HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Construction Trade Advisory & Appeals Board - 12/16/2021CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
CONSTRUCTION TRADE ADVISORY & APPEAL BOARD
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1201 LEOPARD STREET
DECEMBER 16, 2021 - 1:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL
Vice Chairman Camp called the meeting to order, and a quorum was established with no absences.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
III. APPROVAL OF ABSENCES: Paul Cervantes
A motion was made by Mr. Merdes to approve the absence listed above and it was seconded by Mr.
Jimenez. The motion passed.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 15, 2021
A motion was made by Mr. Wanzer to approve the minutes listed above and it was seconded by Mr.
Jimenez. The motion passed.
V. DISCUSSION OR POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE 2022 BOARD MEETING CALENDAR
A motion was made by Mr. Merdes to approve the 2022 meeting calendar and it was seconded by Mr.
Cervantes. The motion passed.
VI. BRIEFING: Contractor “STAR” Program
Michael Dice, Assistant Director, presented item “VI” for the record as shown above. He began the
presentation by giving some background on the Department’s current registration requirements. He
stated this program provides for clear direction on registration requirements for trade contractors in the
City, thus increasing the professionalism of the workers within the City and helping citizens make
informed decisions on their development projects. “STAR” is an acronym for Safety, Training,
Accountability and Registration. The plan will have 3 levels of registration, each level increasing the
minimum requirements to achieve that level: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Mr. Dice explained that all registered contractors will be initially inserted into the Bronze category when
adopted. The minimum registration requirements for the Bronze level are an application, the Code of
Ethics Acknowledgement Form, General Liability Insurance and an approved background check. For the
Silver level, a contractor needs to have a Bronze level, plus all permitting fees need to be current, no
verified building related infractions/complaints and attend at least two Department training and/or
development events per year. For the Gold level, a contractor needs to have a Bronze and Silver level,
plus a minimum of five-year registration with the Department, a membership to a local professional
organization and one agent for the contractor must obtain an ICC Certification related to their specialty
or other certifications approved by the Building Official.
Mr. Dice said the program will create a way to assist citizens with finding and hiring contractors who
have met minimum City requirements. The status of contractors will be available online and will hold
them more accountable for maintaining their status.
BOARD MEMBERS:
Garry Camp – Vice Chairman
Paul S. Cervantes
Jared Merdes
Mike Wanzer
Jose Jimenez
Ronald Brister
STAFF:
Luke Fry, Deputy Building Official
Michael Dice, Assistant Director
Catherine Garza, Agenda Coordinator
VII. DEPUTY BUILDING OFFICIAL REPORT: Update on the 2021 ICC Code Adoption/Amendments.
Mr. Dice updated the Board on this item. He informed them that all the codes have completed review
except for the International Fire Code (IFC) which should be completed sometime in January 2022. Red-
lined documents are currently being produced for any local amendment adoptions (Chapter 14). Once
those documents can be finalized, including the IFC, they will be made available for feedback from the
public for 30 days per state mandate. He said an additional 30 days will be set aside for briefings to this
Board and other pertinent department boards/commissions. The goal is to present the amendments to
City Council in April 2022. If adopted in April, Corpus Christi will be one of the first cities in the State to
adopt the 2021 ICC Codes which will go into effect in October 2021 for stakeholder engagement and a
proper transition.
Mr. Merdes brought up a concern regarding refrigerants (flammable) because some will be phasing out
and the 2021 code may be deficient to address the issue.
VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: 2021 Annual Report for Boards/Commissions
Vice Chairman Camp went over some of the main topics of the annual report including vacancies and
goals for the upcoming year. Discussion took place regarding supplier involvement the implementation
of IBC Chapter 17 Special Inspections.
Mr. Cervantes brought up an issue with the use of copper-clad aluminum wire in residential new
construction. He said it is very new to the market and is difficult to be found for purchase in the City.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m.