Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Barry Walthall, Building Official
C:	Scott McCullough, Planning & Development Services Director
Date:	March 7, 2011
RE:	Eligibility Criteria for the Electrical Code Board of Appeals

Attached is Ordinance No. 8622 amending eligibility criteria for serving as a member of the Electrical Code Board of Appeals.

The purpose for amending the code is to clarify that two At-Large positions on the board are intended for any member of the public at large who is not an electrical license holder.  A strict interpretation of the current code excludes individuals that are engaged in “work regulated by the National Electrical Code” but are not electrical trade license holders, such as professional engineers or electrical wholesalers.  The National Electrical Code regulates the design of electrical systems as well as the manufacture (and thus distribution) of electrical equipment.

This amendment will also provide for individuals that do not reside in Lawrence but work in Lawrence to participate as a member of the Board.  Board members are interested in expanding the pool of candidates for the Board to interested parties that have a stake in the community through either residency or work.  Members expressed that the Mayor and City Commission have discretion and judgment in selecting board members and could continue with a practice of selecting city residents with the option of expanding the pool if necessary to fill vacancies.  Staff’s practice has been to recruit residents to fill Board vacancies.

On March 2, 2011, the Electrical Code Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend the changes contained in Ordinance 8622.