06-Minutes from boards, commissions, and committees

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MINUTES OF THE FIRE AND BUILDING CODE REVIEW COMMITTEE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER 107 E. KAUFMAN STREET, PARIS, TEXAS NOVEMBER 17, 2009 5:00 O'CLOCK P.M. 1. Call meeting to order. Chairman Waldrum called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. The following members were present: Mike Davenport, John Fuston, Jerry Haning, Johnny Norris, Bobby Smallwood, and Carolyn Whelchel. Council Member Kear was present. Also, present were city staff Kevin Carruth, Kent McIlyar, Janice Ellis, Ronnie Grooms, Dale Mayberry, and Shawn Napier. 2. Deliberate and review of the Fire and Building Codes. Chairman Waldrum asked John Fuston to inform the Committee about the occupancy section, as discussed at their last meeting. Mr. Fuston referred the Committee to the Building Code, Section 302, which referred to assembly. He said that the greatest loss of lives in any one single incident is where people assemble. Mr. Fuston reviewed the list of classifications and subsequently referred the Committee to Chapters 8, 9 and 10 of the Fire Code. Fire Marshal Dale Mayberry answered questions from the Committee regarding sprinkler systems, fire alarms and the number of exits required under certain circumstances. The Committee also reviewed definitions in the Building Code (page 23) and the Fire Code (page 29). Fire Chief Grooms pointed out the City was currently operating under the 2003 Building Code, which mandated sprinkler systems for new construction or with the change of use of the building. Carolyn Whelchel said she did not believe there was a question with regard to codes for new construction, but for existing buildings. The Committee discussed options other than a sprinkler system, such as a dry powder system. Chairman Waldrum moved to the proposed Ordinance and asked Chief Grooms if the proposed ordinance was the recommendation of staff. Chief Grooms said that it was the recommendation of the Fire Department to adopt the 2006 International Fire Code with amendments, as well as the amendments to the City Code of Ordinances as outlined in the proposed Ordinance. Mr. Waldrum stated that he had spoken with City Attorney Kent McIlyar earlier that day and it was his understanding that COG had made some of the recommendations. Mr. McIlyar said that COG (North Central Texas Council of Government) had studied the 2006 International Fire Code for approximately one year and recommended that their cities adopt the amendments. Mr. McIlyar also said that once COG's recommendations were received, that city staff reviewed, discussed and decided as to whether or not the amendments were best for the City of Paris. . ~x~ a