May 11,
2006 minutes
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MEMBERS
PRESENT: |
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Jim
Sparkes, Bryan Wyatt, Kevin Chaney, Frank Estrada |
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MEMBERS
ABSENT: |
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None |
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GUEST
PRESENT: |
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Bill
Schweitzer, IAPMO |
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STAFF
PRESENT: EX-OFFICIO: |
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David
Corliss, Interim City Manager; Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager; Patrick
O’Brien, Mechanical Inspector |
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Meeting called to order at 6:59 p.m.
Wyatt requested that the minutes be changed to reflect that
Chaney had requested that
Wyatt made a motion to approve the
minutes as written. Seconded by Chaney,
pass 4-0.
Receive report from
Corliss
began by thanking the board for the time to speak and for their willingness to
volunteer for the board. Corliss
mentioned the memo that was in response to board concerns regarding practices
of the Building Inspection Department.
The memo was handed out at the meeting so Corliss asked the board to
review it and then could discuss the memo at a future meeting. Corliss assured the board that the City was
in full support of any concerns or issues that the board may have and will
respond accordingly. Corliss stated that
he is aware of frustrations regarding the U-Codes versus the I-Codes and if
there are outside sources that can be used to analyze the impacts of blended
codes or make the blended codes a smooth process, just to make the
request. Corliss stated that he is
available if the board has any concerns that have not been addressed through
other channels. Corliss continued that
whatever process needs to be taken that the city will make it a priority to see
that the wishes of the board are supported.
Wyatt
asked about when issues come up regarding the minutes and the tape used differs
from the what the board recalled was said, what should take precedence?
Corliss
responded that the board owns the minutes and if the board feels that the tape
does not reflect the intent of the board.
That the tape does not govern, that the board voting to accept or change
the minutes govern. If there is
something that has not been captured in the minutes or the tape, then the board
can alter the minutes to reflect what was understood to be said.
Chaney had
an unrelated item regarding new board members and asked if the vacancies on the
board had been filled.
Staff
responded that one position had been filled at the last City Commission
meeting. Gary Mohr of Professional
Engineering Consultants was appointed to the qualified position.
Staff
asked if the board wished to have discussion of the memo on the next meeting
agenda to let him know before the next meeting.
The board responded to have the item on the agenda.
Discussion with
Chaney
stated that he wished to have the e-mail regarding the difference between the
number of electrical references that was mentioned at the April 25, 2006
meeting and what was the actual number of references.
Barr
stated that the number of references that the IFC(International Fire Code)
makes to the NEC(National Electrical Code) was in error. Barr continued that when he checked the
number of references that were in the IFC, gave a report to the electrical
board that was similar to the report given to this board. Similar to the
mechanical board he asked the electrical board to ensure that the references
were equivalent to the sections in the international codes. Barr also mentioned that one of the
electrical board members had informed him that the ICC(International Code
Council) electrical code is in fact the NEC and that ICC only had a small
document consisting of administrative guidance, but then referred to the NEC
for the electrical provisions.
Wyatt
stated that he visited with Barr after the board meeting and wanted to make
sure the board had accurate information on the references, Barr then discovered
there were in fact 64 references to the electrical code.
There was
a discussion on the actual number of references to the electrical code either
54 or 64 references. Barr stated that he
would find out for sure and that the number was immaterial as long as each
concern was addressed.
Chaney
disagreed and stated that the city has been pushing for the International
Codes.
Barr
stated that he made a mistake and has taken steps to resolve what was
mistakenly said agreeing that he had said there was only six references. Once he discovered he was wrong, he admitted
it and presented the information to the electrical board.
Sparkes
stated that it wasn’t until the board called attention to it that it was
brought out.
Barr
disagreed, he told him(Wyatt) within 30 minutes after the meeting that he had
made a mistake.
