HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Meeting of the Ames City Council 07/21/1992MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE AMES CITY COUNCIL
AMES, IOWA JULY 21, 1992
The Ames City Council met in special session at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 1992, in the City
Council Chambers in the City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue, pursuant to law with Mayor Curtis presiding
and the following Council Members present: Campbell, Hertz, Hoffman, and Parks. Council
Members Brown and Wirth were absent.
CONSTRUCTION CODE WORKSHOP: Assistant City Manager Kindred informed those
present that all discussion at this meeting will center on pipe material. He stated that plastic pipe
has been prohibited in Ames since at least 1956. Now City Staff is recommending some
changes to allow the use of plastic pipe in certain applications but to retain requirements
for rigid pipe in others.
Bob Friedrich, Jr., representing the Homebuilders, told the Council that the Homebuilders
endorse the use of plastic pipe and then introduced several speakers to inform the Council about
the topic. Jack Lancaster, from the Plastic Pipe and Fitting Association, said that plastic pipe
has been used for 30 years with no problems. He commented that the 1988 Uniform Plumbing
Code allows the use of plastic piping which is more economical than rigid piping. He stated his
belief that arguments concerning materials belong in the market place, not in the plumbing code.
Jim Dressen, from ConTech Construction Products, informed the Council that a great deal of
plastic piping is being used successfully outside of buildings throughout Iowa. He pointed out
that PVC pipe is resistant against a great number of chemicals and is non-corrosive. He said that
the important thing about plastic pipe is to specify the correct pipe stiffness. He suggested that
the Council vote to add plastic piping as a competitive material and let the market dictate
whether plastic or rigid pipe materials are used. John Rademacher, from R. B. Associates on
South Duff, showed the Council fittings that are used to successfully join plastic pipes, which
he stated are superior to metal in the corrosion area. He stressed that plastic piping comes with
a fifty year warranty and it is less expensive than rigid pipes.
Monte Gibbs, from Gibbs Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling, introduced several representatives
to speak on behalf of the use of rigid pipe materials. Bill Coffee, from the Copper Development
Association, pointed out that copper piping is non-permeable to solvents and does not require
as careful installation as plastic pipes. He reminded those present that some copper pies that
were installed in ancient Egypt are still in existence. Tony Way, from Tyler Pipe Industries,
discussed the merits of cast iron pipes. He told the Council that plastic pipes need to be properly
bedded, whereas cast iron pipes can span imperfections in a ditch. Dick Morris, from the Cast
Iron Soil Pipe Institute, stressed that rigid pipe materials have no problem with fire or toxicity
such as plastic has. He commented that it is Council's duty to adopt the use of materials that will
protect the public and he urged the Council to leave the code the way it is regarding rigid and
plastic pipes. Richard Cheesman, Plumbing Inspector for Cedar Falls, said that his city allows
plastic sewer mains but an inspector is required to be present during the entire installation. He
said that Cedar Falls has strict requirements for piping since it is self-insured.
Paul Wiegand, Director of Public Works, said that Staff's concern with flexible pipe has to do
with the increased time needed for inspection, since the use of flexible pipe would probably
double inspection time and thus additional staff would be needed. Jim Dressen commented that
actual inspection time may be decreased since plastic pipe is easier to install. Don Jackson,
Building Official, said that he would be comfortable with the use of plastic pipe if he could be
assured that inspection could be handled adequately. He pointed out that presently there is not
enough staff to provide for adequate inspection. Mr. Jackson stated that there is a trend in the
northern states to exclude plastic. Kevin Watson, plumber, informed the Council that he has had
splitting problems with plastic pipes, problems with the joints, and additional problems installing
it when it is wet. He said that he was more satisfied using cast iron and copper pipes. When
asked, Mr. Wiegand said that he did not think that there would be a public safety problem with
plastic piping. Council Member Parks stated his belief that the decision on pipe material should
be left up to the homeowner if there is no safety problem created with plastic. He said that he
would need assurances that adequate inspection will take place during installation and that a fee
will be established to pay for the increased inspection.
Moved by Parks, seconded by Hertz, to allow plastic pipe in all applications with proper
inspections and with an increased inspection fee charged.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
COMMENTS: Moved by Parks, seconded by Campbell, to set August 10, 1992, at 5:00 p.m. as
the next meeting date for a Construction Code Workshop.
Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
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Nancy Dionigi, City Clerk Larry R. Curtis, Mayor