year, Gaspar delivered the keynote speech to the CalAPA® Spring Asphalt Pavement Conference, highlighting the accomplishments of the “Building Better Roads” effort and dazzling attendees with her hands-on demonstration utilizing rock and sand, major components of asphalt. Following her speech, Supervisor Gaspar sat down with “California Asphalt Magazine” to discuss her commitment to quality transportation, saving tax dollars and protecting the quality of life for all the residents of San Diego County. This interview draws upon some of the remarks she made to the Spring Conference audience.
Kristin Gaspar
San Diego County Board of Supervisors
California Asphalt Magazine: For someone relatively new to governing, you really seem to have hit the ground running. San Diego County is one of the largest and most complex counties in the nation. The magnitude of the challenges you face every day must be daunting. Kristin Gaspar: I have 650,000 constituents in my district alone. We have 3.3 million San Diegans counting on us to make some smart decisions while in office. But I have to admit that coming from a city of about 65,000 people and serving as mayor, this was a much larger endeavor that I could have ever imagined. I’m really thankful for being in that chair, making decisions, coming into the job with a business background, having grown up in San Diego, raising a family in San Diego, so it’s been a unique opportunity to look at the region [ Continued on page 16 ]
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
[ Continued from page 14 ]
through a different lens than when I was just in charge of a city within the broader region of San Diego. CAM: You obviously have a passion for roads. Tell us a little bit about that. KG: Roads are the arteries that tie our lives together -- to work, to school, to visit family, to begin an adventure. In 2010, I packed up a little red wagon with an infant and two toddlers and hit the road to visit my neighbors in our sleepy beach community of Encinitas as I embarked upon my first run for office. I was elected to the Encinitas City Council that Fall and immediately looked through my financial lens at the priorities of our city. Prior to the election, I had been busy – like everyone in your industry -- building a business and starting a family. I simply didn’t have the time to worry about the inter-workings of the city that I called home. I’d seen the photos of smiling politicians leaning on shovels or sitting atop bulldozers and figured all was well. I was surprised to find out that the things that we monitor so closely in a business – costs, revenues, business plans – didn’t really exist at our city. I struggled at times to convince my colleagues that we needed to pay for core services first. It’s a simple concept, I know, but when you are spending other people’s money, it’s easy to veer off the proverbial road. CAM: We love the road metaphor! KG: In my first term in office as an Encinitas City Council Member, my experience in growing a business helped me understand how to pragmatically approach local issues and produce solutions that were outcomes-based. I firmly believe that roads are the gateway to a city and that you can judge that 16
city’s fiscal health by the quality of its roads. As Mayor of Encinitas, I made it a priority to front-load resources for our roads. Because of this approach, the City increased and maintained one of the highest PCI scores in the region. CAM: That’s very impressive. How did you translate that success at a small city to one of the most populous counties in the nation? KG: As the newest Supervisor in 2017, I was quick to ask questions about the health of the County’s roads. I was surprised to find that the County’s roads were failing. This was especially shocking because the County’s financial health is very good. Here we were again at this crossroads of prioritizing core services. The County has nearly 2,000 centerline miles of roads in our region’s sprawling unincorporated areas. That’s the equivalent of the distance from San Diego to Chicago. I’ll be blunt about it: The system the County uses to maintain and repair our infrastructure is outdated. So much so, that our PCI score is now at a low of 60. That’s an embarrassment. The County earned that failing grade because instead of being innovative, we were waiting for more money to fall out of the sky. CAM: They say the first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem. You clearly helped the county do that. Then what happened? KG: Our Board decided to do something about these failing roads and committed to raising the PCI score to at least a 70 within five years. I know I’m speaking to the right audience because I’m sure your readers understand how much money goes into taking a PCI of 60 to 70 in a few years, and then maintaining that. As you know, our roads are funded through a variety
of tax streams. And as our society pushed for greener options, gas usage declined and so did the revenues. While the passage of SB1, the Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017, did provide additional revenues, the problem at the local level is that we are the bottom of the food chain. Your precious tax dollars often serve at the whim of a state or federal mandate. CAM: We hear a similar refrain from across the state. Our members are asking, where are all the SB1 dollars? They don’t seem to be turning into projects to fix the roads. Just throwing more money at the problem is clearly not enough. People need to notice things are getting better. KG: Right. So as chairwoman of the Board in 2018, I made innovation the centerpiece of my tenure. Just like in my business, the more that we can insulate and protect our “rocks” – as I attempted to demonstrate in my speech at your conference, the more room we will have for “sand.” So, I went on an innovation road show, to challenge not only our public works department, but also industry to do things better and more efficiently. Together with the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, my office hosted a roundtable with over 360 years of combined experience from the aggregate and asphalt industry, pavers, contractors and different cities’ public works departments. That discussion was a game changer for me. And as you can imagine, it was lively, especially with people like Matt Pound with Escondido Materials in the room. CAM: He’s lively at CalAPA® Board meetings as well. KG: I never imagined leaving a conference about roads, and then daydreaming about them. I spent the next few months meeting with industry, touring several facilities
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Group as one of the top 10 stories to impact the asphalt industry in California in 2019. Thank you! CAM: But you’re far from finished.
