Chapter Meeting Agenda April 21, 2020 @ 10:00 AM

Join us by phone: 240-454-0879 Attendee Access: 939 103 15

1) Call to order 2) Introductions 3) Treasurer’s Report/Minutes

A. Approval of Treasurer’s Report – attached B. Approval of March Minutes - attached

4) President’s Comments 5) Vice President’s Comments 6) Previous and Continuing Business 7) New Business

A. CoVid 19 resources and funding B. Chapter Election of Officers C. Video Conference option

8) Guest Speakers A. State Update – Tim Lloyd B. ICC Board Member Comments C. Region II President Comments D. ICC Staff Comments E. Region II Staff Comments

9) Other Discussion 10) Schedule Next Meeting 11) Adjournment

Mar 31, 20

Beginning Balance 3,802.71Cleared Transactions

Deposits and Credits - 3 items 300.17

Total Cleared Transactions 300.17

Cleared Balance 4,102.88

Register Balance as of 03/31/2020 4,102.88

New TransactionsDeposits and Credits - 1 item 200.00

Total New Transactions 200.00

Ending Balance 4,302.88

7:08 PM MT Chapter of ICC04/15/20 Reconciliation Summary

US Bank Checking, Period Ending 03/31/2020

Page 1

Type Date Num Name Clr Amount Balance

Beginning Balance 3,802.71Cleared Transactions

Deposits and Credits - 3 itemsDeposit 03/02/2020 X 200.00 200.00Deposit 03/09/2020 X 100.00 300.00Deposit 03/31/2020 X 0.17 300.17

Total Deposits and Credits 300.17 300.17

Total Cleared Transactions 300.17 300.17

Cleared Balance 300.17 4,102.88

Register Balance as of 03/31/2020 300.17 4,102.88

New TransactionsDeposits and Credits - 1 item

Deposit 04/11/2020 200.00 200.00

Total Deposits and Credits 200.00 200.00

Total New Transactions 200.00 200.00

Ending Balance 500.17 4,302.88

7:08 PM MT Chapter of ICC04/15/20 Reconciliation Detail

US Bank Checking, Period Ending 03/31/2020

Page 1

Minutes of Monday, March 16, 2020 Chapter Meeting 1

Teleconference 2

3 Meeting called to order at 10:00 am 4 Those in attendance: 5

Dennis Hirsch – Miles City - President

Tad Lisowski - Whitefish Tim Lloyd – State DLI

Cody Gunn – Billings – Vice President

Kim Mack - Helena Eric Copeland – State DLI

Karen Courtney – Laurel Secretary/Treasurer

Skip Gee - Helena Kraig Stevenson – ICC Gov’t Relations

Rick Benton – Lewistown – Past President

Russell Murphy - Colstrip Jim Sayers – ICC Board

Mike Nasheim – Butte-Silver Bow 6

7 - Introductions 8

Established that there is a quorum present (5 members per by-laws) 9 - Secretary/Treasury report: 10

Account Balances: 11 Savings: $3,145.81 12 Checking: $4,102.71 13 16 Active Memberships renewed 14 2 Associate Memberships renewed 15 Reminder that Dues are due by May 1, 2020. If you have not received an email stating that 16 membership has been renewed, then it hasn’t been received. 17

Motion to accept Treasurer Report – Motion to accept by Cody Gunn, Rick Benton 2nd. Motion 18 passes. 19

Minutes from January reviewed – Motion to approve by Rick Benton, Cody Gunn 2nd. Motion 20 passes. 21

- President’s Comments: 22 Coronavirus disaster – many cities are shutting down or reacting to this pandemic. Has not 23

heard that is affecting any building departments at this time. 24 Jim Brown sent out a message earlier in regard to not being able to attend the call today 25

because they have shut down. 26 • On CEU’s if you have any questions, had not stated a place to contact if you have any 27

question on your CEU’s. 28 Our conference has been cancelled. We will receive an update on that later. 29

- Vice President’s Comments: 30 We will forward the message from Jim to the membership regarding how the CEU’s will be 31

addressed. 32 They have bee discussing that no expirations, since currently we cannot get any CEU’s. 33 Do have a contact that is asaylor@iccsafe.org if you are close to losing your certification or 34

membership that you can talk to at this time. 35 36

Old Business- 37 State update: 38

- Energy Code update – Eric Copeland 39 Eric is still working on the drafts and nearly has that complete. After that it will go to legal for 40

their review. Hopes are to have it ready to go to Codes Council in May for their review. If all 41 goes as scheduled will be looking at midsummer for adoption. 42

