October 13, 2008 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Bryan Wyatt, Kevin Chaney, Gary Mohr, Jim Sparkes |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Mark Jarboe |
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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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Barry Walthall, Building Codes Administrator
Patrick O’Brien, Mechanical Inspector |
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Meeting called to order at 6:32 p.m.
Review and approve minutes from June 16, 2008
Mohr made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Wyatt seconded the motion. Pass 4-0.
Discuss potential reorganization of Trade boards
Walthall began the discussion of a proposal initiated by staff to improve efficiencies by combining the trades boards into a single board. Some benefits of a combined board would be: reduced staff preparation and follow-up, reduced staff overtime cost for the department, and increased cooperation between the various code editions (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing). Walthall pointed out a recent issue that covered by both the building code and the plumbing code regarding the requirement for drinking fountains. A proposed amendment from the building code board also affected the plumbing trade since provisions for drinking fountains were contained in both codes. Having a combined trade board would have reduced the amount of discussion between the two boards and an amendment could have included both code editions. He also stated the other trade boards have already had discussions about the proposal and have not been receptive to the idea. Without a consensus of the trades boards, it is likely the proposal will not proceed.
Chaney stated when Mechanical Board began discussing adopting the International codes, he asked if the makeup of the board would change and every response he got was the boards would not be changing. He also stated that with possibility of only two members from each trade, there may not be enough knowledge of an issue to make an informed decision. Chaney suggested if an issue involved two boards, then each board could discuss the issue separately and then have a joint meeting to resolve any conflicting issues.
Walthall replied he has heard similar suggestions from the other boards.
Mohr asked if there were a combined board, what the make-up of the board would look like.
Walthall replied there would need to be further discussion on that topic if the reorganization were to proceed.
Mohr also stated he agreed with Chaney’s concerns with limited knowledge of board members on certain subject matter. He also suggested assigning the International Fuel Gas Code to one board instead of trying to split it between two boards.
Wyatt stated he appreciated the issue of board reorganization was being brought up for discussion instead just being implemented. He also stated that he is of the opinion the building inspection department is understaffed at the present time and would like to see the staffing levels increase. He suggested increasing staff instead of trying to combine boards to increase efficiencies. Wyatt also agreed with Chaney’s suggestion of a joint meeting when issues involve more than one board.
Mohr suggested having the boards meet earlier in the day to avoid needing to pay overtime for the staff.
The board agreed with that suggestion.
Miscellaneous
Schweitzer stated IAPMO is looking for volunteers for test development committee members if anyone is interested.
Staff stated there has been an issue with an insulation product with one brand name being R-foil and the specific installation requirements for the product. There was a local contractor that was advised of the proper installation guidelines and will be following the correct procedure from this point on.
Motion to adjourn made by Mohr, seconded by Chaney, pass 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.