MINUTES OMAHA PLUMBING BOARD Regular Meeting Wednesday, 1:30 pm City/County Building 1819 Farnam Street Jesse Lowe Conference Room Third Floor Board Members: Brian A Barrett Jeff O. Estabrook, Vice-Chairman David W. Miller, Chairman Christopher P. Reed Terry Salem Amy L. Schaap Mike Connor, Douglas County Health Department (non-voting) Jim Wonder, Chief Plumbing Inspector, City Planning Department (nonvoting) A current copy of the Open Meeting Act is posted in a white binder on the north wall of the Jesse Lowe Conference Room. The secretary certifies publication in the Daily Record, the official newspaper of the City of Omaha, on April 3, 2017. I. Roll Call Brian Barrett Jeff O. Estabrook, Vice-Chairman David W. Miller, Chairman Christopher P. Reed Terry Salem Amy Schaap Others Present: Jim Wonder, City of Omaha Planning Department Mr. David Miller called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes from March 22, 2017 Motion by Mr. Jeff Estabrook to approve the minutes from March 22, 2017. Second by Mr. Terry Salem. III. *Cases 17-4-12 Richard & Jessica Henry 5618 N 126 Ave Omaha, NE 68164 REQUEST Waiver to install a well. Location: 12420 N 132 St 49-533 Ms. Jessica Henry appeared before the Board requesting a well waiver at 12420 N 132 St. A letter from Mr. Mark Masek from MUD does not oppose this application due to cost of $870,000 to install. Mr. Jon Rugg from the Douglas County Health Departments supports the approval of the well. Motion by Mr. Christopher Reed to approve the installation of the well at this address. Second by Ms. Amy Schaap.
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 2 17-4-13 Rory Sherman 13336 Industrial Rd #106 Omaha, NE 68137 REQUEST Request to have continuing education classes be approved for 4 hours. Location: 49-218 Mr. Rory Sherman with United Distributors, Inc. is seeking approval to have his previously Board approved 3 hour continuing educaiton class approved for 4 hours. Mr. Jim Wonder stated that this would be a retroactive request to grant those who attended the class to receive 4 hours. Mr. Miller clarified about why Mr. Sherman was only given 3 hours initially. Mr. Sherman stated that his recent class lasted 4 hours, covering water 101 fundamentals, different types of equipment, applications, and problem waters. Mr. Brian Barrett asked if it was all water treatment. Mr. Sherman stated that it was treatment, chemistry, effects of water, reading water analysis, a whole scope of residential and commercial applications. Mr. Wonder asked if anyone attended the class. No one from the class was present at the meeting. Mr. Salem asked why the class would be credited for 4 hours. Mr. Estabrook stated that the Board would need to see the curriculum again. Mr. Barrett said the initial concern from the Board was that half the continuing education would be focused on water conditioning. Mr. Miller stated that Mr. Sherman would need to have more documentation to show the need for an increase in approved hours. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to deny the waiver for an increase in continuing education hours. Second by Mr. Salem. Motion carried: 6-0, Request is denied 17-4-14 Scott Mathews 4132 M St Omaha, NE 68107 REQUEST Request to have continuing education hours waived due to illness. Location: 49-218 Mr. Wonder will be appearing before the Board on behalf of Mr. Scott Mathews requesting his continuing education hours be waived for 2017 due to an illness. The Board previously approved this for his 2016 hours due to an illness. If he is unable to make improvements by the end of the year, he will put his license in retirement. Mr. Reed asked if he was currently working. Mr. Wonder stated he is not. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Mathews request for a waiver of continuing education hours for 2017. Second by Mr. Salem. 17-4-15 Clarence A Algiere 3824 Ponca Rd REQUEST Request to have continuing education hours waived due to illness. Location: 49-218
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 3 Mr. Wonder will be appearing before the Board on behalf of Mr. Clarence Algiere requesting his continuing education hours be waived for 2016 due to an illness. Mr. Algiere is requesting that his continuing education for his water conditioning contractor license for 2016 be waived. If he is not doing better by the end of the year, he will put his license in retirement. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Algiere s request for a waiver of continuing education hours for 2016. Second by Mr. Salem. IV. *Apprenticeship Agreements Mauricio Benitez 9912 U St Omaha, NE 68127 Wonder Plumbing Inc. 7811 S 134 St Omaha, NE 68138 Mr. Mauricio Benitez is seeking Board approval for his apprenticeship with Wonder Plumbing Inc to begin January 1, 2017. Mr. Miller stated that the ratios are in order, but there is no record of his proof of employment. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Benitez s apprenticeship with a start date of January 1, 2017 with the stipulation that he provides documentation of employment for those dates. Second by Mr. Salem. Mr. Miller informed Mr. Benitez that it is his responsibility to keep track of his employment records and schooling records. V. *Journeyman Plumber Examination Applications Mr. Wonder stated that normal protocol dictates that those who are approved to take the exam at this meeting are supposed to be tested by the following Board meeting. However, due to the change in exam date due to the room conflict, exam applications will be approved today with the exam to follow the week after the next Board meeting to allow time to notify those taking the exam. Casey S Bonham 5931 S 187 Ave Cir Omaha, NE 68135 Eyman Plumbing 8506 S 117 St La Vista, NE 68128 Mr. Casey Bonham appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Bonham has 1241 school hours. Has 8828 on the job training hours. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Bonham to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Reed. Gannon D Cunard 30431 Swan Lake Honey Creek, IA 51542 Nebraska Plumbing 6262 Lindbergh Ave Omaha, NE 68110
