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NSPE Remembers NJSPE’s Eugene R. “Gene” O’Brien

June 28, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

Eugene “Gene” R. O’Brien, 81, of Princeton Junction, NJ, passed away at University Medical Center Princeton at Plainsboro on June 17, 2022.  The only child of Edward L. and Marie O’Brien, Gene was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Elizabeth, NJ before residing at his home in Princeton Junction until his passing. Gene graduated with his masters degree in Electrical Engineering and was employed by the Bell System; most recently with Lucent Technologies before retiring.

Gene was a long standing member of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers and also the National Society of Professional Engineers. Having won numerous awards throughout the course of his career, on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Gene was posthumously awarded a New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers Lifetime Achievement Award.

A thoughtful and fair man, Gene was a driving force and role model for many young people. He had a passion for robotics beginning in 2004. In 2010, Gene became a Founding Member of
FIRST Robotics Mid-Atlantic District. He served as Chair of many committees over his three terms including Chairman of the Board, Chair of Finance and Chair of Recruitment. He lent his
knowledge and time to any and all who needed or asked for it, and was known for his commitment to ensuring the team’s success. Gene was a wealth of knowledge and found great joy in exposing
children to the world of robotics.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to FIRST Mid-Atlantic Robotics at midatlanticrobotics.com/donate

Read More…

Filed Under: NSPE News, Uncategorized

NYSSPE 2022 Legislative Update June 1, 2022

June 23, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

by Mark Kriss Esq., Legislative Counsel
2022 NYS Legislative Session

The 2022 New York State Legislative Session is moving toward its traditional June recess and legislators are focusing upon the upcoming primary elections to be held on June 28th and August 23rd (Congressional and NYS Senate), as well as the general elections on November 8th. The primary elections for U.S. Congress and NYS Senate were moved to August 23rd due to challenges to the original district maps, drawn by NYS lawmakers, which were held to be invalid by the courts and judicially redrawn to eliminate widespread gerrymandering. Notwithstanding the legislative focus on election year politics, the Society has remained vigilant in protecting both the professional engineering community and the public by preventing the erosion of professional engineering licensure and advocating for public health safety and welfare as the circumstances require. Following are key proposals requiring the Society’s attention and intervention

1. Indemnification Reform –
This legislation, which was previously vetoed by ex-Governor Cuomo, addresses the issue of design professional contractual indemnification on public sector projects (state and local) and is strongly supported by NYSSPE. The legislation addresses public sector contracts wherein municipalities, state agencies and other governmental entities have inordinate leverage over the terms of indemnification. Presently, governmental entities can and do unfairly shift the burden to design consulting firms for the cost of future contingent events such as property damage, personal injury and attendant attorneys’ fees.

Broad form defense and indemnification provisions subject design professionals to liability arising out of the circumstances that are well beyond the design professional’s scope of work and for matters over which the design professional has no control. Design professionals in many instances are unable to secure insurance to cover the scope of claims these provisions can generate. Many of the most highly qualified engineering firms simply refuse to participate in RFQs when confronted with adhesion contracts of this nature. As a result both public owners and taxpayers are deprived of the opportunity to benefit from their participation.

This bill addresses indemnification inequity by voiding contractual provisions requiring defense and indemnification involving a public work to the extent that a design professional is required to defend and indemnify a municipality, state agency, and other governmental entity or other parties for damages that are not the result of the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional. Responsibility for losses related to the actions or failures of other parties that are unrelated to the design professional services rightfully rest with the at-fault party or parties. Design professions simply should not be compelled to provide indemnification for such conduct.

The Society, together with others in the design community, have been examining the developments in sister states regarding indemnification reform. A number of states have adopted meaningful reforms and our internal discussions with sister design organizations have focused upon these states with the goal of refining a model bill for New York. The process has taken longer than we had hoped, but we are optimistic that model legislation to be put forward later this year will provide the best chance for passage in New York.

