Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Union representative urges Atherton to consider contractor prequalification ordinance for public projects
Summary
A representative of Carpenters Local 2217 asked the council during public comment to place a prequalification ordinance on a future agenda that would require prequalification for public construction contracts over $1 million, promote state-approved apprenticeship programs, local hiring and healthcare for workers.
During the public comment period of the June 18 council meeting, Michael Ochoa, a representative of Carpenters Local 2217, urged the Town of Atherton to place a prequalification ordinance on a future agenda.
Ochoa told the council the proposed ordinance would apply to public construction projects valued at $1,000,000 or more and would do three things: require contractors to participate in state‑approved apprenticeship programs; encourage hiring of local workers; and require contractors to provide healthcare for workers on public projects. He said those requirements would improve worker training and safety and deliver better value for public funds.
Ochoa asked the council to schedule the ordinance for formal consideration and thanked the council for its time. Council did not take immediate action on the request; under council procedure such a proposal would require staff review and a formal agenda item for future council consideration if the mayor or council so direct.
Source: Public comment by Michael Ochoa, Carpenters Local 2217, June 18, 2025.
