PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF CODE OFFICIALS
QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES – March 13, 2003
ASTM BUILDING

President Bob Duncan called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

President:          Bob Duncan
Vice President:    Lee Milligan
Secretary:          Jeff Gentile
Treasurer:          Brian Gallagher

Board of Directors:

Calvin Bonenberger, Jr.
Dan Kerr
Bob Loeper

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Two sets of minutes were presented: 9/19/02 and 12/12/02 meetings. PACO members were ask to review each of the meeting minutes.

MOTION APPROVED FOR SEPTEMBER 19, 2002 AND DECEMBER 12, 2002 MINUTES.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

    UCC Regulations Update

See PACO Newsletter for information on this topic.

At our last meeting with PA L&I and via notification by the e-mail distribution list, indication is that the final draft will be completed sometime in March, 2003. L&I will then seek the government’s approval through the formal process. We anticipate the final draft with publication somewhere around late summer or early fall of 2003. Three month implementation date is by the end of this year. The 2003 International Code Series will then be effected. We feel this is a fairly accurate schedule based on our meetings with L&I. This culminates 10-15 years of work.

PA L&I has also requested a meeting with PACO representatives as well as PENNBOC and several others for information needed to put the new regulations in place. In particular, L&I is looking for feedback on permit forms. It appears that there will not be mandatory permit forms at this time, however, a form will be developed for rural communities who may not be using permit forms at all. Therefore, you will most likely be able to continue to use your own forms with the possibility of using a supplemental form from L&I.

President states that it is very positive that L&I is seeking our input in the process instead of proceeding without our participation. An informational kit will be sent to all communities which will include the following:

President takes the opportunity to thank the PACO board members for their support during his tenure. He states that soon after his election as President, his responsibilities significantly increased at Lower Merion, which did not allow him to spend as much time as he had hoped in his position. Because of willingness of board members take on added responsibilities, he states his job was made easier. Bob gives special thanks to Lee Milligan for his efforts in bringing the educational programs to the members. Due to Lee’s efforts, we also now have more representation at the State level.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Please see two Treasurer’s Report hand-outs.

2002 Checking Account:
$xx,xxx.xx Deposits
$xx,xxx.xx Checks paid
$xx,xxx.xx Balance for 2002

2002 E-Bank Investment:
$x,xxx.xx $3,000 account
$x,xxx.xx $6,000 account

2003 Checking Account:
$xx,xxx.xx Opening balance
$x,xxx.xx Deposits through 3/1/03
$x.xx Interest
$xx,xxx.xx Expenses (NOTE: Includes $8,000 for opening money market account)
$xx,xxx.xx Checking balance

$xx,xxx.xx Investment values

$xx,xxx.xx NET WORTH

MOTION APPROVED TO ACCEPT TREASURER’S REPORT.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Jeff Gentile reports that as of this date, we have 152 renewals for 2003. Jeff urges anyone who has not renewed to send in your renewal as soon as possible.

EDUCATION REPORT

    Educational Offers

PSATs works in conjunction with PCCA (Pennsylvania Code Academy)
Offers training in Municipalities Planning Code and Zoning as part of a case study
Phone #: 717-763-0930

Penn State
Offers Zoning Law Program at Penn State Convention Center, State College
Phone #: 814-863-5100

PSATs/PCCA
Offers UCC update and Inspector Certification for Residential (building, plumbing,
mechanical certification. Also offering certification testing around the State (paper and
pencil testing)
Phone #: 717-763-0930

PENNBOC
Offers mechanical code at various locations around the State in April/May, 2003
Jim Masearch, Education
Phone #: 412-882-9600

ICC Spring Training Conference:
April 6-9, 2003 in Kansas City, KS
Phone #: 800-214-4321

Certification Testing/Test Center Availability
Conducted after today’s PACO business meeting
Training led by Bill Hartz and George Allen

PACO Spring Forum
April 27, 28, 29, 30, 2003
Concordville Inn

Lee Milligan asks that all registration forms for the Spring Forum be sent to the following address:

                PACO BOCA Chapter #71
                108 Beechwood Drive
                Broomall, PA 19008

A return address was omitted when form was developed.

