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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Electrical Advisory Board - 11/06/2008 - Special it %110RECEIVED Minutes of the DEC 15 2008 Electrical Advisory Board Special Meeting Cih'SECRETgRy,S OFFICE Thursday,November 6,2008 City Staff Conference Room - 1st Floor City Hall 1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. I. Call to Order Mr. Vasquez called the meeting to order at 1:25 p.m. II. Roll Call Board members present: Tino Vasquez, Craig Loving, Bhasker Patel, Michael Riley, Don Fretwell Billy Ashcraf, Jared Merdes, and David Schury. City staff present: David Lewis, Yvette Aguilar, and Elsa Martinez. Jay Reining joined the quorum and Yvette Aguilar exited the meeting. III. Members Absence Absences of the October 23, 2008, meeting were addresses and excused Mr. Schury made a motion to excuse the absences, motion was seconded by Mr. Patel Motion carried 8-0. IV. Approval of Minutes—October 23,2008 Mr. Patel made a motion to approve the Minutes of the October 23, 2008, meeting, motion was seconded by Mr. Riley. Motion carried 8-0 V. Discussion of Attorney General Opinion No. GA-0668 Mr. Lewis reviewed the response from the Attorney General regarding the items listed and not listed on an agenda. Mr. Lewis discussed that an agenda should list specificity of topics so that members of the public can understand what will be discussed and ident f items of interest to them. Mr. Lewis informed this clarification should caution boards to not use broad terms. He added that the agendas should be as specific and presented in an explanatory manner to afford public to participate in the meeting should they express such interest In referencing page 3 of 5 of the Attorney General's Opinion (Texas Gov't Code, Section 551.042), Mr. Lewis also informed of how the board can address a petitioner or member of the audience when such addresses an issue to the board SCANNED V N Minutes of the Electrical Advisory Board • Special Meeting November 6,2008 Page 2 Mr. Reining added that basically topics not listed on the agenda cannot be discussed He informed that a topic can be considered to be placed on a future agenda and that only answer a definitive question with a factual response. Ms. Yvette Aguilar apprised Mr. Reining that the board needed clarification on which member absences needed to be excused After a review of the bylaws, Mr. Reining informed board members present that the absences which need to be addressed are those pertinent to regular board meetings and not special called meetings. Mr. Doug Maples arrived introduced himself and apologized for not being able to join the board at this meeting. He informed that he had three conflicts on his schedule. Mr. Maples provided the board with a briefing on his background He informed the board that his expectations for all the codes are to minimize the amendments as much as possible. Mr. Maples informed of the goal to complete this project by the end of January 2009 due to the elections that will be occurring. He added that the goal to complete the amendment process is the end of November and that he realized this adds tremendous pressure on the board to accomplish this task. Mr. Maples informed that Development Services has to provide a workshop packet to City Council 30 days in advance to a scheduled workshop. Mr. Vasquez took the opportunity to welcome Mr. Maples to Corpus Christi and for coming on board with the City. Board members present also took the opportunity to introduce themselves to Mr. Maples. Mr. Lewis addressed Mr. Vasquez informing him that Item 8 on the Agenda had just been covered. VI. Review of 2008 National Electrical Code A. Chapter I -General B. Chapter 2-Wiring and Protection C. Chapter 3 -Wiring Methods and Materials D. Chapter 4—Equipment for General Use E. Chapter 5—Special Occupancies F. Chapter 6—Special Equipment G. Chapter 7—Special Conditions H. Chapter 8—Communications Systems I. Chapter 9—Tables I and 4 Mr. Lewis addressed the board regarding comparison of the local amendments to the NEC. He admonished members to begin the process if they haven't already and recommended for those who had already begun the process to continue through it �► V Minutes of the Electrical Advisory Board Special Meeting November 6, 2008 Page 3 Mr. Lewis engaged the board in a discussion regarding Sections 210.12 (Arc-Fault Circuit Interruptor) and 210.52 (Determination of Area Behind a Range, or Counter- Mounted Cooking Unit or Sink) and Article 100 (Definitions) of the NEC. After highlighting areas of concern in these two sections, Mr. Lewis invited board members exam forms, blogs, web sites, and magazines. Mr. Lewis directed board members attention to Table 310.15(B)(2)(c) of the NEC indicating that this table has new information. He informed members that they would want to know how this information would affect Corpus Christi. Board members engaged in discussing different scenarios that would be affected by this information. Discussion continued on listed Chapters. On conclusion of discussion, board members asked that City staff work with clients once the City has adopted the codes and amendments while educating clients and while clients adjust to the changes. Mr. Reining highlighted on changes made to amendments regarding Section 440.11, but indicated that this was discussed at the last meeting. Mr. Reining indicates that an exception has been added to Section 210.52(b)(2) for receptacle/electrical connections in a kitchen above the cooking surface. Mr. Reining indicated that a new section has been added. Section 210.53 which is receptacles required for non-dwellings in which a receptacle is required to be place every 20 feet measured in-the interior of the wall in each of the following rooms except store rooms; these are office buildings, restaurants, bank buildings, mechanical garages, and studios. Mr. Reining indicated that the next change is 234.11 which address service entrance conductor and installation methods. He read the text of the addition. Mr. Reining indicated that the next sections that were added are (d) and (e) to 230.70. He read the text of the additions. Mr. Lewis reiterated to board members that 7there are restrictions that need to be added to code, these need to be thought of and brought back for discussion. Mr. Reining indicated that Section 250.52(A)(5) which addresses rod and pipe electrodes has been revised. �r v Minutes of the Electrical Advisory Board Special Meeting November 6,2008 Page 4 Mr. Reining indicated that Subsection (D) has been added to Section 300.1. He elaborated on the details. Mr. Reining indicated that Subsection (D) has been added to Section 300.3. Mr. Reining asked for clarification on the use of the term "herein." He needs direction on whether the term is being applied to Subsection (D) only or to the NEC entirely. Mr. Lewis instructed that Section 300.3(D)should be kept open for further discussion in the future. Mr. Reining highlighted that Subsection(L) was added to Section 300.5. Mr. Reining indicated that two sections have been added to Section 408.3 regarding access to the attic or from the floor above or below the panel. Mr. Reining will have to check the numbering system in this Section to ensure correct number referencing when adding the two new sections. Mr. Reining referenced and discussed Article 696, a local creation. VII. Review of 2006 International Energy Code Board members were encouraged to review the energy code. VIII. Building Official Report A. Department Update B. Staffing Issues This item was addressed earlier in the meeting when Mr. Maples joined the board for a few minutes. IV. Petition from Audience No one addressed the board during public forum. VI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m. c ingO i� Presiding Officer