September 17, 2008 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Chairman Doug Dillon, Co-Chairman Kenny Breithaupt, Chuck Hoag, Steve Burd and Roy Chaney |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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GUEST PRESENT: |
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Jim Carpenter, Steven Blanchard, Michael Burd |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
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Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager |
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Ex-Offico: |
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Mark Mills, Plumbing Inspector |
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Call meeting to order.
Dillon called the meeting to order at 6:25 p.m.
Introductions.
The Board Members introduced themselves.
Approve the May 21, 2008 minutes.
Chaney made a motion to approve the minutes. Hoag second the motion, the motion passed 5-0.
Discuss Trade Board memo.
Walthall explained that there are several areas of the codes that overlap and staff wanted to work with the boards to alleviate any issues that may arise. Walthall referenced the “Review changes recommended by the Building Board” agenda item as an example.
Walthall continued that staff had presented an option of a single “All Trades Board” in the memo to deal with all things building code related but expressed that without the Board’s approval it was unlikely to progress.
Staff added that there is the potential that an appellant could appeal to two different boards and receive two different answers.
Walthall stated that this is not a new issue that there have been common elements between the codes that have been adopted in the past. Walthall went on saying that staff expressed some thoughts in memo and wanted some input from the boards.
Hoag stated that his only concern with a consolidated board would be representation, would someone be able to give an informed judgment on issues outside their industry.
Walthall replied that the structure of the “All Trades Board” had not really been addressed but expressed that equal and fair representation would be a key element in a single board. Walthall continued stating that he had confidence in all members of the Board that they could give an informed judgment outside their industry.
Chaney stated that he would not be comfortable making electrical or structural decisions.
Hoag stated that relying on one representative from a particular trade translates to a narrow view.
Breithaupt stated that the memo references a savings on the purchase of code books and that it was his understanding that the code books would be furnished for the Board free of charge. Breithaupt continued that during the last code review process that it looked as if the codes were getting rid of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing boards and we were assured that would not happen.
Breithaupt stated that he did not want a carpenter making a plumbing decision and a plumber making an electrical decision, which was his concern.
Walthall informed the Board that after the memo has been discussed with all the boards that he would like to arrange a meeting with a representative from each board. Walthall then requested that the Board authorize one member to be that representative. Walthall explained that the meetings with the representatives would create a line of communication between the boards about common issues.
Chaney stated that if an appeal involved two different codes that the appropriate boards could have a joint meeting.
Staff pointed out that Chaney’s idea was the kind of ideas that staff wanted to facilitate with the representative meetings.
Dillon stated that after staff meet with the other boards to send him the information on the meeting.
Walthall thanked the Board for their time and willingness to discuss the issue.
Review changes recommended by the Building Board.
Blanchard explained to the Board that the recommendation by the Building Board was to create an exception to the code that would eliminate the requirement of a drinking fountain in occupancies with occupant loads of thirty or less.
Chaney stated that he did not have any issues with the recommendation.
Breithaupt made a motion to accept the recommendations made by the Building Board to change the drinking fountain requirements. Chaney second the motion, the motion passed 5-0.
New Business
Breithaupt brought up the business of water heater replacement inspections and stated that the Board had discussed a possible self inspection. Breithaupt stated that staff had brought this to the Board some time ago and wanted to renew the discussion.
Breithaupt mention the cost saving that would be evident to the City if the plumbers were able to do a self inspection. Breithaupt suggested that the installer and property owner could sign a waiver to accept the self inspection and waive the City inspection.
Chaney stated that following Breithaupt’s suggestion would allow staff to track individual installers for violations.
Staff stated that self inspections would be an item on the next meeting agenda to assure a resolution.
Other New Business
Carpenter wanted to reaffirm that the Board made the decision to limit the use of air admittance valves to buildings of four or more stories had to do with the systems for four story buildings would be engineered.
Staff confirmed that buildings of four or more stories would have engineered systems.
Adjourn
With no new business Breithaupt made a motion to adjourn. Chaney second the motion to adjourn, the motion passed 5-0.
Dillon adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.