Ron Kistler, Vice Chair, E. Hempfield Twp.

Lynn M. Stauffer, Secretary, Lancaster Twp.

Jeff Helm, Treasurer

Pete Kingsley, W. Lampeter Twp.

Skip Cross, W. Lampeter Twp.

James Laubeck, City of Lancaster

Jim Forster, Columbia Borough

Bill Nace, Millersville Borough

Larry Griffith, ABI

Lee Young, E. Lampeter Twp.

Doug Meshaw, PA Builders Assoc.

James Gerda, ABI

Sam Phillips, Lanc. Suburban Code Service

Randy B. Maurer, ABI

Lee Waddell, ABI

George Snyder, City of Lancaster

Call to Order: Chair Don Forry began the meeting at 9:00 a.m. He led all in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the June 17, 2004 meeting were approved as submitted on a motion by Ron Kistler, seconded by George Snyder.

Roll Call: Don Forry, Chair, Present

Ron Kistler, Vice Chair, Present

Jeff Helm, Treasurer, Present

Lynn M. Stauffer, Secretary, Present

Treasurer’s Report: Jeff Helm presented a Treasurer’s Report dated August l, 2004. A general discussion was held regarding expenses for the website update and an additional bill for ICC training.

Old Business:

Website Update - Don announced that the updated website is up and running. A membership application and calendar of events is now available. After attending a class at PC Easy, he has changed the website from a Publisher format to Front-Page Editor format. Don would like feedback from all members

Chapter National & Region 7 Information – Don read the mission statement of the ICC. He stressed the importance of the ICC Website as a great tool for all code officials to use.

The ICC Bulletin Board is a great way to communicate with other members from the various regions nation-wide. There are many other ICC Chapter participation benefits including a 50,000-member-strong building safety organization, latest industry trends, career advancements by gaining important insights on building related issues, increased knowledge by attending chapter-sponsored continuing education training and networking with industry peers.

The ICC is divided into 12 regions. LanCode in Pennsylvania is in Region #7 along with other chapters from the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia. It was noted that Virginia is a very aggressive state in code enforcement. Roland Hall is the Philadelphia Region Manager.

New Business:

PA Coalition of Code Officials Information – Don Forry held a lengthy discussion on the PA Coalition of Code Official’s lack of influence and recognition in Harrisburg. It appears that politicians push various house bills through very quickly without strong input from their constituents. A discussion was held on the possibility of hiring a lobbyist or finding some way of monitoring activities in Harrisburg with support from local chapters. It was noted that additional financial support would be needed.

Ron Kistler, Vice Chair, made several comments as a member of PennBOC. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have very strong chapters with little input from the central chapters. Many chapters are concerned about this matter.

Douglas Meshaw, Director of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, stated he feels a dialogue with PennBOC would be helpful, possibly including a revamping or change in bylaws. He stressed that politics plays a big part in the process.

Don Forry read Resolution #2004-1, which states, “On July 1, 2004, representatives from four of the six Pennsylvania Chapters of ICC met to discuss the formation of a new Statewide Coalition Chapter….”. (A copy of the entire resolution is attached to these minutes) Skip Cross made a motion, seconded by Francis Spangler, to approve the resolution. A general discussion was held in which Nancy Halliwell, Skip Cross and Lee Young voiced a concern relative to the forming of a Coalition when discussions with PennBOC representatives may be an option. It was decided that writing a letter addressing LanCode’s concerns and giving them a reasonable time frame to respond might be an option. The motion to approve the resolution as stated was defeated 3-13.

The next PennBOC meeting will be held on September 24, 2004. Don Forry and Ron Kistler plan on attending to discuss the lack of recognition of professional chapters even though the ICC recognizes such chapters. On a motion by Lee Young, seconded by Skip Cross, LanCode will give PennBOC until our October meeting to pledge or express an intention to change their bylaws to recognize local chapters. Motion carried 16-0.

On a motion by Nancy Halliwell, seconded by Jeffrey Helm, it was decided that LanCode would send a letter to PennBOC requesting discussion and action to recognize other professional chapters and change their bylaws. Motion carried 16-0. A copy of the letter will be distributed to all other chapters.

Senate Bill 1139 / Act 92 Discussion – Due to time constraints, a brief discussion was held on SB 1129/Act 92 as it relates to agricultural buildings, exclusion of recreational cabins, definition of miscellaneous structures and residential alterations. Don strongly encouraged members to access the Labor & Industry website to stay informed.

Code Book Sales – Don Forry will look into the feasibility of selling various code books. The chapter gets a 20% discount.

Presentation:

Dave Latanision from SPI gave an informative presentation entitled “Life Safety Firestop Installation”. He gave a slide presentation and handout relative to typical fire protection life safety installation deficiencies.

Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 11: 30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn M. Stauffer, Secretary