2003 Codes Forum There were many firsts during the 2003 inaugural conference and business meeting of the International Code Council in Nashville, Tennessee. It was the first meeting of ICC as a single organization, members elected the first female President of the ICC Board of Directors and the organization presented its first awards. The following is a recap of Codes Forum 2003. November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 13 2003 Codes Forum Awards Ceremony During the Opening Session of the Annual Conference, the Bobby J. Fowler Award-the highest honor given by ICC-was presented to former BOCA CEO Paul K. Heilstedt, whose leadership played a vital role in the consolidation of the new organization. Said Awards Committee chairman Tim Ryan, “His service and dedication to this organization have helped lay the groundwork for the future, and should serve as an inspiration to us all as we strive to achieve the ultimate goal of providing a safer environment.” Heilstedt served two terms each as president, vice president and secretary/treasurer of ICC, and his 32-year association with BOCA culminated with a successful term as its chief executive officer. Heilstedt’s many distinguished career accomplishments also extend beyond the realm of the model code groups into areas such as research, testing, inspections, and, presently, consulting services. A registered fire protection and professional engineer in several states, he has served in various capacities for numerous associations and societies including the American National Standards Institute, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Fire Protection Association, National Institute of Building Sciences, World Organization of Building Officials and many others. In accepting the award, Heilstedt paid tribute to the many others who worked to make ICC’s consolidation a success. “To all of us who tugged on that boat to get us afloat, I accept this on their behalf.” for the past 32 years and is greatly responsible for the adoption and continued enforcement of model codes in the city. He began his association with BOCA in 1979, was elected to three terms as a director, and for the next 20-plus years served on numerous committees ranging from building code development to training and education. Wismer is a past recipient of BOCA’s Walker S. Lee Award and is currently serving as vice chairman of the International Building Code Means of Egress Code Development Committee. Described by many of his associates as being one of the most ICC CEO James Lee Witt (center) with Affiliate Award recipient Dave Collins (left) and Code Official of the Year Award recipient David L. Wismer. important code officials Philadelphia has ever known, Wismer’s final acts before retiring this year were writing legislation and testifying for the adoption of the 2003 I-Codes in the city. “Since this is my last conference as an active official, this is something special,” Wismer said. “It’s been a great ride.” Paul K. Heilstedt (center) was presented the Bobby J. Fowler Award. Also pictured are ICC President Paul Myers (left) and Board of Directors and Awards Committee Chairman James T. Ryan (right). ICC’s Code Official of the Year Award went to David L. Wismer. A professional engineer and Certified Building Official, Wismer has been employed with the City of Philadelphia 14 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 Dave Collins, a longtime member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and supporter of ICC and the I-Codes, was presented the Affiliate Award at the Opening Session. In addition to an illustrious career with AIA, Collins has also been extremely active with ICC and the legacy code groups over the years by serving on numerous committees, working with state code-related boards and organizations, and expressing positions on hundreds of code changes. Collins is certified as a Chief Building Official by ICC and is a certified plans examiner in his home state. He has authored numerous articles on the application of building codes and has taught several seminars on the subject. In addition, he has served as editor for a statewide newsletter focusing on building code issues over the past 13 years. The City of Asheville, North Carolina, was presented an ICC Community Service Award. Collins joined the Cincinnati, Ohio, AIA chapter in 1975. He served as chapter president in 1987 and as the organization’s statewide president in 1992. He has been a member of many local and state AIA committees over the years and is a past recipient of the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Award, the highest honor an individual architect can receive from the state chapter. On the national level, he is a long-standing member of the organization’s Codes and Standards Committee, serving as its chair in 1987. Collins served as AIA’s 1999-2000 National Secretary and he is currently managing the AIA Code Advocacy program, which is responsible for establishing and maintaining a presence for the organization in the national code development arena. Collins is also currently serving as president of The PREVIEW Group, an architectural firm specializing in building regulatory issues. “It’s an honor to be recognized like this; it’s quite a surprise,” Collins said. “I’m thrilled to be here, I’m thrilled to be a part of this and I’m thrilled to see so many people here.” ICC Community Service Awards were presented to the City of Asheville, North Carolina, which last year earned the distinction of becoming the third jurisdiction in the U.S. to receive a Class 1 ISO rating for building code enforcement, and to Ron Hampton, who founded The Repair Affair project in Ashland, Kentucky. A third Community Service Award was also presented during the Annual Business Meeting. ICC President Paul Myers, noting the bylaws did not permit him to present individual honors to each member of the Board of Directors, instead presented his President’s Award to the entire governing body. Drawing from Heilstedt’s analogy of “tugging on the boat,” Myers said the Board of Directors has been “tugging on it for more than a decade. They are certainly deserving—each and every one of them.” U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon served as the keynote speaker for the event. A former fire service member, he challenged all members of the building safety industry—the “Silent Ron Hampton of Ashland, Kentucky, was presented an ICC Community Service Award. Defenders”—to Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell gave a rousing welcome on behalf of the city. re-educate America on the role they play. “Help us carry the message to the next level,” he said. Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell also gave a rousing welcome on behalf of the city. Ending the Silence (continued) Members of the Nashville Fire Department presented the colors and national anthem during the Opening Session. November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 15 2003 Codes Forum (continued) ‘Silent Defenders’ Must Re-Educate America on the Roles They Play Members of the code enforcement profession must re-educate America on the important roles they play in protecting the lives and property of this country. That was the message of U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania, who served as the keynote speaker for the Opening Session of this year’s annual conference. Weldon, a lifelong member of the fire safety community, urged code officials to start a grassroots campaign to re-educate citizens, particularly those who serve in elected office, on the importance of adopting and enforcing codes and standards in cities, counties and states across America. “You are our ‘Silent Defenders’ because you don’t get the praise, you don’t get the limelight,” said Weldon. “But it’s because of the development of codes and standards and the enforcement of codes and standards oftentimes in a very quiet, deliberate way that hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved, that billions of dollars of property have been protected.” “Because of your efforts, we’ve made tremendous progress and have a record that we can stand on throughout the world,” Weldon continued. “But I want to tell you folks, we’ve not completed the job yet.” Weldon recounted a fire at a federal office building during his first term in Washington, D.C. The former fire chief and mayor of his hometown was the first to detect the blaze in the building, which houses numerous congressional offices, and discovered during the frantic activities which followed that fire extinguishers on his office floor were faulty and there were no fire hoses in the hose station. Shortly thereafter, a fellow Congress member encountered him on the stairway exit and asked, “Which way do we go to get out of here?” Once the blaze had been contained, Weldon asked the local fire chief why there was no preplanning for the building. After learning that the federal property was not subject to code enforcement, the Congressman stated before national media, “This building wouldn’t pass any fire code in America. How in the world can we expect the private sector in America to protect our lives and our people when we in the federal government don’t even set the standard?” Following the incident, Weldon became one of the driving forces behind the creation of a congressional fire caucus that for the past 15 years has boasted the largest delegation of elected officials. Through the efforts of the fire caucus, federal office buildings in Washington, D.C., are now subject to code enforcement and millions of dollars in grants and other programs have been made available in the nation’s fight to save lives and property. 