May 11, 2004

The Electricians’ Board met at 9:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 11, 2004. Present were George Maihos, Chairman; Joan DeLorie, Vice Chair; Peter Chierichetti, Thomas Malley and Henry Szumiesz, Board members; Mark Hilbert, Senior Inspector; William Benard, Henri Dionne and Dean Sotirakopoulos, Inspectors and Esther Hodge, License Clerk. A motion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2004, meeting, was made by Joan DeLorie, seconded by Peter Chierichetti and was passed.

Probation reports were reviewed. Henry Szumiesz reported that Senate Bills 497 and 499 were signed by the Governor on May 3, 2004. Bill 497 makes changes to allow for a 3 year renewal cycle, to allow for discipline for apprentices, and to remove the free exam. He also reported on Bill 355, a Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Board with a seat for a representative from the BUREAU OF ELECTRICIAL SAFETY AND LICENSING, and Bill 534 regarding the appeals process which would go to the Building Code Review Board.

The Education Committee met on April 29, 2004 at 4:00 pm. Bob Duval’s request for approval of changes to his 30 continuing education course was recommended by the Education Committee and approved by the Board. Henry Szumiesz reported that the IBEW is working on a Bill for next year regarding allowing apprentices in school to complete a residential project. The 2005 NEC was discussed and guidelines for providers are being planned for the next code update. Another provider for an on-line NEC code update is being reviewed by the committee. The next Education Committee meeting will be May 27, 2004 at 4:00 pm at the Board’s office.

The Board reviewed 3 proposed consent agreements. The agreements are as follows:

1. The first was a 1st offense where an unlicensed person was found making electrical installations for a master electrician. A motion was made by Thomas Malley to accept the consent agreement of a reprimand. The motion was seconded by Henry Szumiesz and passed.
2. The second was a 1st offense where 2 unlicensed people were found making electrical installations for a master electrician. A motion was made by Peter Chierichetti to accept the consent agreement of a reprimand. The motion was seconded by Joan DeLorie and passed.
3. The third was a 2nd offense where an unlicensed person was found making electrical installations making electrical installations. A motion was made by Henry Szumiesz to accept the consent agreement of 1 year suspension deferred with a 2 year limitation to be served consecutively from the first offense. The motion was seconded by Peter Chierichetti and passed.

Inspector Benard reported on the April exam, 29% of the journeyman examinees passed (16 out of 55) and 26% of the master examinees passed (17 out of 66). Of those taking the journeyman exam for the first time 31% passed (5 out of 16) - 56% passed the first part and 31% passed the second part. Of those taking the journeyman exam for the second time 38% passed (5 out of 13) and of those taking the journeyman exam for 3 or more time 23% passed (6 out of 26). Inspector Benard reported on the high school programs in Dover, Pinkerton, Manchester, and Nashua. He also reported on a Portsmouth Mobile Home Park fire, an inspection in Concord of a medical facility room, and assisting the town of Hopkinton in inspecting 3 public areas.

Inspector Sotirakopoulos reported that he had not been able to contact Mr. Hemenway regarding the proposed settlement agreement. He then reported on discussing a consent agreement with Barlo Signs who requested a hearing. A motion was mande by Joan DeLorie that Barlo Signs and the master Larry Laber be brought in for a hearing at the July meeting.

Inspector Dionne reported on attending Supercode in Falmouth, MA with the other inspectors, proctoring the master and journeyman exams, working on ongoing investigations and assisting local inspectors.

Inspector Hilbert reported on attending the Supercode in Falmouth, MA, ongoing investigations and the exams. He thanked Inspector Benard for his help with the program for ‘Emergency Systems Installations’ which was held April 28th, 110 people attended and another program is planned for this fall. Inspector Hilbert requested the Board’s approval for all the inspectors to attend a 2005 NEC code program in Maine next month and for himself to attend a multi-state reciprocal meeting August 2-3, 2004 in Boise, ID. A motion was made by Peter Chieirichetti, seconded by George Maihos and passed. He requested the Board’s opinion on installing raceways and cables below the roof deck in commercial and industrial installations. A motion was made by Thomas Malley to create a Board policy or interpretation on the subject for review at a subsequent meeting. The motion was seconded by Peter Chierichetti and passed. Inspector Hilbert also requested the Board’s opinion on a letter he received through the State Fire Marshal’s Office from Ms. Franklin regarding the OSCA and Dept of Labor. This item was put on hold.

The next meeting of the Board will be June 8, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. at the Richard M. Flynn Fire Academy, Route 106, Concord, NH. The meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.