HISTORY

WUCA was established in February 1937 as the Associated Public Works Contractors of Greater Milwaukee, forerunner to the Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association. The original articles of incorporation stated that the purpose of the association was to promote the business of the individual members and to advance their mutual interest, cultivate friendly relations and cooperative effort between members, participate in matters of civic betterment and welfare, create harmony between its members and employees, eliminate unnecessary hazards to life and property, encourage the use of sound business practices, deal with bid specifications, and promote the betterment of the industry.

The Beginning

The Public Works Contract Labor Act (Walsh-Healey) passed Congress. It prescribed the payment of prevailing wages, limited the work week to 40 hours, and prescribed minimum health and safety benefits for contracts in excess of $10,000. On November 23, 1936 a group of Milwaukee area underground contractors got together at the local Elks Club to discuss the change in federal law and to consider the establishment of a contractor trade association.

Those first contractors included:

Alfred Freidricks, Wisconsin Sewer Construction
Walter Lazynski, Walter Lazynski Company
F.A. Goll, Sr., F.A. Goll Company
Alfred Dorst, S.W. & S Construction Company
A. Carle, Carle & Tomasini Construction
Milton Kroll, B.Wogikowski Company
Jacob Hohensee, H.Hohensee Company
Thomas G. Holton, Sr., T.G. Holton Company
Grant Hinkamp, G.R. Fehr Company

It was agreed that the contractors would organize a trade association to begin labor negotiations with three area unions. Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Wisconsin Secretary of State for a new contractor trade association under the name Associated Public Works Contractors of Milwaukee. Annual dues were $5 per year with a one time initiation fee of $15. Grant Hinkamp was elected the first association president and the first labor agreement called for wages of $1 an hour for a top man. By 1938, the association battled with the local laborers union on the appointment of foreman.The contractors want to be the "sole judge of the foreman's qualifications". By 1939 the association grew from nine to twelve contractor members.

With the election of Milwaukee Mayor Carl F. Zeidler in 1940 and his call for lower property taxes, the association argues for more public works construction.By 1941, Operating Engineers Local 139 argues for an oiler position on all equipment. The contractors say no.During World War II, the contractors discuss pooling of equipment to be eligible for upstate Wisconsin Fort MaCoy contracts. By 1942, the contractors agree to an increase for the laborer topman to $1.20 an hour and operator at $1.75 an hour. During the war, there is a shortage of qualified workers and the members agree to loan workers. Area manufacturers increase their production 400 percent to build jeeps, bomb casings and other war materials.By 1944, Milwaukee agrees to eliminate slum housing with the creation of a housing authority. The contractors see that as an opportunity for more public works construction.

In 1945, the association hires its first executive director, Mr. Joe J. Frigerio. An office is established for the first time. Prior to that, the association business was handled out of office of contractor Alfred Dorst.The association soon grows to fourteen contractors. The first stag party was organized at the Milwaukee Pfister Hotel Fern Room at a cost of $3 per person for food and a cash bar. Walter Lazynski encourages fellow contractors to hire apprentices. By 1947, the association office moves to 611 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.In 1948, dues are increased to $300 per firm. The association also spends $5,000 for office furniture which is still in use today. In 1949, the association helps in the development of a sewer foreman training school of eight weeks duration. John Tanghe was hired as the second association executive director in 1954. In 1956, the association participated on a Wisconsin legislative committee to develop trenching and excavation safety standards.

In 1960, the association was lobbying Milwaukee's Common Council for more money for public works construction. Still growing, the association moved to 3218 West Fond du Lac Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Public Works Industry Improvement Program (IIP) was established in 1964 with contractor Walter Schmitz as its leader. Within a year John Drake was hired to handle full-time industry promotion. In 1965, Mr. Drake became association executive director after serving 40 years in the contracting business as an employee. A permanent specifications committee was established in 1966 with Donald Webster as committee chairman. The publication Standard Specifications for Sewer and Water in Construction would go to five editions with two addendum's by 1999. Thousands of copies have been sold to date. In 1967, the association also played a part in the establishment of the Milwaukee area safety council.

Also in 1966, the association scheduled a joint Christmas Party with representatives of Operating Engineers Local 139, Laborers Local 113, and Teamsters Local 200. The contractors discussed with area unions the idea of a floating 40 work week to deal with rain days. That idea was rejected by the unions. In 1967, the National Utility Contractors Association approached the membership about affiliation with the national contractor association. Meetings begin with the city of Milwaukee about changes to fixed unit pricing.The association considers a scholarship award program. In 1967, attorney Paul Burbach was hired as association corporate counsel. Membership grows to 20 contractors and 48 associate member firms.The subject of contractor pre-qualifications are discussed. In 1968, the association moves to its current office at 2835 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. That same year, the Cook & Franke law firm is hired for legislative lobbying at $2,500 a year.

