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BCC Minutes 03/18/2008 W (w/Fire Review Task Force) March 18, 2008 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS/FIRE REVIEW TASK FORCE WORKSHOP Naples, Florida, March 18, 2008 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Board of County Commissioners, in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met in a WORKSHOP SESSION on this date at 9:00 AM, at the Administrative Building "F", 3rd Floor Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida, with the following members present: Chairman: Commissioner Tom Henning Vice Chairman: Commissioner Donna Fiala Commissioner Frank Halas Commissioner Fred Coyle Fire Review Task Force: Bradley Schiffer William Varian Gary Beaumont James Boughton Dalas Disney William Schreck Chuck McMahon ALSO PRESENT: Jim Mudd, Collier County Manager Joe Schmitt, Director, CDES Paula Brethauer, Operations Analyst JeffKlatzkow, Assistant County Attorney Sue Filson, Executive Manager to the BCC Bob Dunn, Interim Building Director 1 AGENDA March 18, 2008 9:00 a.m. BCC- Fire Review Task Force Workshop 3'd Floor Boardroom W. Harmon Turner Building Tom Henning, Chairman, District 3 Donna Fiala, Vice-Chairman, District 1 Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 Frank Halas, Commissioner, District 2 Fred W. Coyle, Commissioner, District 4 NOTICE: All PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED. All REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS Will RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN. COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05, AS AMENDED, REQUIRES THAT All lOBBYISTS SHAll, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY lOBBYING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF RECORDS DEPARTMENT. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABiliTY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COlliER COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT lOCATED AT 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAil, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED liSTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAilABLE IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE. 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Opening Remarks/Presentation by the Task Force Chair 3. Task Force Report -- Findings and Recommendations 4. Public Comment 5. Adjourn INQUIRIES CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE BOARD'S AGENDA SHOULD BE MADE TO THE COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE AT 774-8383. March 18,2008 1. Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Henning called the Workshop to order at 9:01 AM and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. Opening Remarks/Presentation by the Task Force Chairman Brad Schiffer, Chairman ofthe Fire Review Task Force opened the Workshop reviewing the original Resolution noting the Task Force met 14 times with Representatives from the Fire Code Office, Fire Departments, CDES Staff and Public present. He provided a Report entitled "Board ofCounly Commissioners and Fire Review Task Force, March 18, 2008 Workshop" for review by the participants. 3. Task Force Report - Findings and Recommendations The participants viewed a Power Point Presentation summarizing the Section of the Report entitled "Interim Report." The individual Topics covered in this Section were addressed by the members of the Task Force. Chairman Henning noted that the Report contained Topics with various issues identified and recommendations provided at the end of some Topics. As the Task Force conducted business, some issues were addressed through the Fire Code Office, the Building Review and Permitting Department and/or Community Development Environmental Services as outlined in the "Action" portion of the Topic. He further noted that Public Speakers would be allowed to address each Topic as it is reviewed by the Commissioners. TOPIC 1 - Florida Building & Fire Codes - Brad Schiffer TOPIC 2 - Early Work Starts & Phase Permits - Bill Schreck TOPIC 3 - 61G15 Reviews - Jim Boughton It was noted that if a Shop Drawing (a design drawing for a specialty permit for Fire Alarm system, Sprinkler system, etc.) prepared by a Fire Alarm or Sprinkler Contractor, etc. for Fire Code Office review contains any "material deviations" from the original 61Gl5 drawing (a required submittal by the Florida Building Code) submitted by the Engineer of Record earlier in the permit process, a revision to the 61 G 15 drawings are required. This creates a slow down in the review process. Mr. McMahon arrived at 9:16AM TOPIC 4 - Permit Process & Plan Review - Bill Varian & Design Professiouals The following items were discussed in this Topic: Bob Dunn, Interim Building Director noted that the Bar Code System is being implemented and will be available soon. The Fire Code Office applications will be a part of this tracking system. 