ACEC Indiana

“Vertical” Issues Meeting Notes

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

BSA Lifestructures

In attendance: Steve Bruns, Ken Beache, Jim Francisco, Rob French, Chad Grabinski, Rick Miller, Sam Reed, Frank St. John, Henry Stellema, Steve Osborn, Ken Panucci (on phone), Beth Bauer.

Sam Reed, Chairman, convened the committee at 10:30am.

Ongoing issues:

1.  Design/Build impact to A/E firms-Frank St John and Steve Osborn: D/B Survey was finalized and will be sent to member firms by mid-March, with responses due by end of month.

2.  Design Build: “Common Deliverables”-Ken Panucci and Frank St John, further discussion on “education” of public clients, focus on risk management and working with design pro postponed until survey results are compiled and will form the focus on any educational efforts. Target is summer.

3.  Update on local plan review implementation: Bauer reported that action by the State Fire Prevention & Building Safety Commission was delayed at March meeting, anticipate approval at April meeting. She requested that committee members keep the group informed of any subsequent action by locals to assume responsibility of the state plan review process so ACEC can monitor it.

4.  Fire Prevention & Building Safety Commission: Committee members interested in serving on this commission appointed by the Governor were encouraged to submit application for consideration, and Bauer sent a link after meeting.

5.  Legislation

a.  Reduction of qualifications of State Building Commissioner- Bauer gave an update on HB 1507, which would eliminate the requirement that this position be held by a registered P.E. or licensed Architect. Testimony by proponents centered on the need of bill due to “vacancy of the position” although functions were being accomplished by the State Building Law Compliance Officer, and “long delays” to obtain a Construction Design Release, even though it was reported that the agency met or beat statutory deadlines, issuing CDR’s in 8-10 days. The bill was heard in Senate Commerce but no vote was taken, and ACEC along with AIA vigorously opposed it. Every effort was being made to assure that it did not re-gain any traction in the Senate. Bauer also encouraged committee members to help find qualified candidates to fill the position of the State Building Commissioner if the Administration did not appoint the current “acting” representative, to totally eliminate all rationale for this bill.

b.  Prohibit local ordinances that are more stringent than state rules- Bauer gave an update on HB 1300, which was advanced by the Indiana Apartment Association, and was not scheduled for a hearing in the Senate.

c.  Energy Efficiency of State Buildings: Bauer asked the committee to review and comment on HB 1565, which were received after the meeting and will be offered to key legislators for consideration.

Next Meeting Date: April 28, 2015, 10:30am-noon, at BSA Lifestructures.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30am.