You can return the golf registration form to Matt Light at the address listed on the registration form for the golf outing.

Both forms for the above are available.

Fundraising forms for the hole sponsorship are available. All members are encouraged to sell several for the fundraiser at $50 for each sponsorship. Signs for each sponsor will cost PACO $18, therefore, PACO will make $32 on each sponsorship. Each sponsor will get three days worth of free advertising at the golf outing as well as the in the classrooms of the Conference Center where the signs are displayed.

Schedule for Conference:

Monday, April 27, 2003 Plan Review International Building Course –
Tuesday, April 28, 2003 Non-Structural Course

Monday, April 27, 2003 1. Simpson – Metal Connectors Installation and Inspection
2. Hiltie – Fire Stopping

Tuesday, April 28, 2003 International Fire Code 2000

Wednesday, April 29, 2003 Certification Testing for Building Plans Examiner*  (Must schedule for certification test by 3/28/03)

*Bill Hartz of ICC discusses the Certification Testing and Registration. If you are familiar with the Experior programs, the testing combines with ICC program and is equivalent to 1C and 3C for Experior. ICC examination is a 70 question exam and for 3½ hours. NOTE: For those who have already taken the 1C or 3C testing, the test cannot be divided. You must take the entire test to qualify for the certification. However, you may still take the Experior testing for 1C or 3C.

Program requires one reference, the International Building Code. It does not require NFPA13 or 72.

Regarding registration, there is a cut-off date for the 2-day non-structural planning review course. This is due to the size of the classroom which seats 60 people and the need to have space for each person to spread out plans, books, etc. Get your registration in early! It is suggested that members send in their registration forms even if the payment for the registration cannot be sent at that time.

In regard to your code book when taking the test. The code book cannot contain any extra and/or loose papers. There can be handwritten notes in the book, text can be highlighted, tabs can be added. However, proctors are looking for loose papers that might be removed for the purpose of taking test questions out of the testing site.

FYI: Paul Myers, ICC Board President, will be attending our Spring Forum Banquet on Tuesday for the induction of PACO #71 officers.

CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE

Cal Bonenberger has recently been appointed to the ICC Existing Structures Code Committee. Cal discusses fires in large structures. He states that the recent fire in the Rhode Island night club and other large fires, including the Las Vegas hotel fire several years ago, are an indication of the importance code compliance when issuing of certificates of use and occupancy. He states there must be changes made to existing building code, international building code and fire code. The code official must take the initiative to change the process.

The A-2 Occupancy of the ICC requires sprinkler systems in any building over 5,000 square feet or with an occupancy of 300 or more people. The NFPA requires sprinklers in occupancy of 300 or more people.

Cal discusses the setting of the occupancy number at 300. When the NFPA President was asked how the number of 300 was set, the President stated he did not know. When asked if there was scientific study or research done to set the number, the President stated “Not to my knowledge.”

Cal is asking for volunteers to form a committee to investigate how to improve Occupancy requirements. Once volunteers sign up, information will be e-mailed to them. Cal, along with Kevin Pezzano of Plymouth Township, are set to meet with Bill to get the language of the 2003 version of the code. Proposal of code changes for 2003 code must be in by March 24, 2003. If the March 24th date is missed, then another 18-month cycle will pass before changes can be made.

A case study of the inspection sheet from Rhode Island night club is being worked on by various members. It has been determined that even though it is unlikely that the RI inspectors will have criminal charges against them, the inspectors will be viewed with animosity by the public. Cal states that ICC has taken some of the brunt for the RI tragedy. He reminds the group that the pressures of working in a politically motivated work environment makes it hard for the inspectors to do their jobs. With the added stress of cost measures, the code official may be forced to do a less than adequate job.