16 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 Weldon said such examples only strengthen the need for code officials to make their presence known. “The members of Congress had not been made to understand why codes are so important; it wasn’t a personal thing to them,” Weldon told the audience. “We’ve got to re-educate America, and Congressman Weldon. that requires all of you to go back to your hometowns in your counties, states and cities, and start a process to sensitize your elected officials about what you do and about what codes are.” Because of his service in the fire safety community and involvement with the federal fire caucus, Weldon has witnessed the success of building codes in California earthquake disasters, Florida hurricanes and the attacks on the World Trade Center. “My perspective on codes is a very personal one, and my perspective on the job you do is a very personal one,” he said. “I’ve seen the impact that codes can have.” Congressman Weldon went on to say that carrying this message to other elected officials would have an enormous impact on the future. “If we don’t understand and appreciate what you do, and the importance of what you do for the lives of our constituents, then you’re going to see us sometimes make stupid decisions,” Weldon explained. “Or, see us not be aware of the need to put into place effective codes and standards that you have taken a tremendous amount of time to develop. Our task is an education task. Help us carry the message to the next level.” With the war on terrorism and ongoing threats posed by natural and man-made disasters, Weldon said that the need to protect the lives and property of America’s citizens is greater than ever before. “Our ‘Silent Defenders’ will lay the foundation for that safety,” he said. “You can help us convey to our elected officials that the first step in defending America is to have the proper codes and standards enacted put into place and the staff to enforce them.” In conclusion, Weldon stated, “You can, you have and you will continue to protect America.” Witt: “We Will Not Fail” CEO Serves as Keynote Speaker During Conference Luncheon Speaking on the subject of ICC’s continued mission to protect the public’s safety around the globe, Chief Executive Officer James Lee Witt confidently assured members assembled during this year’s annual conference, “We will not fail.” In the keynote speech he delivered during a September 8th luncheon, Witt said that member involvement and a team concept are the most important factors in ICC’s achievement of its long-term goals. “The commitment and the enthusiasm that I have seen from each of you and from the staff of ICC show me that we will not fail,” Witt said. “Our changes will make us stronger as we remain focused on our original mission, not only to develop and promote the most effective, efficient set of building codes in the world, but also to deliver services in new ways to make our world a safer place.” Witt emphasized that although the legacy code groups had impeccable histories, the energies that made their success possible must now be channeled into the new organization. “The ICC is well on its way, but we cannot let up, we cannot stop and we have to come together as a team—it has to be a team effort,” he said. “The histories of the past are the past. The future is what we have to look for and look towards. If we do not do that together, then we are shirking our roles and the responsibilities of the positions that we’re in.” Witt recalled his speech to legacy code group members during the 1999 Codes Forum conference in St. Louis, Missouri. His message then was that Americans respond with two unique qualities in times of disaster: compassion for those affected and confidence that it will never happen to them. Unfortunately, disasters continue to occur with little or no warning, often causing irreparable damage to the communities left in their wake. “It only takes an instant—minutes—and everything people have worked for all of their lives is gone,” Witt reminded members. “Nine out of ten times it’s gone. And nine out of ten times people move or relocate, and it takes years for communities to recover.” Despite the destruction that Witt witnessed during his eight years as Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), he said there was proof in each instance—from raging wildfires in California to the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida—that strong building codes and standards are vital to protecting communities in times of disasters. “If anybody says building codes and standards, and the enforcement of those codes and standards, don’t make a difference, then they should just go look sometime,” he said. “Communities with structures built according to codes keep their structures for a lifetime, even after disasters occur.” That, said Witt, is why ICC must continue developing strong codes and standards and working to get its message out. “Instead of allowing Americans and citizens of other nations to take their safety for granted, CEO James Lee Witt. we’re developing a unified organization that earns everyone’s confidence.” Echoing the sentiments expressed by U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon during the Opening Session, Witt challenged members to take the message to another level. “People need to know who you are and what you do, and the important role that you have every day.” Witt added that it was important for code and fire officials to build relationships with members of the political arena whether on a local, state or national level-because those representatives are in positions to make decisions that would benefit public safety. “If that’s politicking, then let’s politic,” he said. In return, Witt promised a commitment to membership service from the unified organization, pledging better communications, more involvement on local levels and more consistent services on an overall basis. “Our members deserve quality services from ICC,” Witt said, “and you’re going to get it.” As the former owner of a construction company, Witt spoke of the importance of building a good foundation, whether for a physical structure or a unified organization, and thanked ICC’s partners for their continued support in the development of the International Codes and the ICC consolidation. “Without that support and without that partnership, none of us could do what we want to do and accomplish,” Witt said. “Their input is invaluable and it takes teamwork and partners to make it happen.” Witt acknowledged that the consolidation process has presented many challenges over the past year, particularly for the ICC Board of Directors and staff. “It truly hasn’t been easy for them,” he said. “But I promise you this—and I promised them when I met with each of the offices: that ICC’s going to be an organization that’s going to be reckoned with. ICC’s going to be an organization that you’re going to be proud of.” As he did in St. Louis in 1999, Witt once again pledged his full support to the organization and its goals and missions. “What we’re doing now, and what you have started this past year, is building the foundation for the future of our nation and other countries around the world,” he said. “I am so proud to be a part of this organization and to be able to work with our members and partners toward establishing the I-Codes as the standards for every community in America and beyond.” (continued) November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 17 2003 Codes Forum (continued) Pretenders in Paradise This year’s Opening Event, “Pretenders in Paradise,” was held in the Delta Island of the Opryland Hotel. The event included a combination of glamour and glitz, humor and satire, and an incredible array of creative genius and festive energy. The Delta Island section of the hotel consists of 4.5 acres under a glass dome and includes theme shops, a general store and plenty of restaurants. With its New Orleansthemed ambiance, Delta Island offered attendees a smorgasbord of food, music, dancing and flatboat rides on the Delta River. There was also face painting, games with theme characters and lots of other fun activities for everyone to enjoy. 