January 25, 2018 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Doug Gaston, Rob Harris, Sarajane Scott |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Chris Champagne, Laura Blanchard |
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GUEST PRESENT: |
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Eric Epperson, Bobbie Flory-LHBA |
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STAFF PRESENT:
EX-OFFICIO: |
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Barry Walthall-Building Official
Patrick O’Brien, Building Inspector II |
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At the request of staff, Doug Gaston was willing to act as chairperson until the election of chair and vice-chair could take place. The board agreed.
Gaston called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
Review and approve minutes from October 22, 2015 meeting.
After review, Sarajane Scott made a motion to approve minutes from the October 22, 2015 meeting. Seconded by Rob Harris Pass 3-0.
Introduce new members Sarajane Scott and Rob Harris
Sarajane Scott-Owner/operator of Scott Temperature, Mechanical Contractor in Lawrence
Rob Harris-United Heating and Cooling. Been in the HVAC business for 30 plus years
Gaston thanked the new members for their willingness to serve as did Barry Walthall on behalf of the City of Lawrence
Elect Chair and Vice Chair
Harris made a motion to table the election of officers until the next meeting. Seconded by Gaston. Pass 3-0.
Distribute Code books and discuss review timeline for 2018 Mechanical Codes
Staff had Barry Walthall begin by stating that neighboring municipalities in Douglas county were planning to conduct a collaborative effort to review the 2018 codes to attempt to form more consistent enforcement practices throughout Douglas county, so some officials may attend meetings and gather information to make that happen. The timeline for the code review, adoption and implementation. A target date for codes review completion in September 2018 with draft ordinances ready by October 2018. Adoption by the City Commission is targeted for February 2019 with a proposed implementation set for July 1, 2019. Walthall also stated that with the adoption of the 2018 codes, the adoption process is anticipated to change from a 3-year cycle to a 6-year cycle. The code edition would still be published every three years but the intention is to skip the 2021 codes and review for adoption the 2024 codes with the possibility to make specific code amendments at the 2021 interval if needed. Walthall also emphasized the desire of staff to track and report to the City Commission any code changes that affect the cost of construction for affordable housing purposes. Harris asked Bobbie Flory what the cost of code changes were in the last code. Flory stated that nationally cost increases from the 2012 code to the 2015 code were $7000 with most of those costs associated with increased energy requirements. The calculation from 2015 to 2018 were minimal in comparison but Flory stated that costs were lower for Lawrence because most of the costly energy code regulations were amended out of the 2015 code for new residential construction. She also stated that depending on the outcome of the code review there may be some additional cost increases.
Staff asked the board if they could review the 2018 International Code for the next meeting.
Miscellaneous
Walthall stated the City Commission has directed the construction boards be consolidated after the code adoption is completed. There is not a clear picture of the makeup of that board yet.
Next meeting is February 22, 2018. Location change for the meeting, Jayhawk Room at fire station #5 at 19th & Iowa St.
Motion to adjourn made by Harris. Seconded by Gaston; passed 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m.