Archive for category: Uncategorized (Page 6)

Call to Order: 6:14 PM by Larry Ames, president

Roll Call Introductions
Members present: 14 full members (New Member, Rich Maricle  – Welcome!)
Determine Quorum: quorum was met. 2 members left the organization. Dale Lozier retired; Bruce Kellog resigned from the organization.
Requests from Members for Modifications to this Meeting Agenda? none
Approval of January 2021 Meeting Minutes as posted on STAHI website: Motion to approve: Tom Sherman, seconded by Russ Fontaine, all in favor

Secretary’s Report (Frank Macak)

Emails were created for the leadership positions and education Dept. Members should be using those to contact appropriate positions.
Larry added that we did a trial run to get set up with the STAHIYOURCE school, trying to work out the bugs with it. Frank M recommended recording the meeting. Tom S was concerned about proper storage of the info so that the CE classes do not get stolen and distributed somewhere online. Dave J. reports that we need to keep the files for 5 years, the recording files are small. Whoever runs the meeting should record a meeting.

Tom Sherman explained the process of how the emails are sent out after registration for the class.

Treasurer’s (Nathan Mann) Report and Approval – reported by Larry [ Nate is sick]

Monthly Treasurer’s Report: the treasurer’s report was posted on the website.
Motion to approve as posted: Steve Dawes, seconded by Tom Ott, all in favor

8 members are still behind with the dues – please catch up with that. Dues are due by the time of the last meeting.

Vice President’s (Russ Fontaine) ordinary mid-term audit of STAHI account – needs to get together with Nate after Nate gets better to do the audit.

Officers seek support for their decision to refund $50 non-member CE payment to Steve Dawes who just joined – all agreed

Larry purchased Zoom at a discount of $104 rather than $150 for a Zoom Pro subscription. Larry also paid $588 for NetInspect and is awaiting reimbursement from Nate for both.
Nate is expediting payment of collected dues to NYSAHI. Larry asks to encourage other inspectors to join NYSAHI

Provisions for electronic dues payment – Jamie says that it is set up, Nate can accept electronic payments.

Education Coordinator Report (Charlie Reiman, Education Coordinator, + Dennis Cole and Dick Alton)

Dennis reports on Projected CE Training:

Did confirm with Strong-Tie – good to go for May, hopefully at the Spot
Tom has some classes in the coming months – Tom has 4 more classes set up.
Larry asks for a schedule projected as far as possible to know how to plan
Tom talked about having an Inspect-out which he has approved for 3 CEs. Larry suggested we do it on the lake house that Charlie has access to in Cooperstown. Could be done other than on the meeting day. Tom and Charlie will coordinate.
Larry says we had 16 CEs last year and we should be able to get hopefully 20 CEs this year, which would be great.
Tonight’s Education Events:  

During Meeting: (“Heads Up – Water Softening Backwash” – by Larry Ames
At end of business meeting: “The Progression of Building Techniques Through the Ages”- NYS L2792-02, by NetInspect/Dick Alton

NYSAHI Report (Tom Ott & Larry Ames 2021-22 STAHI Representatives)
Tom is complaining about the NYSAHI website, not generating traffic.

Larry explains that they are working on getting all inspector emails
Producing authorized production of an article for website: Liability Insurance Regulation by NYSDOS.  Others to follow (suggestions welcomed)

Larry talked about one issue, which is the collection of sales tax, liability insurance issues, and other similar topics that NYSAHI would be very good for that.

John V. talked about collecting sales tax, and enforcement by the state. Also spoke about charging sales tax for the inspections done for sellers and that the buyers’ reports cannot be used by anyone else. Some members added, that for real estate transactions you do not need to collect sales tax.

Old Business

Corona Virus Conditions – we are still in it, seems to be milder cases, Larry suggests waiting a little longer before we meet in person. We should shoot for May in-person meetings – members agreed

Continuing call for new CE Opportunities from Members

• Mini Subjects
• Allied Trades & Professions
• Show N Tell Submissions

No alternate proposals were made for use of scholarship funds $500 – proposed for Boces as before. Motion to accept the proposal and to approve was made by Tom Sherman., seconded by Tom Ott, all attending members were in favor. Motion carried. Dennis will reach out to Boces.

Larry Inquired with the NYS Division of Codes & Standards – Fire Fighter Drywall Tape – waiting for a response.

Tech Follow-Up – information posted in the forum by Larry Ames: Interior Use of Fernco Couplings – can be used on the interior other than in enclosed spaces, cannot be installed under the ground. Installation of “Cheater Vents” in Walls – not allowed without service access.  Lead in Damaged Porcelain Bathtubs – Health Threat Dependent on Acid Water? – more than acid in water issue

New Business

A recent article on unvented gas appliances – Larry Ames (CNN Article 1/27/22 “Gas stoves are a threat to health and have larger climate impact than previously known, study shows “ …scientists at Stanford University, found the emissions from gas stoves in US homes have the same climate-warming impact as that of half a million gasoline-powered cars — far more than scientists have previously estimated…. most of the stoves that we measured had at least a slow bleed of methane while they were off…nitrogen oxides, or NOx, … pose an especially harmful risk to children and the elderly, … emissions are directly proportional to how much gas is burned.  (My takeaway: make sure that houses have good kitchen ventilation, recommend turning the vent on when cooking; check for leaks; issue for gas dryers also!)  https://apple.news/A1Nd-C8ExR6KtOHErLzLOdw

State Workforce Program is sending people out to train as home inspectors. It is also a part of the unemployment requirement that they need to look for work.

