September 17, 2007 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Jim Sparkes, Bryan Wyatt, Kevin Chaney, Mark Jarboe |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Gary Mohr |
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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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None
Patrick O’Brien, Mechanical Inspector |
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Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m.
After review, Wyatt made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by Jarboe, pass 4-0.
Miscellaneous
Chaney presented some samples of concrete slab forms that integrated the slab edge insulation with the form that an architect had sent him as an alternative to traditional forms and insulation. Since the form stays in place the insulation is protected from termites and weed eaters. He would like staff to look at it and show it to whomever they need to.
Sparkes suggested having the building board look at it and see what they thought of it.
Sparkes was asking the other board members how they sized duct systems. He explained he use a square foot per ton method and knew there were other methods used. He explained another method that came to about the same thing. He stated he would like to keep the method simple for the contractors. He stated for duct sizing his method was to design four six inch openings for each ton of cooling.
Staff stated there was a study done in Florida that surveyed mechanical contractors on the different methods of sizing used. Some of the results and problems that were found in the study were similar to what the board was discussing.
Sparkes stated again he would like to make the process as simple as possible.
Wyatt replied the board had voted in favor of the manual J and D and to allow the City to determine what alternative methods could be used. Doing the status quo is not working and turning in this paperwork will show the contractors are meeting provisions of the code.
Chaney stated that he is also aware there may be opposition to the amendment the board has proposed.
Wyatt stated the issue is there are new houses being built that do not meet the proposed code and that is where the opposition is coming from.
Sparkes asked staff if residential plans that are submitted to building inspections have the layout of the heating and air such as location of the supply and return vents.
Staff replied there is nothing on the plans that pertain to the heating and cooling system.
Wyatt stated there must be some kind of record to show the system was installed correctly.
Staff stated the sample form that was shown at the last meeting was a good start to an alternative method but would still need more information provided.
Chaney agreed, and there was no duct sizing or design contained on it.
Bill Schweitzer stated depending on how the house is built, it will determine the size of the mechanical system. He also suggested calculating the same house using both the “Manual J” and using the “rule of thumb” and compare the two.
Chaney asked staff if there could be a demonstration of one of the calculation software programs at on of the meetings.
Staff replied there was an attempt to download a demo of load calculation software, but was unsuccessful. There was another program that showed the steps in a slideshow that might work for a demo.
Staff distributed a memo from staff member Tim Pinnick explaining to the board staff had polled surrounding areas and found no other jurisdictions required submission of load calculations and that information would be included in the report to the Commission.
Chaney stated both Tim Pinnick and Barry Walthall had told the board City staff was in support of the board. And now City staff was submitting to the City Commission there were no other jurisdictions doing the same thing.
Wyatt stated that if the City staff is not going to support the board in its recommendations, then the code should not be changed.
Chaney asked why Victor is always comparing what Lawrence does to Johnson County. The board is doing what the City Commission directed them to do.
Wyatt stated he had fought to keep the International code out because the Uniform code was working. He then stated once he found out the International was supposed to cover some of the issues that had been discussed, he changed his view. He stated he has always kept a close eye on the minutes and made sure they were accurate to make sure City staff did not try to make things more difficult.
Chaney stated Victor should be at this meeting to tell the board about this instead of sending it in an e-mail. He also requested the presence of all the board members at the City Commission meeting when this item is discussed so the item can be defended properly if needed.
Wyatt stated what they had was working fine, but the City said the International would work better. The Commission directed the board to review the code and make amendments and that is what the board did and now City staff is not supporting the board even after staff said they would. He also stated the builders control what happens in this town, they don’t care about doing it right, they just care about making money.
Sparkes stated the builders and the inspection department wants to make this change, they are trying to fix something that is not broken. Then when it is discovered something may have to be done different, they come to the meeting and say they don’t like this.
Wyatt stated the Uniform code was always about life safety, but the International incorporates performance provisions into the code.
Chaney stated he does not disagree with the part of the e-mail stating the Commission requested a memo, but he says he doubts the Commission mentioned the performance code amendment specifically. He also stated there is no amendment to the performance code, the provisions are already in the code. He stated he feels like he has been stabbed in the back.
Wyatt stated that if this issue continues the way it is, he will tell the Commission there shouldn’t be any inspections and the homeowners should get the best contractor/builder they can find because they won’t get any help from the City. He also stated the board voted unanimous on the code the Commission asked them to amend and will not support any changes to the code at the Commission meeting.
Sparkes asked why the City can not use a blended code and he still has not gotten a good answer as to why.
Motion to adjourn made by Wyatt, seconded by Sparkes, pass 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.