18 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 Annual Business Meeting: Zubia Elected to Board; Mallory Receives Community Service Award Adolf A. Zubia, fire chief with the City of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was elected to an at-large position on the ICC Board of Directors during the Annual Business Meeting. Zubia, a 17-year fire service veteran, is responsible for management and administration of the city’s fire and emergency services, including the Fire Marshal’s offices. He was instrumental in creating the New Mexico Adolf Zubia was elected Fire Marshals Association (NMFMA) to an at-large position as an International Fire Code Insti- on the ICC Board of tute (IFCI) chapter—now an ICC Directors. chapter—and served as NMFMA president for five years. He is also a former instructor and current member of the Las Cruces Community College Fire Science Advisory Committee, and has taught nationally for IFCI. He is active in code development and is a certified fire code inspector. Also during the business meeting, the third ICC Community Service Award was presented to Jerry Mallory of Johnson County, Kansas. Mallory was cited for his work with the county’s licensing program, which requires continuing education on the I-Codes for licensing maintenance of more than 2,000 participants annually; for his instrumental role in Kansas’ Disaster Rapid Assessment Program; and for his service as coordinator of the state’s disaster program. Mallory is a member of the FEMA/National Institute of Building Sciences joint committee that is creating a building officials’ manual to interface with emergency management. Other highlights included Secretary/Treasurer Nick D’Andrea’s presentation of the Treasurer’s Report, which was approved by the membership. Several resolutions were also approved, including one that thanked U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon for his “encouragement of the ICC mission and personal commitment to public safety.” In addition, a resolution commending the citizens of Tennessee and Nashville for their warm greeting and hospitality was approved, as well as several others in memoriam of members who passed away during the past year. Directors. Deputy COO Dominic Sims announced the approval of four new ICC chapters in recent months: the Monroe County Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, Minnesota Building Permit Technicians, the Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association, and the Colorado Association of Permit Technicians. The number of ICC chapters has now reached 280. Since this is a transition year, ICC did not present a Chapter of the Year award. Instead, the new ICC Chapter Awards Program was officially kicked off for 2004. The Chapter of the Year and Merit Award winners will receive a special plaque, one complimentary education benefit and one complimentary registration to next year’s Annual Conference. In addition, the names of the winning chapter or chapters will be added to a perpetual chapter awards plaque, which will be proudly displayed at ICC Headquarters. For more details on this program, see the Chapter Awards information section in this edition of Building Safety Journal. Sims also spoke of several new additions to the chapter benefits program. The annual complimentary education benefit has been expanded to include two more options: a complimentary Audio Virtual Seminar delivered in up to 10 different locations or one complimentary ICC Campus Online course for up to 50 chapter members. Sims also introduced two new opportunities for chapters to cosponsor an ICC seminar. They are the “Host and Earn” and “Collaborate and Save” programs. With the Host and Earn plan, you tell us what you want and when and where you want it, and your chapter will earn $15 for every registered participant. With the Collaborate and Save plan, when chapters identify an ICC seminar being offered in their area that at least 25 chapter members will attend, all chapter members will be entitled to a reduced registration fee. Chapters are encouraged to explore these money-saving opportunities to partner with ICC, earn money for their chapters and offer significant savings to individual chapter members. Myers and Vice President Anne vonWeller then presented the new regions concept, a framework for improving communication and delivery of services to our members and chapters while providing greater opportunity for participation and communication among chapters. Twelve regions representing the U.S., Canada and other countries around the world were introduced. Concepts for regional participation were also discussed. For more information about ICC Chapter Regions, contact your service representative or e-mail [email protected]. Chapter Presidents Breakfast Chapter Leader Workshop Chapter presidents from around the country gathered to meet and network with their peers during this year’s Chapter Presidents Breakfast. The attendees were welcomed to the breakfast by ICC President Paul Myers, CEO James Lee Witt and the Board of Nearly 140 chapter leaders packed the first-ever ICC Chapter Leader Workshop for a presentation entitled “Building Support for the I-Codes: An Introduction to Grassroots Advocacy.” ICC Chapter Programs and Relations Manager Laura Scott led the workshop with help from guest presenters Senior Vice PresiNovember-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 19 2003 Codes Forum dent of Government Relations Sara Yerkes, Director of National Fire Service Activities Jim Tidwell, and Director of Resource Centers Vaughn Wicker. The goal of the presentation was to increase member involvement and improve members’ effectiveness in promoting the International Codes and code adoptions. Attendees learned techniques for managing a grass-roots code adoption campaign, and developed ideas and solutions to combat opposition to I-Code adoption. Chapter leaders then formed groups to identify potential obstacles to I-Codes adoption and recommended possible solutions. Following are some examples. Obstacle: Some constituents do not want to learn a new code. Solution: Provide timely, informative and easily accessible training. Obstacle: Public officials offer little support for the I-Codes. Solution: Education is the key. Conduct orientation sessions on the codes and invite public officials to ride along with inspectors. Obstacle: Fear of the unknown or perception of overregulation is hindering adoption. Solution: Educate the public by holding meetings with civic organizations, churches, schools, etc. Other recommendations included the development of a task force, using the media to promote codes, personalizing invitations and providing drafts of codes. Obstacle: There is a general perception that increased cost will be passed on to the home buyer. Solution: Inform the public that building to code is less expensive over the course of time (fewer repairs, less damage during disaster, etc.), and any additional initial costs are far outweighed by the benefits of increased safety. Obstacle: The needs of special interest groups may be in conflict with general community needs. Solution: Identify and educate special interest groups; invite them to get involved, give them a sense of ownership by becoming part of the team. Members can request a copy of the “Building Support for the I-Codes” handout by sending an e-mail to chapters@iccsafe. org. The ICC Code Adoption tool kit is also available on-line at www.iccsafe.org. The two-day Legislative Forum’s theme was “You CAN Make a Difference.” Topics included challenges on a national level, code adoption methods, the power of grassroots advocacy and allies and coalitions, and the power of fire and building officials working together. ICC staff demonstrated the importance of member involvement in the legislative and regulatory process. Members were also presented tools that can help them become effective advocates for building safety on local, state and federal levels of government. 