Wyatt
stated that there had been a history of conflicts between the city and the
mechanical board and that all he is asking for is accurate information. Wyatt observed that Barr did not realize the
hostilities that had occurred in the past.
Wyatt continued that he believed that no one was trying to be deceptive
in the number of references to the electrical code. Wyatt mentioned that Barr was not trying to
hide anything and that when the mistake was realized, he(Barr) took steps to
resolve it.
Chaney
stated that he was not accusing Barr of any misconduct; he just wanted the
minutes to reflect the accurate information.
He didn’t want the mechanical board to be accused of slowing down the
adoption process and that there were other codes that also may have conflicts.
Wyatt
stated that he would like to have meetings with the other boards to resolve
issues before they arise and keep discussions open and honest. He also seeks to
have communication between all interested parties to make a smooth
transition.
Jones
mentioned that the chairs of the boards need to initiate the meetings between
the boards.
Wyatt
stated that the board voted 5-0 to meet with the building board and that staff(
Barr
stated that his chair would entertain a meeting between the two boards. Barr continued that he regretted not sending
the same memo that was sent to the city manager to the mechanical board
regarding the IFC to IMC references. He
asked if he had explained himself fully.
Sparkes
stated that his main concern is that he did not want the city saying that the
mechanical code has all these conflicts as compared to the other trades when in
reality, the electrical code had a large number of references also.
Staff
stated that Bill Schweitzer has provided a list of the references from the IFC
to the IMC and included the relevant sections of the UMC(Uniform Mechanical
Code). Staff plans to assemble a report
showing the complete text of all the referenced sections alongside each other
for the board to review and make recommendations on what amendments need to be
made. Staff suggested providing the fire
board the report and then have the two boards work out any differences among
the codes.
Wyatt
stated that he is in favor of the boards getting together to work out issues
between the codes to avoid conflicts and problems after the codes are
adopted.
Staff
stated that a similar report is being prepared with the IBC(International
Building Code) references.
Wyatt also
stated that he was disappointed that all these issues were not address at the
beginning of the process instead of at the end.
Staff
apologized to the board if he had caused any of the breakdown of communication
of lack of information and will take steps to improve.
Wyatt
stated that he did not think that any front line staff is the problem and the
communication problems arise from management.
Sparkes
hopes that the process can take a more open direction so all parties are
informed of what is happening.
Chaney
suggested that once the board reviews the reports from staff, then meet with
the appropriate board to work out the references.
Chaney moved to place review of building code
report on the next agenda if completed before the next meeting. Seconded
by Wyatt. Pass 4-0.
Schweitzer
responded to the discussion regarding the references in the IFC. He referred to them as references and not
conflicts. Schweitzer continued that
many of the references out of the IFC to the IMC refer back to the IFC. He mentioned that several references to the
IMC are not present but refer back to the IFC.
Wyatt
stated that it would be a good idea to meet with the appropriate boards to have
their expertise to follow and interpret the particular meanings of the code
references.
Schweitzer
asked if the board knew of any one that was planning to attend the seminar.
Wyatt
responded that he attempted to apply online but could not.
Schweitzer
assured the board that IAPMO and ICC is very close to agreement and would be
together for the next code cycle.
Wyatt
asked Barr if the fire board was aware of the joint venture between IAPMO and
ICC.
Barr
responded that the discussion had come up and the board was aware of it.
Miscellaneous
Staff
distributed to the board a final report for the flat fee implementation.
Wyatt asked
if the fee took into consideration of the law suit pending regarding the
building permit fees.
Staff
responded that the fee would pertain only to miscellaneous permits and had no
knowledge of any association of the flat fee with the lawsuit settlement.
Staff
responded that a temporary situation would be acceptable.
Sparkes
stated that he appreciated Estrada’s time on the board.
Estrada stated
that he was happy to serve and enjoyed his time on the board. He stressed that communication is key to
resolving conflicts.
Motion
to adjourn made by Chaney, seconded by Estrada, passed 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.