[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6358652,"mediaKeyId","2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831","parentId",2211991,"title","Committee approves amended prevailing-wage and workforce rules for public projects; threshold raised to $400,000","audioSeconds",5962,"startMs",1101000,"endMs",7063000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831&start=1101&end=7063","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831/thumbnail_1101000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6358652/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Committee-approves-amended-prevailing-wage-and-workforce-rules-for-public-projects-threshold-raised-to-400000","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358652-c37e2e63762cc0fcf81d27a5ccc7c224/orig.mp4?Expires=1771216557&Signature=n8-jyVub9CvTKntkUBGyopfhNR766q8-IifnjYOWKgiQOEOy3ZBNBCFYhoCbTAA-WBlfSCBoP2dKVRcrctJreNzVNL6jRRll7V4YSk8NHPYoJUW9EYxriP6qraD3E2UUzr2tNK1I7l8y1mPYCECwg3Y7LdAWDqvPxIodSXSZARDOPggV27NK7XEWje4Za3OvMdHjwWvDB7A1uSUGoycfc6DfK1STVTxpPhZmpy4W5HS-C0iDN6evA6sUtUMLHCoCeBMz1VOIfB3cbfeXjv8R9M14z8sSfyIcDUy1ovF-mpyJMpAglW2OAJlEghm6YsvrfsxXyFjjfNAPDTRsdvUBPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of St. Louis, MO","date","2025-02-02T11:22:36Z","article","The Transportation and Commerce Committee on Jan. 30 adopted a committee substitute to Board Bill 155 and approved two negotiated amendments that substantially revise how the City of St. Louis will set and enforce prevailing-wage and workforce-utilization requirements on public projects.

Key actions taken in committee included adoption of the committee substitute and two amendments. The sponsor reported that the most contentious issue — the dollar threshold at which the rules apply — was revised in amendment number 1 from the committee-substitute baseline to $400,000; the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) will also set the minimum apprentice percentage consistent with the most recently adopted city disparity study. Amendment number 2 clarified health-insurance language so contractors must provide coverage meeting Affordable Care Act minimum-value standards for on-site employees unless those employees voluntarily opt out or otherwise maintain equivalent coverage (for example through a spouse).

The committee substitute (as presented and then amended) specifies: definitions for \"public project,\" \"contractor,\" and \"commercially useful function\"; documentation and certification requirements for contractors and subcontractors; monthly certified-payroll reporting to SLDC (including weekly certified payroll reports and supporting certifications); contractor posting and affidavit requirements; anti-retaliation protections; and a slate of civil remedies and administrative sanctions for noncompliance. The substitute and the amendments build out SLDC's compliance role: triggers for investigation, a 20-day cure period after an adverse determination, calculation of wage restitution and potential liquidated damages, recommendations for debarment and withholding of up to 10% of awarded incentives until project closeout, and establishment of an escrow for wage restitution payments to affected workers.

SLDC will have authority to adopt rules for implementation, to use existing payroll-monitoring software, and to collect monitoring and compliance fees; funds collected above administrative needs may support workforce-development initiatives.

On enforcement, the committee substitute retains an existing framework and adds specifics. For example, the bill provides that liquidated damages may include $500 per day per impacted worker plus wage-restitution amounts; SLDC will notify contractors and affected workers, allow 20 days to cure, and where violations are not cured may recommend debarment or exercise other remedies consistent with city law and state administrative appeals processes.

Public testimony at the hearing was extensive and sharply divided. Trade unions and labor supporters — including representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the painters and plumbers unions, and the St. Louis Labor Council — strongly supported the bill as drafted and amended, saying it protects wages, safety and apprenticeship access. Representatives of MOCAN, small minority- and women-owned contractors, and several independent nonunion firms urged changes, saying the original $75,000 threshold would have excluded many small local contractors and recommended a substantially higher dollar threshold; those groups asked the committee to table the bill or adopt a higher threshold so small businesses could compete. Several commenters also urged additional clarity on how workforce-development supports and apprenticeship pathways will be delivered for local residents.