2 March 18, 2008 Chairman Henning noted that it is a positive step forward that Ed Riley, Fire Code Official and Bob Dunn are working close together on resolving the issues raised herein. Joe Schmitt, CDES Director noted that the County is reviewing the concept utilizing electronic submittals. There are several issues involved in this transformation including costs of the implementation and the scope of how it would be utilized for data storage and retrieval for all Departments involved. Brad Schiffer, Chairman, Fire Review Task Force noted electronic submittals would not only save time in the review process, but provide a cost savings to the County in the long run in the area of employees and reviewers handling plans, plan storage, reviewer retrieval ofpreviously issued permits during revision requests, etc. These systems are in place in many areas throughout the Country. Chairman Henning noted that at this point this recommendation requires more investigation. Mr. Beaumont arrived at 9:23AM TOPIC 5 - Private Providers - Bill Schreck TOPIC 6 - Revisions - Bill Varian Jim Mudd, County Manager requested clarification from the Board of County Commissioners whether or not to implement the Action item at the end of this topic "Request that DSAC look at different types of issues and come forward with a process for handling revisions." Chairman Henning noted that any recommendations included in the Section "Interim Report" are deemed acceptable unless the Board of County Commissioners finds dijJerently. TOPIC 7 - Inspections - Bill Varian TOPIC 8 - Technology - Dalas Disney TOPIC 9 - Fire Alarms & Monitoring - Gary Beaumont Mr. Beaumont addressed this topic noting the process of obtaining fire alarm permits is difficult noting that a year ago, only 17% of Fire Alarm permits are approved on the first submittal, currently 35% are approved on the first submittal and outlined 4 recommendations in this Topic: A. The Current fire alarm permit checklists should be re-vamped, should be a guideline only, and not cause a rejection of the permit. B. As the fire alarm "shop drawings" are contractor derived, the minor clerical and riser/floor plan discrepancies should be "red line corrected" by the contractor and other minor corrections are allowed with stipulations. C. Change in monitoring company on existing fire alarm systems that do not require new equipment should be a simple letter of said change. 3 March 18, 2008 D. Revisions, minor replacement of fire alarm system components, systems less than $1,000 and monitoring permits if required should be permitted using express permitting forms to expedite these permits. It was noted that most of the problems occur when there are "material deviations" between the engineered 61G-15 drawing submittals to the Building Review and Permitting Department and the subsequent shop drawing as previously noted in Topic #3. The Task Force determined that the Fire Code Office has received legal direction from the State of Florida and the Board of Engineers regarding this situation and is enforcing the Statute as required. It was noted that some of these issues are controlled by other jurisdictions (State of Florida, etc.) and discussion ensued if the Board of County Commissioners should address any necessary issues at these levels. Ed Riley Fire Code Official addressed the Commissioners noting the following with regard to the recommendations: . The checklist was derived with input from the industry and the industry supports the document . The checklist continues to be revised as needed through Committees such as the Fire Alarm Committee . Some items required on the checklist are in lieu of information required on plans for ease of review and processing . He agreed that the 35% failure rate is unacceptable noting he authored this statement . The Fire Code Office continues to provide continuing education to consultants and contractors to improve the quality of submittals . Minor changes in monitoring systems require a permit and field inspection as even the change of a phone number may cause the system to become inoperable . Monitoring systems in single family homes are exempt from permit requirements . They are reviewing the fee structure for monitoring systems. These fees were developed by the Fire Code Office and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners Mr. Beaumont left the meeting at 10: 15PM TOPIC 10 - Design Professionals - Brad Schiffer TOPIC 11 - Interface with Fire Code Officials Office - Dalas Disney TOPIC 12 _ Simultaneous Review & SDP Process - Jim Boughton Break -10:30 AM Re-convened -10:4I AM 4 March 18, 2008 TOPIC 13 - Water Flow - Jim Boughton A discussion ensued regarding the problem of water pressures within the area served by the Naples City water system. The Commission noted that this issue needs to be addressed by the City of Naples as the requirement of providing a minimum of20 pounds per square inch (psi) is not adequate for fire protection. It should be considered to adjust the service boundaries and review the water service areas that are in unincorporated Collier County and could be completed in incremental steps over a period of time. Also, a discussion ensued regarding the feasibility manually manipulating pressures in real time by tuming various valves off and on within the system. Jim Mudd, County Manager noted that the water pressures provided by the City of Naples are an issue. He will address this topic at a meeting he has with the Naples City Manager on Friday regarding water issues with the Government Center site. Nick Biondo, East Naples Deputy Fire Chief stated that the Fire District has met with the City of Naples on this issue numerous times and the problem is not just isolated to high-rise