In 1969, the association discusses Milwaukee's slow-pay attitude. Also suggested the use of a soil boring service for member contractors. In 1970, WUCA encourages the use of bid bonds versus certified checks and supports state retainage reform legislation. After key employees are taken for competing firms, the association considers an ethics policy. By 1971, discussed with the Wisconsin Excavators and Graders Association the need for a state One-Call Center to locate underground services. By 1975, Wisconsin Diggers Hotline is formed. In 1972, the membership totals 22 contractors, 78 associate member firms. In 1973, a delegation of association contractors travel to Washington, DC to lobby for more federal money for Wisconsin public works construction. Due to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource sewer moratorium, 1976 is not a good year for construction. Discussion continues with the National Utility Contractors Association regarding affiliation. In 1976, the association had a financial net worth of $29,203.93.

In 1977, the association affiliates with the National Utility Contractors Association for federal lobbying, industry promotion, and safety training. Also agreed to affiliate with the Allied Construction Employers Association for local labor negotiations. In 1978, the association begins a campaign for separation of combined sewers versus the deep tunnel for areas served by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. Considers affiliation with the Associated General Contractors Association. In 1979, the association golf outing sells out.

In 1980, the association considers the hiring of an assistant to help John Drake with industry promotion. Larry Michael is hired as executive director for the Public Works Industry Improvement Program. In 1981, the association continues it effort to encourage separation of combined sewers versus construction of the deep tunnel in the Milwaukee area. Recognizing that they cannot win that political battle, the contractors encourage the sewerage district to bid smaller jobs for the benefit of local contractors and their tradesmen.

By 1982, the association dues are increased to $900 a year for contractors, $250 for associate member firms.. Calendar year 1982 is a strike year with Operating Engineers Local 139. In 1983, the contractors oppose a resident preference program at Milwaukee City Hall. In 1984, the association participates in a U.S. Equal Opportunity educational seminar in Brookfield, Wisconsin. That same year, the contractors try for personal property tax exempt status of construction equipment but fail. Actual versus liquidated damage clauses are discussed with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. John Drake is honored with a recognition dinner for his 15 years of service to the association.The association also plans a convention cruise for spring 1985. In 1985, the association establishes an Associates Advisory Council. Annual dues increased to $990 contractors, $275 associates. Association members vote to change the association name to Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association (WUCA). The association considers a Political Action Fund. In 1986, Larry Michael resigns as association executive director but remains as a consultant until a new executive director is hired.

In 1987, the association celebrates its 50th Birthday with a dinner at the Wisconsin Club with Congressman Tom Petri as guest speaker. Over 200 people attend the event. Richard W. Wanta is hired April 1 as the new executive director after six years with Allied Construction Employers Association. Membership totals 30 contractors, 66 associate member firms. The association begins monthly educational safety seminars. In 1988, Evelyn Brown is hired as an administrative assistant and stays ten years.The first WUCA Midwinter Conference is scheduled for San Diego, California. A total of 156 people attend the event in February 1989. The first charitable fund raiser is scheduled at Casino Royale in New Berlin, Wisconsin to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Over $10,500 is donated to the charity by WUCA members and guests. A formal WUCA/IIP scholarship program is established.The association newsletter From the Trenches is expanded with advertising.

In 1989, the association schedules a seminar on the hazards of methane during construction of the Milwaukee deep tunnel. In 1990 a WUCA Midwinter Conference is scheduled in Honolulu, Hawaii with 100 participants. That same year the association raised over $14,000 for the Child Abuse Prevention Fund. Milwaukee Brewer Baseball player Dan Plesac is guest speaker at the fall Fellowship Night event. Educational seminars are expanded.