Matt Pound, Escondido Materials (left), Kristin Gaspar, Chairwoman, Board of Supervisors, County of San Diego and Crystal Howard, EnviroMINE, Inc.
throughout Southern California, asking questions, asking for input about how to work together, and sharing my vision for innovation. This led me to bring forward an item to the Board of Supervisors: the Building Better Roads Working Group. Last September, the Board unanimously supported this action, which sought to bring together industry associations and local public agencies to provide us with the best knowledge on how totackle our infrastructure problems as a region. Our Department of Public Works developed the Working Group in conjunction with AGC-San Diego and CalAPA® and made it open to all interested stakeholders. The meetings included industry groups, contractors, 11 cities, SANDAG (the San Diego Association of Governments), and Caltrans. An opportunity rarely seen. CAM: That’s a very impressive collaboration. It takes some real leadership to bring all those entities together. They don’t always communicate among themselves.
KG: To date, we’ve conducted 11 public meetings and we’re developing over 20 reports related to pavement preservation. We’re looking to share all of it with our regional partners. The Working Group has focused on innovative and cost-effective approaches for consistent and cost-effective asphalt mix designs using RAP and warm mix asphalt technology, increasing the percentage of RAP in asphalt, and identifying other uses for RAP in local agency public work construction projects. CAM: Many of those innovations are also sustainable, and we know that San Diego County is very proud of its record of cherishing and protecting the environment. KG: I am very happy to report that the feedback so far has been that the Working Group has exceeded expectations. We’re always learning, and the Working Group facilitated a tour of a local material supplier to highlight challenges with asphalt processing and materials in the region. I’m also pleased that CalAPA® recognized the Working
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
KG: Right. The Working Group is also coordinating with CalAPA® and the University of California Pavement Research Center to sponsor a technical conference for local governments with timely, relevant, and practical support, training, and research for pavement improvement -- again, thank you! It is clear that the County will be moving forward with improvements to our asphalt mix designs; further increasing the use of RAP in our asphalt pavement at up to 25 percent from our standard 15 percent; and construction contracting improvements. The County will also be developing pilot projects to further evaluate increasing the percentage and use of RAP; using RAP in seal treatments; expanding the use of warm-mix asphalt applications and other innovations. The Working Group is focused on building relationships to facilitate communication and cooperation between both agencies and industry. The subject matter reports will be shared with our local agency partners as they’re developed to educate and foster innovative, cost effective, and sustainable pavement preservation treatments for the entire region. CAM: It’s nice how several positive outcomes, like fixing roads, saving tax dollars and being more sustainable, converge with the Building Better Roads initiative. How have people responded to that? KG: It’s better for the workforce. It’s better for the environment. It’s more cost-effective. How could anyone find anything wrong with that? It’s just so simple. We have these answers right in 17
front of our faces, yet we can’t seem to do the right thing. And so, for the first time, I think it’s a universal message that will work with people. I want to find one person in my community that’s going to argue with me that this isn’t a better path forward. Find me that person! Maybe if we publish this article in your magazine we’ll be able to discover that there is one person out there who doesn’t think this is a good idea. CAM: There’s always at least one. KG: And if people are hesitant, if they are skeptical, then do a pilot project. Test it! But I can guarantee you that it’s already been tested somewhere else, and that’s what is great. We’re not reinventing the wheel. In the case of RAP, it’s already been done up in L.A. County. They have had those pilot projects. They have had projects in place for a dozen years that we can look to as solid examples. But if anyone still needs to be convinced, then do a pilot. There is not one treatment or strategy that is going to fix it all. We’re going to need all the tools in that toolbox, all ideas at the table, and we need to make some smart choices in terms of how we’re prioritizing funding. It might not be that the cheapest way to go right now is the best way to go. It might cost us a little more up front, but it will pay dividends in the long run. We need to rethink the whole strategy. CAM: You’ve already compiled an impressive list of accomplishments in a relatively short time. KG: It doesn’t stop here. I am not ready to declare victory. I know we can do more. CAM: How do you help bring about a culture change in government to be mindful of treating tax dollars as 18
