PLUMBERS’ LICENSING BOARD

 

Meeting No. 312                                                                              September 25, 2006

 

A meeting of the Plumbers’ Licensing Board was held on Monday, September 25, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.

 

Present were:

                                    Chair James Varotsis

Other Board Members:  Vice Chair Tedd Evans and John Pendleton

Staff:  Inspectors Roy Pender, Scott Allen, Ron LeMere and Randy Sherman

Others Present:  Dan Clark, Code Enforcement Officer, Concord;

Dianne Swain, representing PMC; Brian Dubisz, Apprentice Instructor

 

Administrative Report:

 

Mrs. Tear reported that the budget process for the upcoming biennium is nearing completion.  The budget includes a request for a new full-time position.  At this point, the two part-time positions have also been included in the budget.  Once the agency process is completed, the budgets submitted by all agencies will be assimilated, reviewed by the Governor’s Office, and presented to the Legislature and at that time the agencies begin testimony in January of 2007.  Mrs. Tear reviewed the Chief Inspector’s report with the Board.  The exam results were discussed, specifically the pass/fail statistics for the month.  Inspector Pender discussed the on-going work with the water treatment technicians and trainees and further reported that work is continuing on the development of the rules, applications and examinations.  Inspector Pender also reported that the Chief Inspector has drafted the Continuing Education Seminar for 2007.  She has requested that the Board review the draft and discuss any changes that need to be made in the proposed seminar at the October Board Meeting. 

 

Inspector Pender said that Inspector Sherman has assumed his role as the new part-time plumbing inspector.  It was also reported that the recent change in territories by the Chief Inspector appear to working and further reports will be forthcoming.

 

Inspector Pender reported that the plumbers are confused about the gas licensing.  There is a great amount of apprehension on their part.  Board Member Evans said that he and the Chief Inspector have been attending work sessions with the Fire Marshal’s Office.  The work sessions include discussions about rulemaking, applications and the entire licensing process.  Updates and discussions will continue to prepare the plumbers and heat installers for the upcoming licensing.

 

 

 

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Meeting 312

September 25, 2006

 

Inspector Pender expressed concern about the inspectors ability to enforce code violations with the omission of RSA 329:18-2.  Vice Chair Evans said that any violations of the State code are a misdemeanor by the local attorney handles the prosecution.  He further said the inspectors have to work with local authorities or the board of selectmen. Vice Chair Evans said that the Board is awaiting an opinion from Attorney Mueller about enforcement issues.  Inspector Pender expressed the concern of the inspectors about the enforcement of RSA 329-A:13 as it relates to the homeowner issue.  Vice Chair Evans said the inspectors need to submit questions about their concerns and they will be given to Attorney Mueller for further direction.  At this point, Vice Chair Evans said that according to the law, a homeowner building his own residence in which he intends to reside, may do his own plumbing.  This does not apply to people living out of state; if that is not primary residence, they cannot perform their own plumbing installations.  The inspectors could obtain a statement from a homeowner which states that the property is, or will be, their primary residence.

 

Chair Varotsis suggested that the staff submit suggestions to the Board how this section be worded to clarify the RSA. 

 

Mrs. Tear reported that there are several apprentices that are receiving credit for on the job training or educational credit without the backup information.  Vice Chair Evans said a letter will be sent to Commissioner of Labor, George Copadis and copy Jack Jarvis of the US Dept. of Labor inviting them to meet with this Board to review the Board’s concerns.  The apprentice program and the implementation of the program are of great concern to the Board.

 

Approval of Minutes:

 

A motion was made by Vice Chair Evans and seconded by Board Member Pendleton to approve the minutes.  All voted in favor of the motion.

 

Chair Varotsis called for nominations for Chair and Vice Chair.  Chair Varotsis’ term will expire in October but he will remain on the Board until a replacement is nominated and confirmed.  Vice Chair Evans and Board Member Pendleton expressed their gratitude to Mr. Varotsis for all the time and effort he has devoted to the Board and its operation.

 

A motion was made by Board Member Varotsis, seconded by Board Member Pendleton and unanimously voted that Vice Chair Evans be elected as Chair of the Board. 

 

A motion was made by Board Member Varotsis, seconded by Chair Evans and unanimously voted that Board Member Pendleton be elected Vice Chair of the Board.

 

 

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Meeting No. 312

September 25, 2006

 

Administrative Rules:

 

Chief Inspector Allen submitted to the Board for discussion and review a draft copy of the Chapter 300 rules for review and ultimately submitted to the Administrative Rules Division of Legislative Services.  Chair Evans had questions about Plu 305.04, Inspection Fees.  He indicated that he would like to review the fees and discuss this and the entire packet the October meeting. 

 

Vice Chair Pendleton said that he would like a section of the rules to reflect the ability of this Board to grant waivers for licensure or renewal for extenuating circumstances.  He will draft the wording for this and present it at the next meeting.  Vice Chair Pendleton said that he does not wish to wait to submit the rules, he would like to vote on this now.

 

A motion was made by Chair Evans, seconded by Vice Chair Pendleton and unanimously voted to approve the draft of Chapter 300 and further vote that the draft be submitted to the Administrative Rules Department for their review and approval.

 

Vice Chair Pendleton said that he will speak to the County Attorneys about the Plumbing Board’s ability to work with them to prosecute code violations performed by licensed and unlicensed plumbers.  He will report at a subsequent meeting.

 

Building Code Review Committee:

 

Chair Evans reported that the Committee met in September to discuss and recommend amendments to the 2006 International Plumbing Code.  

 

Old Business:

 

None this month

 

New Business:

 

None this month

 

Non-Public

 

A motion was made by Vice Chair Pendleton to go into a non-public session to discuss applications for licensure.

 

                                    Chair Evans                           -            yes

                                    Vice Chair Pendleton                     -            yes

                                    Board Member Varotsis            -            yes

 

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Meeting No. 312

September 25, 2006

 

A motion was made by Board Member Varotsis, seconded by Vice Chair Pendleton and unanimously voted to come out of the non-public session.  It is noted that no votes were taken during the session.  The purpose of the session was to discuss confidential sections of the applicants for licensure.

 

A motion was made by Board Member Varotsis, seconded by Vice Chair Pendleton to adjourn the meeting.

 

                        IMPORTANT DATES:         

                        NEXT BOARD MEETING – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2006

                                                                        9:00 A.M.