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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board - 12/13/2012 Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board Thursday, December 13,2012 Time: 2:00 p.m. 2406 Leopard -*.* Corpus Christi,Texas Development Services 3 d Floor, Fire Department Training Room MINUTES 1. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m. 11. Roll Call Board Member Present.- Clinton Bailey, Gilbert Canales, Stacey Gallagher, David Matthews, dames.Hokry, Sean Rodriguez, Karim Salighedar, and Julio Sanchez Board Members Absent: Bruce Ihrwn, Ronald Klepac and Billy Lai-gin SIqf ,f Present:John Speights, Sieve Van Patten and Yvette Francis 111, Approval of Absences: September 13,2012, Regular Meeting Mr. Gallagher was out of town and contacted Catherine Garza il?fi)rming her of such. Mr. Canales and Mr. Mokty couldn't remember why they weren't prevent, since this meeting took place three months ago. A motion to approve the absences was made by Mr. Salighedar, the motion was second by Mr. Rodriguez and the inotion carried 8-0 IV. Approval of Minutes: September 13, 2012, Regular Meeting November 19,2012, Special Called Meeting A motion to approve the minutesfi)rSeptember 13, 2012, regular meeting, was made by A4r. Mathews, the motion was second by Mr. Sanchez and the motion carried 8-0 A motion to approve the minutes fire November 19, 2012, special called meeting, was made by Mr. Gallagher, the motion was,second by Mr. Sanchez and the motion carried 8-0 V. Presentation by John Speights, Building Official,entitled "Backflow"and discussion thereof Mr. Speights presented a back/low prevention presentation that was put together by stajj. The presentation included definitions, code reference, hazards, annual testing requirements, costs statistical data, and City procedures in regards to backflow testing and notifications. Mr. Rodriguez asked if we had any historical data that would show life expectancy qf BPA'sfir the City of Corpus Christi, Mr. Speights stated that we didn't currently have any data that would indicate life expectancy and that depending on what type of device being used and the natural exposure that the IiIL,expectancy would vary, Mr. Speights noted the code changes that have happened over the course of the years, such as a yard used to be considered a high hazard, but is nowjust considered a hazard. Mr. Speights still thinks that a yard should be classified as a high hazard. Page I of 3 Mr. Matthews asked ij'tlie,statics I)roi,,idedrepresented the,failure rale all devices in the City or the devices that are registered with the City. Mr. Speights explained that the 16%failure rate carne fi-oinjailures q1'registered devices,only. Mr. Speights then briefly explained the backflow testing process. This process includes having a registered tester pertbrm the lest, correcting alty, failures in the device, and reporting test results to the City for filing. Mr. Salighedar stated that the main reason why the devices,fail is because of the air handles and lest cocks and that he has seen the material being used moved'from brass to stainless steel. Mr. Sulighedur reiterated that less than 5%(Y'Ihe devices.fail internally That usually the device,filds for the air handlers, Mr. Speights explained that City Council needs a better understanding of the backflow prevention program and further clarificalion on what needs to be tested annually. Furthermore, Mr. Speights explained that T(',EQ is moving towards periodic testing and staf ffstill,leels we should have mandatory testing. VI, Building Official's Report A, Department Updates- Shower Pan Inspection Mr. Van Patten recapped the hiring oj'ci new inspector, Dale Heberling and that he is adapting to the City codes rather quickly. Mr. Van Patten also wanted to acknowledge the possibility of having dedicated residential and commereial inspectors. Stq� ,f is looking towards separating the two with inspectors andplan review. This would enable our inspectors that have a stronger in residential to focus on residential inspections us a whole. This step would also inove its closer to having combination inspectors. B. Staffing- Building Inspectors Position M Mr. Speights reiterated the importance of having the shower pan, which is included under the plumbing code, inspected at plumbing top-out or before the is laid More recently, the conn-actors have been working on the shower pans, this is considered illegal plumbing. If the City inspectors see a tile contractor working on the shower pan at the top-out inspection it is possible that correction notices will be issued. Mr. Speighis slated that the builders have concerns with the shower pan getting destroyed while file is being installed. But, ultimately it is,a pluinhingfixture that will he inspected at a plumbing inspection, which the plumber is responsible for. Mr. Francis explained the main problem is that the shower pan inspection isn't being called at all. Mr. Francis said this, inspection usually isn't caught until final, which(it that time the and drywall has already been installed. Mr. Rodriguez wanted to know if this was aseparate inspection. Mr. Speighls acknowledged that it is a separate inspection. Mr. Canales said that they used to have an inspection at top-out and then the shower pan wouldn't be inspected until plumbingfin al. Mr. V)eights explained that this inspection is now aseparate inspection and ,should be called in separately. Mr. Van Patten stated that he has received multiple calls from builders that have had to replace the shower pan within months elf the house receivingfinal due, to the lack qf'shower pan inspections. Mr. Van Patten reiterated that the plumbing contractors are not calling the shower pan inspections in until they get to their final. At that time, the standard excuse for not calling it in was that theyforgotand it won't happen again. Mr. Speights stated that we will get a nienio to the supply houses regarding shower pan inspections. Page 2 of 3 VIL Public Comments No One addressed the Board during publicforuin VIII. Identify items to be placed on next agenda Mr. Rodriguez would like more iqfbi-oration on recycled and reclaimed wader, also known as grey water systems. This, is an ipcoming trend and the board would like to know what the code has to so),about this and what staff recommends. Also the plumbing code lulkabout grey water but not specifically,reclaimed rain water the board would like further clarification. IX. Adjourn Mr. Rodriguez made the first motion to adiourn and Mr. Bailey seconded. The meeting adjourned at 2:411.?.in. Presiding Officer Page 3 of 3