a precious commodity, to always be looking for ways to improve, to take on the big, complex challenges and deliver for your constituents? KG: The priority is core services first. I challenge anyone to go back to those satisfaction surveys from cities, because they will tell you every time that infrastructure matters to communities. It matters for businesses that are looking to locate in communities. It matters for everything else that makes a city vibrant. CAM: It’s easy for government to fall into a trap of everything being a priority, when in reality, if everything is a priority, then nothing is a priority. How do you break that cycle? KG: It just needs to be communicated that core services are provided first. Period. CAM: How do you communicate to the larger community on these issues? KG: First, it’s a message to the constituents that is pretty basic. It’s pay now, or pay more later. And there isn’t a person who doesn’t go through the daily frustration of trying to navigate the region and notice that we are deficient in a number of areas. We need to be able to move throughout the region easier. It’s gotten more complex over time because we’ve ignored our core priorities, which should be those core services over time. I think people are real receptive at this point in time to innovation. They recognize that budgets across the board just keep getting leaner. We have to find a more sustainable path moving forward because anything we’ve tried in the past isn’t working all that well anymore, so the status quo isn’t going to cut it, so I think there’s a real appetite for innovation.
I’ve been excited to see how receptive our team has been within the county to listening to voices from the industry, to assimilating knowledge. The first working group I put together in Escondido, the Chamber of Commerce was kind enough to host a roundtable and, collectively at that table, we had 360 years of combined experience. These are people who know that there is a better way. They haven’t been able to see that better way to come to fruition in their communities. They’d love to. The answers are there. I’m thoroughly convinced that the answers we need are out there. We just have to have the political will to pursue them. If you have some strong elected leaders who are willing to go to bat for this issue, I think we’ll make a lot of progress. CAM: Judging by the enthusiastic response to your speech to our Spring Conference, I think our members are very impressed with what you have accomplished so far. KG: I challenge your members to join me. With you as our partners, this road we are on will be smoother and last longer. CAM: Amen! What do you need from our industry? KG: We need you more than ever as an advocate in our corner, helping us to make some different choices in these municipalities, at the county level. I’m just thankful to play a small role in all of it. CA Interview conducted by Russell W. Snyder, CAE, executive director, California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA®).
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
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By Russell W. Snyder
CalAPA ‘citizen lobbyists’ walk the halls of the Capitol in Sacramento to promote transportation ®
Above: Attendees at the annual CalAPA® State Capitol Fly-in in Sacramento March 5-6, 2019 (pictured left to right): Jeff Sievers, Carpenter Sievers (CalAPA® advocate); Brian Stopper, Syar Industries; Scott Metcalf, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions; Crystal Howard, EnviroMINE; Steve Ward, Pavement Recycling Systems; Gary Houston, Valero; Jordan Reed, George Reed / VSS; Scott Dmytrow, Telfer Pavement Technologies; Peggy Robertson, Holliday Rock; Jeff Benedict, Valero; Toni Carroll, Graniterock; Scott Fraser, R.J. Noble; and Martin Hansberger, Holliday Rock. Not pictured: Richard Champion, CEI and Brian Handshoe, Kenco Engineering.
