Minutes of the December 19, 2007 Meeting

The December meeting of the Gulf Coast Chapter was called to order by the President Mark Deegan. There were 24 members and guest present. The Treasurer’s report was approved as read. The minutes from the last meeting were approved as written.

The nominations for Officers were read to the general assembly and elected by acclimation. Tommy Lasprogato then performed the Installation of Officers Ceremony. The new Officers are as Follows:

President: Jim Anderson
1st Vice President: Bud Keefer
Secretary: Bryan Holland
Treasurer: Mike Looney

The Executive Committee Members are as follows:

Gregg Brown, Mark Deegan, Tom Lasprogato, Jim Kenna, Joe Schneeberger.

Following the installation of officers, the Division gave special recognition to our retiring Secretary of 16 years, Peter Pluta. Several members spoke in honor of Pete, including special guests, Ben Controneo and Nelson Montgomery. Joe Schneeberger then presented Pete a card signed by all present members and a gift from the Division. Pete will be greatly missed. We wish him the best as he and his family relocates to Tennessee.

Tracy Hall from Stingl Products was present at our meeting today to give a presentation on new pool safety legislation and code change. Tracy went over the new federal mandate for anti-entrapment suction outlet type covers and safety vacuum relief systems soon to be required on all pools in Florida. These systems will automatically turn off circulation pumps within a few milliseconds upon the detection of a sudden vacuum change and will prevent the entrapment of body parts or hair in the main drain. Several questions were asked and answered following the presentation.

There were no Old Business issues discussed. The new AFCI combination-type breakers and their availability was briefly discussed and Joe Schneeberger asked for clarification as to when an attic access area is required to be illuminated with a switch controlled lighting outlet in a single family home. Section 210.70 of the NEC was referenced.

The meeting adjourned at 2:00 pm. The next meeting will be January 16, 2008.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!