The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About06042015 BSC Agenda Item 2 • The City of West University Place A Neighborhood City Buildin g & Standards Commission Located in the Bill Watson Conference Room, 3800 University Blvd, West University Place, Texas 77005 Meeting Minutes February 5,2015 MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Denny Powers, Vernon Tyger, Charles Marshall, Muddy McDaniel and Bruce Beneke MEMBERS ABSENT: Frank Griffin and Kris Westbrook STAFF PRESENT: Chief Building Official Clay Chew, City Attorney Alan Petrov and Permit Technician Josie M. Hayes GUEST PRESENT: Chris Staples, Marty Simpson, David Cole, Boris Markhasin, Deborah Culver, Amar Patel, Ruth A. Herlong and Councilwoman Joan Johnson [Call to Order] Steve Brown called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. 1. Notices, Rules,Etc. Steve Brown welcomed BSC members, staff and visitors to the meeting. There were introductions of BSC members and staff. Steve Brown stated the alternate voting member would be Charles Marshall. 2. Meeting minutes. Vernon Tyger made a motion to approve the January 15, 2015 meeting minutes. Denny Powers seconded. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Denny Powers Vernon Tyger and Charles Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting minutes approved. Denny Powers made a motion to suspend the regular meeting and go into the hearing mode. Vernon Tyger seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Denny Powers, Vernon Tyger and Charles Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. Everyone testifying or speaking on any issue was sworn in by Steve Brown. 3. Docket Number 2015-01, Property located at 4004 Bellaire Blvd, West University Place,TX 77005 regarding a variance to Chapter 26, Section 26-35(a)(1). Requesting approval to allow the use of aluminum feeders from the non-essential generator to TOP WORK 10 PLACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov The City of West University Place A Neighborhood City the automatic transfer switch (ATS). Steve Brown asked staff if the request had been filed properly and proper notices been given. Josie M. Hayes stated yes and notice is given to everyone 200' from the said property requesting the variance. Clay Chew stated PowerSecure is asking for a variance to use aluminum feeders from the non-essential generator to the automatic transfer switch. Chris Staples; Whole Foods representative; stated they have installed three generators in Houston with the aluminum feeders that have the same characteristics of copper without any problems. If they had to use copper, then it would cost more. Chris Staples stated it is 1/3 of the weight of copper which makes it easier to work with. There was general discussion regarding the cost savings of using aluminum wiring as opposed to using copper. Chris stated there is a$30,000 cost difference. Chris Staples stated there would be about 1,800' of aluminum wire that would be used for the installation of the generator. Ruth Herlong; 4028 Ruskin; asked if the installation of the generator would affect their property value. Chris Staples stated the generator would not be visible and could not see how it would affect the property value. Chris Staples stated the generator would be tested once a week to exercise the unit for 15 minutes and would be done during the day while most people are at work. There were multiple questions asked from visitors regarding the location of the generator, visibility and the decibel level requirements. Steve Brown stated the issue at hand was the applicant wanting to use aluminum wiring instead of copper; not location, visibility or decibel requirements. Alan Petrov stated if the permit application complies with all the requirements of the ordinance, then the City can issue a permit. David Cole; 4104 Cason; who has been an electrician for about 40 years stated he has had significant experience with doing repairs for buildings which have used aluminum wiring and have had fires. David Cole urged BSC to stay with the copper conductors that are required by code. Steve Brown asked Chris Staples if there was a hardship involved which cannot be financial. Chris Staples stated there is not one. Denny Powers made a motion to approve the variance request. Vernon Tyger seconded the motion. AYES: None. NOES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bob, Denny Powers, Vernon Tyger and Charles Marshall. ABSTAIN: None. Variance denied. Sylvette Bob made a motion to close the hearing and resume the regular meeting. Denny Powers seconded the motion. AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb, Denny Powers, Vernon Tyger and Charles Marshall. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion passed. Steve Brown stated the next meeting if needed would be on March 5, 2015. Clay Chew stated is a possible variance request and the deadline to submit the variance is February 13, 2015 at noon. BSC would be notified if a variance request is received. Clay Chew also stated that he would be out of the office, along with Permit Technician, Josie M. Hayes and the meeting date would have to be changed to Thursday, March 19, 2015 if a request is received. [Adjournment] TOP WORK PLACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov • The City of West University Place A Neighborhood City Denny Powers made a motion to adjourn. Sylvette Bob seconded.AYES: Steve Brown, Sylvette Bobb,Denny Powers,Vernon Tyger and Charles Marshall. NOES: None.ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF ,2015 Steve Brown, Chairman ATTEST: Mrs.Josie M. Hayes, Permit Technician TdP K WOR 0 PLACES 3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov