HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Aciton Summary from December 8, 1998 meeting COUNCIL ACTION SUMMARY
Meeting Date: 12108198
Agenda Item #: Comments
SUBJECT: Letter from Scott Stephan, a member of the City's Mechanical Board,
concerning a proposed ordinance requiring Mechanical Licenses in the City of Ames.
ACTION TAKEN: Refer letter to City staff for report back to Council.
MOTION BY: Cross
SECOND BY: Parks
VOTING AYE: Campbell, Cross, Hoffman, Parks, Quirmbach, Wirth
VOTING NAY: None
ABSENT: None
By:
Diane Voss, City Clerk
Copy to: Jeff Pearson, Inspections Division
November 30, 1998
Mr. Ted Tedesco
City of Ames Mayor
515 Clark Ave
Ames, IA 50010
RE: Proposed Mechanical Licenses
Dear Mayor Tedesco,
I have just attended a public hearing on the proposed mechanical licensing
requirements for the City of Ames. This new ordinance is something the City Inspection
Department has been trying to get passed. At the public meeting there was much
discussion about this new proposal. At the public meeting it was discovered that the
mechanical board had not even voted on this new proposal yet. Even so the City
Inspection Department and Mr. Jerry Redmond, board chairman, scheduled a public
hearing regarding the proposed new ordinance without the approval of these proceedings.
There were a number of mechanical shops represented at this meeting as well as
the mechanical board and Inspection department. In my opinion a great number of
people were not in favor of this newly proposed ordinance. I shall not attempt to speak
for the majority of the people present at the meeting, but express my concerns regarding
this matter.
The first thing I would like to address is that by making all the shops and their
employees have licenses will have no effect on the existing mechanical code or
enforcement of the existing code. The City of Ames has adopted the "97" Uniform
Building Code, "97"Uniform Plumbing Code, "97" Uniform Electrical Code and the
"94" Uniform Mechanical Code. The City has used these codes for years and I believe
them to be good codes. As stated before,by passing this new ordinance requiring
licenses for the shops,journeyman, and apprentices, changes nothing as far as the code
goes or what will be allowed and permitted in the City of Ames as mechanical
requirements for building or structures.
It seems clear to me that the mechanical board should focus their efforts on
updating the 1994 Mechanical Code to at least the 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code as all
the other trades have already done.
I also believe that if this new ordinance is passed it will only further create a
manpower shortage in the mechanical trade today. It is very difficult in today's world to
get qualified personnel in any of these trades. By making the time requirement of six
years for a mechanical masters and three years for a mechanical journeyman before you
are allowed to take the block test is very restrictive and unfair to the existing shops
running a legitimate business.
Consideration needs to be given to the burden this new ordinance will create on
the Inspection department staff also. More staff and inspectors will be needed for
administration of this ordinance causing the existing budget to substantially increase to
even higher proportions. This step to bigger government with no possible benefit to the
public should be voted down.
It is a very curious position the City of Ames Inspection Department is placing
itself in with the passing of this ordinance. They currently cross train their inspectors to
inspect plumbing, electrical, building, framing, footing, gas piping, HVAC, and venting.
Does the City of Ames require or employ licensed inspectors? Do they all hold masters or
journeyman licenses from anywhere? How can an electrical inspector inspect plumbing
or anything else but what he is qualified to inspect? Cross training is not all bad, but how
can each inspector be equally and competently qualified for all trades they are
inspecting? If the City of Ames is going to require a mechanical license for all
mechanical trade employees, the city inspection staff should also meet or exceed those
requirements for each category they will be subsequently inspecting (see enclosed job
classification requirements).
I would be happy to further discuss this matter with you or your staff as I have
just touched on some of the topics regarding this matter in order to keep this brief.
Thank you for you time and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
-�- S -
Scott Stephan
Work 233-1175 Home 292-6967
Mechanical Board member City of Ames
Cc: Ann Campbell
Russ Cross
Judie Hoffman
John Parks
Herman Quirmbach
Sharon Wirth
Steve Schainker
Enclosures
CLASS TITLE: Plumbing Inspector 1222
DEFINITION: Inspects the installation and alteration of plumbing and mechanical systems; provides
technical and interpretive guidance to other staff members, contractors and the general public; investigates
zoning and building code complaints and enforces applicable codes and regulations; performs related work
as required.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
Examples of Essential Job Functions: Inspects the installation and alteration of plumbing and mechanical
systems; provides technical and interpretive guidance on plumbing and mechanical issues to other staff
members, contractors, and the general public; reviews permit applications for electrical, plumbing,
mechanical and building work to verify plans conform to respective codes; makes field inspections relating
to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building permits; makes periodic inspections of all forms of
occupancies to see that electrical, plumbing, mechanical and building installations conform to the pertinent
state and local codes; issues electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building permits; initiates permit billing
procedures for permit fees; collects fees and maintains fee records; answers questions from the general
public, contractors and others regarding codes and installations; reviews alternate materials, methods and
equipment commonly used in construction; works with rental housing code and inspects rental properties
and maintains records for such inspections; provides technical and interpretive information to various
appeals boards for related areas of code enforcement; drives automobile or pick-up truck to locations
throughout the City to perform inspections and participate in related activities.