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 4 Mr. Gannon Cunard appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Cunard has schooling hours and 8479 on the job hours. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Cunard to take the May exam. Second by Ms. Schaap. Mathew J Dragon 5425 P St Omaha, NE 68117 Prairie Mechanical 2842 Tucker St Mr. Mathew Dragon appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Dragon has his schooling and on the job hours. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Dragon to take the May exam. Second by Ms. Schaap. James C Edwards 14735 Harvey Oaks Ave Omaha, NE 68144 The Waldinger Corporation 8802 S 121 St Mr. James Edwards appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Edwards has his schooling hours and on the job training hours, the Board gave him three years of credit previously. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Edwards to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Ryan T Ferguson 1621 N 75 St Omaha, NE 68114 The Frazier Company 14830 B Cir Omaha, NE 68144 Mr. Ryan Ferguson appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Ferguson has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Ferguson to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem.
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 5 Ethan J Graham 3321 S 79 St Omaha, NE 68124 Dave Janke Plumbing 15013 Grover St Omaha, NE 68144 Mr. Ethan Graham appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Graham has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Graham to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Tyler J Hedges 1170 N Locust Omaha, NE 68066 TSI Mechanical 12251 Cary Cir St 150 Mr. Tyler Hedges appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Hedges has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Hedges to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Christopher G Lewis 7022 S 52 St Omaha, NE 68157 Eyman Plumbing 8506 S 117 St La Vista, NE 68128 Mr. Christopher Lewis appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Lewis has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Lewis to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Paul D May 4417 Leavenworth St Omaha, NE 68105 The Waldinger Corporation 8802 S 121 St Mr. Paul May appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. May has schooling hours and on the job training hours. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. May to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem.
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 6 Shaun J McWilliams 3210 S 73 St Omaha, NE 68124 Ray Martin Co 5126 F St Omaha, NE 68117 Mr. Shaun McWilliams appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. McWilliams has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. McWilliams to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Brent J O Brian 9630 N 31 St TSI Mechanical 12251 Cary Cir Ste 150 Mr. Brent O Brian appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. O Brian has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. O Brian to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Jacob C Riesgaard 3510 Hancock St #180 Bellevue, NE 68005 Vincentini Plumbing 2308 S 16 St Omaha, NE 68108 Mr. Jacob Riesgaard appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Riesgaard has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Riesgaard to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Robert T Sims 5007 S 38 St Omaha, NE 68107 MMC Contractors 9751 S 142 St Omaha, NE 68138 Mr. Robert Sims appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Sims has schooling hours but is short on the job training hours. Mr. Sims has an updated list of on the job training hours through the Greater Omaha Pipe Trades. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Sims to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem.
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 7 Kyle L Smith 1619 Park St Omaha, NE 68008 The Waldinger Corporation 8802 S 121 St Mr. Kyle Smith appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Smith has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Smith to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Thomas E Weeks 5950 Fowler Ave Omaha, NE 68104 Tritz Plumbing 4718 S 135 St Omaha, NE 68145 Mr. Thomas Weeks appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Weeks has Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Weeks to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Tyler J Welborn 18881 Pacific Plz Omaha, NE 68022 Platinum Plumbing Inc. 15418 Weir St Ste 304 Omaha, NE 68137 Mr. Tyler Welborn did not appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to file Mr. Welborn s application for Journeyman Plumber examination. Second by Mr. Salem. Motion carried: 6-0, application to be filed. James M Wolz 4821 Magnolia St Omaha, NE 68137 Dave Janke Plumbing 15013 Grover St Omaha, NE 68144 Mr. James Wolz appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Journeyman Plumber examination. Mr. Wolz is short his Mr. Wolz is having the rest of his schooling hours sent by the end of the week. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Wolz to take the May exam with the stipulation that he provide documentation of his schooling hours. Second by Mr. Salem.
