DATE: February 17, 2011 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: M I N U T E S FIRST BUILDING TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2011 9:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Delta Edmonton South Maurice Otto, Chair GUESTS: REGRETS: RECORDER: NEXT MEETINGS: Bill Barnowich, Vice Chair South Ken Block David Dixon Colin Friesen Barry Laviolette Scott Lee Ken McLaren Chuck Perry (arrived at 9:07 a.m.) Steve Walton Chris Salvian, Alberta Municipal Affairs Al Griffin, Alberta Municipal Affairs (9:55 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.) Gerald Baron, Safety Codes Council Mark Iantkow (BFC Liaison) (9:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.) Hank Starno (President MHI Canada, Ottawa) (10:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) Ulrik Seward, City of Calgary Burgess Bredo, Vice Chair North Don Dessario Robert Zifkin Keven Lefebvre (Regular Guest FTC Liaison) Sandi Orr Thursday, April 14, 2011 Red Deer Thursday, June 2, 2011 Calgary SCC Conference & AGM - June 8-10 - Banff Thursday, September 22, 2011 Red Deer Thursday, November 17, 2011 Leduc
A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda The following item was added to the agenda: E.3.01.11 Appointment of Ulrik Seward Barry Laviolette / Scott Lee moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. (a) Adoption of Minutes Scott Lee / Bill Barnowich moved to adopt the minutes of the November 17, 2010 meeting, as circulated; CARRIED D. Business Arising from the Minutes E.2.05.08 Barrier Free Items a) Parking There was nothing new to report since the last meeting. A proposed code change is forthcoming and it was requested that this remain on the agenda until the formal proposal is received. b) Draft STANDATA Barrier free seating It was reported that a committee is working on proposed changes to clarify scattered seating and best practices for arenas and stadiums. c) Enforcement of barrier free issues update A brief discussion was held regarding the background of the issues relating to this agenda item. The following action item remained outstanding: The Chair will forward the drafted letter to the President/CEO and the TCC Chair requesting clarification of enforcement. d) Barrier Free Design Section in Alberta Building Code Ken McLaren reported on discussion of this item at the last Barrier Free Council meeting. The BTC Chair will correspond with the BFC Chair to advise them of our decision to leave Section 3.8 where it is currently located. E.1.04.09 Sept. 11/08 Letter from MD of Rockyview #44 Re: depressurization in houses The following action remained outstanding: The Chair will respond to the MD of Rockyview. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 2
E.7.05.09 Review of the Matrix update (a) Letter (Sept 20) from Canadian Home Builders Association Correspondence from the Canadian Home Builders Association was circulated with the agenda package. (b) Elluminate meeting re: Building Matrix A summary of the December 23, 2010 Elluminate meeting of the Matrix Working Group was circulated with the agenda package and reviewed. The Working Group brought forward the following recommendations: Manufactured Housing Association be invited to attend today s meeting to make a presentation. The SCC adopt a standard process for requesting viable and recommended interest groups to make a formal presentation to the BTC for the consideration of the larger group in regard to membership. Decline the request from the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta and to forward correspondence to the association thanking them for their request but that their industry segment would appear well represented. Decline the request from the Canadian Fire Alarm Association and to forward correspondence to the association thanking them for their request but to advise that when code related issues are discussed a representative will be invited to participate on working groups. Decline the request from the Canadian Home Builders Association for a second seat and to forward correspondence to the association thanking them for their request but that their industry segment would appear well represented. Not consider representation from the National Construction Association. As no formal request has been made, no correspondence is required. Ken McLaren / David Dixon moved to accept the recommendations of the Matrix Working Group; CARRIED The Administrator of Accreditation will draft correspondence to all applicable organizations on behalf of the Chair. E.4.01.10 Table 9.23.4.3 Steel Beams update It was reported that this information is being forwarded to the NRC for consideration. This item will stay on the agenda for regular updates. E.6.01.10 Iconic Structures update The Acting Chief Building Administrator reported that the information provided by the working group to assist in the drafting of a STANDATA had deficiencies and this has been returned to the working group for revisions and will be brought back for review and discussion. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 3
E.1.04.10 Firefighter Emergency Operation (FEO) The Elevator Chief Inspector was welcomed to the meeting and a round table introduction was held. It was reported that as technologies change the elevator industry affects the building discipline and vis-à-vis. Since 9-11, the future philosophy of the use of elevators for evacuation from high buildings could change. STANDATA ED-2009-005 Elevating Devices Codes Regulation (New Installations) was circulated and reviewed (Handout #2). Each clarification within the STANDATA was reviewed in detail. It was clarified that the initial issue brought before council was that some SCOs were of the misunderstanding that even if the building type did not require a fire alarm system, if an elevator was being installed in that building requiring FEO that it would now require a fire alarm system. Clarification #2 details the FEO requirements needed for elevators when there is no building fire alarm system. Questions were encouraged throughout the discussion and the following was noted: It was clarified that the new flat belts are fire-rated and undergo vigorous testing. Concern was expressed regarding the use of elevators in the event of a fire. Although being considered in our jurisdiction throughout the world, it was noted that the use of elevators for evacuations during a fire might never be adopted in Canada or in Alberta. At the present time, Alberta s philosophy will remain that all fire evacuees are directed to use stairs. The need for detailed emergency evacuation plans for each building is critical, particularly relative to persons with disabilities. Sump pumps within the elevator pits are permitted in Alberta and clarification is included in the STANDATA. The Acting Chief Building Administrator proposed that a STANDATA be developed that includes five distinct scenarios to better clarify whether FEO requirements can be connected to an elevator control panel or whether it must be tied into an existing fire alarm panel. It was further suggested that a proposed code change be submitted to the National Building Code and that this clarification be included as a proposed code change to the upcoming Alberta Building Code. This STANDATA will be drafted and brought forth at a future meeting. [Salvian] Further discussion was held regarding the sumps and it was suggested that if a STANDATA be required to clarify this it should be addressed between the Elevator and Plumbing disciplines. E.2.04.10 Renovations & Barrier Free Access A brief discussion was held regarding the background of the issues relating to this agenda item and the challenges of determining the need to upgrade barrier free provisions when major renovations are being completed. This is being discussed at the Barrier Free Council and further discussion was deferred. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 4
E.10.04.10 Hold Open Devices 4 Storey Buildings update The Chair provided background on the issues. The following action item remained outstanding: Don Dessario will provide further information to the Acting Chief Building Administrator for forwarding to NRC for action. [Dessario/Salvian] E.11.04.10 Draft STANDATA General Information on STANDATAs It was reported that this issue is administrative and not of a technical nature. It was suggested that this crosses multiple disciplines and may be considered outside the mandate of the Building Technical Council. This item will be taken forward to a senior administrative level. [Alford/Salvian] Further discussion was deferred. E.1.05.10 HIRF & Fire Department Response Times Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E.7.05.10 Public Safety During Construction - On-Site Construction Safety Working Group Chuck Perry reported that the group has not yet met. Background was provided on the reason for the working group being established and it was suggested that a terms of reference for this working group be its first priority. E.8.05.10 Update from SCC on Accredited Organization Monitoring It was reported that information was provided to the Technical Coordinating Committee and further details have been requested. Rather than submitting this same report to the BTC, this item was deferred until the detailed report is available. E.9.05.10 Status Updates AMA Permit Inspection Services It was noted that the report as referenced in E.8.05.10 provides this information. This more detailed report will be provided at a future meeting. The Administrator of Accreditation will follow up with Alex Morrison regarding the checklist monitoring of agencies during work on behalf of Alberta Municipal Affairs. E.10.05.10 Feedback on Six-Storey Wood Frame Condo Construction Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 5
