HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board - 02/14/2013 NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
Mechanical/Plumbing Advisory Board
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Time: 2:00 p.m.
2406 Leopard ,0.+ Corpus Christi,Texas
Development Services
3,d Floor, Fire Department Training Room
MINUTES
I. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 2.-03 p.m.
11. Roll Call
Board Members present: Clinton Bailey, Stacey Gallagher, Ronald Klepac, David Mathews,
Sean Rodriguez, Karim Salighedar, 4Julio Sanchez and Gilbert Canales. Gilbert Canales was late
and came in at hem V
Berard Members Absent: Billy Largin and James Mokry
Staff Meinhers Present.-.hAnSpeights, Gene Delauro, Steve Van Patten and Yvette Francis
111, Approval of Absences: December 13,2012, Regular Meeting
A motion was,made b-v David Mathews to excuse the absences from December 13, 2012,far
Bruce Hawn, Ronald Klepac and Billy Largin; the motion was seconded by Stacey Gallugher.
Motion carried 7-0
IV. Approval ofMinutes: December 13, 2012, Regular Meeting
A motion was made by David Mathews to approve the minutes from December 13, 2012; the
motion was seconded by Clinton Bailey. Motion curried 7-0
V Discussion and possible action regarding an amendment to Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances
pertaining to the frequency of testing for residential irrigation backflow devices.
Mrs,. Francis gave a brief description ref the amendment reiterating that the Council had
disapproved the previous presentation by Staff in which we asked that testing for residential
irrigation backflow devices be tested annually. Mr. Rodriguez stated that he thought the
required annual testing. Mr. Delauro explained that he thought the testing tune frame was left up
to the municipality. Mrs. Francis stated that the term that is currently used with T(.",EQ is
periodically. Mr. Speighisslated that he wanted to keep testing annually, but that Council is
wonting otherwise. Also that part ref the problem was the way violations were being addressed in
1hefin-m qJ'letters being issued. Mr. Mathews and Mr. Rodriguez asked that if'the language that
was included in the ordinance meant that every backflow device including hose bibs heing tested
annually. Mr. Speights stated that was not the intent ofthe way the code was, written and it could
he interpreted dzlftrent4y, Mr. Speightsstated that the language needed to be cleaned Up to avoid
any confusion.
The board began to discuss their feelings about backfloiv testing possibly being moved to
triennial testing. Mr. Bailey feels that zf�we go to triennial testing that someone can possibly be
hurt or even killed and feels he shouldn't vote for or against this item. Mr. Bailey stated that his
oath as a plumber says he is responsible for the public health.
Mr. Mathews stated that hewouldpossibly go to twoyears,but that heftels that every three years
is too long qfaspan.
A )notion was made by David Mathews recommending that testing remain annually; the motion
was seconded by Ronald Klepac, The motion carried 8-0
VI. Discussion and possible action regarding the Use of gray water systems.
Mr. Rodriguez askedfi)rfiurther clarification regarding the use(?f condensate for gray water
systems. Mr. Speights stated that the code allowed the use of condensate, hut that it was not in the
gray water appendix but instead in (.halver 3. Mr. Rodriguez wanted to get the City"s take on
rainwater harvesting Mr. SJ.?eighls said that he is for harvesting rainwater for the Use of drib?
irrigation which is allowed by
v code. Mr. SPeighty said clean gray water, which is mostly used in
a residential setting from bathtubs, showers, lavatories and clothes washers is,allowable. But,
that it must only he used )r irrigation of
plants. Mr. Speights has no ohjection on using
condensate and ftels that during the summer you can Produce a large quantity cif condensate fior
watering purposes. Mr. Rodriguez asked about the code starting that the gray water must he
disinfected and wanted to know if the condensate needed to he disincted. Mr. Speights stated
je
that the table in the code shows that it wouldn't need to he disinfected
VII. Presentation,discussion and possible action regarding the Use of pro press gas fittings.
Mr. Canales wanted to know if the City was allowing the use ofPro press fittings for gas. Mr.
Rodriguez stated that the code currently states that a press fitting may he used for copper tubing.
Mr. Rodriguez stated that Mr. Van Patten had mentioned that the marking on the dots are being
removed. Mr. Van Patten stated that the markings can easily be removed with your finger nail
and marked again with a dif
.ferent marking color. With this hal.)I)ening the fitting may be the
wrong,one usedfi)r the material type and the substance the tubing is carrying
A Presentation was given to the Board by Pro Press representative regarding the use of'pro press
fittings and the way they work.
VIII. Building Official's Report
A. Department Updates-New trucks
Mr. Speights stated that we ordered new trucks and they will be available in August or
September.
B, Staffing- New employees and vacancies
Mr. Speights announced the hiring and appointment(?I'(;ene Delauro, Assistant Building
Official. Mr. Speights also..stated they we have a vacancy for aplunibing inspector.
IX. Public Comments
No one addressed the Board during public.1brun?
X. Identify items to be placed on next agenda
The code doesn't really recognize Tixturefitting.�,,fi)r,saiiittii-y waste such as back to back water
j-:5 pumps, but it issomething then maa-y need to he addressed with our local amendments to the Code
so that the inspeclor.s,don't go out and tag it as an inappropriate fitting. The UPC allows it by the
IPC'does not recognize it. It is, in the Code C minenlar .
y
XL Adjour,
The melee ing was adjourned at 3:00 p.in.
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