20 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 Rick Okawa addresses attendees of the International Forum. James Lee Witt accepts the Yaman Uzumari International Award of Excellence, presented by the Ontario Building Officials Association of Canada. C.P. Ramani and Dr. Llewellyn Richards sign a Mutual Recognition Arrangement between the International Accreditation Service, Inc., and New Zealand. MOU signing between ICC and the Consortium of European Building Control: (left to right) Paul Myers, James Lee Witt and Paul Everall. Forums Educate Attendees on Importance of International and Legislative Activities Two forums were held to educate members on the importance of ICC’s international and legislative agendas and how member support and involvement can help the organization achieve its ICC-ES President John Nosse and President of The Building Center of Japan, Makoto Tateishi, sign a MOU. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between ICC and Egypt’s Housing and Building Research Center: (left to right) James Lee Witt, Paul Myers, Professor Omaima Sallah El-Din and Professor Ayman Mosallam. Adolf A. Zubia moderating the 2003 International Forum. The National Institute of Standards and Technology standards and trade workshop on Building Codes and Standards for the Americas. long-term goals. The theme of the two-day International Forum was “Building a Safer World.” The forum provided conference attendees an opportunity to communicate and network with international colleagues and learn how other countries address specific issues on building safety. Education Program ICC technical staff and industry professionals presented educa- November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 21 2003 Codes Forum tional sessions on numerous topics related to the International Codes and safe building and inspections during the Education Program. Session topics included updates to the 2003 I-Codes, fire inspection, moisture and mold, legal aspects of code administration, mobile inspection systems, accessibility requirements for housing, new methodologies for permit fees and many more. In addition to ICC technical staff, industry professionals who presented programs included Philip Iverson and Ed Gregory of the Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute; Anthony Algis Vasys of Cambridge Associates, Ltd.; Frank MacLeod of AGI Manufacturing, Inc.; Jeff Shapiro of the International Code Consultants; Robert J. Taylor of the American Forest and Paper Association; Steven Bostwick; George Dean, attorney at law; Dan Porter; Pam Cole of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Robert F. Camacho; Robert Lutz and Lori Zito of USP Structural Connectors; Isam Hasenin of the City of San Diego, California; Robert Braun of the Dow Chemical Company; and Guy Bradley of HILTI. ICC also hosted a crackerbarrel as part of this year’s Education Program, which featured more than 60 roundtable discussions on topics devoted to current technology, basic problems and issues surrounding the I-Codes, and critical and difficult concepts and ideas. Attendees enjoyed boxed lunches while participating in 20-minute sessions at each roundtable. Lee Witt and Board of Directors member Wally Bailey took the time to prepare a traditional Southern breakfast for board members and executives on Monday morning of the conference. The two Arkansas natives prepared homemade biscuits and chocolate gravy, a staple on breakfast tables in many Southern households. Below is Bailey’s recipe. First place team. Biscuits and Gravy—Arkansas Style! James Second place team. Wally Bailey and James Lee Witt prepared homemade biscuits and chocolate gravy for board members. Chocolate Gravy hot water ¼ cup of butter 1 cup of sugar ½ cup cocoa ½ cup flour 2 3/4 cup milk 2 tsp. vanilla Combine sugar, cocoa, and flour in a small bowl. Mix well (if you don’t, the gravy will be lumpy.) Add just enough hot water to make a paste. Warm the milk in a skillet. Pour cocoa mix into milk. Stir until smooth. Add butter and vanilla. Cook over medium heat. Butter your biscuit and enjoy! 22 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 Third place team. 64 Top Score in Golf Tourney The team of Douglas Hood, Alford Fann, Denny Boss and Brian Goralski fired a score of 64 to capture first place honors at the 2003 Annual Conference Golf Tournament, scorching the Nashboro Golf Course with an eight-under-par round. Finishing second, just one shot behind the winners with a score of 65, was the team of Bruce Daniel, William Graham, Jerry Mitchell and Albert Salvador. The third place team of David Waugh, Sharon Bonesteel, Donny Phipps and Martin Petchul finished with a score of 66. Dorothy Kaehler was the winner of the women’s long drive contest while Jason Bullock took the honors in the men’s division. Olen Nichols was the winner of the men’s closest-to-thepin contest. A total of 114 golfers participated in this year’s event. of sizes of gluedlaminated timber that can be used in Heavy Timber (Type IV) construction. A significant assembly action on Proposed Code Change G55-03/04 involved the required fire-resistance ratings for tall buildings. The code change was disapproved by the committee. The assembly then passed a motion to modify the proposal to accept Item 1, which would not allow the reduction in type of construction, as provided in Section 403.3, from Type IA to Type IB for buildings greater than 420 feet in height. Tom, Ryan Winners of 5K Run/Walk Stuart Tom and Mary Ryan were the winners in their respective divisions of the 5K Fun Run/Walk held on Wednesday morning of the conference. Runners and walkers took part in the event at the nearby Spring Hill Golf Course in Nashville. Winners in the men’s division were: first place— Stuart Tom; second place—Jeff Feid; third place— Don Fozo. Winners in the women’s division were: first place—Mary Ryan; second place—Kathleen Fozo. Code Development Hearings The following is an overview of the actions taken on the proposed changes to the International Codes® during the public hearings in Nashville, Tennessee. INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) IBC—General Out of the 156 changes heard by the IBC General Committee, 25 percent were approved as submitted or approved with modifications. Most of the proposed changes approved by the committee were simply clarifications to current code requirements. Some approved technical changes included the exemption of small aircraft hangars (less than 2,000 square feet in area) from oil separator requirements when the hangars are only used for storage of aircraft. Another technical change was the addition of all Group S occupancies to the special provisions of Section 508.2, where a single-story building with certain occupancies above can be considered a separate building for determination of height and area limitations. Another change was the addition November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 23 2003 Codes Forum IBC—Fire Safety Of the 184 proposed code changes submitted to the fire safety sector of the IBC, 45 percent were approved as submitted or as modified by the Fire Safety Committee. The approved code changes were largely intended as clarifications to current code requirements. Among the technical changes was a requirement that sprinklers used as a water curtain on exterior openings that are exempted from a fire-protection-rated assembly in buildings fully equipped with a sprinkler system have an automatic water supply and fire department connection. Another approved change introduces the use of fire-resistance- Jacki Gibbs testifies at the hearings. rated glazing as wall assemblies when tested in accordance with ASTM E119. An additional change adopts NFPA 288-01 for testing the fire-resistance rating of floor fire doors. Proposals to limit the exception for elimination of fire dampers in smoke control systems to only those locations where a damper would