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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-03 Building Codes Ad Hoc Committee Minutes Building Codes Ad Hoc Committee Minutes of December 17, 2003 Members Present: Tommy Moser, Tom Campbell, Tom Stringer, Ed Yung, Stanley Briers, Ron Holt, Mike Clausen, Carlos Smith, Bill White Members Absent: Robert Ortiz City Staff Present: Interim Planning Director Nick Finan, Chief Building Official Debbie Wilmore, Inspection Services Coordinator Sherry Jennings 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Mike Clausen called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. 2. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 10,2003. Motion to approve the minutes of December 10,2003 by Mr. White. Second was by Mr. Stringer. The motion carried, 3, DISCUSSION ON THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL (C3) AND INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL (ICe) CODES. Chairman Clausen suspended the agenda to discuss Item #6 prior to Item #3, Those comments are shown under Item #6. Tom Stringer reports that both codes are hard to comprehend. However, C3 offers more charts and tables than ICC. Tom Campbell stated he felt ICC has tried to condense their codes and C3 offers more "how-to" details. Chairman Clausen asked the question - With more details offered, is the C3 more restrictive? Mr, Stringer feels it is not but it is more explanatory, Ed Yung commented that he felt all the extras are not necessarily pertinent to the code, but would usually be in a handbook. Also, Mr, Briers advised the group that the fuel gas code is included within C3's mechanical code. Chairman Clausen stated that he feels the Committee's ultimate goal is to have a code that produces quality structures, is user friendly and is not so restrictive that it will drive away business away. To assist the members in identifying which codes are already state mandated and which ones need to be selected, a Code Selection Chart prepared by staff was handed out. 4, CONSIDER DISCUSSION ON THE NFP A 5000 (C3) AND IBC BUILDING CODES. No discussion occurred on this item J Building Codes Ad Hoc Commit Minutes of December 17,2003 Page 2 Of 4 5. CONTINUE DISCUSSION AND CONSIDER ACTION ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF CONSTRUCTION CODES (C3, ICC OR A COMBINATION OF THE CODES). No discussion occurred on this item. 6. CONTINUE DISCUSSION AND CONSIDER ACTION ON THE RECOMMENDATION ON THE CODES OF APPEAL BOARD AUTHORITY, ORGANIZATION, MAKE-UP AND PROCESS/PROCEDURES. Discussion began with Carlos Smith suggesting a non-partial public board of not less than three nor more than five members. This board would have authority to appoint subcommittees that would be utilized when needed. Members shared opinions for and against this proposal. Chairman Clausen suggested reviewing "Option C" that was distributed at a prior meeting. Bill White excused himself at 7:40 P. M. and left the room. He was not present for the vote. Tom Campbell made a motion that "Option D" be developed for Mr. Smith's proposal of a non- partial public board, It can be one of the various options considered by this committee in their selection of a recommended Appeal Board, Carlos Smith seconded the motion. Motion carried. Chairman Clausen reminded members that a consensus on the codes and the appeal board is needed before a "recommendation" presentation can be made to City Council. As discussed at the previous meeting, Chairman Clausen suggested the structure of the Board be as follows: .:. I Citizen .:. 1 Master Plumber .:. 1 Master Electrician .:. 1 Master HV AC technician .:. 1 Engineer .:. 1 Architect .:. 1 General Contractor .:. Building Official (ex-officio) Other requirements of the board were discussed, Nick Finan advised the members he had researched the matter and found no ordinance that requires a board member be a resident of La Porte. Although, typically it is "understood" that this would be the first requirement, the committee could submit something different for approval by Council. Carlos Smith made a motion that each member ofthe Board be a resident of the City of La Porte unless it is not possible to find a qualified candidate that is willing to serve. In such case, the City should then consider a person that has a business located within the city and performs work within the city. If still no person is found, the City should look for a candidate that either has a business located within the city or performs work within the city. Second by Tom Campbell. Motion passed, Building Codes Ad Hoc Commit. Minutes of December 17,2003 Page 3 Of 4 Tom Campbell asked Ed Yung for some clarification on previous fire code information discussed at the last meeting, Bill White returned at 8:20 p.m. 7. NEW BUSINESS A) DISCUSS FORMULATING THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT AND ACCOMPANYING BACK-UP MATERIAL FOR CITY COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION. Mr. Clausen asked Mr. Smith to prepare his written proposal of "Option D", He also asked Tommy Moser to continue his review of "Option C" and provide final written comments. Both were asked to have them ready for handout at the January 7, 2004 meeting. B) DISCUSS NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AGENDA, ETC. Mr. Clausen presented a revised timeline for the Committee. .:. December 24, 2003 - No meeting - Christmas Eve .:. December 31, 2003 - No meeting - New Year's Eve .:. January 7, 2004 - Committee comes to a consensus on what codes to recommend. Either the C3 codes, the ICC codes or combination of both codes. Start preparation of the committee's "draft" recommendation. .:. January 14,2004 - Review first draft and make necessary changes for the final draft. Also, discuss and select an option for the code appeal board. .:. January 21, 2004 - Discuss and approve the final draft of the code recommendation and code appeal board. Discuss plan for presentation to City Council .:. February 9, 2004 - Committee recommendation presentation to City Council Staff advised members an open records request was received by the City Secretary's Office. The request asked for information on the committee members, Each member needs to decide if they want their information released, Mrs, Wilmore distributed the form provided to her by the City Secretary's office and advised each to complete it according to their preference, Staff also provided copies of the Inspection Services Division Quarterly report for the fiscal year of 2002/2003, This will provide members with an idea of permits issued, inspections performed, etc. C) GENERAL COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS ON PROGRESS OF COMMITTEE WORK AND OVERVIEW OF WORK COMPLETED. No discussion occurred on this item. Building Codes Ad Hoc Commi. Minutes of December 17,2003 Page 4 Of 4 8. ADJOURN Motion to adjourn at 9:15 p, M, Submitted by, Sherry Jennings, 'fJ Inspection Service oordinator U