NOMINATIONS

Todd Meltsch reports the Nomination Committee is working on the following:

OLD BUSINESS

Book Orders

We have received $3,000 in book orders for various books over the last few months. ICC gives PACO a member rate and we extend a 10% discount to members. You can fax the orders form to Bob’s office at 610-649-9598. Question was raised as to ordering books on CD ROM. This will be looked into and information given to group in the near future.

PennDOT Correspondence Regarding UCC Regulations

We are sending a letter to PennDOT to generate interest in a state-wide organization to deal with the influx of information regarding the UCC. Although PennDOT’s response was not what we hoped, the door was left open to work with them. A follow-up letter will be sent in the near future.

Drexel University Training/Certification Programs

Brochures from Drexel University regarding their training certification programs are available for members.

Status of PACO #71’s Not-For-Profit Application

Letter was received from our attorney with corporation papers have been provided as well as Federal ID number has been assigned. We have registered our logo as a fictitious name.

NEW BUSINESS

Building Safety Journal by ICC

Building Safety Journal will be put out as a magazine by ICC, similar to the BOCA magazine in terms of information provided. Chapter benefits under ICC will be similar if not identical to BOCA. Free annual seminar will be given to each Chapter, with a requirement minimum of 30 students. Building rights based on the population of each community. There 220 chapters with an increase to 290 in the next three months.

NOTE: Regarding membership to the ICC Board of Directors, under 50,000 in population will have 4 voting members.

NOTE: from Bill Hartz of ICC: In April, members will be receiving information from ICC’s Dave Martin, who heads ICC Certification, listing your certifications. It is recommended that you check the certifications carefully. The certification database will now be kept in California, instead of Illinois. You will be sent a postcard to be sent back if you would like to be kept on the e-mail and certification renewal lists. The intent is to get all members ICC certified as soon as possible. One-time offer of $30 for certifications and renewals will be offered. NOTE: Renewals will be $100 plus a year from now. Any problems with your certifications list should be corrected as soon as possible.

PACO Meetings

Jeff Gentile states that there is a deadline for getting your name in for participation in PACO meetings, as there is a limit of number of people who can attend. Because of the limitation of the number of seats, the cut-off will be 60 people. Get your name on the list early for meetings!

DCCC Certification Testing

Delaware County Community College will continue to be a pen and paper certification test site for testing, including plumbing, mechanicals, fire accessibility, building, etc. Registration forms are available. New testing will be added each year at the Malin Road site. NOTE: All are welcomed to test at the DCCC site, however, fees are higher for non-Delaware County students.

Bob Duncan suggests that a mailing list of members of PACO #71 be sent to DCCC. Also, a mailer of Fall line-up of certification programs will be given to PACO for distribution to its members.

NOMINATION and VOTING:

Bob Duncan thanks Nomination Committee, Dan Kerr and Bob Wilford, for their work.

Ballots for Board of Directors are passed out for voting. NOTE: Active members only can vote. Associate members do not have voting rights.

We recently voted to increase of Board of Directors from three to five positions. Vote for the following Board of Director positions:

Nominations and results as follows:

    Vote for three (3):

Two year term Daniel Kerr, CBI, Towamencin Township ELECTED
Two year term Robert F. Loeper, Jr., MCO, Radnor Township ELECTED
Two Year Term Robert Neely, Lower Merion Township ELECTED
Write-ins:
Two Year Term Mark Zadroga, Upper Merion Township (2A)
Two Year Term Frank Newhams, Coatesville City (2B)

    Vote for two (2):

One year term Kevin Pezzano, Plymouth Township ELECTED
One year term Glenn Holt, West Chester Borough ELECTED
One year term Steve Travers, Lansdowne Borough
No write in’s for 1A or 1B

CLARIFICATION: Nominee who is nominated for two-year term, but is not elected, cannot run for one-year term.

RESULTS OF ELECTION FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

President: Lee Milligan
Vice President: Jeff Gentile
Secretary: Brian Gallagher
Treasurer: Calvin Bonenberger, Jr.

CLOSING

There being no further business, the business part of this meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

JEFFREY N. GENTILE
SECRETARY

dme
6/3/03