NYSSPE

NSPE Executive Director Update to the Board of Directors – February 2020

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Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of NSPE highlights the following in the most recent Executive Director Update: February 2020

In this report, covering January 15–31, you’ll read about an important new addition to NSPE staff, our ongoing work to turn back attacks on the PE license, and the importance of the unified brand across all states.
• ‘New Thinking, New Ideas, and New Energy’
• Survey: Overwhelming Support for Licensing
• Alliance Brings Clarity to Misleading Messages
• Gain New Perspectives with Upcoming Webinars
• FEYA Finalists Announced

FULL REPORT

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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.

Request for NYSSPE’s Members Comments To Proposed Revisions to NYC Fire Code

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Attention:  NYSSPE Members:

The NYC Fire Department is requesting written comments to the proposed changes or revisions to the Fire Code outlined below.  Please provide your comments (if any) in the blog comments/reply space below by December 19, 2019.  In the alternative, you may email your comments to rachel@nysspe.org by December 19, 2019.

The NYC Fire Commissioner, Daniel Nigro has recently invited NYSSPE to be represented on the Advisory Committee to the Fire Department’s 2018 Fire Code Revision Project.  Our NYSSPE’s member Bob Naro PE volunteered to participate in the FDNY Advisory Committee and report on the progress to NYSSPE’s members.  The Advisory Committee will be concluded and the deadline for submitting written comments to the proposed revisions of the Fire Code is December 19, 2019.

Please find the links below to the proposed underlined changes in the NYC Fire Code:

FC Chapter 32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 35 WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 40 Distilleries for  Advisory Committee Review (12-3-2019 )

FC Chapter 50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 51 AEROSOLS (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 53 COMPRESSED GASES (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 57 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 58 FLAMMABLE GASES (AC 11-14-19)

FC Chapter 61 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES (AC 11-14-19)

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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.

NSPE Executive Director Update to the Board of Directors – December 2019

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Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of NSPE highlights the following in the most recent Executive Director Update: December 2019

In this update for November 15–30, we have a number of items on legislative and regulatory actions involving professional engineers. Highlights include….
• New pipeline safety bill includes PE requirement
• Red flags in FL sunset review bill
• More legislative news from Philly, NY, MN, MI
• ‘They’ve put technology advancement here before saving lives’
• Celebrate top colleagues with Honor Awards

NY Update:  New York bill promotes PE oversight
A bill that has passed the New York State Senate and is awaiting approval by the State Assembly would greatly enhance public safety and require a professional engineering license.  The legislation (S.B. 2935), sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, passed the upper house last May. The bill would require certain engineering plans for work or services that could pose a material risk to public safety—for example, gas transmission lines—to bear a professional engineer’s seal. The legislation also authorizes the public services commission to set rules and regulations relating to the requirement. When the New York State Assembly reconvenes on January 8, they will consider the companion bill (A.B. 6557), sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Cusick.

Read the FULL REPORT here

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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.

 

NYSSPE 2020 Legislative Preview

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By Mark Kriss Esq., Legislative Counsel

1. Bachelor’s Degree Bill
At the request of NYSSPE the Chair of the New York State Assembly Higher Education Committee, Assemblywoman Deborah Glick, has agreed to introduce, and advocate for, legislation to require that an applicant seeking licensure as a professional engineer in New York State have a bachelor’s degree in engineering (or its equivalent in accordance with regulations to be promulgated by the New York State Education Department).  The legislation has passed both houses of the Legislature in the past, but unfortunately, it has never passed both houses in the same year.  In addition to the Assembly, this year we anticipate strong sponsorship in the Senate and very hopeful that the legislation will become law in 2020.

Currently, of the learned professions of medicine, law and engineering, only engineering has a path to licensure without a formal education. In reality very few PEs lack a formal education and there are many, and very affordable, means of securing an engineering degree. For example, families with modest means can qualify for the Excelsior Program which provides a complete tuition waiver in many circumstances.  Two-year programs at a community college, combined with an additional two years at a state college or university, also offers an affordable avenue to secure a bachelor’s degree in engineering.  (Individuals currently seeking to secure licensure via the twelve-year ladder will be exempt from the new requirement.)