2. Design Professional Service Corporations –
ESOP Ownership Liberalization S5261B/A1891-B Senator Kennedy/Assemblyperson Lupardo
Approximately ten years ago NYSSPE was instrumental in securing legislation liberalizing the ownership structure of design firms (Design Professional Service Corporations) in New York State. Prior to the Society’s intervention, with the exception of grandfather corporations, ownership in design firms was completely limited to licensees (professional engineers, architects, land surveyors, etc.). This paradigm created a unequal playing field giving grandfather corporations an enormous advantage in attracting talented employees in fields such as IT and marketing. Legislation has now passed both houses which again addresses Design Professional Service Corporations and will permit all of the shares of a firm to be owned by an ESOP vesting membership interests in bona fide employees of the firm without limitation as to the percentage of stock owned by the ESOP. (Currently the ESOP is limited to a maximum ownership of 24.99 % of the firm.) However, the legislation vest control of the ESOP in a Board of Trustees or a Management Committee with a key provision requiring that 75% of the members of the Board of Trustees or Management Committee be licensees. This new structure will ensure that professionals retain control of the key decision-making respecting professional practice and allow local engineering firms to flourish and not exacerbate the acquisition of local firms by grandfather corporations as has historically taken place.

3. QBS – Support
A8504 –Comptroller’s Program Bill
This legislation requires the use of Qualifications Based Selection by Public Authorities and Public Benefit Corporations, in addition to state agencies. Expanded utilization of QBS has been a long sought-after goal of NYSSPE. In fact, due in substantial part to the Society’s efforts, similar legislation passed the Assembly in 2010. QBS assures that price is not the sole criteria in the selection of professional engineering services by affording due consideration to the respective qualifications of consulting firms participating in the procurement process. Adoption of QBS also helps to avoid steering of service contract to politically favored firms. Since former Governor Cuomo opposed expanding QBS, his departure from office has enhanced our assessment of the prospects for this bill. In fact NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has advanced the legislation with the goal of to preventing some of the abuses identified under one or more prior administrations.

4. Statute of Repose – Support
A1706/S4127 – Assemblyman Pretlow/Senator Griffo
This legislation creates a 10-year Statute of Repose requiring that actions for personal injury and wrongful death against a design professional and construction contractors be commenced not more than 10 years after a project is completed. The bill continues to face strong opposition from the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. NYSSPE has been assisted in its fight by other organizations including associations representing general contractors and AIA. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Legislative News

2022 Annual Conference Recap

June 22, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

The New York State Society of Professional Engineers held their annual conference in Suffern, NY, June 10th and 11th.   The conference included a variety of learning sessions cover trending topics such as Ethics, Safety, Planning for Transportation Assets, COVID-19 Impacts and Rock Stabilization.

NYSSPE had the pleasure of welcoming Rick Guerra, PE; NSPE President who attended the conference and Board Meetings.  Rick also presented the lunch seminar: Professional Ethics – Right or Wrong – 1 PDH.   This presentation focused on a brief review of the NSPE Code of Ethics and an introduction to the NSPE Board of Ethical Review as a valuable ethics resource.  Together attendees explored and analyzed several case studies that will help them strengthen their own professional ethics by discussing common dilemmas facing engineers in today’s work environment.

On Friday evening NYSSPE hosted the Annual Awards and Installation Dinner, The awards dinner highlighted NYSSPE award winners that have impacted the industry through a multitude of disciplines recognizing the following:

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR
Thomas B. Mathias, P.E.
NYSSPE PEG PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER IN GOVERNMENT AWARD
Phillip Eng, P.E.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jane W. Blair, P.E.
JUNIOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
Jessica Sucharski

NYSSPE also installed the following officers to begin their terms on July 1, 2022:
In-coming President, 2022-2024 Andrew Yarmus, PE, F.NSPE

President-Elect: John Sucharski, PE
Treasurer: David Macedonio, PE
Central Region: Peter Lantensack, PE
Long Island Region: Brian McCaffrey, PE
Mid-Hudson Region: Steven Robbins, PE, LEED AP
New York Region: Richard Lefever , PE
Northeast Region: Steven Moore, PE
Western Region: David Roberts, PE [Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NYC 2022 Construction Codes – DOB Overview Webinar with AIA-NY

June 22, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

As part of the Department of Building’s training and outreach program to instruct  industry and city agencies about the most significant changes in the 2022 New York City Construction Codes, which become effective on November 7th of this year, I would like to bring to your attention another opportunity to learn about the codes.  The American Institute of Architects – New York Chapter (AIA-NY) is hosting a virtual overview of the most significant changes.  This will take the form of a 90-minute webinar presented by DOB, followed by a 30-minute Q & A.

