April 17, 2024 Minutes

Semi-annual Weld County Building Trades Advisory Committee Minutes

Meeting Date & Time: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 @ 5:30 pm

Attendees:

Jay Pier-Build West Construction (Large Independent GC)
Nick Anastasi-Superior Roofing (Small Independent GC)
Ken Haring-Chief Building Official-(City of Greeley)
Aaron Haas-Master Plumbing Solutions-(Plumbing Contractor)
Taylor Kiser-Dynamic Homes-(Homebuilder)
Rob Godin-Building Official-(Weld County)

Absent: Sam Gluck-APCO Electric-(Electrical Contractor) and Scott Dial-Windmill Homes-(NoCO HBA Homebuilder)

Minutes:

  • The meeting was called to order by Rob Godin at 5:39 pm
  • A quorum was established based on attendance
  • Rob Godin suggested introductions were in order since Taylor Kiser has joined the committee
  • Rob Godin announced that Izic Urbina was no longer on the committee as he had shut down his concrete business and moved to Aurora.  Therefore, he no longer qualified to be on the committee.
  • The meeting minutes from the 10/18/23 meeting were reviewed
  • A motion to approve the 10/18/23 meeting minutes was made by Aaron Haas.  The motion was seconded by Jay Pier.  Motion passed to approve the 10/18/23 minutes as recorded.

Old Business

  • Since Taylor is a new member, it was discussed that Jay Pier is the Committee Chairman, Sam Gluck is the Vice President, and Aaron Haas is the Secretary, all of whom were elected at the last meeting.
  • There remains an open committee seat for an HVAC contractor.  John Duesing, Owner of Duesing HVAC has applied for the position. Approval process in progress at this time.
  • Water heater permits were discussed once again.  Currently, replacement water heaters are exempt from permit.  The committee discussed the importance of inspecting water heaters due to potential carbon monoxide concerns. It was agreed that County Code Chapter 29 should be amended to remove water heaters from the list of permit exemptions.
  • A review of the Bylaws indicated that the committee is required to meet a least twice a year, but it was not prohibited from meeting more often if desired by the committee members.

New Business

  • Jay Pier suggested contacting Rob Shubert, a Weld County concrete contractor to ask if he an interest in joining the committee to fill the recently vacated seat held by Izic Urbina. Rob said he would contact Rob Schubert.
  • Jay suggested we have a fire marshal from a Weld County fire district join the committee. Others on the committee agreed with Aaron.  Rob stated this would likely require an amendment of the Bylaws.
  • Rob Godin informed the committee that Weld County will adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) no later than August 1st, 2024
  • Rob Godin informed the committee that it appears that the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) must be adopted along with the 2023 NEC.
  • Taylor was not in favor of adopting the 2021 IECC due to the increase in construction cost, as it exacerbates unaffordability, putting entry level homes out of reach for first time home buyers.
  • Jay raised the question of if Weld County was planning to adopt the 2021 building codes as it would be advantageous to contractors who work in both Weld and Larimer Counties as it would be easier to train employees on one code cycle rather than two. Aaron agreed with Jay.  Ken mentioned that Greeley is currently on the 2021 building codes. Rob mentioned that Weld would likely forgo the 2021 and adopt the 2024 building codes sometime in 2025, subject to BOCC approval.
  • Meeting more than twice a year was discussed.  It was agreed to by all that three times per year may be a good idea, with the third meeting in between the first and last meeting of the year, during the summer season. No meeting would be scheduled for summer at this time as there was shared concern that peak season business activity may prove difficult to agree on a date to meet where a quorum could be achieved.
  •  Over-the-counter permits were discussed again.  Rob Godin mentioned that this was a work in progress and that over-the-counter permit applications will be available to the public no later than the end of April 2024. Projects that qualify for an over-the-counter permit are projects that do not require a plan review. An Access permit will not be required for an over-the-counter permit.
  • Construction costs were discussed. Material costs remain high on most all materials, while some materials have come down in price but not significantly.  Labor cost is higher, post-pandemic.
  • Affordable housing is a concern due to the cost of construction.  Rob mentioned that Weld County is discussing accessory dwelling units at this time in an effort to address affordable housing. More to follow on this at the fall meeting.
  • Jay Pier announced that the fall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16th, 2024.
  • Jay Pier made a motion to adjourn at 7:46 pm.  The motion was seconded by Ken Haring and the motion was approved. 

End of Meeting Minutes

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