In 1990, seminars are scheduled on substance abuse testing and underground storage tanks. The annual dinner dance is at the Tripoli Country Club. Milwaukee Brewer Baseball public relations coordinator Dick Hackett speaks at a contractor/associate/engineer luncheon. During this same year, WUCA establishes a monthly safety director meeting at the association office. It turns out to be a bid hit as speakers are brought in on a regular basis and safety takes on a larger focus. A national utility contractors regional meeting is held in Milwaukee. A seminar is scheduled with Milwaukee OSHA to discuss trenching and shoring. Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson approves $1 billion in low-interest loans for state Clean Water funding. The association co-sponsors a computers in construction trade show. In 1991, the association begins 8-hour Competent Person training seminars at the association office. By 1997, over 4,000 people will be trained. Former WUCA executive director John Drake dies at age 84 in 1991. The scholarship program is called the John Drake Memorial Scholarship Award. In late 1991, the association raises $15,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for seriously ill children. By 1999, over $200,000 is raised for various charities. Seminars begin on Working Safely in a Confined Space.

In 1992, WUCA scheduled an event in Ixtapa, Mexico with 190 people in attendance. WUCA got there just in time for the rain. Milwaukee municipal officials meet with contractors to discuss bidding opportunities. After 25 years of service attorney Paul Burbach resigns to concentrate on his private development business.WUCA member Delaine Nelson elected president of the National Utility Contractors Association and the national schedules an October board of directors meeting in Milwaukee. WUCA celebrates 55 years as a contractor association representing water, sewer, tunnel, gas distribution, utility contractors and suppliers.

In 1993, WUCA visits Disney in Orlando. Over 290 people attend the event at the beautiful Grand Florida Resort.The annual charitable fund-raiser provides $15,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Former Green Bay Packer John Anderson is guest speaker at an October dinner. WUCA works toward mandatory one-call membership by state utilities. In 1995, WUCA members visit San Francisco with 100 delegates. A dinner dance is scheduled at the Wisconsin Club with an 18-piece orchestra to relive the 1940's.Later in the the year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources participates in a WUCA luncheon to discuss low-interest loans to local government for collector and interceptor sewers. WUCA's Harold Mueller is selected as Ditchdigger of the Year by the National Utility Contractors Association. University of Wisconsin-Madison athletic director and former professional football player Pat Richter is guest speaker at a WUCA dinner event.

In 1996, WUCA visits Maui. Later in the year Wisconsin Congressman Scott Klug is guest speaker at a WUCA program that draws 160 people. The WUCA Associate Advisory Committee becomes the Social Affairs Committee. U.S. Senator Russ Feingold visits with contractors at the association office. The association also schedules a seminar on drug testing. By 1997, WUCA conducted 12 visits to Washington, DC to encourage more federal money for Clean Water and Drinking Water programs. Green Bay Packer Antonio Freeman is guest speaker at a dinner event. Contractor members are solicited for membership from the Green Bay area.

In 1997, the association is quoted on a regular basis by the area press for all activity relating to underground construction and industry promotion.The association celebrates 60 years as a trade association. Membership grows to over 65 contractors and 120 associate member firms. In 1997, the association receives one of two national awards for community service from the National Utility Contractors Association for its annual charitable fund raising. A group picnic at the Milwaukee County Zoo draws 300 people. WUCA schedules an event in Cancun, Mexico with future trips to California and Florida. The Wisconsin state Legislature approves over $60 million in drinking water low interest loans to municipalities.

In 1999 the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District approves over $521 million in collector, interceptor sewer and flood control work. This work will include the replacement of 70 to 100 year old collector and interceptor sewers. Some of that work was started by the founders of this contractor association.

By the year 2000, WUCA planned and conducted a successful Midwinter Conference at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica, California with a tour of Hollywood. Two Contractor/Associate/Engineer luncheons were conducted that year with guest speakers. One luncheon include a presentation by National Football League Umpire William F. Carollo and another luncheon with Miller Park Stadium executive director Mike Duckett. WUCA also conducted a congressional visit to Washington, D.C. in May 2000. Numerous safety educational seminars were held throughout the year. The Annual Golf Outing at North Hills Country Club was sold out and the players had great weather. Later in the year WUCA conducted a charitable fund-raiser at the Mitchell Park Domes that raised $20,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation of Wisconsin.So successful was the event that the National Utility Contractors Association gave WUCA a special recognition award at the February 2001 Annual Convention in Tampa, Florida. WUCA finished year 2000 with a special visit by former president Abe Lincoln as portrayed by Dick Anderson of Illinois.

