MINUTES: AUGUST 10,2000, IAEI SUNCOAST DIVISION, FLORIDA CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING: CITY OF LARGO

INSPECTOR MEMBERS 22 ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 12 GUEST 1

1. Although the Secretary was late, the Suncoast’s meeting was fully underway at 1:45pm with President Doyle presiding. The Secretary apologized for his tardiness and the Chair proceeded with the usual order of business.

2.The minutes were reviewed as read with a motion first voiced and a second promptly voiced for acceptance of the minutes as printed.

3.The Secretary had nothing to report at this time. On file with the Secretary are a copy of the class to be offered by Dick Widera; copy of registration form for the August 19th seminar with James Stallcup as the instructor; copy of e-mail from the State Secretary, Lee Wansor, stating the new provider number.

4.Old Business: An inquiry was made concerning a class to be conducted by Dick Widera. Dick took to the floor to explain the course content, hours and he explained it is sponsored by Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals.

5.New Business: The Secretary introduced Tom Schmid, with the IEC, whom was present to explain the college credit that an apprentice may obtain through the IEC’s Apprenticeship Training Program. Tom thanked the Suncoast Division for its support over the years and he explained the agreement that has been reached with the Hillsborough County Trustees and the IEC. This agreement moves the apprenticeship program to the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough Community College. Tom explained how State funds are used and how the apprenticeship will benefit by this funding. All students attending and completing the program would be entitled to credits that may be applied to an Associate Degree. Tom introduced David Bombaugh, who is the training coordinator for the apprenticeship program. He is recruiting right from the high schools. The IEC has been graduating about 15 apprentices a year and it is their goal to increase those numbers. David explained the current requirements of 8000 on the job training hours; the 700 classroom hours of training on theory, code and practical application. David conveyed that what is changing is the geographical location of where classes are held. By having the classes located on a college campus, the state funds are available to put together a world class educational opportunity. It will take a couple of years to establish the labs for training. The exact type of Associate of Science degree the hours will apply has yet to be determined; however, the apprenticeship curriculum is worth 24 credit hours. By Spring Semester, the exact type of degree should be determined. Tom and David fielded various questions from Division members.

The IEC and the IAEI have had a lot of interfacing over the years with seminars, and inner
Networking. Various other points of discussion concerning the groups, apprentices, contractors and inspectors took place. David commented that this group has individuals that are qualified to instruct and he welcomes any one interested in instructing to make them selves known.

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Further discussion on communication with people in the field and instructors took place. Other aspects of training, future plans for hands on labs and facilities that would be available to the apprentices additionally took place.

6. Joe Bolesina had some items to discuss concerning recent red tags in his area. He asked Joe Serden, with U.L., some questions concerning a particular product installation. Some discussion took place. Discussion ensued concerning having a #12 grounding conductor being required for the pool light switch loop. References were made to Article 680 and a few Division members had comments. Reference to 680-25 (b) was made and discussed.

Bob Moore commented on the Florida Building Code. He conveyed that a letter he recently received indicated that draft 3 will be amended and all amendments to Chapter 27 will be scrapped. Only the National Electrical Code will be adopted. Joe Bolesina suggested making suppliers aware of the changes with the new building code. Discussion on each municipalities amendments being in effect for one year and explanation took place. Local amendments were further discussed. Most agree to just go with the current Code.


7. Kevin Arnold, with Bussmann, made a brief presentation on a new product referred to as the “Q-Fuse”. Kevin demonstrated some of the new devices that will be on the market and he explained how the design reflects European standards. The safety features and space savings were explained. Kevin discussed AIC ratings and availability in some example installations. He additionally explained some solutions that will soon be available. A letter explaining the circuit breaker and fuse combinations is soon to be released and Kevin conveyed that if anyone is interested in this letter to please contact him. Reference to 240-86(b) concerning series rating and motor loads was briefly discussed. Additionally, Kevin demonstrated the use of a new elevator control product, its various features and its ease of installation. He asked for input from the people in the field and he is always open to new ideas or comments.

Discussion of the seminar conducted by Bussmann this past February took place with many positive comments made about that seminar.

Nelson Montgomery informed the Division of a new resolution that will increase permit fees by 15% for three areas: computer software; a satellite office in New Tampa; and an inspector mobile office in the inspectors vehicle. It will take a few years to fully implement
The new resolution. The City of Tampa has a position opening up since Rick Griffin has moved to Plans Examiner.

Pinellas County also has an inspector’s position open.

8. At 3:00 pm, Joe Bolesina made a motion for adjournment with a second made by Scott Anderson, the newest member of the Pinellas County electrical inspection team. All were in favor.