interfere with the smoke control operation and eliminate the minimum 5,000 Btu/s design fire for use in smoke control modeling were also approved. A rational analysis based upon the anticipated design fire for the particular structure would now be required. IBC—Means of Egress and Accessibility Means of Egress Several changes were approved by the Means of Egress Committee as coordination items. Most were editorial in nature, striving for greater consistency in the language used throughout the code. Proposed Code Change E8-03/04 revised the ceiling height for means of egress in Section 1003.2 to 7 feet, 6 inches to coordinate with the minimum ceiling height requirements in Section 1208.2. Ceiling heights less than 7 feet, 6 inches will be addressed in the exceptions to both sections. Panic hardware was addressed by two approved code changes. The first proposal clarified that main exit doors in Group A occupancies using Section 1008.1.8.3, Item 2, do not need panic 24 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 hardware as required in Section 1008.1.9. The other approved proposal coordinated panic hardware requirements for specific electrical rooms with a similar requirement currently found only in the electrical code. Proposals E9-03/04 and E12-03/04 were approved to revise the method for calculating the design occupant load for a space or building. The new methodology relates to whether or not the space has fixed seating. In areas without fixed seats, Table 1004.1.2, Maximum Floor Area Allowance Per Occupant, will be used to determine the design occupant load. If the intended use is not listed in the table, the building official shall establish the use in the table that will be used to determine the design occupant load. For areas with fixed seats, the design occupant load shall be determined by the number of fixed seats and, in addition, by using Table 1004.1.2 for open space within the same room, including wheelchair spaces and waiting areas. The committee believed that this requirement would not be misinterpreted to include aisles within a fixed seating configuration. A new exception for areas without fixed seats would permit an actual occupant load to be used as the design occupant load instead of the occupant load calculated from Table 1004.1.2 when approved by the building official. Some changes which the committee agreed addressed areas that needed attention were nevertheless disapproved. The committee provided strong encouragement to proponents and other interested parties to return in the public comment phase. Proposed Code Change E74-03/04 attempted to address the requirements for aisle accessways and aisles in mercantile occupancies. Proposed changes E80, E87, E89 and E95-03/04 were a package of code changes that tried to address the concern of open exit stairways and travel distance measurements along those stairways. Several changes addressed stairway requirements. Similar proposals for the IBC and the International Residential Code® for measurement of riser height on treads sloped for drainage were disapproved for the building code but approved as submitted for the residential code. Changes were also approved to delete some duplicate language in the code to clarify the measurements of treads and winders in nontraditional stairs (e.g., circular, spiral), and would increase the locations where open risers could be utilized. The choices of locations where open risers are permitted were made consistent with those locations where a 21-inch sphere may be used in guardrails (i.e., where children are not expected to be present). Another change was approved deleting the requirement that exterior exit stairways, exit ramps and egress balconies be protected from ice and snow. In addition, a proposal to relocate and modify the section dealing with enclosures under stairways was approved. The code requirement was moved from the vertical exit enclosure section to the general provisions for stairways, and a new exception would permit ½-inch drywall on the underside of stairways within Group R-2 and R-3 dwelling units to serve as an adequate separation between the stairway and any enclosed space under the stairway. Safety concerns for roof hatches and areas on roofs where workers would be working on equipment were addressed in approved changes with new guard requirements. The means of egress requirements were also revised to permit egress through a storage room if specific provisions were made to provide a path of travel through the room. Accessibility The definition for “Accessible Means of Egress” was revised by Proposed Code Change E6-03/04. The intent of removing the reference to areas of refuge and horizontal exits was to clarify that those elements are components of an accessible means of egress rather than termination points. Another change was approved to delete Exception 2 of Section 1104.3. As written, it was not clear if a mezzanine must comply with the 3,000-square-foot maximum indicated in Section 1104.4, Exception 1, or could be much larger. The committee agreed that there was no justification for permitting less access to a mezzanine level than would be required for a second floor level. The deletion would have access requirements for different levels all located in Section 1104.4. Section 1104.3 was further modified to move the language regarding where accessible routes could be located to Section 1104.5. In addition, text was added to the criteria for accessible housing requirements to address situations in which a structure is divided into separate buildings by firewalls and access to the residential units is through one of those firewalls. As part of the IBC’s ongoing coordination efforts with the federal Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, this additional language would also address situations in which a residential building is connected to a parking garage at multiple levels. Referenced standards ASME A17.1, ASME A18.1 and ANSI/ BHMA A156.19 were all updated to the latest versions, and Proposed Code Change E146-03/04 sought an update to the 2003 edition of ICC/ANSI A117.1 but was disapproved because the standard had not yet been completed. IBC—Structural A code change was accepted that limits the live load reduction in parking garages when using the alternate method given in Section 1607.9.2 in order to be consistent with what had been permitted prior to adopting a uniform live load of 40 pounds per square foot for parking garages. The seismic load provisions were modified to require use of ASCE 7 for the simplified analysis procedure. Another code change retained the redundancy provision of the IBC in lieu of the reference to the ASCE 7 requirements. In addition, information was added to Chapter 23 that is needed for the computation of deflections in both wood struc- Moderator Wally Bailey in action. tural panel diaphragms and wood structural panel shear walls. Clarification was made to the shear wall deflection formula with respect to the portion of that deflection which is attributable to the anchorage. An alternate braced wall panel construction method that has been used in the Pacific Northwest for over a decade was added to the conventional light-frame construction provisions. When the requirements for this construction are met, the panel widths adjacent to a door or window opening can be reduced to 16 inches in one-story buildings or 24 inches on the first story of a two-story building. Requirements for vertical and sloped glazing were revised to rely on references to ASTM E1300 for determining the load resistance of glazing types within the scope of that standard. The IBC provides direction on wired, patterned and sandblasted glass because these glazing types are not included in the scope of ASTM E1300. Similarly, the IBC provisions for glass in floors and sidewalks, which were based on information extracted from ASTM E1300, have been deleted because the standard excludes such applications. Instead, such applications require substantiation such as testing or design analysis. ICC ELECTRICAL CODE (ICC EC) Two of the three code change proposals to the ICC EC sought to delete the entire contents of the code, with the intent of persuading the ICC Board of Directors to terminate its publication. Both proposals were disapproved, primarily because of the committee’s concern for the loss of text that is unique to the ICC EC. What's Next? The full report of the Public Hearings is available on the web site