After votes to adopt the committee substitute and both amendments, the committee passed Board Bill 155, committee substitute as amended, out of committee with a due-pass recommendation. The clerk recorded aye votes on the final motion from Aldermen Spencer, Narayan, Schweitzer, Browning, Cone and President Green; the bill advances to the full Board of Aldermen for second reading and further debate.

What the committee changed and what remains to finalize: amendment 1 raised the financial threshold at which many of these provisions apply to $400,000 and required SLDC to set minimum apprentice percentages tied to the city disparity study; amendment 2 clarified that health coverage meeting ACA minimum-value standards must be provided unless a worker voluntarily opts out or has equivalent coverage. Several operational details — for example, precise SLDC monitoring protocols and fee amounts — were left to SLDC rulemaking. The bill as amended establishes a clearer enforcement and reporting regime for prevailing-wage and workforce goals on city-funded public projects.

Votes at a glance: the committee adopted the committee substitute and both amendments and then passed the substitute as amended out of committee with a due-pass recommendation; the recorded ayes on the final passage were Aldermen Spencer, Narayan, Schweitzer, Browning, Chair Cone and President Green.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Transportation & Commerce Committee - January 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Transportation and Commerce Committee adopted a committee substitute and two amendments to Board Bill 155 on Jan. 30, clarifying prevailing-wage reporting, enforcement and workforce-utilization goals for public projects and setting the project threshold in amendment 1 at $400,000, with SLDC to set apprentice percentages consistent with the city disparity study.","taxTitle","St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Missouri","taxId",2587,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358656,"Committee advances new lease with Continental Cement; questions remain about pricing and bidding rules",430,550000,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831&start=550&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831/thumbnail_550000.jpg","/articles/6358656/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Committee-advances-new-lease-with-Continental-Cement-questions-remain-about-pricing-and-bidding-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358656-8bddbcd0d0441bf8cd667d0795c915a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771216557&Signature=I8Y4h4bdJnA0jIK9NPJA90tyn55ETnwvjQ2YmZG30ploKrcjJSpNt1MUe1ExHJlN5u5vn7ZG9pkzfnyYXjXzASaSm2K1vRhTDeH8eKza5ucssN5bbAG7CzXWuGUKM3AJHei4rbcor6~M6O78pxMTdt3O8r8ZNUyWBuB6zPiL5sTK~dfnmSUM~~FtpjNNsvw12Ccp6I8~cTEoFBNy5nfWnAoJZR8wk1d9Jxgzx4nm15FPWdWAUM7qsuigx3f5KFR2TUz9g1ELrFrnM7q6eWqeZB7FrhNnUYdVIQntBijLxV3rl2gw6-yPn24laQ8wLSuNNEKHSu~eEZznHOWe-ZXnbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation and Commerce Committee on Jan. 30 advanced Board Bill 146, which would authorize a new lease with Continental Cement Company LLC for riverfront mooring and adjacent property used for moving concrete over the flood wall.

Port Authority counsel Tom Ray told the committee the arrangement is negotiated as a new lease rather than a simple renewal because the Port Authority is limited by charter to 25-year maximum terms. \"If you have a lease and you are not in default under the current ordinance, the port authority has to begin negotiations 6 months prior to the expiration of lease. And if you are successful with the previous lessee, then you don't have to put it out for bid,\" Ray said.

Alderman Schweitzer asked why the proposed rent for Continental Cement was about $100,000 less than the previous mooring lease that the committee had just advanced. Ray said the company owns adjacent land and the negotiated terms reflect that ownership and other site-specific factors. Schweitzer said she would follow up with Ray for additional details prior to final board action.

Two members of the public signed up to comment on Board Bill 146. One commenter asked that Coast Guard or other security be present at the riverfront and that security for boats be paid to ensure monitoring of cargo movements; that comment was made in the context of Board Bill 145 and 146 being considered together during the hearing.