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 8 VI. *Master Plumber Examination Applications James R Baughman PO Box 175 160 Vine St Springfield, NE 68059 B&B Plumbing Service 6318 N 109 Cir Omaha, NE 68164 Mr. James Baughman appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Master Plumber examination. Mr. Smith has held a Journeyman Plumber license since April 24, 2009. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Baughman to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Aaron N Grady 1917 Clay St Ashland, NE 68003 Radden Plumbing Inc. 4651 A St Omaha, NE 68106 Mr. Aaron Grady appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Master Plumber examination. Mr. Grady has held a Journeyman Plumber license since June 3, 2011. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Grady to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. Chad J Haffke 1130 Patricia Dr Omaha, NE 68046 Steve Haffke Plumbing 245 W Grant St Papillion, NE 68046 Mr. Chad Haffke appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Master Plumber examination. Mr. Haffke has held a Journeyman Plumber license since August 31, 2010. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Haffke to take the May exam. Second by Mr. Salem. VII. *Water Conditioning Installers Timothy M Curran 4659 Woolworth Ave Omaha, NE 68106 Culligan of Omaha 11615 Centennial Rd
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 9 Mr. Timothy Curran appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Water Conditioning Installers examination. Mr. Curran works for Culligan. Mr. Wonder stated that Mr. Curran would need to provide documentation of employment. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Curran to take the May exam with the stipulation that he provide documentation of employment. Second by Mr. Salem. Sonny Lipscomb 5524 N 35 St Omaha, NE 68111 Culligan of Omaha 11615 Centennial Rd Mr. Sonny Lipscomb appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Water Conditioning Installers examination. Mr. Lipscomb works for Culligan. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Lipscomb to take the May exam with the stipulation that he provide documentation of employment. Second by Mr. Salem. VIII. *Lawn Sprinkler Contractor Josh N Farrington PO Box 400 Elkhorn, NE 68022 Green Inc. 5005 N 204 St Elkhorn, NE 68022 Mr. Josh Farrington appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Lawn Sprinkler Contractor examination. Mr. Farrington works for Green Inc. Mr. Miller examined a letter from Green Inc. stating that Mr. Farrington has been working in the field since 1995. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Farrington to take the May. Second by Mr. Salem. Luke J Spielman 7608 Fillmore St Omaha, NE 68122 General Fire and Safety 5641 S 85 Cir Omaha, NE 68127 Mr. Luke Spielman appeared before the Board requesting approval to take the Lawn Sprinkler Contractor examination. Mr. Spielman works for General Fire and Safety but it is irrelevant for what he is asking to do. Mr. Miller examined documentation that stated Mr. Spielman worked for Quality Irrigation from March 2010 to March 2012 and Pride Home Services from March 2003 to December 2009. Mr. Estabrook asked what Mr. Spielman was doing for Pride Home Services. Mr. Spielman stated that he was installing service lawn sprinklers. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve Mr. Spielman to take the May. Second by Mr. Salem.