Jamie Arnold’s Wordfence email protection/firewall protection suggestion (free version now, pay version is $100/yr.) Jamie explains that with the Pro version you can geo-block the rest of the world where most of the attacks come from.

Presentation on “Heads Up – Water Softening Backwash” – by Larry Ames

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jamie Arnold, seconded by Dave Jones, all in favor. Motion carried.
Next meeting March 15^th, 2022

Education Segment(2 credits NYS CE)

“The Progression of Building Techniques Through the Ages”– NYS L2792-02, by NetInspect/Dick Alton

Meeting minutes were recorded by Frank Macak – STAHI Secretary 2017–2022
If you have any additions/corrections – please contact me at frank@prime-inspect.com
Frank Macak, Secretary

Meeting Minutes 1-18-22

(Via Zoom)

1/18/2022

Call to Order: 6:00 PM by Larry Ames, president

Roll Call Introductions.  Members (New Member Steve Dawes – Welcome!)

Members present: 17 full members

Determine Quorum: quorum was met

Requests from Members for Modifications to this Meeting Agenda? Larry wants to talk about a new product “ Easy Tape”

Approval of December 2021 Meeting Minutes as posted on STAHI website: Motion to approve: Keith Oberg, seconded by Jamie Arnold, all in favor

Secretary’s Report (Frank Macak)

• Meeting minutes are being posted now on the STAHI.org  Forum, but also as a new post, which auto notifies the users of a new post.
• Steve Dawes did not yet get the form from Nate, we will forward it to him ASAP so that we can get him into the system
• Frank requested an attendance list from Tom since it is hard to track on ZOOM and Tom has the attendance.  
• Frank asked all to verify their email on the STAHI.org

Treasurer’s (Nathan Mann) Report and Approval

• Nate was not at the meeting, we will have the report next month

Education Coordinator Report (Charlie Reiman – not present, Education Coordinator, + Dennis Cole and Dick Alton)  – Dennis reported

• Dennis reports that he does not have anything at this point but is reaching out to the Strong-Tie guy to get something set up.
• Larry reiterated that he would like to have a 3 months projection for the upcoming classes. Asked to talk with Charlie.
• Keith has volunteered to help coordinate with some show-and-tell classes.
• Tonight’s Education Event:  At end of business meeting: “Spot the Defect: Plumbing Systems” –  NYS L2781-02, by NetInspect/Tom Sherman.

NYSAHI Report (Tom Ott & Larry Ames 2021-22 STAHI Representatives)

By Tom Ott: Tom did not get to go to the meeting. Larry explained the issues that were discussed:

• Talked about heads up articles
• Liability insurance issues, requirements
• Sales tax collections issues.
• Larry encouraged the membership to bring up any specific concerns or issues of interest that they might have that NYSAHI could be instrumental in addressing
• NYSAHI site traffic and redesign was discussed by Ross, the cost of the new site design would be prohibitive at $3K-$4K
• Frank pointed out that having Inspector Search might help drive traffic to the NYSAHI site
• Larry asked members if they have anything they would like to bring forward to NYSAHI.

Old Business

• Larry thanked again and congratulated Keith Oberg on the Lifetime Achievement Award that was resented to him in a private setting during the Christmas party. Larry promised him that we will follow up with getting together once the Covid is over so that we can all celebrate with him. Congrats from all members.
• Corona Virus:  meetings to continue over ZOOM until it is safe to meet in person
• Larry called again for new CE opportunities from members, either presentation by professionals, show and tell ideas, or any other
• Dues are due now. Again some people are slow/behind with the payment.
• Frank pointed out that we should be able to pay by online payments. Jamie says that Nate has an option for online payment. Frank suggests that we send out the info to members on how to pay online, or we should have a link on the website for online payments.
• Larry asked that if any members have alternate proposals for use of scholarship funds of $500, they should have them ready to present at the February meeting so that we can make a final decision on it.