buildings, but small one and two story structures in the Bayshore area. There are areas where the infrastructure in place is inadequate for fire flows. He further noted that real time adjustment of water pressure is an acceptable practice when fire fighters are on the scene of a fire. It is not an acceptable practice for structures equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. It was noted that there are similar problems in some areas of the County where Private Utilities provide the water service. Ed Riley, Fire Code Official noted the problem is mostly isolated to the outlining areas of the County noting there are two main design parameters for fire flows, 1) the gallons per minute ofrequired flows and 2) the pressure (psi - pounds per square inch) of these flows. Overall, the County Utility Department is doing an acceptable job of meeting these requirements needed for the growth of the Community. They are modeling for current and future demand. He requested that the Fire District be provided the data on the gallon per minute figure utilized for potential fire flows in the hydraulic model so the Fire District could provide any possible input to the Utility Department on this figure. This could possibly alleviate design problems in some areas of the County. TOPIC 14 _ Sprinkler Requirements for Collier County Parking Garage - Brad Schiffer Brad Schiffer provided an overview of the issue with the construction of the County Parking Garage noting that the gallons per minute fire flow requirements for these structures is a high number when calculated using the various required formulas. Ed Riley, Fire Code Official noted that the NFP A does not individually categorize a parking garage for fire flow calculations. He did acknowledge that the fire flows required are "high" (in this case approximately 6600 gallons per minute or "gpm"). The Fire Code Office allowed the construction of the parking garage utilizing a flow 5 March 18, 2008 test result of2l67 gpm (approximately 1131 gpm below requirements) with the utilization of a sprinkler system. A discussion ensued on whether a study should be conducted to categorize an open parking garage type constructed building and create Local Standards for these structures and whether the gallons per minute requirement is excessive. Also, should sprinklers even be required for these types of structures. Jim Mudd, County Manager noted that these issues are linked to Topic 17 which recommends that the local amendments be allowed to sunset or be repealed on October 1, 2008. Ed Riley noted the Code currently allows for performance base standards which apply to buildings on a case by case basis. A Fire Protection Engineer could provide calculations and design parameters that may reduce the gallons per minute requirement of a structure. Chairman Henning noted that some type ofresolution is required in this issue. Mr. McMahon, Fire Review Task Force Member stated that a sprinkler system in a parking garage is a favorable idea noting if an individual was on a level above the fire, and the building did not utilize a sprinkler system, their life safety could be jeopardized. He believes this has been documented in previous cases. Chairman Henning requested that Mr. McMahon research these cases and provide the documentation to the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Coyle left the workshop at 11:25AM TOPIC 15 - Fire Code Officials Areas of Concern - Chuck McMahou Ed Riley, Fire Code Official addressed this topic TOPIC 16 - Areas of Buildings - Brad Schiffer TOPIC 17 _ Local Amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code - Brad Schiffer Jim Mudd, County Manager stated that prior to October 1, 2008, an Executive Summary will be provided to the Board of County Commissioners to expire this Ordinance (Local Amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code) Ed Riley noted that the Board of County Commissioners will still have jurisdiction over the 2 remaining MSTU Districts (Isle of Capri and Ochopee) TOPIC 18 _ Collier County Board of County Commissioners - Brad Schiffer 4. Public Comment Brenda Talbert Executive Officer of the Collier County Building Industry addressed the participants thanking the CBIA members for their time on the Committee. She noted the process was healthy and created some understanding, cooperation and resolution to issues. 6 March 18, 2008 Commissioner Halas thanked the Task Force Members for their time and the manner in which the Task was completed. Commissioner Fiala noted that the lines of open communication need to continue for providing resolution to these types of issues for the residents of Collier County. Chairman Henning noted that this one of the best workshops that has taken place providing resolutions to the day to day issues affecting the citizens of Collier County. In closing it was recognized that the Fire Review Task Force has completed its task and sunsets in April, 2008. There being no further business for the good of the County, the Workshop concluded by order of the chair at 11 :51 A.M. COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ..:k . lrman ATTEST:..,.. DWIGHT KBRO(:K, CLERK " Atte:;t.a!i to Cli s s ~gi1i:;tJi~ !.(}(fr'~-. These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on .11./)..:/ t') -"} 0N..Q as presented V'" or as amended . ~ 7