Approved Minutes — original pdf
Approved Minutes
BOARD MEETING June 27, 2022 Mechanical and Plumbing Board Approved MINUTES The Mechanical and Plumbing Board convened in a Special Called Meeting on June 27, 2023. Meeting took place at the Permit Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive. Vice Chairman Thornton, called the Meeting to order at 9:42 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: William Harris, Robert Thornton, Kyle Smith, Joe Bowie, Robert Butler and Bobbi Jo Foster. Absent members: Alex Ramirez Staff Members in Attendance: Todd Wilcox (DSD), Chad Watson (DSD), Tony Hernandez (DSD) Marty Starrett (DSD) Betsy Kirkpatrick (AHD), Conner Lynd (AHD) GENERAL CITIZEN COMMUNICATION- Tanner Thornton spoke on behalf on discussion item 2 and John Mata of IAPMO spoke on behalf of discussion item 5. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the June 28th, 2022 meeting was approved as written. Board member Harris made a motion to approve the minutes, board member Bowie second the motion. Motion pass 6-0 DISCUSSION ITMES 2. Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC)-Interpretation of Cubic feet per minute (CFM) requirement for exhaust fans in Multi Family dwelling units. – Board member Harris in conjunction with the UMC workgroup are working to clarify the language with the exhaust. It will basically align itself the same exhaust flow rates that are currently in the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC). Currently the only comment that has been decided within the workgroup, was to include in the local 2024 amendments downdraft appliances in the kitchens would have to be the 300 CFM with a downdraft. This will allow for continuous and intermittent flowrates that are in the IMC. 3. Reclaimed Water use at Single Family Residential Sites- There was no discussion item on this. This will be tabled to the next meeting with Austin Water being present. 4. Legionellosis Prevention in Buildings- Staff from Austin Health, Betsy Kirkpatrick and Conner Lynd presented to the board for discussion on Legionella Prevention in Commercial buildings, most common found in Hospitals and nursing homes. Found in freshwater environments, a health concern is when bacteria grow and spread in man- made building water systems where overgrowth can be caused by plumbing systems replacement and its repairs. Austin Health is proposing that the Plumbing and Mechanical board to consider recommending adopting ASHRAE 188, 8.4 which describes the timing of disinfection and flushing prior to use. “Disinfection and flushing shall be completed no more than three weeks before whole or partial beneficiary occupancy” If beneficiary occupancy is delayed on any part of the building of 3 weeks but less than 4 weeks, that flushing of all fixtures shall again be completed. If delayed more than 4 weeks, flushing and disinfection of all fixtures shall again be completed. Board and staff recommendations that since the proposal for the language has shifted to include only health care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes and possible senior living center in place of commercial buildings, the flushing and disinfection of the water systems in these buildings would create possible issues with the fire code, particularly if there is a combination domestic and water fire line. A possible huge affordable cost impact could be created. This item will be tabled for a later discussion for possible presentation and discussion with the Building and Fire Board of Appeals 5. 2024 Code Adoption: Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Code- John Mata with International Association Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) addressed the board in support of the board of adopting the 2024 Uniform codes. Staff are currently working on the 2024 codes now and its intention is to go back to the model code as much as possible. One issue that has surfaced roughly about a year ago, staff did request to meet with the Mechanical and Plumbing board for a recommendation on adopting the 2024 IMC and 2024 UPC which never took place and today staff is seeking feedback. Board Harris has no issue with the UMC with some local amendments being eliminated and feels the direction with UMC is going in the right direction. Building official Todd Wilcox in communication with Development Service Director asked that since this is a discussion topic only on how will the board feel by adopting both codes, as UMC being the primary but allowing people to design to the IMC, only if they declare upfront as to what they are designing to? Discussion on this will continue. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 6. 2023 Board Schedule- 2023 Board scheduled was approved. Board member Bowie approved the schedule as written, board member Foster second. 2023 Board schedule approved on a 6-0 vote. 7. 2023 Board Elections- There was no vote on Chair or Vice Chair. Board requested to postpone a vote until the Board had more than 6 members in audience and when the board has reached its capacity members. . FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 1. Discussion on Appendix L of 2024 UPC 2. Discussion on an appendix Water saving calculator- Austin Water 3. Discussion on reclaim water use at Single Family Residential Sites 4. Code discussion on 2024 UMC and IMC ADJOURN – Vice Chair Thornton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:41 without objection. The minutes were approved at the August 22, 2023 meeting on board member Cooper motion, Board member Harris, second the vote. Board member Foster and Perez were absent. Motion passed 6-0. Board member Ramirez entered the meeting after the minutes were read.