Year 2001 started out with a WUCA Midwinter Conference in Orlando, Florida with 121 people in attendance. Weather was great with 82-degree days. Delegates indicated that the 2001 event, as planned by member Dennis Biondich, was the greatest conference ever. In early spring 2001, WUCA conducted a contractor, associate, and engineer joint luncheon with guest speaker Don E. Reinbold, Wisconsin Department of Transportation. His topic was The Marquette Interchange Reconstruction Project- Plans and Potential Impact on the Milwaukee Area. The association also continued with monthly safety educational seminars. The Annual Golf Outing was again a great success but with 95 degree temperatures. The outing included the award of three WUCA scholarship awards. Soon after the association conducted An Old Fashioned Picnic at the Milwaukee County Zoo with the Celtic band Off-Kilter. Nearly 180 people attended the picnic. In October, the association conducted a fund-raiser to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation for seriously ill children at the new Miller Park Baseball stadium. This WUCA event raised over $33,000 for the charity.

The association conducted a highly successful Midwinter Conference at the Hilton Resort & Marina January 2002 in Key West, Florida to include a tour of the Truman White House, historic sailing boat cruise, together with great educational and dinner events. In March 2002 the association had Milwaukee Magazine contributing editor Bruce Murphy as guest speaker at a luncheon event. WUCA also gave out safety awards for excellence and continued to schedule monthly safety educational seminars at the association office. The National Utility Contractors Association awarded WUCA a recognition plaque at the Annual Convention in Las Vegas for the production of the quarterly newsletter From the Trenches. Dan Olson, Globe Contractors was elected WUCA president for 2002. During October 2002 WUCA members and industry friends raised over $26,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin during a wine-tasting party and fund-raiser conducted at the Wisconsin Club in downtown Milwaukee.

WUCA conducted a highly successful Midwinter Conference in Phoenix, Arizona at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The conference was February 20-24, 2003. The greater Phoenix area gave WUCA delegates the opportunity to enjoy area museums, galleries, performing arts, fine dining, horseback riding and cowboy shoot-outs. The weather was great during the WUCA visit with 74-degree days and sun every day of our visit. Programs included group meals and tours, plus highly attended educational seminars.

On March 23, 2003 MMSD Executive Director Kevin Shafer spoke to the full WUCA membership. His topic was the 2003 Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District $247 million Capital Improvements Program.

The Annual WUCA Golf Outing held in August of 2003 at North Hills County Club in Menomonee Falls, WI went well with a good attendance and the award of several scholarships.

Later in the year WUCA conducted a charitable fund-raiser at the Milwaukee County Zoo Peck Center to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation for serious ill children. The popular event raised over $28,500 for the charity.

In January 2004, Dennis Klumb, Jr., Arby Construction was elected new president of the association. In February, WUCA conducted a successful Midwinter Conference at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with 110 Wisconsin people in attendance.

On April 28, 2004 we hosted a Contractor/Associate/Engineer Luncheon at Legacy Fine Dining in New Berlin. Guest speaker Barry McNulty, Director of the Future Task Force and Public Affairs Program for We Energies spoke on the topic of the proposed multi-million dollar water intake pipe for Oak Creek, Wisconsin. This We Energies Power the Future program will provide a lot of work for WUCA member contractors, material suppliers and equipment distributors.

Our annual WUCA Golf Outing at North Hills Country Club in August 2004 was successful with 122 golfers and 140 people for dinner. The weather was good with no rain.

WUCA held a charitable fund-raiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Greek Annunciation Church and new cultural center in Wauwatosa, WI. The successful fundraiser was held November 23, 2004 and raised $25,000 for the charity.

WUCA also continued frequent safety director forums and seminars into 2004 that were well attended and a big hit with the membership.

A Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Partnership Program, started by WUCA in 2004 at the request of the National Utility Contractors Association and area utilities is proving very successful in southeastern Wisconsin. Numerous meetings have been held at the offices of Wisconsin Diggers Hotline, Ruekert & Mielke, R.A. Smith & Associates and the WUCA/IIP office with WUCA contractor members, utilities, union trainers, municipal Department of Public Works representatives, private locators, design engineers and others. Their purpose is to deal with damage prevention awareness and they do an outstanding job in that effort. Previously they did not know each other until they met in the middle of an intersection during a design error making the project more costly with contractor downtime and disruption to the community. Jim Owen, SBC Wisconsin serves as chairman of the Wisconsin alliance.

The contractor members of WUCA re-elected the following individuals to the 2005 board of directors:

President: Dennis Klumb, Jr., KS Energy Services
Vice President: Pete Schraufnagel, Super Excavators
Secretary/Treasurer: Larry Ratayczak, Mainline Sewer & Water
Director: Dennis Biondich, American Sewer Services
Director: Scott Maly, United Sewer & Water
Director: Dan Olson, Globe Contractors
Associate Director: Chuck Palmer, Michael, Best & Friedrich

Those that attended the Annual WUCA 2005 Midwinter Conference February 23-26, 2005 at the beautiful 5-star RIU Palace Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico were treated to sunny weather and daytime temperatures in the upper 80's each day. The resort did an excellent job with junior suites for all the delegates, quality food, drinks, amenities and service. Everyone enjoyed the beach and surrounding community. In their free time, after the educational seminars, some delegates took the time to take the ferry to nearby Cozumel for shopping while others participated in the WUCA golf outing.