EQUIPMENT:
Equipment Used on the Job: Automobile and pickup truck; a variety of general office equipment;
telephone, camera; personal and mainframe computers; computer peripheral equipment and software; two
way radio; street maps; a variety of printed materials, a variety of measurement tools and equipment; ladders
and scaffolding; flashlights; raincoat.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:
General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 10 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg
controls 30 percent of the L. ne, standing(but not walking) 30 percent of the time; standing and walking 30
percent of the time; frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds; routinely lifting objects from 10 to 25
pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; and infrequently lifting objects over 50 pounds.
Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing
and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading, visual
inspection involving small defects or parts, use of measurement devices or assembly of parts at distances
close to the eyes.
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching,
standing, walking, pushing, pulling, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing.
Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to
extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards,
atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, oils, confined spaces, darkness or poor
lighting conditions.
Plumbing Inspector(page 2)
EMPLOYMENT S'1 XNDARDS:
Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience as a journey
level plumber, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses and Certificates: Must possess a valid driver's license;additional licenses, certificates, or degrees
in construction related fields would be beneficial.
Knowledp,e. Skills and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Functions: Considerable knowledge of
local, state, and national plumbing and mechanical codes; knowledge of applicable codes in the areas of
electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building and housing; considerable knowledge of building construction
and its materials, methods and practices; knowledge of building trades; knowledge of occupational hazards
and safety precautions required on construction sites; knowledge of information sources related to
construction and inspection.
Ability to prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports ; ability to use hand-held and desktop
computers and databases; ability to interpret and work from technical sketches, drawings and blueprints;
ability to make routine arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately; ability to make sound decisions;
ability to work independently with minimum supervision; ability to develop and maintain effective working
relationships with contractors, regulatory enforcing agencies, other City employees and the general public;
ability to operate an automobile or pickup truck.
Skill in the use of standard tools, equipment and testing devices used in the construction trades; skill in
locating and correcting defects in plumbing, electrical, mechanical and building systems.
City of Ames Rev 9/96
CLASS TITLE: Electrical Inspector 1223
DEFINITION: Performs special inspections of electrical construction, installation and alterations:
provides technical and interpretive guidance on electrical issues to other staff members; investiga. .,
zoning and building code complaints, and enforces applicable codes and regulations in the areas of
building, plumbing, mechanical, and rental housing; performs related work as required.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs special inspections of electrical
construction, installation and alterations; provides technical and interpretive guidance on electrical issues
to other staff members. Reviews permit applications for electrical, plumbing, mechanical and building
work to verify that plans conform to respective codes. Makes field inspections relating to electrical,
plumbing, mechanical and building permits. Makes periodic inspections of all forms of occupancies to
see that electrical, plumbing, mechanical and building installations conform to the pertinent state and
local codes. Issues electrical, plumbing, mechanical and building permits, maintains permit billing
procedures for permit fees, collects fees and maintains fee records, answers questions from the general
public, contractors and others regarding codes and installations; reviews alternate materials, methods
and equipment commonly used in construction. Works with rental housing code and inspects rental
properties and maintains records for such inspections. Provides technical and interpretive information
to various appeal boards for related areas of code enforcement.
EQUIPMENT:
Equipment Essential to the Job: Computer keyboard and monitor, telephone, car, tape measure, step
ladder, flashlight, matches, code books and reference materials, standard department forms and reports.
Other Equipment Used on the Job: Fax machine.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching,
standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and manual
dexterity.
Physical Characteristics of Work: Requires the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force infrequently, up
to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of
force constantly to move objects.
Vision Requirements: The minimum for those whose work deals largely with visual inspection, use of
a computer terminal, reading, and the use of measurement devices (i.e. tape measure).
Environmental Conditions: The worker is subject to both inside and outside working conditions, noise,
vibrations, hazards, and atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system.
Electrical Inspector (page 2)
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent. Two years experience as a journeyman
electrician; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional licenses, certificates,
or degrees in construction related fields would be beneficial.
Certificates and Licenses: Valid driver's licenses.