Joseph Ackroyd, PE, DOB Assistant Commissioner for Technical Affairs and Code Development and Robert Holub, RA, DOB Senior Code Architect will review and discuss the most significant changes to the Administrative, Building, Fuel Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes.  This will include changes to construction documentation, architectural and structural requirements, provisions for building systems, fire protection ratings, exterior finishes, special inspection compliance, emergency voice and alarm communications and accessibility requirements including drinking fountain locations, destination-oriented elevators and accessibility routes. Continuing education credit has been approved for this program.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday 29th June 2022 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.  Participation is free to all AIA Members (including those from other AIA chapters) and a $10 fee for non-members. Registration should be made via the following link to the AIA-NY website: Day – Calendar – AIA New York / Center for Architecture (aiany.org) .

Registrants will receive a Zoom link to allow them to participate.  General inquiries to AIA-NY should be made to their Managing Director Suzanne Mecs, (smecs@aiany.org).

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

Filed Under: Design Build

NYSSPE Announces 2022 Award Winners

May 24, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

NYSSPE is pleased to announce the following 2022 award winners!  There individuals were nominated by their peers and voted on by the NYSSPE Nominating Committee.  There honors will be awarded in person at the 2022 Annual Conference on June 10, 2022 in Suffern, NY.

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR: Thomas B. Mathias, P.E.
To recognize a professional engineer who has made an outstanding contribution to the goals of the Society of Professional Engineers by means of educational, collegiate and engineering achievements; professional society, technical society, civic and humanitarian activities; and displayed continuing competence.

NYSSPE PEG PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER IN GOVERNMENT AWARD: Phillip Eng, P.E.
To recognize a professional engineer in Government who, during a career in public service, has made an outstanding contribution to public health, safety and/or welfare, the engineering profession, and the goals of the Society of Professional Engineers through demonstrated managerial ability and professional engineering achievement.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Jane W. Blair, P.E.
To recognize a professional engineer who has made an outstanding contribution to the goals of the Society of Professional Engineers over an extended period of time.

JUNIOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD: Jessica Sucharski
In recognition of outstanding service, leadership, and continued commitment to the Mathcounts Program.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NYSSPE Annual Conference – June 10 & 11 – Suffern, NY

May 24, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

We want to see you again at the NYSSPE 2022 Annual Conference!
June 10-11, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza, Suffern, NY
Network with peers, enhance your practice and earn up to 6 PDH’s.
You will also have access to our exhibitors who will be showcasing great products that can help your career and business!

The following members were duly elected and will be installed for their terms on Friday, June 10th at the Installation & Award Dinner:
Their term will begin July 1st.

In-coming President, 2022-2024 Andrew Yarmus, PE, F.NSPE

President-Elect: John Sucharski, PE
Treasurer: David Macedonio, PE
Central New York Region: Peter Lantensack, PE
Long Island Region: Brian McCaffrey, PE
Mid-Hudson Region: Steven Robbins, PE, LEED AP
New York Region: Richard Lefever , PE
Northeast Region: Steven Moore, PE
Western Region: David Roberts, PE

The Nominating Committee has chosen Past President, Joseph Pasaturo, PE as the Nominating Committee Chair with the following delegates:

Long Island Delegate: Terry Heneveld, PE
New York Delegate: Jonathan Mendoza, PE
Mid Hudson Delegate: Michael Finan, PE
Northeast Delegate: Ernest Gailor, PE
Western NY Delegate: Martin Gordon,PE

Filed Under: NYSSPE Chapter News

NSPE Executive Director Update to the Board of Directors – May 2022

May 6, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

From Monika Schulz, CAE, Executive Director & CEO

NSPE national, state societies, and local chapters are in “busy season” as meeting plans and outreach activities are being finalized. During this time, we must not forget to thank our member volunteers who dedicate themselves to bringing these events to fruition. Please take a moment to review the many highlights from April 1-30 and what’s on the horizon in the coming weeks with engagement, outreach, and professional advancement opportunities.