at www.iccsafe.org. The next step in the process is the submittal of public comments, which are due January 14, 2004. This will constitute the FInal Action Hearing agenda for the May 17-20, 2004, hearings. November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 25 2003 Codes Forum INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE (IFGC) Out of 49 total proposed changes to the IFGC, 63 percent were approved as submitted or as modified. The revisions and additions recommended for approval include a new, more encompassing fuel cell standard and new coverage for testing and purging of hydrogen piping systems. In addition, proposals were recommended for the clarification of interlock requirements for commercial cooking appliances and kitchen exhaust hood systems, new coverage for residential compressed natural gas refueling systems, new text recognizing that corrugated stainless steel tubing is allowed to connect directly to specific appliances as dictated by the manufacturer’s instructions, and new coverage for combining pressure regulator breather vents by means of a manifold arrangement. Many of the proposals would clarify the intent of the existing text and serve to make the IFGC consistent with recent revisions to ANSI Z223.1. Ken Ford testifies on a change. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC) Out of 77 proposed changes to the IMC, 38 were approved as submitted or as modified. Some of the changes included revision of the definition of “extra-heavy-duty” cooking appliances to include any appliance that utilizes wood or charcoal for all or part of the heat source (this could include the use of wood chips for flavoring); the addition of a water level detection device in the primary drain line as a fourth method of providing auxiliary condensate overflow protection; and the addition of CO2 concentration detection as a method for modulating outdoor ventilation air. Other changes include the addition of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025 as a method of ventilating indoor firing ranges; the reduction of minimum air velocity in a grease duct system from 1,500 per minute to 500 feet per minute; and the addition of an exception to allow light-duty convection, bread-baking and microwave ovens to be installed without Type II exhaust hoods. INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC) 26 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 IRC—Building/Energy There were 321 code change proposals on the agenda, of which 152 were approved or approved as modified. These included the addition of a new appendix for guidance in setting permit fees and a new appendix containing provisions for a home daycare operated within a dwelling. The addition of requirements for retaining walls and guards were also approved, as was the addition of a new Seismic Design Category, D0, which will permit interested parties to propose changes such as the reduction of the requirements for brick veneer. A proposal was approved to delete the option of designing buildings in wind-borne debris regions as partially enclosed in lieu of having protected openings, as was a proposal to delete the requirement that basements with habitable spaces have an emergency escape and rescue opening. Another change was approved to add the requirement that a window well cover or grate be installed when the window well opening is in paved walking surfaces or directly below egress openings. Provisions requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units were approved, as was the addition of an alternate bracing method for use adjacent to a window or door opening. Other approved changes will add the requirement that window sill heights be 24 inches above the finish floor when the sill is located more than 72 inches above the ground or the surface below, and the option to use a gypsum board ceiling as a horizontal diaphragm to resist wind or seismic lateral forces. Proposals requiring weather-resistant sheathing paper (a weather-resistive barrier) to be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls were also approved. The current code contains exceptions that would permit omission of the paper under some siding material. The approved change deletes the exception with regard to panel siding with shiplap joints or battens. Finally, Items 11 through 16, 18 and 19 of Proposed Code Change EC48-03/04 were approved to facilitate a complete rewrite of IRC Chapter 11, Energy Efficiency. The rewrite provides prescriptive energy efficiency requirements that are easy to understand and remember, relatively unchanging within jurisdictional boundaries, and cost effective. IRC—Mechanical Out of 27 proposed changes to the mechanical provisions of the IRC, 16 were approved as submitted or as modified, including the addition of a requirement for auxiliary drain pans under Category IV condensing appliances; the addition of language to clarify that exhaust air from bathrooms and toilet rooms must be discharged directly to the outdoors, not into an attic or crawl space; the addition of a water level detection device in the primary drain line as a fourth method of providing auxiliary condensate overflow protection; and the addition of PEX tubing and polypropylene pipe and tubing as acceptable hydronic pip- ing system materials where embedded in concrete or gypsum. IRC—Plumbing Three code changes to the IRC’s plumbing provisions were approved as modified to provide an additional level of safety in reducing the risk of scalding from bidets, individual shower valves and bathtub valves. The first change regulates the discharge water temperature from a bidet fitting to a maximum of 110°F (43°C) by an approved water temperature-limiting device conforming to ASSE 1070. Further modification was proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee on water temperature and water temperature control to delete the referenced standard ASSE 1070 because the standard was not published at the time of the hearings. In the end, however, ASSE 1070 was recommended as the appropriate standard for use in bidet applications. The second proposed change added an additional referenced standard CSA B125 for individual shower valves. Further modification specified that in-line thermostatic valves must not be utilized as individual shower and tub-shower combination valves. The third approved change regulates the discharge water temperature from a bathtub fixture fitting to a maximum temperature of 120°F (49°C) by an approved water temperature limiting device that conforms to ASSE 1070. Further modification was proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee on water temperature and water temperature control to delete the referenced standard ASSE 1070 because the standard was not published at the time of the hearings. However, ASSE 1070 was recommended as the appropriate standard for use in bathtub applications. An exception in the text provides for instances where protection is provided in accordance with Section P2708.3 by a tub-shower combination valve. A proposed code change was also approved to add an exception for the use of a primer for solvent cement joints for CPVC plastic pipe and fittings where the solvent cement is third-party certified as conforming to ASTM F493, is yellow in color, is used only for joining ½-inch through 2-inch-diameter CPVC pipes and fittings, and is manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2846. Note that this change achieves consistency with the International Plumbing Code®. RP20-03/04 was also approved, adding four distinct tables for material requirements for above-ground drainage and vent pipe, underground building drainage and vent pipe, building sewer pipe and fittings. The change provides the designer with additional piping materials approved for such use and correlates with the IPC. In addition, Code Change P45-03/04 was approved as modified to provide a format change for the relief valve discharge pipe requirements. Thirteen provisions will provide step-bystep requirements for the connection, materials, installation, discharge point and sizing of such discharge pipes. A similar code change was submitted to the IPC and approved as submit- Look for the NFRC Label New Label ▲ ▼ Current Label It’s the ONLY way to check for window energy compliance. The building industry relies on National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels to determine window performance and code compliance. As NFRC