HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated October 14, 2003 f
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
ITEM # 3 5
DATE: October 14, 2003
SUBJECT: MECHANICAL CODE CHANGES REGARDING LICENSING
BACKGROUND:
In February 2000 the City Council approved an amendment to the Ames Municipal
Mechanical Code requiring mechanical licensing. At that time the Mechanical Code Board
of Appeals recommended a requirement for continuing education where the licensee would
attend any course approved by the board. This same requirement has worked well
regarding the electrical licenses, however, the level of quality of update classes has not
surfaced in the mechanical profession. Therefore, the Plumbing/Mechanical Board of
Appeals voted 3-0 (two members were absent)to eliminate the requirement for continuing
education beginning with the next license period (renewal letters going out November 1 ,
2003).
Also, the current mechanical code lists a testing agency and a test number for the
mechanical journeyman and master license requirements. The agency has changed
names due to a sale of the business and the test numbers change annually. Therefore,
the Plumbing/Mechanical Board of Appeals recommend removal of this specific language
and generally state that the required tests be approved by the Board. This would eliminate
the need to change the code each time the agency or test number changes.
The Board and the plumbing inspector have solicited input on this matter and found it to be
non-controversial. The adoption of the 2003 Uniform Mechanical Code and 2003 Uniform
Plumbing Codes with local amendments as well as the 2003 International Building,
Residential, Fire Codes will be requested yet this year, but due to the license renewal this
was brought forth at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
1 . Approve the ordinance to delete the Section 32.104.1(8) requiring continuing education
for mechanical licenses and to authorize the Plumbing/Mechanical Board of Appeals to
approve a specific test for the journeyman and master licenses.
2. Deny the change to the ordinance for the deletion of continuing education and authorize
the Board to approve a specific test for the journeyman and master licenses.
3. Deny all changes to the code.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1
approving the changes to the ordinance deleting the requirement for continuing education
for mechanical licenses and allowing the Board to approve the plumbing/mechanical test
and agency for master and journeyman licenses.
COUNCIL ACTION: