The Town of Taylor has been under 2003 codes, which gives them the lowest rating possible with Insurance Service Office (ISO) fire ratings, which has an effect on resident’s insurance rates, Building Official Allen Davis advised the town council Jan. 26.
Davis explained that the council had asked him to update the codes previously and he suggested the town use the 2015 edition of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, National Electric Code and the 2009 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code.
Davis noted that the 2015 Energy Code would cost more for tests, so he suggested they adopt the 2009 edition, stating, “I don’t think it will affect us any cost wise for the buildings around here.” He explained that the 2015 code is geared more to climate change.
There were a few amendments he recommended, including amending Arc-Fault Protection.
Councilman Fay Hatch, who is an electrician, said that eliminating the Arc-Fault Protection would save contractors approximately $700.
Davis said that after study he found that statistics show that the amount spent to save $1 in property damage is $5,366, and that because of the Arc-Fault protection there have been just 1.5 preventable deaths in the United States.
“Our ability to not have certain things is a good thing,” said Mayor Dave Smith.
Councilman Lynn Dewitt asked why the town is doing this, noting that the ISO rating isn’t used by many insurance companies now.
Davis explained that it is a benefit to go to the newer codes and construction methods, that they make it simpler. “Our previous adoption of the code had amendments, and I don’t know why,” he said. “That made it more costly and more restrictive than the code had in it.”
A motion to approve resolution R2017-01, Building and Construction Codes, passed unanimously.
The council also held the first reading of Ordinance O2017-01, Building and Construction Code updates. Town Manager Gus Lundberg noted that they will hold a public hearing and a second reading of the ordinance at the next council meeting. If approved, it will go into effect 30 days later.
In other business, Lundberg explained that in the past legislative session a bill was passed that amended the financial disclosure statement required for candidates and those who hold public officers. The primary change is a new category on the statement that requires the reporting of certain travel-related expenses, which when reported are exempt as “gifts” under the law. Also, the law no longer requires the specific names of the public officer’s spouse or children to be included on the statement as long as a general description is provided and allows the public officer, as well as a home or work address. The law went into effect Jan. 1.
The council unanimously approved Resolution R2017-02, prescribing standards of financial disclosure for local elected officials.
Members of the council volunteered to represent the town on a variety of committees.
The council unanimously authorized checking account signers.
Lundberg explained that with the most recent election, the name of past mayor Fay Hatch would be deleted and Mayor Dave Smith’s name would be added.
Lundberg advised the council that they recently wrapped up the audit for the previous fiscal year. “We had a good year,” he said, noting that sales taxes are up and the costs remain consistent with the low they have been at. He said that the fund balance is synonymous with equity, stating, “Our fund balance increased by $500,000 in the last two years. I feel that we’ve recovered from the recession.” He noted that the town has scaled back, and he felt that the rainy day fund is where it should be.
He also noted that the town received three proposals for waste water treatment plant upgrades, and each firm said it would use local contractors when possible.
Lundberg said they would select a company next week and move forward with negotiating a pre-construction service price. He explained that when the pre-construction is satisfied, they can move to the next phase, which would be getting a guaranteed maximum price. He further said that they would not have to stick with the company.
The town manager met with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials the day before, and is keeping them in the loop of progress in getting things installed.
Lundberg said he is happy with the airport runway lighting project, that plans have been completed, and have been submitted to the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. Federal Emergency Management Agency officials will be on site in early February to look at the project. “It seems like we’re looking pretty good to receive a pretty sizeable grant,” he concluded.