E. New Business E.1.01.11 Manufactured Housing Industry - Presentation by Hank Starno Hank Starno was welcomed to the meeting and a round table introduction was held. Mr. Starno provided a presentation on behalf of the Modular Housing Association Prairie Provinces relative to their request for representation on the Building Technical Council. Highlights of the presentation included: Association background and membership. Definition of Modular-built, which does not define the type of home but rather its method of construction. How modular built homes are produced. Modular industry snapshot. Delivery statistics, ranging annually between 5% and 20% of the market share. Development of new architectural compatibility guidelines several example photos of modern architecture were shown as a result of these new guidelines. Unique ABC impacts on modular homes relative to highway transport regulations which impose height and width restrictions that can cause challenge relative to the upcoming national energy code. Previous HRIF changes that impacted the modular housing industry without any consultation. Based on the fact that the modular housing industry is a major producer of new homes, it is believed that this warrants representation on the Building Technical Council and thusly respectfully requests consideration of their request. The floor was opened for questions and a discussion was held regarding park models. It was clarified that park models are not part of the modular housing industry. MHA s members build in accordance with the Alberta Building Code for occupancy year round. The greatest issue with park models is that some other provincial jurisdictions are not as diligent relative to land use. It was clarified that MHAPP is a member of the Alberta Home Builders Association. It was clarified that regardless of the decision relative to their request for a seat on council, their association is always welcomed to attend BTC meetings as a guest. A discussion was held regarding whether this industry segment brings a different perspective that is currently not represented on council. It was recognized that there were uniqueness but that it represented a very small industry segment. No motion was brought forward to recommend to the Coordinating Committee a change to the BTC matrix policy. The Administrator of Accreditation was requested to draft a letter on behalf of the Chair to advise the Modular Housing Association of their decision. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 6
E.2.01.11 Appointment of Kenneth Roskell to the BTC until Jan 31, 2014 Correspondence from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta was circulated with the agenda package. Ken McLaren / Steve Walton moved to request additional candidates from the Mechanical Contractors Association for nomination to the Building Technical Council and to include detailed resumes for each candidate; CARRIED E.3.01.11 Appointment of Ulrik Seward to the BTC until Jan 31, 2014 Ulrik Seward was introduced and his nomination from the Alberta Association of Architects was circulated and reviewed (Handout #1). An open discussion was held regarding transparency of the council and concern was discussed regarding the quantity of regulators on council. Individuals were reminded that representatives are nominated by their organization and each of these individuals brings perspective from different industry segments. The focus should not be based on where they are from but rather the expertise they bring to the table and that the council is not a lobby platform. David Dixon / Ken McLaren moved to request additional candidates from the Alberta Association of Architects for nomination to the Building Technical Council; CARRIED F. Standing Agenda Items a) Technical Coordinating Committee Report The Vice Chair South provided an overview of the last Technical Coordinating Committee. b) Appeals/Review of Orders It was clarified that this item is for the review of statistical information only and not to assess individual instances. A series of statistical reports were provided: Orders Issued / Variances Issued (Handout #3). Orders by municipality and code reference (Handout #4). Variances by municipality and code reference (Handout #5). 2010 Appeals Statistics (Handout #6). 2010 Accreditation Statistics (Handout #7). Consensus was reached that the reports and the information provided are extremely valuable. It was noted that particularly the orders and variances reports by municipality and code reference provide an excellent overview of where further research is needed to determine if any proposed code changes might be required. [Salvian] It was suggested that a similar report be provided for SCO certification by discipline. [Atkinson] MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 7