Also working on the tall wood buildings also known as Cross Laminated Timber construction 43 that part is in legal review right now. Department is planning to adopt at the same time as the 44 Energy Code. 45

- Building Codes Conference Update – Tim Lloyd 46 As you are aware this decision came down to the wire. 47 Developments are happening quite fast pertaining to virus. 48 Decision was made Friday at noon to postpone the conference. 49

• Had discussion with ICC contact on possibility for webinars for people. 50 • Looking at possibility of another conference or smaller conferences possibly in 2-3 51

months if this slows down. 52 First thing State needs to do is total up the invoices from the hotel and the instructors that they 53

had contracts with. Unsure at this time what that total cost will be. 54 The Department is aware that many inspectors relay on that training for CEU’s. It does state in 55

ARM that you have to maintain your certification. Looking at possibly allowing additional time 56 with an Emergency Rule (these are only valid for 90 days). The department does not want to do 57 anything to jeopardize any local programs, therefore they will do all that they can to assist in 58 keeping those going. 59

60 ICC Comments- 61

- Kraig Stevenson – ICC Gov’t Relations 62 Follow up to what Mr. Lloyd stated. 63

• As the State has rules about Montanan’s keeping their certifications, ICC is accredited 64 with their training program in what they have to offer for certification categories. ICC is 65 checking with their accreditor to see if there is additional flexibility or what can be 66 formulated into a plan to do much along the same lines as the State to some of these 67 things being offered online. 68

mailto:asaylor@iccsafe.org

• Currently there are a number of things in the Learning Center that are free on demand 69 that you can get CEU’s. Kraig will get that list together and send to the Bureau and the 70 Chapter. 71

Thanked Chapter for submitting their Annual report. Stated that there was a second page that 72 pertained to the Chapter rewards program. You can gain points for extra benefits for being a 73 Chapter. These include items such as a complimentary registration for an additional chapter 74 member to attend the ABM, complimentary registration and travel to the chapter leadership 75 academy. 76

Building safety month proclamations can be done online. Encourage Chapter members to take 77 a look at that for their local jurisdictions and as well the Chapter itself to do a Montana 78 Chapter Proclamation. 79

- Jim Sayer – ICC Board 80 Spring Building Safety Conference in Atlantic City have been cancelled. Most of the State 81

meetings have been postponed and looking to be rescheduled. 82 Cody asked if there has been any information on the Chapter Leadership in June. Jim had not 83

heard anything concerning that yet. 84 Jim covered Region II report – Chris Corleas attended EduCode on scholarship and is expressing 85

interest in the Board Shadow Program. 86 Other Discussion - 87

- Cody Gunn – 88 Chapter needs to look at what we would like to do for the next meeting. With the uncertainty 89

of what is currently going on we do need to look at getting committees together and moving 90 forward without the in-person meetings. 91

• Dennis asked what the feeling was on either continuing to have over the phone or 92 meeting in small groups. 93

• Cody asked when the next meeting was supposed to be – Planned for April 94 teleconference. 95

• Rick asked if the next in person meeting would be in June or July in Billings. Yes, 96 depending on what happens with the virus situation. 97

o Cody can schedule for a large conference room in Billings when we decide on 98 date if needed. 99

o Question if that is when elections would be held so that could be taken care of. 100 Dennis asked if we had to have someone there to give oath of office. Kraig 101 stated that he believed if necessary they may be able to do the oath of office 102 remotely. 103

- Kim Mack – 104 Question for the Bureau pertaining to the Swimming Pool and Spa Code. In ARM 24-301-175 105

(2) deleting section 3109 Swimming Pool Enclosures and Safety Devices from the IBC and 106 replaced with ISPSC. In the 2018 IBC section 3109 is Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. As 107 far as enforcement, local Health Department and State DPHHS have a lot of other 108

regulations that they enforce. Previously, we were enforcing the enclosures and barriers for 109 commercial projects. With the way this is written now, are we enforcing the entire book or 110 still just the barrier requirements which is in section 305 of the ISPSC? 111

• Tim – Would like additional time to look at this question. He believes the intentions 112 were for any jurisdictions that enforce the IBC should also adopt the Pool Code and 113 should be enforcing anything applicable provisions in that code that would apply to 114 commercial buildings. If it is more a question of overlapping jurisdiction, he would 115 ask for more time to look into it. 116

117 118

Next meeting scheduled for April 21, 2020 at 10:00 AM via teleconference. Depending on situation at 119 the time of April conference call we will decide on when the in-person meeting will be scheduled in 120 Billings. 121 122 Motion to adjourn made by Cody Gunn, seconded by Rick Benton. 123

124 Adjournment at 10:30 am MST 125 126 Karen Courtney 127 Chapter Secretary/Treasurer 128

From: Kraig StevensonTo: mvhirsch@midrivers.com; Cody Gunn; building@ci.lewistown.mt.us; rgmurphyco@gmail.com; Karen CourtneySubject: CARES Act fundingDate: Monday, April 13, 2020 3:04:54 PMAttachments: MT CARES 4.10.2020.pdf

Code-Official-Survey-Info Graphic.pdf

Dennis, Cody, Rick, Russell, Karen: As involved Montana ICC Chapter members (please share with the MT Chapter members) I wantedto inform you of an initiative that ICC has undertaken as an advocacy opportunity to advocate forsome funds under the CARES act be directed to help code officials and their departments seekfunding to increase their ability to provide remote and virtual building and fire department services. Ihave attached an info-graphic that summarizes the results of an ICC survey that was conducted fromMarch 22 through April 1, 2020. It shows that not all code departments have the full capabilities ofproviding electronic permitting, permit submittals, plans examination, inspections and recordsmanagement. Circumstances surrounding the CARES Act and the directing of funds is fast moving soI did not delay in advocating for funding for the Montana Building and Fire Prevention Departments. I have attached a copy of a letter that I sent to Governor Bullock. Consider how you may also advocate as the Montana Chapter or as individual jurisdictions so youcan acquire funding to benefit your virtual and remote building and fire department services. Best regards, Kraig Stevenson, CBOSr. Regional ManagerICC Government Relations4152 Meridian St.Suite 105 #255Bellingham, WA 98226

Take your next ICC certification exam PRONTO! Taking your next ICC certification exam isnow more convenient than ever before. With ICC PRONTO, you can take many of ICC’scertification exams online from any secure location, such as your home or office. Learn more today.

mailto:KStevenson@iccsafe.orgmailto:mvhirsch@midrivers.commailto:gunnc@ci.billings.mt.usmailto:building@ci.lewistown.mt.usmailto:rgmurphyco@gmail.commailto:kcourtney@laurel.mt.govhttps://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fbit.ly%2f2CFktEy&c=E,1,oBNiGJ52qnVqU4RKvf9TP2vllrCZL_sUbqqIXKSukgcjORDoM1rFKp77G5-kpEcvgOjVFim0RhA4e-Og1slMlbsuZrEq9XrtCcPVUsl83b-eWpD7vSp4GT0,&typo=1https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/997B3S7

April 10, 2020

The Honorable Governor Steve Bullock Office of the Governor PO Box 200801 Helena, MT 59620 The Honorable Governor Bullock:

On behalf of its 237 governmental and construction industry members in Montana, the International Code

Council requests that the state utilize federal funding under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and

Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist building and fire prevention departments in continuing their essential

functions during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual solutions. Both Montana and the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) have determined that code officials are essential to our response. Department plans

examiner and inspectors in Montana responding to an International Code Council survey report working

remotely, yet not all building and fire prevention departments do not possess the capability to remotely carry

out critical aspects of their work.1

The International Code Council conducted a nationwide survey of building and fire prevention departments

between March 22 and April 1 and received responses from 1,158 individuals representing all 50 states.

According to respondents, 93% of offices are still performing inspections. Yet with 65% of department plan

reviews and inspectors working remotely, 23% of departments lack needed hard copy code books, 40% do not

have the capability to conduct electronic/remote plan review, 30% do not have the capability to conduct

electronic/remote permitting, and 61% do not have the capability for electronic/remote inspections.2

These departments, and the building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical officials and inspectors that comprise

them, conduct critical work. They enforce regulations that require disinfection of ventilation through mechanical

systems in hospitals, adequate facilities to ensure handwashing, and safe and sanitary plumbing systems that

mitigate the spread of contagions, including water, sanitary, drainage, and medical gas systems. They also

ensure healthcare centers are structurally sound, a critical function given reports of a facility collapsing and the

call for temporary healthcare facilities to create additional medical surge capacity. Code officials and property

maintenance officials inspect existing infrastructure, including plumbing, mechanical, ancillary, and fire and life

safety systems to verify that they are being maintained in a safe and sanitary condition within their original

design parameters. More broadly, code officials protect the health and welfare of building occupants when

dangerous or unsafe sanitary, air quality, structural, or electrical hazards arise.