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CalAPA® members descended upon the state Capitol in Sacramento for the association’s annual “Fly-in” to develop and strengthen relationships with elected officials and other policy-makers. The two-day event, held March 5-6, was very different in tone from previous years, when inadequate road funding and crumbling infrastructure was at the top of the agenda. In 2017, the Legislature passed, and the governor signed into law, SB1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act, which raised fuel taxes and fees to generate more than $5 billion per year for state and local transportation. A statewide voter initiative on the Nov. 6, 2018 ballot would have repealed the taxes, but it was rejected by voters. CalAPA® members returned to Sacramento to thank those that voted for SB1, chided those who
didn’t, and also welcomed new members of the Legislature who were briefed on the importance of good roads to our state’s economy and quality of life. The “citizen lobbyists” also highlighted the asphalt industry’s many innovations to be more sustainable and good stewards of our resources. In particular, the industry noted the recent work being done by Caltrans and industry representatives to develop specifications to incorporate more recycled asphalt into pavement mixes. Asphalt is the world’s No. 1 recycled product, and old asphalt can be ground up and reused again and again to rehabilitate roads. The top concern voiced by CalAPA® members was the importance of delivering roadimprovement projects quickly to show voters that their money is being spent as intended. Last year voters approved Prop. 69,
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Left: State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa (seated behind desk) talks with the CalAPA® delegation at the annual CalAPA® State Capitol Fly-in in Sacramento.
which was intended to prevent transportation dollars from being diverted to other purposes, yet there remain concerns that projects with tenuous “transportation” links — and not visible to motorists — could be funded by SB1. Many lawmakers shared that concern. “It was good to get in front of legislators, and for us to put a face on what we do,” said Toni Carroll with Graniterock, who attended the Fly-in. “We pressed hard on SB1, using the money correctly, and also discussing recycling and other ways we operate in a sustainable way.” She also said it was nice for Legislators to hear everything the asphalt pavement industry is doing to grow a skilled and diverse workforce. “We made sure they could see the strong connection between our industry and jobs, the economy and our quality of life.” The event’s special dinner guest was Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, D-Long Beach, a teacher who is also a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee. He shared a passion with the CalAPA® members on the subject of jobs and workforce development, including vocational education. The evening dinner was underwritten by CalAPA® members Valero and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions.
More photos from the event can be found on the CalAPA® Facebook page. An updated CalAPA® backgrounder that was presented to lawmakers can be downloaded via the “Legislative Action” page on the CalAPA® website: www.calapa.net. CalAPA® will be leading a delegation to Washington, D.C. May 14-15 to meet with members of the California Congressional delegation to discuss federal infrastructure funding as part of the Transportation Construction Coalition “Fly-in” to the nation’s Capitol. If you plan on attending the TCC Fly-in please notify CalAPA® at (916) 791-5044. CA
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Above: CalAPA® State Capitol Fly-in March 5-6, 2019 in Sacramento, (pictured from left to right): Scott Dmytrow, Telfer Pavement Technologies; Steven Ward, Pavement Recycling Systems; Peggy Robertson, Holliday Rock; Crystal Howard, EnviroMINE; Assemblyman Jim Frazer, D-Oakley; Toni Carroll, Graniterock; Scott Metcalf, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions; Gary Houston, Valero; and Jordan Reed, George Reed/VSS.
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Mustang Asphalt Plant – Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc. and Q&D Construction, LLC Welcomed as one of California Asphalt Pavement Association’s newest members By Brian Hoover, CMS
The Mustang Asphalt Plant has been in existence since 1998 providing hot mix asphalt products to Northern Nevada and Northeastern California. The plant was bought and sold over the years from three or four well-known companies and was offered for sale again in 2005. Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc., out of Sparks, stepped up and partners, Kevin Robertson and Craig Holt became the new owners and operators of the existing asphalt plant. Robertson serves as the company president, Holt as vice president, and both are equal partners in the firm. “We purchased the asphalt plant and quarry to fulfill another
step in our plan to be as vertically integrated as possible in the asphalt construction business here in Northern Nevada,” says Robertson. “Our strategy was going along according to plan, and the new addition was bringing new growth and prosperity to our overall business model, that is until the downturn in 2008.” Robertson and Holt continued to work and do whatever they could to maintain the volume necessary to keep their asphalt plant viable, but the economy was not turning around, and by 2010, they knew they had to make some hard decisions. “Our overall business had been cut in half by the Great Recession, going from
75 salaried employees to 25 in just one year. We also had two portable asphalt plants that we had just recently purchased in 2008, and they were just anchors around our neck,” says Robertson. “Our business, in general, had been cut in half, and we saw that we did not have enough tonnage to justify owning an asphalt plant facility.” It was at this time that Robertson and Holt decided to approach Q&D Construction, LLC, also out of Sparks, to see if they would be interested in purchasing and owning half interest in the plant and quarry. As it turned out, Q&D Construction, LLC was indeed interested in forming a partnership with Sierra
Below: 400 ton per hour Mustang Asphalt Plant with the aggregate plants in the background. Mustang mines and performs their primary crushing at the top and transfers the material to a secondary aggregate plant below where they crush all the PMA’s (plant mix aggregates) for the asphalt plant.