Knowledge Abilities and Skills: Considerable knowledge of local, state, and national electrical codes.
Knowledge of applicable codes in the areas of plumbing, mechanical, building and housing. Considerable
knowledge in building construction and its materials, methods and practices of all the trades. Knowledge
of occupational hazards and safety precautions required on construction job sites. Knowledge of
information sources and their use.
Ability to prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports. Ability to use hand-held and
desktop personal computers and data bases. Ability to interpret and work from technical sketches,
mechanical drawings and blueprints. Ability to make routine arithmetic computations rapidly and
accurately. Ability to make sound decisions. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, enforcing regulators,
other City employees, and the general public.
Skill in the use of standard tools, equipment and testing devices used in the construction trades. Skill
in locating and correcting defects in plumbing, electrical, mechanical and building systems.
City of Ames Rev 5/94
CLASS TITLE: Building Official 1224
DEFINITION: Under limited supervision; directs the activities of the Inspection Division;
performs administrative work in the enforcement of adopted building, electrical, plumoin�, and related
codes; performs related work as required.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
Examples of Essential Job Functions: Directs all division activities; reviews and assigns
responsibility of complaints relating to the construction, repair, alterations, and occupancy of all
building and structures within the local jurisdiction; assigns and supervises the work of inspectors
engaged in checking construction, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings for safety from fire
or collapse, and for conformance to building and zoning codes; makes inspections of buildings as
needed; directs the issuance of permits, notices, certificates, stop-work orders and other
correspondence; recommends the condemnation, and authorizes the demolition, of buildings and
structures; prepares division budget, and other regular and special reports. Serves as liaison, and
coordinates division activities with other departments, agencies, and boards; meets with builders,
contractors, and property owners on inspection and code enforcement, and building methods,
materials and practices; renders decisions in disputes between division inspectors and contractors;
makes formal presentations before councils, boards and community groups.
EQUIPMENT:
Equipment Essential to the Job: Motor vehicle and computer terminal.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking,
lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and manual dexterity.
Physical Characteristics of Work: Medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force
occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work requires analyzing
data and/or information (such as building plans) at distances close to the eyes.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Education and Experience: Graduation from a four-year accredited college in construction
engineering, architecture, or related field; plus five years construction experience, with at least three
years at the supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Building Official (page 2)
Licenses and Certificates: Valid Driver's license.
Knowledge Abilities and Skills: Thorough knowledge of modern principles, standards and
methods of building construction including a knowledge of materials and equipment used in electrical
and plumbing work. Working knowledge of inspection methods. Knowledge of modern principles
of supervision.
Skill in reading and interpreting building plans and specifications to determine conformity to building
codes and acceptable construction practices. Skill in budget management.
Ability to properly apply inspection methods and building codes, and to instruct subordinates in their
application. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other
departments, contractors, board and council members, and the general public. Ability to
communicate verbally and in writing with individuals and in front of groups.
City of Ames Rev. 11/92
CLASS TITLE: Housing Inspector 1225
DEFINITION: Under supervision, performs work of moderate difficult;• and complexity in
inspecting structures, in investigating zoning and building code corrmplaina. and in enforcing
applicable codes or regulations; performs related work as required.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
Examples of Essential Job Functions: Investigates complaints and makes systematic and routine
inspections of dwellings, premises, non-dwelling structures, and vacant lots to determine compliance
with the housing, building, zoning and other applicable codes and regulations; inspects and reinspects,
as required, public areas, basement areas, interior and exterior buildings, habitable living units and
yards, checking for condition, cleanliness, safety devices, vermin and roden infestation, location, size,
type, occupancy, window area, fire hazards,junk and number of off-street parking spaces required;
inspects and investigates complaints of improper dumping of garbage, rubbish, junk and other
objectionable material. Consults with owners, managers, and others on violations observed and
recommends remedial action; consults with other agencies as necessary for the enforcement of
applicable codes and regulations as they may affect housing; issues verbal and written orders for
correction of violations; gathers evidence of violations; prepares information sheets for the City
Attorney as appropriate; serves as witness in court cases; prepares recommendations for all violations
that are appealed and makes presentations at the appeal board hearings. Registers dwellings, changes
of ownership, letters of compliance, and maintains inspection records. Collects information for
preparation of budget and schedules for rental units. Checks to locate and determine rental units that
are not registered or are illegal conversions. Assists in building, electrical and plumbing/mechanical
inspections.
EQUIPMENT:
Equipment Essential to the Job: Computer keyboard and screen, telephone, car, tape measure, step
ladder, flashlight, matches, code books and reference materials, clip board, rental inspection forms.
