Plumbing and Pipe Technology Industry Advisory Meeting

SBC: 772, 757

4/23/2009

Members Present:

William Elarton, Chair CDM.

Fulltime Faculty: Larry Jones,

Adjunct Faculty: Chuck Lunt, Willie Galvan, Craig Dean, Tim Slade,

Terry Sweigart,

Industry Members:

Kaveh Razavi, Chief Inspector, County of Los Angeles.

Russ Ito, Senior Plumbing Inspector, City of Los Angeles.

Tara Reynaud, Green Plumbers.

Dwight Perkins, Field Representative, IAPMO.

David Richeal, Fergusson Plumbing Wholesalers.

Fred Marzouk, President, Speedy Plumbing.

Richard Venegas, President, R.V. Plumbing.

Martin Holguin, R.V.Plumbing.

Wayne Boothby, Mike Diamond Plumbing.

Phil Valles, Keyline Sales.

Greg Robledo, Mr. Speedy Plumbing.

Call to order: 10:30 am

William Elarton – CDM Chairman’s Report:

Introduced the school, dept, current program and mission as well as thank the participants for attending.

Mr. Elarton describe the format and purpose of the annual advisory meeting and what he, the department, the school as well as the students hope to gain not only by compliance with the state requirements which mandated the meeting but in terms of a lasting, and beneficial relationship for all.

There were 15 questions (see attached) presented to the panel of participants for discussion.

Each panel member selected questions relevant to their expertise as well as participated in the discussion on all questions and topics.

Bill Elarton described a certifiable curriculum (NCEER) for the plumbing courses which would bring the training more in line with anticipated certification of the plumbing industry.

Construction of the “B” building on it‘s new location site, 23rd and Grand, was discussed in addition to future plans for the department.

Certificates, and or degrees, for plumbers were explored with the ideal of introducing other courses and skills such as welding, steam boilers, and inspection programs into the plumbing curriculum and program.

Instructors’ Reports:

Larry Jones brought up the idea of creating an apprentice program and some sort of feeder program in order to create a positive and active association and relation between the school program(s) and employment opportunities.

The outcome of the discussion was positive and further exploration is needed to produce something viable for all.

Advisors Comments:

Dwight Perkins, representative from IAPMO spoke of the current and upcoming codes which are and will be regulating the plumbing industry, current and future.

Representative joined in the discussion on current and upcoming codes, in addition to innovations relating to green plumbing, LEEDS certification and sustainably.

Kaveh Ku From the county of Los Angeles joined the discussion relating pertinent points

and guide lines as they related to the county of L.A., green construction and sustainability with emphasis on plumbing in particular

Kaveh Ku joined the discussion confirming that green construction technology (plumbing) was definitely present and mandated within the county.

Mr. Ku produced and presented a copy of various ordinances and conditions required by the county which has just come into effect.

L.A. City Inspector Ito joined in the discussion pointing out relative points as they pertained to plumbing within the city.

It was stated by the county and city representatives that more planning involving the job, rules, and regulations were important to them.

It was suggested that time be taken to properly prepare students for work in terms of knowledge, skill level and more importantly the job itself.

Dwight Perkins brought the UPC cumulative analysis and presented it to Mr. Jones and the plumbing department as the reference book to the code changes from the 2003 UPC to the 2006 UPC current code edition. He also presented to Mr. Jones, other IAPMO items which pertained to code materials and sizing calculations.

Waterless urinals and their maintenance, longevity, and their practicality were discussed by panel members as well as their usage here at the school.

The filters for these units were discussed. The general opinion regarding the waterless urinal was negative by the majority of panel members.

The panel was exposed to theories relating to gray water, recycled, water, and second hand usage of water and source locations.

Many old and new rules and regulation regarding installation of recycled water and gray water systems, and or the usage of gray water, or recycled water are being adapted to consider the green effect.

The plumbing dept was offered training in green technology in order to promote more environmental friendliness and compliance with new regulation governing green plumbing and sustainability.

Speedy Plumbing offered to demonstrate underground piping technology to the dept.

The panel members offered to come back from time to time to present our classes with

a seminar on various subjects

Cal- Osha and other safety aspects were discussed and in conclusion all agreed that keeping everyone informed on a regular basis through tailgate meetings, etc

was a good and necessary thing.

Speedy Plumbing introduced to the panel the concept and technology relating to leak detection.

The panel discussed the idea and practice and felt that leak detection was becoming a common and sometime necessary aid to and for the plumber and his job.

Various panel members introduced various rules, regulations, laws and ordinances new and old that has come into affect regarding green plumbing and other technologies (underground, etc.) in recent years.

Recommendations:

Instructors should enroll for training in green plumbing technology and sustainability in order to bring the courses and program in closer alignment with LEEDS certification standards.

Students should gain more practical and diverse experience and knowledge in conjunction with regulations and restrictions governing the industry.

Students should be kept informed about code changes and up to date with current editions and supplements of textbooks, seminars, trade shows, industry activities, and industry associations.

Students should join IAPMO and participate in industry affairs

The plumbing department should hire a commercial plumber to diversify the training and curriculum.

Student should gets more exposure to manufacturers and industry products, in particular, those which are becoming more compatible and mandatory to current industry trends and technology (i.e. green plumbing and sustainability) such as waterless urinals, etc.

Instructors and school (lattc) should develop and maintain a closer and more pro active relationship with various committee members (i.e. L. A. City, L.A. County, IAPMO, Green Plumbers, etc.).

Instructors should stay current and regular with tailgate (safety) meetings.

Students should attend and participate in underground technology seminars and demonstrations.

Instructor should get into and stay in line with each other and the curriculum by way of organizing and planning in order to educate and create and entry level plumber.

Lunch 12:00 am

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m. and lunch was served for all panel members