According to FEMA, up-to-date and well enforced building codes are one of the most effective means to mitigate

communities against natural hazards.3 In fact, the National Institute of Building Sciences has reported that

1 https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/survey-of-u-s-code-officials-shows-trends-in-code-compliance-during-covid-19/. 2 ibid 3 See FEMA’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan (2018).

https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/survey-of-u-s-code-officials-shows-trends-in-code-compliance-during-covid-19/

https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/survey-of-u-s-code-officials-shows-trends-in-code-compliance-during-covid-19/

2

adopting the last structural codes can provide up to $12 in earthquake mitigation benefits for every dollar

invested.4 Strong enforcement also plays a critical role, capable of reducing losses 15 to 25 percent.5

Montana’s public health orders on COVID-19 do not restrict building and fire prevention department work.6

Similarly, the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) latest list of “Essential Critical

Infrastructure Workers,” which determines critical functions that should continue normal operations in light

of the COVID-19 pandemic, expressly recognizes as essential code officials who administer building inspection,

plan review, and permitting work.7

The CARES Act provides $150 billion through a Corona Virus Relief Fund to state, local, tribal, and territorial

governments for “necessary expenditures” with respect to the pandemic.8 The CARES Act also provides $5

billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, which by statute9 is available for “code

enforcement” activities. Finally, the Act allocates $45 billion to FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which, through the

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, has been used to help code departments incorporate electronic permitting

solutions.10

The Code Council strongly encourages Montana to utilize Corona Virus Relief Funds, CDBG, and FEMA allocations

to assist building and fire prevention departments in establishing virtual capabilities, including the deployment

of technology that enables remote plan review, permitting, and inspections, as well as online access to codes

and standards. These investments will allow departments to continue their necessary functions, while protecting

both code official and the public, and mitigate permitting challenges for ongoing and future construction—

speeding the restart of the economy and producing lasting reductions in departmental operation costs and

permitting timelines.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions concerning the Code Council’s recommendations,

please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kraig Stevenson

Kraig Stevenson, CBO

ICC Government Relations

kstevenson@iccsafe.org

4 National Institute for Building Sciences, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2018 Interim Report. 5 Czajkowski, J. et. al., Demonstrating the Intensive Benefit to the Local Implementation of a Statewide Building Code (2017). 7 See CISA, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during COVID-19 Response (Mar. 28, 2020). 8 Pub. L. 116-136. 9 42 U.S.C. § 5305. 10 See https://www.fema.gov/openfema-dataset-hazard-mitigation-assistance-projects-v1.

https://www.fema.gov/openfema-dataset-hazard-mitigation-assistance-projects-v1

VIRTUAL CAPABILITIES

23% Said their employees do not have access to needed hard copy code books

40% Do not have the capability to do electronic/remote plan reviews

30% Do not have the capability to do any aspect of electronic/remote permitting

61% Do not have the capability for electronic/remote inspections

CODE OFFICIALS ANDCOVID-19

93% Of departments still performing inspections, either remotely or in-person

65% Report that some or all employees that conduct plan review or inspections are working remotely

26% Have seen requests for temporary occupancy/structures permits as a result of COVID-19

RESULTS

The International Code Council surveyed its members to find out how code officials are coping with the professional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These results, collected between March 22 and April 1, 2020, show trends on how jurisdictions in the U.S. are keeping up with inspections, new building permits and new construction during the pandemic.

27%

7% 66%

HARD COPY vs. ELECTRONIC CODE USAGE

Hard Copies Electronic Both

20-18643

1,158 RESPONSES from jurisdictions

of all sizes

Participants from 50 U.S. STATES and the

District of Columbia

1K–4.6M POPULATION

Size of jurisdiction

April 10, 2020

The Honorable Governor Steve Bullock Office of the Governor PO Box 200801 Helena, MT 59620 The Honorable Governor Bullock:

On behalf of its 237 governmental and construction industry members in Montana, the International Code

Council requests that the state utilize federal funding under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and

Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist building and fire prevention departments in continuing their essential

functions during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual solutions. Both Montana and the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security (DHS) have determined that code officials are essential to our response. Department plans

examiner and inspectors in Montana responding to an International Code Council survey report working

remotely, yet not all building and fire prevention departments do not possess the capability to remotely carry

out critical aspects of their work.1

The International Code Council conducted a nationwide survey of building and fire prevention departments

between March 22 and April 1 and received responses from 1,158 individuals representing all 50 states.

