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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated February 6, 1996 ITEM # DATE: February 6 1996 SUBJECT: Request approval for changes in Chapter 7, Ames Municipal Electrical Code, regarding the adoption of the local amendments to the 1996 NEC. BACKGROUND: The Electrical Code Board of Appeals has been reviewing the Ames Municipal Electrical Code since November, 1994. They have been investigating the local amendments to the 1993 National Electrical Code to see how they need to be revised to be in compliance with the 1996 NEC. The only changes that occur are those to reword or clarify sections of the administrative section of our local code. A summary of the proposed changes is attached. Two public hearings were held recently and no one presented any objection to any of the proposed changes at either hearing. All electrical contractors licensed in Ames also received a notice in writing of pending changes to our local Electrical Code. Therefore, the Electrical Code Board of Appeals asks the City Council to direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance with the proposed changes and ask that these changes be implemented on April 1, 1996. One aspect of the proposed ordinance is to correct an error by writing an ordinance to shorten the existing two (2) year license to a one (1) year so all terminate on the same date. Electricians have previously been advised that licenses are for one (1) year. This is technically incorrect in that curtailment doesn't occur until passage of the ordinance. Licensees will be advised of the right to procedural due process at the hearing which will coincide with the first passage of the ordinance. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance on these changes. 2. Deny the request. MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1 COUNCIL ACTION: SUMMARY OF ELECTRICAL CODE CHANGES 7.202(1) Change from Journeyman supervising work and Master managing business to Journeyman or Master supervising work and Master managing business. REASON: To be in line with other cities for reciprocal licensing. (2) Add "It is the duty of the electrician to call for a rough-in and final inspections. Work shall be exposed and accessible for inspection." REASON: This was assumed, but not written;we were having trouble getting finals and wiring was covered with insulation during rough-in inspections. 7.303(1) Change from two (2) year license, currently, to three (3) year license to coincide with code updates as revised National Electrical Code is adopted every three (3) years. REASON: Code update classes are only available every three years. It was difficult to keep track of updates on a two year license when the class is only available on a three year cycle. The ordinance is written to allow a licensee approximately fourteen (14) months to find a suitable update class. (2)(a) Change from code update class to any electrical class approved by the Board. REASON: This gives the electricians more flexibility in preparing for their license renewal because sometimes the update classes are not very plentiful or geographically convenient. (3)(a) h n from local test to the National Block Test and define passing grade. (75%) REASON: To become consistent with other cities that we reciprocate with. (3)(b) Change journeyman proof of experience from four (4) years to 8000 hours and require master to be a journeyman first. REASON: 8000 hours could be 3 or 3-1/2 years if they work overtime. Master required to be a journeyman to be consistent with other cities for the purpose of reciprocal licenses. NOTE: In addition to the above changes, we will be revising our fee schedule to Appendix D. An expediting fee of $25.00 will be recommended to the City Council during its annual review of the entire fee structure for the City of Ames. The expediting fee will be assessed to those persons who need a license, but can't wait for a scheduled board meeting. Many electricians from outside Ames don't keep a license locally unless they get a job here. Then they rush in at the last minute and add additional work load to city staff and the Board to get a license. This takes staff away from public service to other contractors who always carry a license in Ames.