transitions to a new, simpler label format, NFRC labels will continue to deliver credible, reliable ratings. Code officials and building inspectors should know that the NFRC label, whether old (at left) or new (at right), represents the best way for them to: • Determine U-Factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) as rated by an independent NFRC-accredited laboratory • Verify compliance with state and local energy codes • Confirm that energy performance ratings are certified in accordance with official NFRC procedures as authorized by an NFRC-accredited and NFRC-supervised, independent inspection agency Accept no substitutes when it comes to fair, accurate, and reliable energy performance ratings. For more information on how NFRC can help code officials and building inspectors, please call 785-862-1890 or visit www.nfrc.org. November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 27 2003 Codes Forum ted. INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE (IPC) Five code changes were approved as modified to provide an additional level of safety to reduce the risk of scalding from bidets, individual shower valves, multiple (gang) showers, bathtub valves and public hand-washing facilities. The first change regulates the discharge water temperature from a bidet fitting to a maximum of 110°F (43°C) by an approved water temperature-limiting device conforming to ASSE 1070. Further modification was proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee on water temperature and water temperature control to delete the referenced standard ASSE 1070 because the standard was not published at the time of the hearings. However, ASSE 1070 was recommended as the appropriate standard for use in bidet applications. The second change provides further clarification that individual shower and tub-shower combination valves must be installed at the point-of-use and that gang shower requirements should be located in a separate section. In addition, the temperature of gang showers supplied with a single tempered water supply will be controlled by an approved automatic temperature 28 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 control mixing valve that conforms to ASSE 1069 or individually controlled by balanced pressure, thermostatic or combination balanced-pressure/thermostatic valves that conform to ASSE 1016 or CSA B125. Further modification was proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee on water temperature and water temperature control to delete the referenced standards ASSE 1069, ASSE 1016 and CSA B125 for gang showers because ASSE 1069 was not published at the time of the hearings. However, ASSE 1069 was recommended as the appropriate standard for use where gang showers are supplied with a single tempered water supply. The third change deleted referenced standard ASSE 1017 for multiple gang showers because the standard is intended for use at the hot water source rather than end-use applications. Further modification specified that in-line thermostatic valves must not be utilized as individual shower and tub-shower combination valves. The fourth change regulates the discharge water temperature from a bathtub fixture fitting to a maximum temperature of 120°F (49°C) by an approved water temperature limiting device that conforms to ASSE 1070. Further modification was proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee on water temperature and water temperature control to delete the referenced standard ASSE 1070 because the standard was not published at the time of the hearings. However, ASSE 1070 was recommended as the appropriate standard for use in bathtub applications. An exception in the text provides for instances where protection is provided in accordance with IPC Section 424.3 by a tub-shower combination valve. The final change provides an additional level of safety by requiring tempered water to all public hand-washing facilities by an approved water temperature limiting device that conforms to ASSE 1070. Further modification was proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee on water temperature and water temperature control to delete the referenced standard ASSE 1070 because the standard was not published at the time of the hearings. However, ASSE 1070 was recommended as the appropriate standard for use in such applications. Proposed Code Change P95-03/04 was approved as modified to add a reference to standard ASSE 1050 for the installation of stack type air admittance valves. The modified code change provides for the installation of both stack type air admittance valves and individual or branch type air admittance valves. This change is also a correlation change to the 2003 IRC, which permits the use of stack type air admittance valves. Proposed Code Change P101-03/04 was also approved as modified to permit the use of a single stack vent system. The stacks are oversized to provide for the flow of liquid waste, solid waste and air. The one pipe system in question uses one stack instead of having a separate drainage and vent stack. Such systems depend on relieving the pressure by making the pipe larger than required for drainage pipe in a two-pipe system in order to limit pressure and vacuum buildups. These systems also use unvented traps (“S” traps) that depend on oversized traps and refill from flat bottom fixtures to maintain the trap seal. The lengths of trap arms are limited to reduce suction buildups and the vertical drops from fixture traps are oversized to prevent the trap from self-siphoning. The addition of a new section for pretreatment systems was also approved to provide criteria for sizing, application and installation requirements. The system is designed to provide for the reduction of the amount of pollutants, the elimination of pollutants or the alteration of the nature of pollutant properties in wastewater released to a treatment facility. INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE (IEBC) Among the approved changes to the IEBC was the deletion of text that references the applicability of the International Property Maintenance Code for existing structures, and changes to IEBC Section 104.10 to require that the flood resistance of existing structures located in flood hazard areas and undergoing repairs, alterations or additions that constitute substantial improvements be given due consideration before modifications are granted. Another change was approved to clarify the code requirement to protect the entire work area in high-rise construction when there is sufficient water to support a sprinkler system. The approval of Proposed Code Change EB20-03/04 deletes the reference to Groups R1 and R2 in Section 605.3.1.1, subsection 4. Because the provisions for single-exit buildings are not occupancy-specific, removing this reference helps to clarify the paragraph. The current code text regarding Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies sufficiently addresses the conditions for single-exit construction in both Group R-1 and R-2 buildings. Proposed Code Change EB24-03/04 was also approved to delete IBC Chapter 34 in its entirety and relocate it as new Appendix K in the IBC. The purpose of this action was to place the text where it could be used for local adoption in communities that may not be ready to adopt the IEBC. Similarly, Proposed Code Change EB41-03/04 was approved as modified by an approved assembly floor vote to relocate IBC Sections 1614.1.1, 1614.2 and 1614.3 to Appendix K, Sections K 103.2 through K 103.2.2 and K 106.1. The intent was to provide for consistency based on the actions on EB24-03/04. