PACO
Minutes
19-September-08


The meeting was called to order at 9:10 AM.

Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.
Attendance - Board Members present Brian Gallagher, Robert Neely, John Beswick, Terry Bennett and Stan Altzman. Absent: Robert Loeper, Kevin Pezzano, Glenn Holt and Steve Travers

President's Report:
Introduction of Norma Gaudet as administrative assistant.

ICC Conference/Minnesota - Bob Loeper was not elected to the Board of Directors. Bob is active in Region 7 and will be able to support us. Cindy Davis was elected to the Board of Directors. Ron Lynn from the West Coast will be our representative.

Fran McKernan passed away after the last meeting. A donation in Fran's honor was given to the American Heart Association. A thank you letter was received from the McKernan family and the American Heart Association.

A check was given to the Hero Fund for the motorcycle ride to benefit Fallen Firefighters & Police Officers.

Motion for approval of the June 12, 2008 minutes - Calvin Bonenberger 1st, Mike Yurish 2nd. Unanimous Vote. Motion for approval of the minutes of the emergency meeting on July 10, 2008 to approve expenditure of Bob Loeper. Ray Daly 1st, Calvin Bonenberger 2nd.

Treasurer's Report - Bob Neely

Membership Report - Bob Neely
Bob Neely stated that the objective of PACO is to provide training for those that want it. Individual classes ran high dollar amounts and we didn't get the numbers we were looking for. There are two new members since June. At this time there are approximately 220-230 members. Please let Bob know if you are experiencing any e-mail problems. Many of the members who normally speak are at the ICC Conference.

Fall Forum - November 6th & 7th .
2-day Fire Alarm Program and a 2-day Energy Code Class. Forms will be sent out by October 10th - Please register.

Code Review - Deferred

PHRC Report - Terry Bennett
Terry is planning to go to the next scheduled meeting October 10th in Harrisburg and will report back. Webinar's which are live seminars are available on the web. Response is not overwhelming.

Region VII Report - Deferred - Bob Loeper is at ICC Conference.

ICC Report:
Commercial Building Administration Grant passed House- moved to Senate.Grant will subsidize bringing another person into the code office. Membership should send senators e-mail for support.

Residential Fire Sprinklers - will be voted on the beginning of next week.

Old Business:
Spring and Fall Training - open to the floor. There is a constant decrease in membership attending classes. The Fall Symposium was received poorly. PACO's target audience is non-participatory. Keith Place suggested PACO working together with PennBoc as one group. Brian Gallagher stated that he has tried in the past to work with PennBoc and has never come to any agreements. PennBoc has been difficult to deal with. Brian mentioned that he has no problem going back to the table with PennBoc. (Todd Meltsch) stated that the cost for the Spring Forum has remained the same for the past three years. The fall classes are predominately based for fire codes. Todd feels that the best class is the '06 Fire Codes. Is it better to do training in the winter time? Should PACO change the date of the Spring Forum, or should PACO combine the Spring/Fall Forum into a Winter Forum? Bob Neely informed the members present that the Electrical Inspector and the Permit Clerk are drawing small audiences. If a person misses the one forum then they have to wait until the next year. Should PACO hold meeting after lunch training? Steve Bonafacino. PACO could keep the cost down if having classes at municipality vs. cost of hotel. Bob Neely remarked that PACO's main focus is training but we're not getting feedback. Brian thanked everyone for their input......he will list them out and will work on it. Four quarterly meetings seen as a one day per quarter training. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Commercial Certification - Art Noel reminded members that Grandfathering is coming to an end in 2009. Art suggested seminars. Cal Bonenberger is trying to build up the code department. Cal will hire at a lower salary, and is advertising that he will support employee to gain certification. The Deputy Director of Building Codes will increase pay for certifications.

New Business:
Laptop for Norma - Brian asked permission from the board to give the old computer to Bob Neely and purchase a new computer for Norma. Approximate cost $800-$1,000. Steve Travers - 1st, Terry Bennett - 2nd. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

PABCO REPORT - Bob Buddenbohn

Conshohocken Fire/Montco Elected Officials - On behalf of PACO and at the request of ICC, Tom Sullivan of the Montco Municipal Fire Officials has already put a crew together to review and support the Conshohocken Fire Department. The Task Force will have a report out in October on the fire.

Appointment of Nominating Committee - December elections for '09 officers - open to the floor.

Gift certificate to be purchased for Maureen Kelley in the amount of $100 for her dedication and outstanding service as PACO's administrative assistant. Calvin Bonenberger - 1st, Ray Daly - 2nd. UNANIMOUS VOTE.

Motion to adjourn meeting at 10:30 a.m. was made by Chris Obenchain - 1st, Art Noel - 2nd.

Educational Program - Simpson Strong Ties is providing a 2 1/2 hour presentation on deck construction and issues of concern to the inspector and plans reviewer. Cut sheets and informational packets will be provided. Program started at 10:45 a.m. and concluded at 12:10p.m.

The next quarterly meeting will be on Thursday - December 11, 2008. This is also our Annual Election and Holiday Luncheon.

Respectfully submitted,

Norma Jean Gaudet
Administrative Assistant

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