Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Construction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Heated public debate precedes council approval of project labor agreement for Highcrest School
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing with union and contractor representatives, the council authorized a project labor agreement (PLA) for Highcrest School construction, citing apprenticeship guarantees and a local‑hire target; opponents warned PLAs reduce competition and increase costs.
The Wethersfield Town Council approved a resolution authorizing a project labor agreement (PLA) for construction of the new Highcrest School following an extended public hearing that featured sharply divided views from contractors, union leaders, residents and trade associations.
Tom Mazzarella urged the council to reject a PLA in favor of an open‑bid process, saying "a PLA effectively locks out 80% of our state's skilled workforce before bidding even begins" and that open bidding does not change prevailing wage requirements. In contrast, Miguel Fuentes, who identified himself as a local carpenters union president, argued PLAs do not prevent participation and can provide apprenticeship pipelines and opportunities for local hires: "Project labor agreements do not preclude anyone from participating ... it just sets some conditions which help us to mitigate risk, times, budgets," Fuentes said.
Town staff and councilors stressed that the PLA before them applies only to Highcrest as a pilot, includes provisions the council highlighted (including local‑hire targets and apprenticeship placements), and that future use would depend on performance. During roll call the resolution passed; councilors and speakers emphasized that the building committee, construction manager, and council retain oversight during procurement and execution.
