May 20, 2009 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Chairman Doug Dillon, Chuck Hoag, Roy Chaney and Steve Burd |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Co-Chairman Kenny Breithaupt |
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GUEST PRESENT: |
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Michael Burd; Chad Lawhorn, Lawrence Journal World; Mark Boyle, 6News; John Weldon, 6News; Denis Wittman, Local 441; Kirk Miller, Local 441; Dwayne Peaslee, retired plumber |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
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Toni Wheeler, Legal Services Director; Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager; Scott McCullough, Planning and Development Services Director |
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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 4:03 p.m.
Introductions.
The Board Members and guests introduced themselves.
Approve the October 15, 2008 minutes.
Chaney made a motion to approve the minutes. Burd second the motion, the motion passed 4-0.
Review Medical Gas Ordinance.
Walthall introduced the memo and accompanying draft Ordinance 8405 and stated that there were three key elements to the ordinance. Walthall explained that the ordinance would not allow occupancy in projects that have medical gas systems without first having the appropriate test reports submitted. Walthall continued that the ordinance would also require the responsible facility authority to provide a written statement that they have received all test reports and that the tests have been successfully completed.
Walthall concluded saying that there was also provisions that required all special inspection reports not just medical gas before occupancy would be approved.
Chaney stated that the problem he had with the International Code and NFPA 99c (National Fire Protection Association standard on gas and vacuum systems) was that there are multiple books and references needed where as the Uniform Plumbing Code incorporates all the requirements. Chaney questioned why the City went to the International Codes and their multiple books when everything in regards to plumbing is covered in the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Chaney continued stating that the Board needed to improve the medical gas situation and if Ordinance 8405 was the solution so be it but he would like the Board to look at going back to the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Dillon asked if there was any public comment regarding this item.
Miller reiterated Chaney’s point adding that the Uniform Plumbing Code was more stringent and had less gray areas than the International Codes. Miller went on to saying that builders will tell you a more stringent code would add three hundred dollars to the cost of a home.
Miller continued stated that no death certificate should say low bid or inadequate codes. Miller then stated that whatever is done with the codes they need to address public safety as much as possible.
Wheeler reminded the Board that we were there to comment on the ordinance before the Board not to debate the international vs. uniform codes.
With no other public comment Dillon brought the discussion back to the Board and stated that he thought it was a good ordinance to have for any city no matter the code adopted and that every city should have something like Ordinance 8405.
Hoag stated that he had no concerns with the draft ordinance and questioned if staff was looking for approval of the draft ordinance in order to move forward.
McCullough responded that the ordinance was before the Board for input and a motion of support or support with comments. McCullough explained that the ordinance may or may not go to the Building Code Advisory Board but ultimately the amendment would go before the City Commission for determination.
Wheeler reaffirmed Walthall’s earlier statement that the ordinance was a draft with the major concepts captured and informed the board that there may be some language fine tuning before going to the City Commission. Wheeler then assured the Board that any draft ordinance the City Commission considered would be made available to the Board and public in advance of that meeting.
Hoag stated that he was in support of the ordinance and made a motion to approve Ordinance 8405. Dillon second the motion, the motion passed 4-0.
Chaney clarified his vote of approval stating that the City needed this ordinance only if the adopted plumbing code was not changed to the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Review CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride plastic pipe) Ordinance.
Staff presented the history of the draft ordinance stating that a request for reinstatement was brought before the board by a manufacture representative. Staff continued stating the Board unanimously approved the request at the last meeting and had before them the draft ordinance removing the restriction on CPVC.
Dillon made a motion to approve the CPVC as an approved material for water distribution systems draft ordinance. Burd second the motion, the motion passed 4-0.
New Business
Chaney stated that he would like a meeting to study and look at going back to the Uniform Plumbing Code because of the International Codes inadequacies and that recent events kind of prove that point.
Chaney made a motion to add revisiting the decision to adopt the International Code and consider going back to the Uniform Plumbing Code to a future agenda. Burd second the motion, the motion failed 2-2 with Dillon and Hoag voting nay.
Hoag explained his vote stating that he did not have a problem looking at it but did not want to take a step backwards. Hoag stating he would like to see continued progress with the International Codes.
Adjourn
With no other business Dillon made a motion to adjourn. Hoag second the motion, the motion passed 4-0.
Dillon adjourned the meeting at 4:25 p.m.