  • Virtual Career Fair for Engineering Professionals
  • 2022 QBS Awards Nominations Open
  • Louisiana Residents Care About Licensure
  • #NSPECon Reimagined
  • Don’t Miss Out – “Workability Wednesdays” Webinar Series
  • 2022 Engineering Outlook Survey Completed
  • Get on the Calendar – State Society Meetings and Conferences
  • NSPE Director, Membership-at-Large Nominations
  • Virtual Annual Membership Meeting

Read full report here 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Legislative News Update: Budget and Executive Secretary Announcement, Eric Greppo, PE

April 19, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

The State Budget adopted late last week rejected the Governor’s proposed transfer of the health professions to DOH, and rejected several other proposals that would have had serious implications for OP’s work and for NYS licensed professionals. With the strong support of the Board of Regents and the Commissioner, OP remains intact and firmly embedded in the important work of the State Education Department. The enacted budget also increases OP’s spending authority, which will enable us to hire some much needed staff to handle our growing workload. While it will take time to rebuild OP’s staffing to a more sufficient level, we are thankful for the support and confidence demonstrated by the legislature, professional associations and other stakeholders.

The Board of Regents also appointed two new Executive Secretaries:
• Evan Seiden, LCSW, was appointed as the Executive Secretary to the State Board for Social Work and the State Board for Mental Health Practitioners. Evan has capably served OP as a social worker in the Professional Assistance Program for several years and will be transferring to the Board office to take on this new leadership role.
• Eric Greppo, PE, was appointed as the Executive Secretary to the State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying and Geology and the State Board for Interior Design. Eric brings to OP his professional experience in the private sector, as well as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS). Since 2009, Mr. Greppo has served as a Professional Engineer for the NYSDOCCS Office of Facilities Planning and Development, handling a wide variety of management and regulatory responsibilities.
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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

Filed Under: Legislative News

NYSSPE Members are invited to a presentation by NYC DDC Deputy Commissioner on the topic of NYC State of Infrastructure and Coastal Resilience

April 19, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

The New York Chapter of NYSSPE is excited to host another in-person event on April 20. We are honored to have NYCDDC Deputy Commissioner, Eric Macfarlane, and Associate Commissioner, Ali Mallick,  as the speakers for the event. The presentation is titled ” New York City State of Infrastructure and Coastal Resilience”.

Participants will receive dinner and 1 PDH credit for attending this event.

The event will take place in the Cornell Club of New York City. Come and join us to network with the Commissioner and with your colleagues in the industry. We will follow the NYC Protocol on Covid19 for Indoor Dining. See Flyer below or contact Wanda Rios (wrios@kseng.com) for details or questions.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

Filed Under: NYC Metro Area Information, NYSSPE Events

Legislative Update: Threatened Regulatory Restraints on Professional Practice

April 14, 2022 By nysspe Leave a Comment

By: Mark Kriss, Esq.
NYSSPE Legislative and Legal Counsel

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
(Threatened Regulatory Restraints on Professional Practice)

Earlier this month NYSSPE, at the direction of the Society’s Executive Committee, submitted testimony in opposition to efforts by the Department of Environmental Conservation to require that all personnel working on environmental remediation projects overseen by professional engineers, including, for example, those conducting field observations and data collection, work for a single engineering company.  This one shop proposal if adopted would adversely impact a sizable segment of the professional engineering community consisting of numerous solo and small to intermediate size engineering firms who traditionally have worked collaboratively with environmental consulting firms with regard to projects of this nature.  Notwithstanding that the New York State Education Law clearly envisions that professional engineers may utilize the services of both employees and other qualified third-party consultants in the delivery of professional engineering services, the new DC regulation would eliminate this practice. A copy of the Society’s testimony is set forth below.

In the event that this type of restrictive regulation moves forward other areas of professional engineering currently practice by solo and small or intermediate sized engineering firms, could face similar constraints.

See letter wrote to DEC from NYSSPE 

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Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.

Filed Under: Legislative News

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