Committee members moved and approved Board Bill 146 with a due-pass recommendation; the bill will proceed to the full Board of Aldermen for further consideration.","Board Bill 146, a new lease with Continental Cement Company LLC for riverfront mooring and adjacent land, advanced from committee after Port Authority counsel explained the company qualified for a negotiated new lease rather than an open bid. Committee members asked for additional detail on the pricing discrepancy with a nearby mooring lease.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6358661,"Committee advances 10-year lease for 1,600 feet of river mooring to SCF Fleeting at above-market rate",360,176000,536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831&start=176&end=536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2211991-927111bf2fbb0be5e6a2592526aff831/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6358661/St-Louis-City/St-Louis-County/Missouri/Committee-advances-10-year-lease-for-1600-feet-of-river-mooring-to-SCF-Fleeting-at-above-market-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6358661-3539e0db4aadfb002a848470caf091c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771216557&Signature=S1n9KX19Aw2MVXJNoOBkeJD-JXKqkVM7WJZ~As9HrAK5ZJEQW1mWJbYBoRnBC2L~nv0ZapFMys5oOcHoV4W0q9D7BcRtswikbdT2uXtnb4l4Tuc3yz95jNrEQ3fhf-v1RtTgGpsNLCcnuTLkydgNJICuJjOBUf7zLt3bfYPY55Xty89VnAa4YHn2-N1LPFW3U-UUCrceS5R6mdZw14YKUfS0PCRW1-TgMGH8cpdtunLk-rBAjKOZS0-HwKqoNuJms7x4~yhrKAp5V~ZrPSRoNoQG6RiYyyTO8CLF7dFNccGQqNLcC5wVPuky8SWmxelKPe6aYzHPUS9kIC-eTMAsug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Louis Board of Aldermen Transportation and Commerce Committee on Jan. 30 voted to advance Board Bill 145, authorizing a lease between the City of St. Louis and SCF Fleeting LLC for approximately 1,600 linear feet of mooring along the Mississippi River near the Near North Riverfront.

The lease as described in committee will run 10 years at $125,000 for the first year, increase by 3% annually, and include three mutual options to extend by five years each. The bill was introduced by the alderman representing the Fourteenth Ward and was advanced from committee with a due-pass recommendation.

Tom Ray, an attorney representing the Port Authority, told the committee the mooring was put out for bid after renewed interest from SCF and that SCF was the only bidder. \"They were the only bidder, and that's why we're entering into it a hundred 20 5 thousand, which is far in excess of the normal rate,\" Ray said, describing the price as above the usual charge. Ray also said the mooring had been attempted to be leased about 15 years ago but the river then “did not really accommodate it.”

Committee members praised the Port Authority for negotiating higher returns on river leases. The sponsor said the mooring area will serve barge and fleet activity in the riverfront cargo area and noted adjacent activity such as the Ashley Energy steam loop.

The committee motion to advance Board Bill 145 carried on a voice/roll call vote. The clerk recorded aye votes from Alderman Spencer, Alderman Ryan, Alderman Schweitzer, Chair Cone and President Green; the bill moves next to the full Board of Aldermen for additional readings.

Details and next steps: the bill advances with a due-pass recommendation from committee; if approved by the full board it will authorize the mayor to execute the lease under the terms presented to committee.","The Transportation and Commerce Committee voted to advance Board Bill 145, a 10-year lease of about 1,600 linear feet of mooring on the Mississippi River to SCF Fleeting LLC, at a first-year rate of $125,000 with 3% annual increases and options to extend. The Port Authority said SCF was the sole bidder and the rate exceeds standard charges.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves amended prevailing-wage and workforce rules for public projects; threshold raised to $400,000

Committee advances new lease with Continental Cement; questions remain about pricing and bidding rules

Committee advances 10-year lease for 1,600 feet of river mooring to SCF Fleeting at above-market rate