The Annual WUCA Contractor/Associate/Engineer luncheon was held April 14, 2005 at Zilli's Grandview Inn, Waukesha, Wisconsin with Waukesha County Executive Dan Finley as guest speaker. His topic was Waukesha's request to purchase City of Milwaukee water and their willingness to help pay for partial combined sewer separation in Milwaukee. That is, if Milwaukee sold them drinking water. If Milwaukee or some other city like nearby Oak Creek approves the sale of drinking water, they would need clearance from the Great Lakes Council of Governors. The council was expected to release its final rules on the Great Lakes water diversions in the summer of 2005. Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett is looking for an area of regional cooperation and the sale of water fits that definition. He has suggested in the past that there be partial combined sewer separation in Milwaukee's central city where it made economic and environmental sense to do so. (See WUCA Newsletter Spring 2005)

A second WUCA Contractor/Associate/Engineer luncheon was held May 4, 2005 at Panos' Char House restaurant in Brookfield, Wisconsin when guest speaker, Scott Hassett the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources became available. His topic was "Water and Waste Issues Facing Wisconsin".

As in the past, the Annual WUCA Golf Outing was held in August 2005 at North Hills Country Club. This year it was a sold out event with 144 golfers and 190 for dinner. The weather was beautiful. During the dinner hour, six scholarship awards were provided to various college students. (See WUCA Newsletter Summer 2005)

In October 2005, WUCA conducted a charitable fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. The event held at the Hartford Auto Museum raised nearly $26,000 for the charity. Nearly 190 people attended that event. Over the years, WUCA members and industry friends donated over $320,000 to various charities through the association. (See WUCA Newsletter Fall/Winter 2005)

WUCA fundraiser October 2005

In addition to social events, WUCA and its Public Works Industry Improvement Program participated in numerous meetings with representatives of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, city of Milwaukee, Village of Shorewood and others on the topic of partial combined sewer separation in the Milwaukee area. The MMSD is finalizing their 2020 Facilities Plan and WUCA wanted to show the wisdom of combined sewer separation as a way of minimizing clear water from entering the sanitary sewer system.

Mike Campbell, Ruekert & Mielke sharing an idea with MMSD engineering staff December 7, 2005 WUCA office.

Throughout 2005, WUCA members participated in the Common Ground Alliance for Damage Prevention at WUCA, Wisconsin Diggers Hotline, or member professional engineer offices. Much has been accomplished to protect overhead and underground services.

WE Energies and the city of Milwaukee representatives visit WUCA to discuss damage prevention of utility lines

WUCA members and staff also continued their state legislative effort to require municipal utilities to locate sewer laterals in the street right of way. A public hearing on the topic is expected January 2006. WUCA/IIP hired two contract lobbyists Brian Mitchell and Jeff Beirger to get the job done. The association also hired Walt Kelly, formerly with the Office of Minnesota Pipeline Safety to help out on the issue.

The contractor members elected a new 2006 Board of Directors to include the following: (See WUCA Spring 2006 Newsletter)

President: Pete Schraufnagel, Super Excavators
Vice-President: Larry Ratayczak, Mainline Sewer & Water
Sec./Treasurer: Robert Olson, Globe Contractors
Director: Dennis Biondich, American Sewer Services
Director: John Wanasek, Wanasek Construction
Director (past pres): Dennis Klumb, Jr., KS Energy
Associate Director: Chuck Palmer, Michael Best & Friedrich

The 2006 WUCA Midwinter Conference scheduled for February 3 -7, 2006 Kauai Marriott Resort, Hawaiian Islands was a big success.
(See Pages 14 & 15 WUCA Spring 2006 Newsletter).

For additional 2006 updates see WUCA Summer 2006 Newsletter.

With its long history, WUCA is recognized as the only contractor association that truly represents the underground contracting industry in Wisconsin. Thank you for taking the time to read about us and please feel free to call WUCA at 414-778-1050 with any questions or comments. If you are not currently a member, we would be pleased to send you a membership packet and application.

Milwaukee area underground construction 1940’s