Mechanical Board of Appeals
November 17, 2003
Members Present: Bryan Wyatt, Lynn Barrington, Tom Patchen, Robert Randolph, Frank Estrada
Ex-Officio: Patrick O’Brien-Mechanical Inspector
Staff Present: None
Guests Present: None
Meeting called to order at 6:28 p.m.
After review of the October 20, 2003 minutes, member Lynn Barrington and member Bryan Wyatt each had one item that needed changed. Member Barrington moved to approve the minutes as changed. Member Wyatt seconded. Passed 5-0.
Update from staff concerning air conditioner replacement self-inspections
Staff distributed a memo regarding the City of Topeka’s new air conditioner replacement self-inspections for licensed mechanical contractors. The board asked for staff to provide a report of the pro’s and con’s if a similar program would be implemented in Lawrence. The board took no action.
Staff presented a memo regarding the proposed amendment that clarifies evaporator coil change outs do not require a permit. Member Wyatt wanted to be sure that the amendment did not make it sound like permits were required for coil change outs in the past. Staff assured that the amendment was only to further clarify that a permit is not required. The board took no action.
Member Wyatt has been involved in the Code Review Board and wanted the Mechanical Board to make a comparison between the two codes so his vote would be a representation of the Mechanical Board and not just his own vote. Member Barrington brought up one point from the 2000 IMC about the requirements of the board of appeals and that the requirements of the members did not make much sense, for example, all members are registered design professionals instead of using people from the mechanical trade. Member Wyatt stated that it has not been established if the Code Review Board had to pick one code or the other. No matter what code family the Code Review Board recommends, each individual trade board will still have the task of recommending changes to amend the code as needed. Member Wyatt stated that any individual can call the publishers of the 2000 UMC and get a clarification whereas the 2000 IMC will only allow members to make code inquiries. Staff responded to member Barrington’s concern that the board of appeals would not be from the code book itself, but would use the local ordinance to establish the membership of the board. The board took no action.
Member Bob Randolph announced his resignation from the Mechanical Board of Appeals for he will moving out of town to a new occupation and will not be in the area. Staff will forward to the City Managers Office to publish the vacancy.
Member Wyatt wanted to thank staff for getting better at keeping track of the open permit letters, he had discovered that he had missed a couple of inspections and the letters were a good reminder for him. He mentioned that there had been some sharp criticism of the open permit letters from past board members on the accuracy of the letters, the letters are now much more accurate.
Motion to adjourn made by Member Barrington, seconded by Member Randolph, passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.