MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 9,1999 IAEI SUNCOAST DIVISION, FLORIDA CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING: CITY OF SAFETY HARBOR


INSPECTOR MEMBERS 18 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 11 GUESTS 2

1. On this pleasant day in September, the Suncoast Division’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting commenced at 1:30pm with our President Ralph Philbrook leading the assembled body with the Pledge to the Flag. The Division’s customary round robin took place with all present introducing themselves. A first time visitor was recognized by the Chair, Troy Hawkins with Hawkins Electric.

2.The Chair asked the Division to read the Minutes of August 12th. Joe Bolesina made a motion to amend the roster and a second was voiced. The Secretary noted three corrections. Copies of the previous months minutes were in short supply, so the Secretary took down names of those who requested copies be sent to them. The Division accepted the Minutes with corrections to made. All were in favor.

On file with the Secretary is a copy of an article concerning NFPA 72-388; letter to Tarry Baker and advertisement for the 71st Annual Southern Section Meeting; article cut out from Southern Building magazine (July/August 1999). Copy of article from IAEI News, page 6 on Electrical inspector Certification Program in the United States.


3.Ruben Rocha, the Division Treasure, gave his report. Total income was $863.00 and total disbursements were $ 338.15. The Division remains financially sound at this time. A motion to accept the Treasures report was made by Mac Mc Donald and a second made by Nelson Montgomery. All were in favor.

4.The President asked the Secretary if there were any additional items to be brought before the Division. The Secretary referred to an article from Security Systems News, an alarm industry publication that details an appeal that was denied to keep NFPA 72-388, as a proposal. This proposal would require UL Certification or FM placarding foe all commercial fire alarm systems. An article about the City of
Tampa ‘s “Safety House” was referenced from “Southern Building”, July/August 1999 issue
Additionally, the Secretary informed those present that Joe Bolesina had shirts available to anyone who wants one.

5.OLD BUSINESS: The President asked our esteemed Florida Chapter Secretary, Dick Widera, about the 1999 Code Analysis for Power Point. Dick said that the Florida Chapter has purchased the Power Point presentation and is available for all those who wish t use it. Ruben concurred that Florida Power has a Power Point System available if you provide them with enough notice.
Dick informed the President that he has 21 copies of the second edition of the IAEI Code Analysis available for sale at $25.00 each for those who are interested.

6.NEW BUSINESS: Joe Bolesina took to the floor to discuss the Diamond Jubilee in 2003, The meeting will be in the Orlando area and Joe noted the at the Southern Section has been given the privilege of taking care of the “Partner’s Program “ for this event. Currently, budgets and gifts are being worked on. A benchmark of 2000 partners will be used and Joe welcomes any ideas. Logistics were mentioned that it might be a nightmare. Serious consideration and planning will be needed. Joe is asking if anyone has any ideas to please contact him.

Dick Widera took to the floor to discuss upcoming seminars on February 19th and August 19th of the year 2000. Dick is working on courses that will encompass topics on grounding, harmonics and fault currents.
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Mel Hill brought to Dick’s attention a test package that contains IAEI Plan’s Examiner materials. Some discussion took place on this issue. Discussion on IAEI, SBCCI and BOCA certifications were discussed. Dick commented on an upcoming NFPA national electrical inspector certification program that will become the premier certification program for all electrical inspectors.
Joe Bolesina referred Dick to IAEI News March/April ’99 issue, PAGE 6. This article is about Electrical Inspector Certification program in the United States.
Joe discussed previous tests taken that were produced by SBCCI. Discussions on reciprocity between IAEI, and BOCA were discussed.

Effective October 1st, the “Grand Fathering “ have registered electrical contractors under Chapter 489 part one and part two will become law. Dick discussed the requirements of the law and eligibility where inspectors are concerned. The requirements that the ECLB will promulgate are not available at this time.
Dick went on to describe the requirements for a Certified Electrical Contractors application. In-active status was also discussed. Dick commented that it would not be that easy for anyone to get an EC license.

Dick mentioned the upcoming 71st Southern Section Meeting in Ft. Lauderdale and that he anticipates a really great Code discussion.

Discussion about mid point tap on sign transformers took place, where Gerry Ahlstrom found the frame of windows were being used as the return for the mid point tap on a neon transformer. A comment about this installation doubles as part of the security system was voiced. Discussion on other unsafe installations took place. Joe Bolesina brought to the Divisions attention about a child that was recently electrocuted in Bradenton and described the circumstances that resulted tin this accident.

Jim Pappas was recognized by the Chair. Jim expressed concerns about a recent petition and ethics between contractors and inspectors. Discussions took place and Nelson Montgomery acknowledged Jim’s efforts and that his efforts are appreciated.

7. The Secretary brought to the Presidents attention about moving the October meeting to the third Thursday so as to prevent conflicting schedules with the October 14th DPBR seminar. A motion was made by Dick Widera to move the October meeting for the Suncoast Division to October 21st. A second was made by Nelson Montgomery. All were in favor.
The seminar was briefly discussed

Larry Cox had a question concerning the State of Florida adoption of the ’99 NEC. October 1st is the effective date; however, Pasco County will possibly be adopting the ’99 Code and enforcing it by November 1st.

8. Discussion on Article 305 commenced due to a question forwarded to the Secretary. Pasco County does not inspect temporary power poles. A citation would be issued if there were an electrocution. The 50-amp receptacle is supposed to be GFCI protected. City of Tampa does not look at temporary power poles, however, the City of Tampa will look at a pole at a fist inspection and will cite the contractor if there is a Code violation. Then assured grounding program was discussed and the records that are required for that type of program. Joe Bolesina commented on problems with cheater cords that are used on jobsites.

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Randy Poucher asked when the City of Tampa would be adopting the ’99 Code. Nelson Montgomery commented that it has gone into effect on September 1st and it will not be enforced until November 1st at the earliest. All plans will have to reflect the ’99 changes after September 1st.

Discussion on ground rod installations and how some installers have been cutting the rods down took place. Further discussion on some of the grounding problems present in Florida.

9. Nelson Montgomery brought to the Division's attention a problem with Article 680-6(c). The Switching device was specifically referred to and an interpretation from 1987 was additionally referenced. The interpretation states that a switch can be within 5 ‘ of the spa wall. The interpretation does not refer to low voltage switches. Nelson is looking farther into this issue and future discussion on this matter is needed. Discussion on various installations and interpretations commenced with no further resolution to this matter.

The ECF, Tampa Chapter will be having a tabletop on November 18th from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at the Energy Technology Resource Center @ the USF Campus.

Brief discussion on the Florida Energy Code took place. It is of the general consensus that it is not being enforced.


10. At 2:35pm a motion was made by Joe Bolesina to adjourn with a second made by Mac McDonald. All were in favor of the September Suncoast Division meeting adjourning.