Other Equipment Used on the Job: Fax machine.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS: 7
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, repetitive motions,
and manual dexterity.
Physical Characteristics of Work: Light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force
occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force
constantly to move objects.
Vision Requirements: The minimum for those whose work deals largely with visual inspection, use
of a computer terminal, reading, and the use of measurement devices (i.e. tape measure).
Housing Inspector (page 2)
Environmental Conditions: The worker is subject to both inside and outside working conditions,
noise, hazards, atmospheric conditions that may affect the respiratory system.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Education and Experience: Two years of college with coursework in civil engineering, architecture,
environmental health, fire science or related area, plus two years of experience in housing inspection
or construction supervision; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
which provides the rquired knowledge, skills and abilities. Certification as housing inspector or
building official desirable.
Knowledge Abilities and Skills: Ability to perform inspection work involving elimination of sub-
standard conditions in existing housing. Ability to understand, interpret, and enforce zoning and
building codes. Well-informed on structural stability and mechanical equipment related to health and
safety. Ability to recognize hazardous conditions and recommend the proper corrective action for
their abatement. Ability and sensitivity to deal with property owners and to secure compliance.
Ability to write concise narrative reports and give testimony at appeals, hearings and court actions.
Working ability to meet with people and to be able to explain the department's purpose and goals.
Ability to enforce regulations firmly and impartially and to maintain good relations with the general
public, various trades, property owners, and tenants. Ability to make decisions recognizing
established practices and policies and to exercise a degree of independent judgment while conducting
activities. Ability to learn concepts related to building, electrical and plumbing/mechanical
inspections.
Good knowledge of codes and regulations pertaining to responsibilities. Working knowledge of
computers.
City of Ames Rev. 3/92
CLASS TITLE: Building and Zoning Inspector 1226
DEFINITION: Inspects structures for compliance with applicable codes and regulations in the areas
of zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire and rental housing; investigates zoning and
building code complaints; performs related work as required.
JOB FUNCTIONS:'
Examples of Essential Job Functions: Reviews permit applications for zoning, building, moving, and sign
permits to verify that plans conform to respective codes. Makes field inspections relating to zoning,
electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign and building permits. Makes periodic inspections of all forms of
occupancies to see that zoning, signs, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and building related items
conform to the pertinent state and local codes. Answers questions regarding the rental housing code;
inspects rental properties and maintains records of such inspections. Works with various appeal boards
for matters related to zoning or code enforcement. Keeps detailed records of all activities. Operates light
vehicles.
Other Job Functions: Reviews permit applications for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits to
verify that plans conform to respective codes; testifies in court on zoning or code violation cases.
EQUIPMENT:
Equipment Used on the Job: Automobile and pickup truck; a variety of general office equipment;
telephone, camera; personal and mainframe computers; computer peripheral equipment and software;
two way radio; street maps; a variety of printed materials, a variety of measurement tools and equipment;
ladders and scaffolding; flashlights; raincoat.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:
General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 10 percent of the time; sitting and using
arnAeg controls 30 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 30 percent of the time; standing and
walking 30 percent of the time;frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds; routinely lifting objects from
10 to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; and infrequently lifting objects over
50 pounds. 9
Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with
preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive
reading, visual inspection involving small defects or parts, use of measurement devices or assembly of
parts at distances close to the eyes.
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching,
standing, walking, pushing, pulling, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing.
Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to
extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards,
atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, oils, confined spaces, darkness or poor
lighting conditions.
Building and Zoning Inspector (page 2)
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:
Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of journey level experience
in one or more of building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical trades; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience. Additional licenses, certificates, or degrees in construction or zoning related
fields would be beneficial.
Licenses and Certificates: Valid drivers' license.
Knowledge Abilities. and Skills: Considerable knowledge of local, state, and national codes in the areas
of zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, building and housing. Considerable knowledge of building
construction and its materials, methods, and practices in all the trades. Good knowledge of occupational
hazards and safety precautions required on construction job sites. Knowledge of information sources
and their use.
Ability to read blueprints and site plans, topographic maps, etc. Ability to prepare and maintain clear
and concise records and reports. Ability to use hand-held and desktop personal computers and data
bases. Ability to interpret and work from technical sketches, mechanical drawings and blueprints.
Ability to perform routine arithmetic computations rapidly and accurately. Ability to make sound
decisions. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to develop and maintain
effective working relationships with contractors, enforcing regulators, other City employees, and the
general public. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to deal
effectively with angered or difficult persons in stressful situations. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Skill in the use of the standard tools, equipment and testing devices used in the construction trades. Skill
in locating and correcting defects in plumbing, electrical, mechanical and building systems.
A
City of Ames Rev 10/96