New Business

• Larry showed a PowerPoint on a new product that he found interesting. It is called Easy Tape and is sold by Home Depot and other outlets. It is a self-adhesive tape for wallboard seams rated for applications on the firewall construction according to the manufacturer. Larry expressed concern that it had no UL listing, Ross R. pointed out that ETL has the same certification as the UL and therefore might be acceptable. Local code enforcement was not willing to accept it, as Keith pointed out, they might not be fully on the speed of it, they are quite conservative and might not be aware of the product. Keith pointed out that the requirements for firewalls have changed quite a bit over the years. Others expressed their opinions.
• Russel asked about the insurance issues: Larry explained about the state’s requirement of liability insurance, but the providers cover very little under the liability for the home inspectors. The state should have some guidelines on what should be covered under liability. Dick A. told of the example of damage by the whirlpool tub leaks due to dry rotted pipes. Another inspector experienced a similar issue with testing the toilet.
• Dave Jones said that 2 of his class members tried to sign up on the STAHI website through Contact Us, and were not contacted back. We will look into that, make sure we get to contact them.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn: Motion by Keith Oberg, seconded by Dave Jones

Next meeting February 15^th via Zoom

Education Segment (2 credits NYS CE)

“Spot the Defect: Plumbing Systems” –  NYS L2781-02, by NetInspect/Tom Sherman

Addendum to the meeting: Tom Sherman brought up a proposal of the new YourCE platform for STAHI school that was originally proposed by NetInspect after the development and approval of the budget in December’s meeting. The new school cost was explained in detail to the officers in a Zoom meeting with Tom. The cost of $588 for YourCE school and an additional $150 for ZOOM linked to STAHI was unanimously approved by the officers in the ZOOM meeting.

Motion to accept the proposal and to approve was made by John Vagliardo, seconded by Ross Relyea, all attending members were in favor. Motion carried.

Meeting minutes were recorded by Frank Macak – STAHI Secretary 2017–2022
If you have any additions/corrections – please contact me at frank@prime-inspect.com
Frank Macak, Secretary

Hello All Members,

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and that everyone is well.

On behalf of STAHI, Larry Ames presented Keith Oberg with a lifetime achievement award at the private Christmas Eve dinner where Larry and Keith with his family were present. Unfortunately, due to Covid situation we were putting it off for a long time now. At the last meeting we [the leadership] were hoping to discuss the possibility of presenting Keith with the award in a private setting since Keith and Larry were to be at the same dinner, but since Keith was present at the open meeting it was not possible. The decision to go ahead with that option was made by the STAHI officers.

Larry also wrote up a press release about Keith’s award which was submitted to several local newspapers [ see below]. Keith was very happy with the recognition and expressed his deep appreciation for the honor.

A special night out with dinner to honor Keith will be arranged when Covid conditions allow that to be done safely.

Happy New Year 2022 to ALL

Frank Macak

Here is the press release with the pictures that was sent to several local newspapers including Binghamton Press, Susquehanna Co. Independent, Owego Pennysaver, PennysaverOnline and CNY Life and Homes magazine

Home Inspector Keith Oberg Recognized for Lifetime Achievement

Binghamton NY, 12/24/2021

NY licensed Home Inspector Keith Oberg of Brackney, PA, was honored on Christmas Eve 2021 by our NY regional professional association for “Lifetime Achievement” in the Home Inspection profession.  With his family attending, Keith was presented with a plaque by STAHI President, Larry Ames.  The plaque was inscribed: “for his decades of work and service to improve the standing of the Home Inspector profession in New York State by being a Founder of the STAHI regional association and by continually promoting high standards of ethics and practice, collegiality, and quality continuing education within our profession.” 

Keith started his professional career, coming from his successful home building business, to found Professional Home Inspection, of Binghamton, NY in 1989.  He worked with other prominent home inspectors to promote the establishment of the previously unregulated practice to be a duly licensed profession in New York State. In addition to being a founder of the Southern Tier Association of Home Inspectors (STAHI) in 2005, he was instrumental in establishing NYSAHI, the New York State Association of Home Inspectors (NYSAHI.org). Oberg was also a Past-President of the Central NY chapter of ASHI (CNYASHI).  Among many awards and recognitions, he was honored by the American Society of Home Inspectors in 2006 with the prestigious national Iron Man award for one “…who has given his or her time, energy, talent and determination to ASHI over a long period of time and with little recognition“  He is widely known as a home inspection “guru” and has generously shared his vast knowledge by teaching continuing education classes over the years as a NYS certified instructor.  He is also a past-President of STAHI and was a Director of the NYSAHI Board for many years.  His efforts through NYSAHI as Legislative Chair helped change NYS Law to raise the bar for the profession’s required entry exam to bring it up to the more demanding national exam standards.  He is an exceptional person and home inspection professional in all respects.

STAHI serves licensed Home Inspectors from as many as ten counties of New York.  It meets monthly in Binghamton to conduct its business and to provide State approved continuing education courses that are required for re-licensing.  Its stated purpose is to: “…promote excellence within the profession and to improve inspection services to the public; … provide members and others with a forum in which to enhance their professionalism through education, and an informed exchange of ideas…; …build public awareness and confidence in the home inspector; and “…interact with related professions, the legal community and government bodies as a representative body for the local home and building inspection profession.”  Licensed Home Inspectors were designated an “essential service” by NYS at the start of the Covid outbreak due to their critical function in consumer protection of home buyers. STAHI works to support its members in providing their services with high standards of ethics and competence.  The Association maintains a directory of its members by county in its website at STAHI.org.

STAHI is very proud to honor its own Keith Oberg as an exemplar of the Home Inspection professional.

Left to right: Roxie, Keith, and Matt Oberg; Larry Ames