June 18, 2007 minutes
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
|
Jim Sparkes, Bryan Wyatt, Gary Mohr, Mark Jarboe |
|
|
|
|
|
MEMBERS ABSENT: |
|
Kevin Chaney |
|
|
|
|
|
GUEST PRESENT: |
|
Bill Schweitzer, IAPMO Jay Woodward, ICC |
|
|
|
|
|
STAFF PRESENT:
EX-OFFICIO: |
|
Tim Pinnick, Plan Review Manager
Patrick O’Brien, Mechanical Inspector |
|
|
|
|
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
After review, Mohr made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by Jim, pass 4-0.
Discuss the review of chapters 3,5,6 of the 2006 IFGC
Staff provided a list of the relevant changes to the IFGC that were associated with the changes in the fuel gas code in the IRC.
Wyatt suggested the board review each chapter and discuss concerns.
Sparkes stated that he did not have anything highlighted.
Mohr stated that he recalled discussing chimney liner requirements.
Staff replied the language of the code would not change the practices that the City is doing. Staff also stated that the issue of unvented room heater was slightly different in the IFGC and had made appropriate changes.
Sparkes asked about stores that sell unvented heaters and if they are aware that installation is prohibited.
Wyatt stated that he had looked into the issue and determined that unvented heaters were not illegal to sell, they were prohibited to install in the City of Lawrence.
Pinnick agreed since the store is a regional store, they could sell them. He continued that a well ventilated room is required and they are essentially useless if they are well ventilated.
Wyatt stated that when he had customers inquire about them, he lets them know that they are illegal in Lawrence.
Pinnick stated there has been occasion where a homeowner had planned installing unvented fireplace and was discovered in the permitting process and the owner was advised the unvented was not allowed.
Wyatt stated he wished stores would advise customers that unvented heaters are not allowed in houses.
Sparkes stated his understanding is the county(Douglas) is planning to follow the direction of the city as far as the codes are concerned, then the unvented heaters would not be legal to install in the county.
Wyatt replied the county was planning on adopting the same codes as the city, but they may not have the same amendments as the city.
Staff asked the board if they did not have any objections to proceeding with accepting the changes that were shown for the IFGC and to keep the process moving to forward the IFGC to legal and go ahead and vote on the changes made. Unless there were issues that Chaney had and could be discussed at the next meeting if he did.
Mohr made a motion to accept the changes to the IFGC as prepared by staff with exception of approval by Chaney. Seconded by Sparkes. Pass 4-0.
Review draft of amendments to IRC
Staff mentioned the Building Board had a discussion about underground ducts needing to be encased in concrete.
Wyatt asked what the Building Board’s concern was about the provision.
Staff replied there was a question behind the reasoning for the requirement and was requesting some history behind the requirement.
Mohr stated that his concern behind the concrete encasement is to make sure the duct is secured in place because the main concern is to make sure the duct is sealed and vapor tight.
Staff asked weather the concern was associated with metal ducts or all underground ducts.
Mohr’s concern is with the underground duct staying in place and that would not be change with the type of material used. If the duct is not encased in concrete then one has to rely on anchors to hold the duct down. With no prescribed method of anchorage, there is no way to ensure the duct will not move.
Wyatt stated he was concerned that the Building Board is having questions about changes and that have not been finalized. He suggested that the members of the Building Board attend a Mechanical Board meeting if they would like to have a discussion about their concerns. He stated that he has a problem with the Building Board not being able to attend our meeting to discuss the issue.
Pinnick asked Mohr if there was a specific method that he has prescribed in the past.
Mohr replied the pipe was either partially covered with concrete and then backfilled or completely encased in concrete.
Wyatt stated that the issue came up because the mechanical contractors actually see the results of the methods and many builders have not.
The board invited the Building Board to attend a Mechanical Board meeting and they can discuss it.
Wyatt stated that cost can not always be the deciding factor in making decisions on prescriptive methods.
Sparkes stated the ducts should be encased in concrete and that eliminates any issues.
Wyatt stated his personal view is that all underground duct should be prohibited.
Mohr stated the main issue is there has to be at least two pours to encase the ducts.
Wyatt stated that he would entertain a motion to accept the changes to the IRC. He also asked staff if Chaney had any concerns or input with the changes that were made to the IRC.
Sparkes stated he didn’t want to hold up the process but would like to have Chaney present to provide any input about the amendments and be able to vote as a group.
Pinnick stated Chaney authored many of the changes contained in the document.
Wyatt asked Sparkes if he would be comfortable voting as they did on the changes to the IFGC and allow for input from Chaney.
Jarboe stated if there is a quorum and the majority of a quorum passes something, then it passes. If you don’t want to vote on something, don’t vote on it.
Wyatt responded that in the past, the Commission had been reluctant to approve something if there was not a unanimous vote it was not good policy.
Staff stated there will still be time for discussion on the ordinance before it is adopted.
Wyatt echoed the statement and Chaney will have ample opportunity to bring up any concerns he may have.
Mohr stated that if the board does not vote on the changes, then process will not move forward.
Wyatt made a motion to accept the changes the board made to the IRC with the exception of input from Chaney. Seconded by Mohr. Pass 4-0.
Miscellaneous
Wyatt suggested compiling a list of differences and presenting them to the board or submit them to staff for the board to discuss it.
Mohr asked to be sure that there is still ample time to make changes if necessary.
Wyatt asked what was the next step in the review process.
Staff suggested reviewing chapters 1 through 5 and chapter 1 will be deleted and local language will be used and all administration will be consolidated into one City code chapter.
Wyatt suggested reviewing chapters 1 through 6 for discussion at the next meeting.
Next meeting is to be determined sometime before the projected July 2 meeting.
Motion to adjourn made by Mohr, seconded by Wyatt, passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.