HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Electrical Advisory Board - 05/22/2008 02.32728.2.9
Electrical Advisory Board 4'
May 22,2008 Minutes
Board Members Present Lee Montgomery(Partial) a fr a
Craig Loving v`A
Daniel Dibble e ,
Bhasker Patel �trer F, 71 tto�6
Michael Riley
Don Fretwell
Billy Ashcraft
Jared Merdes
Members Absent: Tino Vasquez
David Shiny
Staff Members Present: Joe Elliott,Interim Building Official
David Lewis,Chief Electrical Inspector
Jay Reining,City's Legal Representative
Sylvia Sanchez,Recording Secretary
Call to Order:
Motion was made by Don Fretwell and second by Billy Ashcraft to name Craig Loving as Pro Tempore; motion
carried unanimously. Meeting was call to order by Craig Loving at 3:10 p.m.
Approval of minutes for March 20,2008:
Motion was made by Billy Ashcraft and second by Daniel Dibble for approval of the minutes for meeting on
February 21,2008. Motion carried unanimously.
2008 National Electrical Codes:
David reminded the board of their previous discussion, that it would be an easier transition for the city to adopt
the 2005 code. Unfortunately adopting the 2005 code could create complications; the city will be behind the
current level of activity. Mr. Lewis stated that the city management's direction is to adopt the 2008 NEC. The
code is more compatible to the state and the study material that most electricians are receiving their CEUs is
based on 2008 codes. Mr. Patel inquired about how many meetings does the board have to review the 2008
material and what timeline does the board have to address questions that might arise. David stated that the
department will purchase the necessary study materials for board members to review (electronic, hardcopy, easy
guide formats, and change guideline books). If the department receives the materials before the next board
meeting staff will contact members to determine how materials will be distributed. Jay suggested purchasing the
2002 changes. It would be easier to review the current codes. Jay added that current ordinance can be viewed in
the city's website by navigating to Development Services Department or can be viewed in the Municode website,
select their online library,navigate to the state of Texas,select our city,and select chapter 14.
Change in Local Amendments:
David stated that the local amendment 14-221 (b) (3) a. and b refers to re-out inspection. Currently the local
amendments read that for commercial buildings a re-out inspection is required if the energy has been disconnected
for a period more than twenty-four(24)hours,except on weekends and holidays; for residential buildings a re-out
inspection is required if the energy has been disconnected for a period of more than six(6)months. David stated
that the local amendments have been in place for approximately 30 years; staff is recommending a change to the
local amendments due to changes in the market place and current safety issues. David added that currently San
Antonio's addresses re-out inspections read"as necessary," they do not specify dates. Billy Ashcraft stated that
San Antonio utility company is different than Corpus Christi; San Antonio electrical facility is run by the city of
San Antonio and Corpus Christi is not. Mr. Patel stated that 6 months for residential seems too long. It could be
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that re-out inspections will not occur due to a residential home might only be vacant for 5 months or less. Not
doing a re-out can have safety issues because the house during a few days of being vacant could be vandalized.
After some discussion Dan Dibble made a motion and second by Michael Riley to change the local amendments
per staff recommendation to change to read as follows:
> for commercial buildings a re-out inspection is required if the energy has been disconnected for a period
more than five(5)days,excepting weekends and holidays; for residential buildings a re-out inspection is
required if the energy has been disconnected for a period of more than three(3)months.
Motion carried unanimously.
New Members:
New board member, Jared Merdes, Mechanical Engineer with Patterson Engineering was welcomed and
introduced by David Lewis. Joe Elliott, Interim Building Official; Jay Reining, City Attorney; and Sylvia
Sanchez Development Services Management Assistance,gave a brief description of their job history with the city
and current job duties.
Interim Building Office Report:
Mr. Elliott reported that inspection numbers are down, Staff is estimating that the general fund will be short
approximately 9 million dollars. Development Services revenues will probably increase by I million due to
recent increase on fees;the department will return approximately$900,000 to the general fund. Staff interviewed
four candidates for the vacant Electrical position; an offer is forthcoming. There will also be a third party
contractor for plan review and to assist with areas where the department has vacant positions. The third party
contractor will assist the department as a needed basis. Joe stated that if board members are aware a theft
occurred at a job site,they should call for another inspection. Lee Montgomery inquired if the developer would
be required to pay for another inspection. Joe stated that staff can work around that due to the circumstances.
Mr.Elliott informed the board that the direction from management is to move forward with the adopting the 2008
NEC and for Building the 2006 codes. The goal for completion for board to review the codes and make their
recommendations is October 2008. The code agenda item will than be presented for the first reading to city
council in November;a second reading will be scheduled in December. The new codes will be effective January
2009. Jay stated that board members can work on code substance they would like to recommend for adoption and
he will work on the language. Joe added that it is important that board members be present in the upcoming board
meetings.
Petition from Audience:
None
Adjournment:
A motion to adjourn was made by Bhaster Patel, second by Dan Dibble. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at
4:23 p.m.
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