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (IECC) The major item with respect to the IECC was Proposed Code Change EC48-03/04, submitted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which accounted for approximately 3½ hours of the hearings and involved additional discussion of six floor amendments prior to being approved with modifications. The end result is that the first six chapters of the 2003 IECC will be deleted and replaced by four new chapters. Coordinated revisions were also made by the IRC Building/Energy Committee to the IRC residential energy requirements. The primary reason for these changes was to simplify the residential provisions and replace them with a document that could make the code more usable, ease enforcement and provide better compliance. To this end, the climate zones were modified so that there are fewer zones and they apply countywide. Window/wall limitations that had previously applied were also eliminated. Some of the other main items which were approved by the committee include a definition of Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), increasing the requirements for windows in the lower climate zones where the cooling load is dominant, and specification of the interior design conditions for equipment sizing. In addition, many of the commercial tables in Chapter 8 will be replaced with a simpler building envelope table which not only coordinates with the new DOE climate zones and ASHRAE 90.1 but also addresses metal building assemblies and can be used for buildings with up to 40 percent window/wall area. Scoping and requirements for energy recovery ventilation sysNovember-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 29 2003 Codes Forum tems were also added into the commercial provisions, which will help to coordinate with the ASHRAE 90.1 standard, as well as energy conservation provisions for commercial pools. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE (IFC) A significant code change proposed to the IFC as a result of the West Warwick, Rhode Island, nightclub tragedy was approved to tighten the threshold for sprinklers in Group A-2 assembly occupancies such as nightclubs, restaurants and banquet halls. The International Fire Code Development Committee voted to require such occupancies to be sprinklered where the occupant load exceeds 100 while retaining the current thresholds of 5,000 square feet in area and where the occupancy is located relative to the level of exit discharge. While proposal F58-03/04 originally called for all Group A-2 occupancies to be sprinklered regardless of occupant load, area or location, the committee believed that smaller assembly occupancies do not pose the same level of threat to life safety since the spaces can be readily evacuated. The 100-occupant threshold was chosen based on current code requirements which trigger panic hardware for assembly occupancies of 100 or more and the need to 30 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 provide continued relief for small Group A-2 occupancies that do not pose the same hazard as larger ones. Other notable changes include the approval of a proposal to prohibit the burning of incense, candles or other open-flameproducing items in dormitory sleeping units and the creation of a new Section 3003.14, similar to the provisions for vault use in connection with flammable and combustible liquids in Chapter 34, which will recognize the use of above- or below-grade vaults for the storage, compression, generation or dispensing of compressed gases. This latter code change will not require vaults but recognizes them as a viable design option for safeguarding compressed gas operations. Proposed Code Change F135-03/04 was approved to clarify installation criteria for smoke and heat vents in Group M and other occupancies by relabeling first column cells 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Table 910.3 from reading “Group S-1 . . .” to read “Highpiled storage (See Section 910.2.3) . . .” to make the reference in Section 910.2.3 to the table complete. Code change F16503/04 was also approved to remove the two control area limitation in Groups M and S by deleting Note b to Table 2703.8.3.2. The intent is to allow Groups M and S to be treated the same as any other group in terms of control areas allowed and to prevent certain occupancies (e.g., drug, hardware, paint and automotive parts stores) from being prohibited in certain buildings, such as strip malls. An additional change removes a misunderstanding of the scope of automatic fire detection required in Group I occupancies by Section 907.2.6. The current text is often interpreted to require fire detection system coverage throughout all Group I facilities, whereas the revision more clearly specifies what portions of Group I-1 and I-2 facilities must be so equipped. INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE (IPMC) Proposed Code Change PM1-03/04 was approved to delete Section 104.8. Currently, this section requires departments with multiple inspectors to coordinate their inspections and thus reduce the inconvenience to homeowners and occupants. By removing this code requirement, jurisdictions will have more flexibility to establish their own policies for inspections based on their own particular processes and systems. Code changes were also approved to add language allowing jurisdictions to address code violations through both the criminal and civil court systems, and screen doors used for insect control will now be required to have self-closing devices in good working condition. INTERNATIONAL ZONING CODE (IZC) Proposed Code Change Z3-03/04 was approved to remove the code official’s authority to waive requirements for loading spaces on unusual lots. The approval of Z4-03/04 will result in the deletion of Section 807 (Grading and excavation) from the IZC. Resolutions The following resolutions were approved during Codes Forum 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee. Members of this year’s Resolutions Committee were ICC Boards of Directors Henry L. Green, Chair, William D. Dupler and Dorothy M. Harris. RESOLUTION 2003-1 of the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS concerning the CONFERENCE SITE WHEREAS, the members of International Code Council, Charity Auction Raises More Than $6,000 More than $6,000 was raised at ICC’s silent auction for Parachutes, Inc., a local nonprofit charity with a mission to identify potential hazards and implement safety measures targeting those who are physically or financially challenged, and to educate those populations regarding conditions which could predispose them to risks within their environment. Parachutes, Inc., which stands for Providing Alternative Resources And Controlling Hazards Utilizing Timely Essential Services, provides safety-related products and services including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, batteries, nightlights, cell phones preprogrammed to dial 9-1-1, cleaning of chimneys and fireplaces, furnace inspections, radon detection, minor flooring repairs, and the installation of deadbolts and peepholes. ICC wishes to thank all of the individuals and organizations who made donations to the auction, as well as those who participated. More than $6,000 was raised during ICC’s Silent Auction to benefit a local charity in the Nashville area. Inc., did assemble at (continued) November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 31 2003 Codes Forum (continued) ICC’s 1st Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 5–14, 2003; and did extend the hand of friendship and hospitality to all those in attendance; now, therefore, WHEREAS, the 1st Annual Conference provides a generous opportunity for code development, education, communication and enjoyment; and BE IT RESOLVED, that those members here assembled on September 9, 2003, at the 2003 ICC Annual Meeting of the Members, do hereby express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the citizens of the State of Tennessee and the City of Nashville for their warm greeting and hospitality. WHEREAS, the State of Tennessee and the City of Nashville Frank P. Hodge, Jr., of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, was sworn in as ICC Secretary/Treasurer. Outgoing President Paul Myers passed the ICC gavel to Anne vonWeller during the Annual Banquet. The 2003 ICC Board of Directors: (standing, left to right) Henry Green, Wally Bailey, Terry Cobb, Ed Berkel, Fred Herman, Frank Hodge, Dorothy Harris, Greg Johnson, Adolph Zubia, Gerald George, Bill Duck, Steve Shapiro, Tim Ryan, (seated, left to right) Anne vonWeller, Paul Myers, and Nick D’Andrea. 32 Building Safety Journal November-December 2003 Newly-elected President Anne vonWeller addresses the membership. Chief Financial Officer Karl Meyer was presented the William J. Tangye Staff Recognition Award. COO Rick Weiland, Nicole Malenfant of James Lee Witt Associates, CEO James Lee Witt and his wife, Lea Ellen. Nick D’Andrea of Tampa, Florida, was sworn in as ICC Vice President. Paul and Michelle Myers, Outgoing President and First Lady. Outgoing President Paul Myers and CEO James Lee Witt were presented commemorative gifts from the City of Nashville. November-December 2003 Building Safety Journal 33
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