Nevada Construction, Inc. and within a few years, the numbers and tonnage were back to where they were before the downturn. Lance Semenko is president of Q&D Construction, LLC and he has been with the company since joining them as an estimator and project manager in 1993. Semenko, along with four other longtime employees, became a partner and owner in Q&D Construction, LLC in February 2018. “I have known Kevin Robertson and Craig Holt for many years, and through that time, we had forged a great relationship,” says Semenko. “We both perform the same basic type of asphalt work, and the idea was that a partnership would put us both in a better position while keeping the asphalt production side profitable in the process. Instead of the plant producing 150 to 200 thousand tons of asphalt per year,
it could now realize upward of 300 to 400 thousand tons each year. We saw this as a win for both companies.” Q&D Construction, LLC has been in business since 1964, adding new capabilities and creating specialized groups as they grew over the years. The company is quite diverse and vertically integrated with several divisions or niche group offerings. They started in vertical building construction in the 60s, and the building group has since grown
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Top: Excel Lime Marination Plant which is set up to do both NDOT lime marination and Caltrans lime slurry marination. The plant office and AASHTO accredited materials lab are in the background. Above: Processing RAP (recycled asphalt pavement) for the asphalt plant.
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Above: Q&D Construction paving I-80 for the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). Left: Q&D Construction paving on Jacks Valley Road in Carson City, NV.
to offer everything from small equipment replacement projects in hospital operating rooms to building $230 million luxury mountain resorts. They also have an aviation group that provides services that range from interior improvements to ground-up terminal and support facility projects, with a resume of work on more than 100 airports nationwide. Their mining group provides equipment and resources to mining-related construction projects. Additionally, their medical specialty department focuses solely on medical projects with the tremendous skills and knowledge they have gathered over their 30 years in the health care industry. The company’s custom homes division is known for the award24
winning, dramatic, and spectacular custom homes and properties they have built and developed over the years that range from $1 million to $50 million. The asphalt paving and other construction duties are offered through Q&D Construction, LLC’s heavy civil construction group. This division performs a wide variety of work including bridge construction and repair, airports, concrete hardscapes, demolition, erosion control, excavation, flood assistance, parks, pipelines, underground utilities, roads, golf courses and so much more. It is, of course, this particular division that benefits from the equal partnership in the Mustang Asphalt Plant. “Around two-thirds of our business is now in our heavy civil construction group,” says Semenko. “Becoming partners with Sierra Nevada Construction plays right into our overall plan to be as vertically integrated as possible. I think it provides our company a competitive edge and it is always good to know that the money you are spending on asphalt materials is turning around and coming back to us through the success of our asphalt plant.” Q&D Construction, LLC also has a portable Gencor asphalt plant that they utilize on job sites that are located in desert areas in Eastern
Nevada. Their asphalt work is predominantly heavy highway paving in Northern Nevada and Northern California. “There is a lot of room for growth in the asphalt production end of our business, with opportunities and land available to potentially attain a permit for another plant in the future,” says Semenko. “Much of the asphalt produced at the Mustang Asphalt Plant goes toward our projects and Sierra Nevada Construction’s projects; however, we do sell to other asphalt paving companies and welcome additional business opportunities.” Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc. is a midsized heavy civil engineering construction firm. Kevin Robertson and Craig Holt purchased the existing company in 2001, after working for Granite Construction for several years in different capacities. “I went to work for Granite Construction after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1993 and began my career as a cost engineer, before moving on to a project manager and then a area manager,” says Robertson. “Craig played basketball at Loyola Marymount and then went to work for Granite in 1994 on the business side in accounting, finance, and legal. The knowledge and experience we gained at Granite [ Continued on page 26 ]
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
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[ Continued from page 24 ]
Above: Sierra Nevada Construction was a subcontractor to Kiewit on the Southeast Connector Phase 1 paving project for RTC in Reno, NV.
