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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Electrical Advisory Board - 12/11/2008 - Special RECEIVED Minutes of the Electrical Advisory Board Special Meeting NOV 192009 Thursday,December 11,2008,at 1 p.m. CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE Fire Department Training Room 3rd Floor,Frost Bank Building I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order 1:20 p.m. II. Roll Call Board members present Lee Montgomery, Tino Vasquez, Michael Riley, Jared Merdes, and David Schury. City staff present: David Lewis, Rose lrigoyen. Late arrivals:Jay Reining and Doug Maples III. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes Mr. Riley motioned to approve the Minutes of the November 20, 2008 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Merdes. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Merdes motioned to approve the minutes of the December 4, 2008, with noted changes, seconded by Mr. Vasquez. Motion carried 5-0. IV. Review,Discuss and Make Recommendations for Board Membership; Section(14-225B)(2B) A. Home Builder There was a brief discussion on the two biographies that the board has received for the open position. Board members say they will make contact with candidate(s) who have expressed interest in serving. V. Review,Discuss,and Take Action on Adoption of the 2008 National Electrical Code with Local Amendments A. Chapter 1: 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] and 4 Mr. Montgomery asked Mr. Lewis if there are any recommendations that the board would need to consider to amend the 2008 National Electric Code. Mr. Lewis confirmed that there are no recommendations at this time. Mr. Riley inquired about possible changes in the future if the board learned about something that needed to be changed Mr. Reining informed that the ordinance can be amended at any time, and he gave the example of the change to ordinance on the electrical re-outs. Mr. Reining further stated that the City does not like to make changes during the year because people get used to the ordinance as it is adopted SCANNED 1410 Minutes of the Electrical Advisory Board Special Meeting December 11,2008 Page 2 VI. General Discussion of the Administrative Chapter 14 of the Technical Construction Codes A. Identify 14-216b: Electrical;Minor repairs and Alterations Mr. Reining provided a detailed overview of the Administrative Provision in Chapter 14. Board members and Mr. Reining engaged in a discussion regarding minor repairs and alterations. Mr. Reining indicated that there are situations described by the State of Texas which require licenses. He informed that such situations need to be identified Mr. Montgomery asked who would be responsible for checking this. Mr. Reining asked Mr. Lewis or one of the masters to check into this. Mr. Reining went onto highlight that a provision within notes that a permit nor a license are not necessary unless it is specfcally noted Mr. Reining reiterated that the situations in which the state requires a license needs to be noted here. Mr. Vasquez voiced that all repairs that need to be performed by a licensed electrician should be identified and noted in thatmanner in the best interest of homeowners. Board members and Mr. Reining indicated that a list of repairs which can be performed by the homeowner can be identified in this section as well. VII. Review,Discuss and Take Action on Adoption of Section 14-225(a)Licensing: Electricians Mr. Mercies indicated that this item was kept on the agenda to continue general discussion on licensing of electricians. Mr. Reining indicated that the board had decided to retain most of this section but that he needed to take a look at the contractors and master apprentices. Mr. Merdes informed he wanted to make clarification on how the state is unclear about how it defines business. The board engaged in discussion of this topic, but no recommendations or actions were made. VIII. Building Official Report B. Department Update C. Staffing Issues Mr. Lewis informed the board that Mr. Maples is actively involved in other meetings, some of which include boards, with the goal of updating codes and code amendments. Mr. Lewis provided an update on staffing noting the services being provided by a contracting agency. Mr. Montgomery asked if the department has an electrical inspector position open Mr. Lewis confirmed but also informed that the department is not actively recruiting to fill it at this point. He added that other contracted inspectors are assisting in the area of building and that the mechanical group is staff Mr. Maples joined the board members and staff it V Minutes of the Electrical Advisory Board Special Meeting December 11,2008 Page 3 Mr. Montgomery inquired of Mr. Maples about a previous inquiry he had made on whether the City had already adopted the International Existing Building Code. Mr. Maples answered that the code has not been adopted He apprised the board that plan checklists have been created. He shared that the commercial checklist is a comprehensive one, but that it only deals with buildings. He informed that the Single family plan review checklist is done and includes mechanical, plumbing and electrical. Mr. Maples informed that he met with home builders and this is where the checklist developed from. He informed that he shared with the home builders that Building Services is contemplating in requiring mechanical,plumbing, and electrical plans, but said he faced a little opposition. He added that at the minimum, Building Services would require plans for gas. Mr. Maples also informed that as time permits, the he and staff will be creating checklists for commercial building pipes, which will include specific plan checks for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical. He informed that once this checklist has been created this board will have the opportunity to review it and provide input, specifically on the electrical portion of it. Mr. Maples informed that these checklists will not be mandatory, but will be a tool for the customers to help understand what it is the City staff will be looking at. On staffing Mr. Maples informed that Building Services is still understaffed and that there continues to be a search for an electrical inspector and building inspectors. Mr. Merdes inquired about the distribution of the checklist. Mr. Maples informed that the checklist will be posted to the Development Services web-site and copies will also be available at the Development Services location Mr.Maples informed the Comprehensive Planning will be updating an ordinance regarding wind generators. He admonished board members to please get involved IX. Identify items to be placed on next agenda Recommendations for next agenda: Tracking called-in inspections;2008 National Electrical Code;Licensed Electricians; Fixture/circuit counts and charge variations X. Public Comments Board members may not deliberate or make a decision on any matter presented at this time. The Open Meetings Act limits Board response to only two options: 1)a statement of specific factual information given in response to an inquiry;or 2)a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry. Any deliberation of or decision about the subject shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. No one addressed the board during open forum. XI. Adjourn Mr. Vasquez made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Riley. Board members concurred unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 3:25 p.m 1 f O Presiding Officer