c) Alberta Building Code 2006 (i) Professional Involvement Committee Background was provided on the original issues that brought forward the creation of this committee. With Burgess Bredo s term expiring, it was suggested that Don Dessario be appointed the chair of this committee. [Dessario] As the APEGGA representative, Barry Laviolette was also appointed to this committee. With the upcoming code cycle, it was recommended that the work on this committee be expedited in the event that any proposed code changes are required as a result of the committee s recommendations. ii) Upcoming Code Cycle It was reported that the deadline for proposed code changes has been deferred to April 15, 2011. A discussion was held regarding the energy codes. It was noted that there has been no decision made at this time as to what this will look like in Alberta. It was reported that if incorporated into the Alberta Building Code this will likely end up being an amendment as any decisions regarding energy codes is not likely to be ready for this building code cycle. d) Conditional Grant Agreements The Administrator of Accreditation reported on the conditional grant agreements and provided a status update on the projects underway relative to OBEIC (Objective-based Electrical Industrial Code) and the Risk-based Inspections. e) Correspondence - Resignation letter from Herman Gloge It was reported that Herman Gloge has resigned his position on council. It was noted that Herman s input will be missed. G. Next Meeting It was reported that an HRAI training session is being held in conjunction with the SCC Annual Conference. More details are available in the recent issue of Partners News. Scott Lee reported that this will be his last meeting on council, thanked everyone for the opportunity to work on council and offered his help at any time. Scott Lee was thanked for his valued input during his time on council. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 8
The 2011 meeting dates were reconfirmed as follows: Thursday, April 14, 2011 Red Deer Thursday, June 2, 2011 Calgary SCC Conference & AGM - June 8-10 - Banff Thursday, September 22, 2011 Red Deer Thursday, November 17, 2011 Leduc The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 9
ACTION ITEMS E.2.05.08 Barrier Free Items The Chair will forward the drafted letter to the President/CEO and the TCC Chair requesting clarification of enforcement. The BTC Chair will correspond with the BFC Chair to advise them of our decision to leave Section 3.8 where it is currently located. E.1.04.09 Sept. 11/08 Letter from MD of Rockyview #44 Re: depressurization in houses The Chair will respond to the MD of Rockyview. E.7.05.09 Review of the Matrix update The Administrator of Accreditation will draft correspondence to all applicable organizations on behalf of the Chair. E.1.04.10 Firefighter Emergency Operation (FEO) This STANDATA will be drafted and brought forth at a future meeting. [Salvian] E.10.04.10 Hold Open Devices 4 Storey Buildings update Don Dessario will provide further information to the Acting Chief Building Administrator for forwarding to NRC for action. [Dessario/Salvian] E.11.04.10 Draft STANDATA General Information on STANDATAs This item will be taken forward to a senior administrative level. [Alford/Salvian] E.1.05.10 HIRF & Fire Department Response Times Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E.9.05.10 Status Updates AMA Permit Inspection Services The Administrator of Accreditation will follow up with Alex Morrison regarding the checklist monitoring of agencies during work on behalf of Alberta Municipal Affairs. E.10.05.10 Feedback on Six-Storey Wood Frame Condo Construction Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] E.1.01.11 Manufactured Housing Industry - Presentation by Hank Starno The Administrator of Accreditation was requested to draft a letter on behalf of the Chair to advise the Modular Housing Association of their decision. MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 10
F. b) Appeals/Review of Orders It was noted that particularly the orders and variances reports by municipality and code reference provide an excellent overview of where further research is needed to determine if any proposed code changes might be required. [Salvian] It was suggested that a similar report be provided for SCO certification by discipline. [Atkinson] F. c) (iii) Professional Involvement Committee With Burgess Bredo s term expiring, it was suggested that Don Dessario be appointed the chair of this committee. B. Adoption of Agenda MOTIONS Barry Laviolette / Scott Lee moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. (a) Adoption of Minutes Scott Lee / Bill Barnowich moved to adopt the minutes of the November 17, 2010 meeting, as circulated; CARRIED E.7.05.09 Review of the Matrix update Ken McLaren / David Dixon moved to accept the recommendations of the Matrix Working Group; CARRIED E.2.01.11 Appointment of Kenneth Roskell to the BTC until Jan 31, 2014 Ken McLaren / Steve Walton moved to request additional candidates from the Mechanical Contractors Association for nomination to the Building Technical Council and to include detailed resumes for each candidate; CARRIED E.3.01.11 Appointment of Ulrik Seward to the BTC until Jan 31, 2014 David Dixon / Ken McLaren moved to request additional candidates from the Alberta Association of Architects for nomination to the Building Technical Council; CARRIED MINUTES: Building Technical Council February 17, 2011 Page 11