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Construction was invaluable in helping us create the business that we have been fortunate to build.” Robertson explains that when they first purchased the company, it was a small family owned operation that started back in 1988. “The original company mainly worked on small to medium-sized grading and paving projects, and we took the skills that we had learned at Granite and put them to work to grow our company to where we have completed projects in excess of $40 million,” says Robertson. “Most of our work is in Northern Nevada, but we also have an office in Sacramento that focuses on pavement preservation type work like chip seals and slurry seal projects, and accounts for around one-third of our business.” Robertson says that Sierra Nevada Construction, Inc.’s work in California is primarily in the Truckee/Lake Tahoe area. Their crews work up and down the California and Nevada state line, performing both public works and private work in Nevada and mostly public works in California. “We do a lot of asphalt maintenance work, including road reconstruction work down to the removal and replacement of underground utilities,” says Robertson. “We have our own pipe crews, and just this year we purchased a concrete construction company for our concrete flatwork projects. We stay busy working for agencies like Caltrans, NDOT, RTC and other local county and city type work.” Sierra Nevada Construction also stays busy with private site work on jobs that are typically 50-acres or less. “We move the dirt, put pipe in the ground, do all of the grading and then turn the building pad over to the general contractor. Our particular specialty is our work with the tilt-up contractors, and manufacturing facility developers, as we remain focused on the commercial and
industrial side of the business.” Robertson points out that around one-half or more of their revenue comes from their asphalt construction division in both private and public works. “You know, Q&D Construction, is one of our biggest competitors, however, partnering with them was a great move for our company, and I believe that the partnership has already yielded several benefits for both of our firms,” says Robertson. “More buying power is always a good thing and working with a company like Q&D, with such an impressive reputation, history and heritage has also been beneficial. It is nice to know that if we lose an asphalt job to Q&D, we still got a piece of the asphalt mix end of the job.” Robertson says that the annual capacity of their Mustang Asphalt Plant facility is more than 1 million tons. “We are constantly producing asphalt material for use by both companies, but we also continue to purchase 25,000 to 50,000 thousand tons of hot mix from companies like Wetern Nevada Materials (a Teichert Company) to meet our demands,” says Robertson. “We are also continually investing in our Mustang Asphalt Plant facility, making improvements like replacing slats, building silos, adding new crushers and conveyor systems, adding new mining tools, and we even changed out the burner this year, along with a lot of electrical updates. Kevin Linderman is Q&D’s VP of operations, Frank Cavalier is Q&D’s materials manager, Michael Rader is our plant operations manager and they deserve a great deal of praise for Mustang’s success. We recently joined the California Asphalt Pavement Association to create more awareness for both our companies and asphalt plant. We are all very excited about the future of both of our companies and our partnership in the Mustang Asphalt Plant.” CA
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INDUSTRY NEWS Rocking the house: San Diego County Supervisor Gaspar shakes up tech-heavy asphalt pavement conference San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar didn’t mince words when she stepped to the microphone at the March 20-21 Spring Asphalt Pavement Conference in Ontario. “I firmly believe,” the former Mayor of Encinitas intoned, “that roads are the gateway to a city and that you can judge that city’s fiscal health by the quality of its roads.” With about a third of the more than 200 people in the audience representing local and state agencies, the seat-squirming and sideways glances were telling. But Gaspar was just getting started. Eschewing a familiar theme of under-investment in road repairs, she focused instead on
government’s responsibility to prioritize and deliver on core services, and the importance of capitalizing on innovation to stretch tax dollars and improve ride quality, which in turn improves the quality of life for constituents. In her relatively short time as an elected official, she said that was sometimes a tough sell. “I struggled at times to convince my colleagues that we needed to pay for core services first,” she said. “Simple concept, I know, but when you are spending other people’s money, it’s easy to veer off the proverbial road.” With that she summoned a volunteer from the audience, which turned out to be “volunteered”
Featured speaker Michael Beauchamp, Caltrans District 8 Director gave an overview of the regional transportation program for District 8.
Jacquelyn Wong, Senior Engineer, Caltrans gave a presentation on Caltrans’ effort to utilize Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for various construction materials.
Bill Morgan, Deputy Director, County of San Diego Public Works Department gave an overview of the steps the County of San Diego is taking to address dwindling aggregate resources in the region .
Pascal Mascarenhas, Vulcan Materials (left) took part Supervisor Gaspar’s hands-on demonstration.
TransTech Systems was an exhibitor.