According to respondents, 93% of offices are still performing inspections. Yet with 65% of department plan

reviews and inspectors working remotely, 23% of departments lack needed hard copy code books, 40% do not

have the capability to conduct electronic/remote plan review, 30% do not have the capability to conduct

electronic/remote permitting, and 61% do not have the capability for electronic/remote inspections.2

These departments, and the building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical officials and inspectors that comprise

them, conduct critical work. They enforce regulations that require disinfection of ventilation through mechanical

systems in hospitals, adequate facilities to ensure handwashing, and safe and sanitary plumbing systems that

mitigate the spread of contagions, including water, sanitary, drainage, and medical gas systems. They also

ensure healthcare centers are structurally sound, a critical function given reports of a facility collapsing and the

call for temporary healthcare facilities to create additional medical surge capacity. Code officials and property

maintenance officials inspect existing infrastructure, including plumbing, mechanical, ancillary, and fire and life

safety systems to verify that they are being maintained in a safe and sanitary condition within their original

design parameters. More broadly, code officials protect the health and welfare of building occupants when

dangerous or unsafe sanitary, air quality, structural, or electrical hazards arise.

According to FEMA, up-to-date and well enforced building codes are one of the most effective means to mitigate

communities against natural hazards.3 In fact, the National Institute of Building Sciences has reported that

1 https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/survey-of-u-s-code-officials-shows-trends-in-code-compliance-during-covid-19/. 2 ibid 3 See FEMA’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan (2018).

https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/survey-of-u-s-code-officials-shows-trends-in-code-compliance-during-covid-19/https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/survey-of-u-s-code-officials-shows-trends-in-code-compliance-during-covid-19/

2

adopting the last structural codes can provide up to $12 in earthquake mitigation benefits for every dollar

invested.4 Strong enforcement also plays a critical role, capable of reducing losses 15 to 25 percent.5

Montana’s public health orders on COVID-19 do not restrict building and fire prevention department work.6

Similarly, the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) latest list of “Essential Critical

Infrastructure Workers,” which determines critical functions that should continue normal operations in light

of the COVID-19 pandemic, expressly recognizes as essential code officials who administer building inspection,

plan review, and permitting work.7

The CARES Act provides $150 billion through a Corona Virus Relief Fund to state, local, tribal, and territorial

governments for “necessary expenditures” with respect to the pandemic.8 The CARES Act also provides $5

billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, which by statute9 is available for “code

enforcement” activities. Finally, the Act allocates $45 billion to FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which, through the

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, has been used to help code departments incorporate electronic permitting

solutions.10

The Code Council strongly encourages Montana to utilize Corona Virus Relief Funds, CDBG, and FEMA allocations

to assist building and fire prevention departments in establishing virtual capabilities, including the deployment

of technology that enables remote plan review, permitting, and inspections, as well as online access to codes

and standards. These investments will allow departments to continue their necessary functions, while protecting

both code official and the public, and mitigate permitting challenges for ongoing and future construction—

speeding the restart of the economy and producing lasting reductions in departmental operation costs and

permitting timelines.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions concerning the Code Council’s recommendations,

please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kraig Stevenson

Kraig Stevenson, CBO

ICC Government Relations

kstevenson@iccsafe.org

4 National Institute for Building Sciences, Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: 2018 Interim Report. 5 Czajkowski, J. et. al., Demonstrating the Intensive Benefit to the Local Implementation of a Statewide Building Code (2017). 7 See CISA, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during COVID-19 Response (Mar. 28, 2020). 8 Pub. L. 116-136. 9 42 U.S.C. § 5305. 10 See https://www.fema.gov/openfema-dataset-hazard-mitigation-assistance-projects-v1.

https://www.fema.gov/openfema-dataset-hazard-mitigation-assistance-projects-v1

VIRTUAL CAPABILITIES

23% Said their employees do not have access to needed hard copy code books

40% Do not have the capability to do electronic/remote plan reviews

30% Do not have the capability to do any aspect of electronic/remote permitting

61% Do not have the capability for electronic/remote inspections

CODE OFFICIALS ANDCOVID-19

93% Of departments still performing inspections, either remotely or in-person

65% Report that some or all employees that conduct plan review or inspections are working remotely

26% Have seen requests for temporary occupancy/structures permits as a result of COVID-19

RESULTS

The International Code Council surveyed its members to find out how code officials are coping with the professional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. These results, collected between March 22 and April 1, 2020, show trends on how jurisdictions in the U.S. are keeping up with inspections, new building permits and new construction during the pandemic.

27%

7% 66%

HARD COPY vs. ELECTRONIC CODE USAGE

Hard Copies Electronic Both

20-18643

1,158 RESPONSES from jurisdictions

of all sizes

Participants from 50 U.S. STATES and the

District of Columbia

1K–4.6M POPULATION

Size of jurisdiction

2020.03.16 Draft Meeting Minutes.pdfOld Business-ICC Comments-Other Discussion -Adjournment at 10:30 am MST