The July meeting of the Gulf Coast Division was called to order by President, Mark Deegan. There were 29 members and guests present. The minutes were approved as written. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Bryan Holland reported on the Southern Section Meeting held last week in Alabama and went over issues as they pertain to the Florida Chapter and Gulf Coast Division. These included a discussion on providing 2001 code change proposals to the Southern Section and a lengthy discussion on membership matters. The flyer and registration form for the February 9th Seminar was passed out to each attendee and briefly discussed. The Division gave special recognition to Joe Schneeberger on his 54 years of IAEI membership. A limited edition copy of the IAEI, A Passion for Safety book was presented to Joe. A motion was made to provide Division support to Joe and his wife on attending the 2008 Florida Chapter Meeting in Jacksonville so that he can be officially recognized for his 55 years of IAEI membership. Joe Schneeberger thanked all the members and guests and presented the Division with a Gulf Coast Division Banner for future meetings and events. We all thanked Joe for his wonderful contribution.

Committee reports followed. Jim Kenna gave an update on upcoming guest speakers for future meetings. A representative from Briggs and Stratton will give a presentation on generators and generator related installations. Bryan Holland reminded the members that new requirements in Section 410.73(G) and 210.12(B) of the NEC go into effect January 1st of 2008.

The guest speaker for this meeting was Brian Dean of Sunshine State One Call. Brian notified the members of Florida Statute 556 – Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety and how it relates to new requirements that need to be performed and met before digging or trenching on worksites can begin. A new “811” or 1-800-432-4770 phone system has been established for persons to call before they dig. Once a call is made, work cannot start for two full business days to allow utility locates to be made. After two days, an “all clear” call ticket is issued and digging can commence immediately or for up to 30 days for issuance of the call ticket. Brian also discussed requirements for emergency repairs and digging, and also covered hoe enforcement of the new law is performed. Each attendee was given a Sunshine State One Call “Excavation Guide”. More information can be found at www.callsunshine.com.

Following the presentation, the floor was opened for any old and new business or for member code questions.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 P.M.
The next meeting will be November 21, 2007