GoldStar Asphalt Products had an indoor and outdoor exhibit.
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Pascal Mascarenhas with Vulcan Materials, and proceeded to conduct a demonstration of prioritization of government services using materials very familiar to the audience, sand and rocks. The teachable moment using key ingredients found in asphalt pavements was clear: big priorities can get overwhelmed by the dayto-day tasks that consume our lives. “As Mayor of Encinitas, I made it a priority to front-load resources for our roads,” she said of the coastal city of 60,000 residents in North San Diego County. “Because of this approach, the City increased and maintained one of the highest PCI (Pavement Condition Index) scores in the region.”
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
She sought to utilize the same approach when she arrived at the Board of Supervisors in 2017. The county maintains more than 2,000 center-line miles of roads in unincorporated areas, with many in poor condition. “I was surprised to find that the County’s roads were failing,” she said. “This was especially shocking because the County’s financial health is very good.” It was clear more prioritizing was in order. After doing her homework, including meeting with numerous stakeholders, doing site visits and reviewing stacks of research, Gaspar spearheaded the “Building Better Roads” initiative that sought to cast a broader net to leverage innovation, technology and bestpractices to stretch tax dollars and deliver measurable road improvements quickly and in a sustainable way.
“The Working Group has focused on innovative and cost-effective approaches for consistent and cost-effective asphalt mix designs using RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) and warm mix asphalt technology, increasing the percentage of RAP in asphalt, and identifying other uses for RAP in local agency public work construction projects,” Gaspar said. “I am very happy to report that the feedback so far has been that the Working Group has exceeded expectations.” The effort, which was projected to be one of 2019’s Top 10 news stories in California by the Asphalt Insider newsletter, was unanimously endorsed by the Board of Supervisors in a March meeting. CalAPA® is on record supporting the initiative, which is consistent with the association’s strategic plan goal of encouraging
California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
collaborative problem-solving and information-sharing between private industry and public entities. “We ... commend the County for moving quickly with this effort, and for tapping into a wide array of expertise from industry and academia to inform these recommendations,” CalAPA® said in its letter to the Board of Supervisors. “This is a model of good government that others should follow.” Surveying the Ontario audience, many of whom had likely never heard a similar presentation at a technical conference, Gaspar issued a challenge: “Today I challenge you to join me. With you as our partners, this road will be smoother and last longer.” Judging from the sustained applause, and the number of people who lined up to speak with her afterward, she has more than a few takers. CA
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California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
Scott Taylor P: (714) 587-2595 Ex 101 C: (562) 762-5142 scott.taylor@tayloresinc.com
Susana Mitchell P: (714) 587-2595 Ex 102 C: (562) 447-4210 susana.mitchell@tayloresinc.com
www.tayloresinc.com CALENDAR UPDATE SOCAL CONTRACTORS DINNER Date: May 14, 2019 Dal Rae Restaurant 9023 E. Washington Blvd. Pico Rivera ‘DAY AT THE RACES’ Date: July 20, 2019 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar Meeting dates are subject to change. Watch the weekly Asphalt Insider newsletter for meeting updates or call CalAPA® at (916) 791-5044 to confirm meeting date and location. California Asphalt Magazine • 2019 Quality Issue
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H 5i COMPACTOR WITH VIBRATORY SMOOTH ROLLER DRUM • 3-point articulation for outstanding traction and off-road mobility • Simple, intuitive and language-neutral operation • Excellent view of the machine and the construction site • High climbing ability • Compact dimensions
H 7i COMPACTOR WITH VIBRATORY SMOOTH ROLLER DRUM • 3-point articulation for outstanding traction and off-road mobility • Simple, intuitive and language-neutral operation • Excellent view of the machine and the construction site • High climbing ability • Compact dimensions
H 12i COMPACTOR WITH VIBRATORY SMOOTH ROLLER DRUM • 3-point articulation for outstanding traction and off-road mobility • Operating concept Easy Drive • Electronic machine management Hammtronic • Excellent view of the machine and the construction site • High compaction performance thanks to high line load and big amplitudes
VERSATILE • COMPACT • COST-EFFECTIVE
California’s Largest General Line Construction and Municipal Equipment Dealer. So. California: 2044 S. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91761 • (909) 930-1822 No. California: 800 E. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, CA 95304 • (209) 830-8600 www.nixon-egli.com