STAHI February ’22 Meeting Agenda/in , , /by

STAHI February 2022 Meeting

(Via Zoom)

2/15/2022

Call to Order: 6:00 PM

Roll Call Introductions.  Members (New Member, Rich Maricle  – Welcome!)

Determine Quorum (by Secretary based on current membership) minimum required 50% or more of full membership plus presence of President or Vice President)

Requests from Members for Modifications to this Meeting Agenda?

Approval of January 2022 Meeting Minutes as posted on STAHI website.

Secretary’s Report (Frank Macak)

  • Report
  • Other?

Treasurer’s (Nathan Mann) Report and Approval

  • Monthly Treasurer’s Report (None from January)
  • Dues are due by time of last meeting. (Delinquent members will not be eligible for STAHI CE after this meeting)
  • Vice President’s (Russ Fontaine) ordinary mid-term audit of STAHI account.
  • Officers seek support for their decision to refund $50 non-member CE payment to Steve Dawes who just joined.
  • Purchase per Approval of Proposal for Budget Revision: ADD $588 + ~$150 for Zoom Pro subscription. Larry has paid for these to expedite arrangements with NetInspect and is waiting reimbursement.
  • Expedite payment of collected dues to NYSAHI
  • Provisions for electronic dues payment
  • Gearing Up – YourCE & Zoom

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

  • Projected CE Training
    • Confirmation of NYS status of Aaron Menlove Insurance program?
    • Confirmation of NYS status of Strong Tie Insurance program?
    • Exploration of Air Source mini-split CE program?
    • Status of follow-up on proposal for a series of Show-n-Tell for various categories suggested by Larry Ames.  NYS certified instructor volunteers requested to conduct Show-n-Tells. Meal and Thanks! provided to instructors willing to do this without fee to expand STAHI CE offerings.
    • President’s request for calendar of CE offerings out three months.
    • Other?
    • 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)

  • Authorized production of article for website: Liability Insurance Regulation by NYSDOS.  Others to follow (suggestions welcomed)
  • New Logo in the works
  • New Board Member Steve Krahel reports Western New York Alliance of Home Inspectors have invested ~$1500 in apparatus to have live/remote meetings and CE.  Something to consider.
  • Looking for member input for what would add value to their NYSAHI membership. Ideas for Heads Up articles??? Others?

Old Business

  • Corona Virus Conditions
  • Continuing Call for new CE Opportunities from Members
    • Mini Subjects
    • Allied Trades & Professions
    • Show N Tell Submissions
  • Any with unpaid dues by June 30 will receive notification of being dropped from membership
  • Final Call: Alternate proposals for use of scholarship funds $500. Resolution for an approval…
  • Inquiry to NYS Division of Codes & Standards – Fire Fighter Drywall Tape – waiting response.
  • Tech Follow-Up information posted in forum by Larry Ames: Interior Use of Fernco Couplings; Installation of “Cheater Vents” in Walls; Lead in Damaged Porcelain Bathtubs.. Health Threat Dependent on Acid Water?

New Business

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 vent. on when cooking; check for leaks; issue for gas dryers also!)  https://apple.news/A1Nd-C8ExR6KtOHErLzLOdw

  • State Workforce Program
  • Jamie Arnold’s Wordfence email protection suggestion (free version now, pay version is $100/yr.)

Adjournment  (Next meeting March 15th)

Education Segment (2 credits NYS CE)

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

FOLLOW-UP TO DISCUSSION AT STAHI ZOOM MEETING 8/21/2021:/1 Comment/in , , /by

FOLLOW-UP TO DISCUSSION AT STAHI ZOOM MEETING 8/21/2021: Ground & Neutral on same lug in main service panel.

?: Can a Ground & Neutral wire be on same lug in main service panel.  Is this something that should be called out?

+ Frank Macak, Dennis Cole and others said this is common practice, is found all the time, the electricians say it’s fine and they do not called out.

+ Frank Macak said it does not make sense that they have to be separated since they are bonded in the main service panel in any case.

+ Larry Ames said that the separation of neutrals and grounds as required by the NEC and it should be followed, but that he would investigate and advise.

+ Larry offers this link:

Can more than one neutral or ground wire be terminated under the same lug/set-screw in an electric panel?

https://www.howtolookatahouse.com/Blog/Entries/2018/7/can-more-than-one-neutral-or-ground-wire-be-terminated-under-the-same-lugset-screw-in-an-electric-panel.html#:~:text=Each%20neutral%20%28white%2C%20grounded%20conductor%29%20wire%20should%20be,%28bare%20or%20green%29%20wire%20cannot%20share%20a%20terminal.

