HomeMy WebLinkAbout09272004 BSC Minutes WS
C it of West University Place
y
OL A Neighborhood City Foundation Workshop
is Recycled Paper Building & Standards Commission
Public Works Building, Public Works Conference Room
3826 Amherst Street,
We,it University Place, TX. 77005
Meeting Minutes
September 27th, 2004
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp and John Ayres.
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Flame, Dr. Peter Benjamin, J. Denis Powers, and Darryl Friday,
Muddy McDaniel, Kevin McMahon and Brian Hoogendam.
COUNCIL LIASION: (Absent).
STAFF PRESENT: Annette Arriaga, Dennis Mack, Jim Dougherty and Pete Solis.
GUESTS PRESENT: Robert Riquelmy, Stan Rosen, Daniel Gay, Elias Fayez Hourani, Allen
Edwards, Dan Schaffer, Mike Evenson, John Mortieff, Charles Koch and
Les Albin.
[Call to Order.] With a quorum, present Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
1. Foundations. Bryant Slimp discussed briefly what BSC was proposing on the foundation code
changes. Bryant Slimp referred to the latest version of the draft amendment of the Standard Code
• Schedule regarding foundations, revised document dated 8-27-04. The group that attended went
over the foundation draft and made comments regarding the proposed code changes.
❑ Daniel Gay with Loudermilk & Associates was first to make comments in reference to
requirements on the soils reports and the potential vertical rise. He did indicate that he liked
the new requirements for the Error's and Omissions insurance. Bryant Slimp talked about
the transfer of responsibility from the city to the structural engineer and of requiring the
structural engineer to carry O & E insurance.
❑ Bryant Slimp stated the specific foundation types that would be allowed and the foundation
types that are in the acceptable risk category. Stan Rosen questioned the committee on not
having post tension slabs as one of the acceptable foundations. Bryant Slimp stated the
difference between low, medium and high-risk foundations in the draft amendment. He
explained that the post tension slab foundations were considered in this draft amendment to
be in the higher risk category, especially when done on West U soils and since the quality
of workmanship could not be regulated.
❑ Stan Rosen gave his viewpoint and his personal opinion on post tension slabs. He continued
to add that he would like to attend the next BSC meeting and bring the experts on post
tension slabs to talk to the BSC: Bryant Slimp indicated that the draft amendment is not
banning post tension slabs. He stated that a builder would have to go before the BSC for
approval and that it considered on a case-by-case basis. Bryant Slimp stated that Mr. Rosen
would be given time on the October 7, 2004 BSC agenda under Foundations to discuss post
tension slabs.
❑ Dennis Mack added that, everyone is focused on the engineering aspect of this draft
amendment but just as important, there are the design-cri e a to reduce the risks of
foundation problems. Under the proposed foundation draft, the Ci of West University will
have the structural engineers refer to the soils report data and the location of trees from
various site visits as an important input information when designing a foundation.
3800 University Boulevard 9 West University Place, Texas 77005-2899 • 7130668.4441 0 www.westu.org
Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes
September 27th, 2004
Page 2of 2
❑ Allen Edwards, Mike Evanson and Larkin Matthews stated that they are essentially already
building houses in a manner that will be required by the new foundation draft. They stated
that they were in favor of these changes and that it would have very little economic impact
on their businesses.
❑ Daniel Gay with Gay & Loudermilk Engineers indicated that taking trees into consideration
is a good point. He stated that "if there is a tree, I am taking in account the future of that
foundation".
❑ Jim Dougherty referenced the bottom of page 5 Section (2) on Certifications in the draft
amendment. Jim Dougherty stated a written certification would be required of the
structural engineer that
o All of the criteria for the foundation design were met,
o All foundation work was done in adherence to all of the approved plans and
specifications,
o The foundation work, cement placement and cement finishing were professional
observed,
o The work and design complies with sound engineering, and
o The work complies with the criteria specified by the CBO.
This certification and all documents required by the CBO must be filed with and
acknowledged by the CBO prior to the start of the frame construction on the house.
❑ Dennis Mack stated that there would be two public hearings that would be held within the
next couple of weeks in regards to the foundation draft amendments. He stated that all
contractors, engineers and geotechnical professionals who were on the Development
Services contractor distribution list and other email list would receive notice of these
hearings.
[Adjournment.] The workshop meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m'.'
PASSED THIS a n -DAY OF I ; 2004.
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Bryant S1 mp, Chairma
ATTEST: -Am cc..)
Ms. Annette R. Arriaga Development Services cretary