HomeMy WebLinkAbout12072006 BSC Minutes
Comm) City of West University Place
0 A Neighborhood City
® Recycled Paper Building & Standards Commission
Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room,
3800 University Blvd,
West University Place, Texas 77005
Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2006
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, Brian Hoogendam, Dr. Peter
Benjamin, Dave Miller, Michael Talianchich and Muddy
McDaniel
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Flame and J. Denis Powers
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Chief Building Official, Debbie Scarcella
Permit Technician, Josie Orosco
Legal Counsel, James L. Dougherty
GUESTS PRESENT: Robert Riquelmy
[Call to Order] Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
0 1. Notices, Rules, Etc.
Mr. Slimp welcomed the visitors and staff members to the meeting. He then read the rules of
procedure to be followed for the hearing. Mr. Slime stated that Michael Talianchich, Muddy
McDaniel and Dave Miller are the alternate voting members.
2. Docket No. 06-05. Request by Michael Talianchich for a special exception to Appendix C,
"Technical Codes", Section 3.(3)(f) for the requirement of professional errors and omissions
insurance.
Michael Talianchich recused himself and signed a conflict of interest affidavit. Mr. Talianchich
stated he was requesting a special exception to Appendix C of the Code of Ordinances,
specifically Section 3.(3)(f) under the amendments to the International Building Code to waive
the requirement for professional errors and omissions insurance to meet the definition of a
Registered or Licensed Professional Engineer. A year and a half ago Mr. Talianchich researched
the requirements to obtain professional errors and omissions insurance. Mr. Talianchich joined
the American Society of Civil Engineers and Texas Structural Engineering Association. Mr.
Talianchich went through Marsh McLennan to obtain the insurance, but they would not insure
him. He noted that it is very difficult for contractors and engineers to obtain the insurance unless
they are a large firm. Debbie Scarcella stated that general liability insurance which Mr.
Talianchich carries has limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and an aggregate of $2,000,000 per
year are in excess of both the requirements of this section of the ordinance as well as in excess of
the requirements of Chapter 18, which governs general liability limits for registered contractors.
Debbie Scarcella stated that Mr. Talianchich constructs about one home per year and provides
turnkey services for the design phase through completion of the structure. He does not provide
contracted engineering services for other companies or individuals, concentrating on providing
engineering for his own projects only. He builds a type of crawl space with deep pier
3800 University Boulevard • West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 • 7130668.4441 • www.westu.org
'I
r Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2006
foundations on all of his structures. Debbie Scarcella also stated that Section 3.(3) allows the
Building and Standards Commission to issue a special exception to waive the errors and
omissions insurance if the basic type of foundation constructed is either "void space with deep
foundation" or "structural floor with crawl space or deep foundation". The BSC board could also
require in connection with the special exception, that the applicant provide supporting
documentation and may impose special conditions to carry out the intent and purpose of these
regulations. Several questions were asked to Debbie Scarcella regarding what type of
documentation the City could require Mr. Talianchich to submit to the City. Peter Benjamin
made a motion to grant a special exception to Appendix C, "Technical Codes", Section 3.(3)(0
for the requirement of professional errors and omissions insurance. Muddy McDaniel seconded
the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, Brian Hoogendam, Dr. Peter Benjamin, Muddy McDaniel
and Dave Miller. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed.
3. Portable Buildings and Storage Units.
Bryant Slimp stated for the record that Michael Talianchich had now joined the BSC as an
alternate voting member. Debbie Scarcella and Jim Dougherty introduced changes to an
amendment as discussed at the November BSC meeting. This ordinance amendment would
regulate temporary and smaller portable buildings and storage units. There was general
discussion regarding the changes that were made. A discussion followed and staff was instructed
to look into changing the cubic area configurations and height restrictions of the portable
buildings and storage units.
4. Flood Protection and Prevention Regulations.
Bryant Slimp asked that this agenda item be tabled until the next meeting.
5. MeetinLy Minutes.
Dr. Peter Benjamin made a motioned to approve the November 2, 2006 minutes as amended.
Michael Talianchich seconded the motion. AYES: Bryant Slimp, Brian Hoogendam, Dr. Peter
Benjamin and Michael Talianchich. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes
passed.
[Adjournment]
Brian Hoogendam motioned to adjourn. Dr. Peter Benjamin seconded the motion. AYES:
Bryant Slimp, Brian Hoogendam, Dr. Peter Benjamin and Michael Talianchich NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
PASSED THIS VJ~ DAY OF l , 2007
Bryant Slimp, Chairmfid
ATTEST:
Ms. Josie M. Orosco, Permit Technician
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