+ Larry’s takeaway from this: The separation of neutrals and grounds in their connections in the main service panel is a requirement of the NEC which is an electrician’s code and a qualified electrician should follow that code.  The code requirement was developed for good reason and relates to safety.  I will continue to report this despite any complaints from electricians (i have had none).  Please offer your perspective and other information relative to this matter so that we can hopefully reach a reliable consensus on this matter.

Cloth Masks/1 Comment/in , /by

RIP cloth masks? Why airlines and governments are banning them – Fast Company
https://apple.news/AnIQYEyFITfi3eAI-E2wXkA

STAHI May 2019 Meeting Agenda/in , /by

STAHI May 2019 Meeting Agenda 

5/21/2019

 

Call to Order: 6:00 PM 

 

Round Table Introductions and Members Introduce Their Guests

 

Determine Quorum (14 Members minimum required plus President or Vice President)

 

Requests from Members for Modifications to this Meeting Agenda?

 

Approval (?) of February/March 2019 Meeting Minutes as posted – by STAHI poll –Frank Macak

 

Approval of April 2019 Meeting Minutes as posted on STAHI website

  • Any requests for revisions?
  • Approval

Secretary’s Report (Frank Macak)

  • Status of Website
  • Other

Treasurer’s Report (Dale Lozier) – Report for February, March, April

Approval(?) as posted on STAHI poll

  • May Treasurer’s Report and Approval
  • Membership Summary by Category
  • Dues
  • Accounts
  • Continuation of NYSAHI Affiliation
  • Scholarship, Sponsorship and other obligations (projected against budget)

Education Coordinator Report (Keith Oberg, Education Coordinator)

  • Projected CE Training
  • Fall Hyde Hall Inspector’s Conclave (near Cooperstown) with CE training – Fixed Date – Sunday, September 22nd  – Larry Ames
    • Invitation to CYNASHI (initial contact via Tom Sherman – official to follow when firmed up)
    • Approval of Additional Morning CE Course? (Dennis Cole)
    • Catered Lunch at the Hall or State Park (Brooks BBQ?)
    • Afternoon 3 CE Hyde Hall Mansion Tour
    • Optional Ommegang Brewery Tour
    • Optional following Self-Pay Dinner at Local Restaurant?
    • Pre-Registration – Fee for CE and Lunch to be proposed in June Meeting
    • Overnight B&B accommodations are available – advise if interested and we can get pricing
    • Straw Poll – Interested in Attending?
  • 2 hour State Credit Training after this business meeting: “Garage Safety” by Keith Oberg
  • Spring Field Trip to Holy Smoke in Dryden, NY –Saturday, May 4th – John Vagliardo

 

NYSAHI Report (Keith Oberg and John Vagliardo, 2019 STAHI Representatives)

 

  • Legislation
  • Other

 

Old Business

  • Suggestions for Tech-Talk Subjects?
  • By-Laws Revision Proposal – Larry Ames (As posted on STAHI website) – Motion and Vote for Approval
  • CE Charges for Guest Inspectors – Set Policy: $25 per credit paid in advance (paid before or at the meeting) – Motion and Vote for Approval
  • Proposal for Geographically Distributed CE – Update by Rick Bates
  • Summer Association Party??? Invite CNYASHI???

 

 New Business

 

  • Tech-Talk: Member Discussion – Addressing Minimum Requirements for VA and HUD/FHA Loans with Clients – Larry Ames

·       Presentation during dinner by Mike Minichiello, Owner, Rainbow International of Elmira “Rainbow International® of Elmira, is your locally owned and operated, emergency-service and mitigation company. … along with our certified, professional team, we are dedicated to minimizing any home or commercial emergency you may have. We are currently serving NY in Chemung, Steuben, Schuyler, and Tompkins counties as well as Northern Pennsylvania in Bradford and Tioga counties.”

Adjournment    

Proposed Bylaws Changes:

Bylaws of the Southern Tier Association of Home Inspectors, 4/18/06 amended 9/18/18

 

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

  1. The officers of the Chapter shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

 

ARTICLE VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. . The Association shall have a Board of Directors consisting of its Members not including Associate and Trade Members).

PROPOSED REVISION: 1. The Association shall have a Board of Directors consisting of its Members (“Directors”) not including Associate and Trade Members.