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 10 IX. Sewer Layer Examination Applications (4) Zach M Bowman 7205 N 39 Ave Midland Trenching 3326 King St Xavier D Crawford 7582 Miami Plz Omaha, NE 68134 Midland Trenching 3326 King St Gregory Peterson 14616 Sunrise St Omaha, NE 68007 Simon Plumbing Inc. 1043 County Rd 35 Omaha, NE 68142 Curtis Weatherholt 14925 N Cir Omaha, NE 68137 Simon Plumbing Inc. 1043 County Rd 35 Omaha, NE 68142 Mr. Wonder requested that two individuals are currently attending his class and are requesting to be added to this list. Mr. Joe Bragg and Mr. Jacob Winther would be submitting their paperwork and payment with approval. Motion by Mr. Estabrook to approve the six individuals to take the Sewer Layer examination. Second by Mr. Salem. X. Discussion 1. Jim Wonder- What to do about continuing education hours for Water Conditioning Contractors who are also a Journeyman Plumber. Previously discussed Apprentice Plumbers who also hold a Sewer Layer license needing to do their Sewer Layer continuing education in safety. Open up discussion again. Mr. Wonder stated that historically, those individuals who hold multiple licenses have had to meet the requirement of the highest continuing education hours instead of needing to meet all requirements. A consensus is made to allow those have multiple licenses to need to fulfill the requirement of the highest continuing education hour requirement for 2016 and in years previous. The Board will address how to handle this in the future and write it into policy. 2. Jim Wonder- What to do about those who asked to have their license(s) put on retirement after the March 10, 2017 letter but before the second letter went out, Leonard Boury and Donald Pytlik for example. Mr. Wonder stated that several people have asked to put their license in retirement to avoid having their license revoked. Those individuals have been put in retirement in Accela, however they have not been taken off the list for missing continuing education hours in 2016 until the Board made a determination about how to handle that. There is a consensus that those who wish to put their license in retirement will be taken off the list for the special board meeting, however, if they wish to reinstate their license they will need to make up those hours plus the penalty. 3. Jim Wonder- There is a need for more Water Conditioning Contractor classes. Mr. Wonder stated there is a need but not sure how to address this. Mr. Reed stated the Mr. Wonder could teach the class. Mr. Wonder said he would not be able to. Mr. Barrett stated that the Water Conditioning Contractors have suppliers that could be approved for classes. 4. Jim Wonder- Board to make a policy going forward about: Continuing education as it pertains to holding multiple licenses (Apprentice/Sewer Layer, Journeyman/Masters, Journeyman/Water Conditioning Contractor, etc.) Continuing education as it pertains to passing one exam when multiple licenses are held
Plumbing Board Minutes Page 11 Putting a license in retirement Mr. Wonder stated that the Board will need to determine policies for the above classes items to ensure that everyone is aware. 5. Jim Wonder- Rod Collum CPT class 3-9-17 had over 49 people attend. Records to not indicate United Rentals has a 49+ waiver. Mr. Wonder stated that there was a CPT class with over 49 people in attendance without a motion to approve, would the Board be able to approve that class. Mr. Barrett asked where the class was held. Documentation shows that the class was held at the Shriners Hall. Mr. Barrett stated that in the past the only thing to consider was if there was enough space for more than 49 people to attend a continuing education class. A consensus was reached that this class would be able to count toward continuing education hours. 6. Jim Wonder- Discuss approved carriers Mr. Wonder stated that after the code change in 2015 that he brought a list of approved products but failed to bring carriers. Mr. Wonder was not able to find if the approval was for residential only. Mr. Reed stated that they were for residential, however it was never stated as such. Mr. Wonder asked the Board for permission to put the list of carriers on the approved materials use. Mr. Reed stated that if there was another carrier that would have commercial use the Board would want to see that. There was a consensus to this. Mr. Wonder asked for permission to list the residential only carriers on the website. There was a consensus. 7. Jim Wonder- Confirm Special Plumbing Board meeting on May 16, 2017 and June 6, 2017 at Common Ground Community Center. Space available from 5-9 p.m., chairs and tables will need to be set up. Mr. Wonder asked if there would be Board members who would be able to help set up the tables and chairs as well as put them away. 8. Jim Wonder- Requesting his 2016 continuing education classes be moved to May 20, 2017 and June 10, 2017 due to only one person registering for the class. Mr. Wonder stated that one person has registered for his 2016 continuing education make up classes. He is seeking permission to move the dates of his previously approved classes to May 20, 2017 and June 10, 2017. The new class dates will be posted on the City of Omaha website and Mr. Wonder s website. 9. Board- Options on what decision to make about those who did not fulfill their continuing education requirement. The Board had a lengthy discussion about procedures and option for action that may be taken at the Special Board meetings in May and June. 10. May exam at Metro Community College Mr. Wonder stated that the letters are ready to be sent out with a map to the campus for those who have been approved to take the exam. Exam scores will go out after the Board meeting the following week. 11. Mr. Barrett- Metro Community College schooling hours Mr. Barrett stated that the Metro Community College hours did not transition in accordance with the code change until the last year or two so some apprentices have their four years completed but are short hours. Mr. Wonder stated that is something to discuss further. XI. Adjournment Executive Session ended at 3:00 p.m. by mutual consent. *APPLICANT MUST BE PRESENT AT MEETING. A full, continually current agenda is available for public inspection in Room 1110 of the Omaha/Douglas Civic Center during normal business hours. The Omaha Plumbing Board reserves the right to modify the agenda at the public meeting. If alternative (tape) to the agenda is needed, please advise Jim Wonder. A 72-hour notice is required. Visit the Planning Department s Site on the Internet at http://www.cityofomaha.org/planning/boards/plumbing-board