Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06.21.2007 l • • Building Trades & Fire Code Board of Appeals Minutes June 21, 2007 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Ricky Mason, Lynn Davis, Chris Lefevre, Clif Jernigan STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Delwin Derrick -Chief Building Inspector and Katy Seals - Secretary GUESTS PRESENT: Roger and Mrs. Ritesman, "Punkin" Jay Laird, Judy Grace Derrick, Robert Edwards, J. W. Hamby, Ken Halbleib, Matt Smith, Taylor Smith Meeting called to order by chairman Ricky Mason at 7:24 PM First Item on the Agenda: Clif Jernigan sworn in. Second Item on the Agenda: Approve May 17, 2007 minutes. Chris Lefevre made motion to approve the minutes as read. Lynn Davis seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Third Item on the Agenda: Review contractor liability insurance. Ricky Mason said the Board is considering having all contractors who do work in the city limits of Plainview be required to register annually for $25 in case there are problems with their work. Delwin Derrick said since 2003, a general contractor must be registered with the state of Texas when doing a job with a value of $25,000 and maintain $300,000 liability insurance. He said a couple insurance brokers had been contacted and they said the fees for a $300,000 policy vary greatly depending on such things as: number of employees in the company, type of business, extent of projects undertaken. The fees quoted were anywhere from $400 to $2,500. Ricky Mason said his policy runs considerably higher than those fees. A motion to open a public hearing was made by Lynn Davis; seconded by Chris Lefevre. Motion carried unanimously. Ken Halbleib asked what is a contractor. Chris Lefevre said anyone who needs to pull a permit to do work in the City of Plainview. Ken then asked what type documentation showing knowledge of the codes would be required to obtain a permit or to register with the City of Plainview. He said he doesn't know if he is in favor or against registration. He asked who would enforce the registrations. Ricky Mason said registration could create a list of contractors that could be distributed by the building department if someone asked for a recommended contractor. Ken Halbleib said they should be referred to the Chamber of Commerce for a list of local contractors. Jay "Punkin" Laird said anyone can get a license and still not know anything about building. He said Lubbock almost doubles permit fees for out of town contractors and suggested the City of Plainview do that. Matt Smith asked if a contractor would be required to have proof of liability insurance to be able to register. He said even though a person can show proof of liability insurance at the time of registration, that person could cancel the insurance the very next day and asked who would be checking on that. After citing several hypothetical situations, he asked what responsibility /liability does the City of Plainview have if they have inspected and approved a job. He suggested having contractors' registration with proof of liability insurance be an option but not a requirement due to the financial hardships liability insurance may have on some contractors. • • Roger Ritesman said a $25 registration fee is acceptable but being required to provide proof of liability would create a financial hardship on him and several other contractors. J. W. Hamby said citizens are already overregulated and would contractor registration really be beneficial to the citizens of Plainview. Robert Edwards said the City of Plainview has enough responsibility without requiring registration. Motion to close the public hearing was made by Lynn Davis; seconded by Chris Lefevre. Motion carried unanimously. Lynn Davis said registration would not stop those contractors who already do work without a permit. He said a reputable contractor would already have liability insurance. Fourth Item on the Agenda: Review and take action on contractor registration for recommendation to City Council. Katy Seals said when a contractor pulls a permit with the City of Plainview, the contractor's name, address, phone number, proof of insurance, and any professional contractor license information is obtained. This information (if available) is verified online and then entered into the computer. If a contractor tried to pull a permit and the license or insurance is expired, the computer alerts the secretary and cannot be pulled until the information is updated. Chris Lefevre made a motion to not require registration of general contractors with the City of Plainview. Lynn Davis seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Fifth Item on the Agenda: Final summary of differences between International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). After a brief discussion from the Board, Chris Lefevre made motion to upgrade to the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Lynn Davis seconded. Motion carried unanimously. Sixth Item on the Agenda: Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 9:13 P.M. \ CHAIRMAN • SECRETY