.

ARTICLE XI: ELECTIONS

  1. A President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director shall be elected to serve for a two-year term.

PROPOSED REVISION: 1. A President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected to serve for a two-year term.

 

 

PA Home Inspectors Licensing/in /by

 

 

 

 

 

Licensing Update as of 1/12/2019
A Pennsylvania home inspector licensing bill is being presented again in this 2019-2020 legislative session. A proposal is being sent to PA House of Representative Members this week from the bills primary sponsors to request additional sponsorship. An actual copy of the bill will be ready for review in a couple weeks. PHIC has been very active in meeting with the bills primary sponsors and “arm-twisting” to help craft a licensing law that home inspectors can live with. There have been significant changes made to the bill over the past month that favor home inspectors.
A licensing bill like this might have an up-hill battle in Harrisburg to become law. Governor Wolfe is opposed to more licensing of small businesses due to the theory that it will put excess regulations on small businesses and will slow down economic growth in the state. Because of the possible delay or tabling of the licensing bill, the primary sponsors, Bill Kortz and Sue Helm, are proposing to add verbiage to the existing home inspection law, section 7508(a), to require home inspectors to disclose visible evidence of mold.
7508(a) Required contents…A home inspection report must be in writing and shall include:
(4) A disclosure of the visible evidence of the presence of interior mold, mildew or fungi present at the time of inspection and the location of the visible evidence along with advice to obtain a professional evaluation. (PHIC was instrumental in having the words mildew or fungi removed)
Here is a list of bullet points that will be sent to PA House of Representative members soliciting additional sponsorship.
House Professional Licensure Committee
2019-2020 Legislative Session
Rep. Harry Readshaw, Chairman
Marlene Wilson, Esq., Executive Director
Home Inspectors (Helm/Kortz)
Updated 01-09-2019
  1. Last session the bill had NO OPPOSITION from interest groups.
  1. Last session positions: The Pennsylvania Home Inspector Coalition supports the bill. The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors support the bill. The Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association support the bill. The Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers support the bill. The Dept. of State did not consider this language last session because the proposal was under Dept. of Labor and Industry.
  1. Establishes licensure for home inspectors under the Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists under the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.
  1. Two home inspectors will be added to the board.
  1. Qualifications for licensure: good moral character, 18 years of age, high school diploma or equivalent or equivalent life or occupational experience, board approved training course of 120 hours class (6 must be in the area of modular and manufactured homes) and 75 mentored inspections, board approved exam and no felony drug convictions for past 5 years unless the applicant can prove rehabilitation. If the applicant proves rehabilitation, the board may issue a probationary license for the remainder of the 5 years.
  1. All fees, including licensure fees are determined by the board by regulation.
  1. Grandfather clause to obtain license without the class or exam if the person practiced for 5 years prior to effective date or performed 100 inspections and passed an exam.
  1. License renewal requires 32 CE credits every biennial renewal, 3 must be in the area of modular and manufactured homes.
  1. Licensure by reciprocity and endorsement are available.
  1. Liability insurance is required for $250,000 per occurrence, $500,000 aggregate with $15,000 deductible. Insurance must be maintained for 2 years after the latest home inspection report (but is being changed to 1 year).
  1. Statute of limitations is set at 1 year from the date of the report, not from when the claim is discovered.
  1. Title protection is included for “L.H.I.” and “Licensed Home Inspector” or “Home Inspector”.
  1. Immediate threats to health or safety requires the home inspector to notify the owner and occupants of the property, if occupied, at the conclusion of the home inspection. Posting a notice on the door is sufficient notice.
  1. Home inspection reports must include information on visible evidence of interior mold and the home inspector must advise the client to obtain a professional evaluation. Reporting of mildew and fungi were removed from the language.
  1. A home inspector may not give cost estimates for suggested repairs.
  1. The owner, upon request, may receive a copy of the home inspection report.
  1. The home inspector is not liable for reliance on the home inspection report by anyone other than the client.
  1. The bill also provides for practice protection.
Please forward a copy of this update to your ASHI chapter.
Sincerely,
Dave Glick
Keystone ASHI
The Home Inspector Inc.
717-926-1206
Keystone ASHI | PO Box 15052, Reading, PA 19612
Radon Measurement and Mitigation Courses/in , /by

All,

radon mitigation and  mitigation prerequisite courses and certification tests will be provided by local NYS AARST chapter, by our own George Schambach.

See the details here:

Radon Measurement and Mitigation Courses