2. Gas Transmission Lines (Public Safety Enhancement)
S2935a / A6557 (Senator Kaminsky / Assemblyman Cusick)
This bill will require that plans and services relating to gas transmission lines which are determined to pose a material risk to public safety must be provided and overseen by a licensed professional engineer. The New York State Public Service Commission is required by the legislation to promulgate rules and regulations addressing the foregoing requirement.

3. Land Surveying – Modernization of Definition of Practice
NYSSPE and the New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors have agreed to legislation which will modernize the definition of practice for land surveying, (including, e.g., express reference to GPS technology and photogrammetry) while ensuring that professional engineers will continue to be authorized to undertake all aspects of the practice of land surveying except for the determination of land boundaries.

(Updates, including bill numbers, will be provided throughout the session.)
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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.

As Licensing Threats Increase, NSPE Builds Defense Network

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NSPE has bolstered its efforts to protect professional licensing with the creation of the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing, a new coalition of advanced professions dedicated to informing lawmakers and the public of the importance of rigorous professional licensing standards.

In this partnership, NSPE is leading the charge to educate policymakers on the importance of maintaining standards for complex technical professions like engineering that have a clear impact on public health, safety, and welfare. In addition to its ongoing efforts to defend the PE license, NSPE spearheaded this coalition to ensure that professional engineers and other advanced professions are represented amid the growing debate around licensing laws.

“Advanced professions like [engineering] already have licensing models that work, making it possible for our engineers to move from one state to another and have their licenses acknowledged,” says NSPE Executive Director Mark Golden. “This is only possible because well-structured licensing systems have established consistency in qualifications and standards within our profession. This uniformity establishes a baseline of trust in the qualifications of our engineers to do their work and keep the public safe.”

In its leadership position with ARPL, NSPE will highlight how professional licensing protects the public by ensuring a baseline of proven qualification and expertise that protects consumers from unqualified practitioners. This public awareness campaign aims to counter the antilicensing interests that threaten public safety. [Read more…]

NSPE Executive Director Update to the Board of Directors – September 2019

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Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director of NSPE highlights the following in the most recent Executive Director Update: September 2019

• The Latest on License Exemptions
• PE News from CO, TX, and IL
• Webinar Series Announced: Climate Action for Engineers
• QBS Award Winners Named
• Don’t Miss: Insurance Coverage for State Societies

Read the FULL REPORT here

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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.

 

Chapter Merger Update

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As a result of a vote between our Chapters and Board we have merged a few of our chapters.

The following chapters are now merged:
1. NY05 – Champlain Valley & NY23 – St. Lawrence/Franklin Chapters have merged into: NY01 – Capital District Chapter
2. NY11 – Jefferson/Lewis & NY17 – Oneida/Mohawk Chapters have merged into: NY04 – Central New York Chapter

The following is a listing of chapters and the counties they serve.

NY01 = Capital District Chapter: Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, Hamilton, Saratoga, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington
NY02 = Bronx Chapter: Bronx
NY03 = Broome Chapter: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins
NY04 = Central New York Chapter: Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego
NY08 = Dutchess/Ulster Chapter: Dutchess, Ulster (in process of being merged)
NY09 = Erie/Niagara Chapter: Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus
NY12 = Kings Chapter: Kings [Read more…]

Earn up to Fifteen Free Courses through NSPE

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These courses are available for free to NSPE members to conveniently view from the comfort of your home or office. Viewers may earn credits by viewing the webinars and passing a quiz. Upon successful completion of each session quiz with a passing score of 70% or higher, the quiz taker will receive an attendance certificate with the appropriate credits (PDHs) earned for that session. PDHs from the NSPE free courses are recognized by most U.S. states including Florida.

15 Free Course Access Tutorial: NSPE has put together a short video to show you how to access your 15 Free Courses.

2019 Free Courses
* indicates this particular webinar has been approved through NY Practicing Institute of Engineering (PIE)

  • Advancing Your Career: Seven Essentials Principles to Set Yourself Apart
  • Architects & Engineers Claims Risk: Impact of Changing Technology and Inexperience
  • Engineering Career Development: How to Manage and Retain the Future Workforce
  • Engineering Ethics: Marketing Communications, and Employment *
  • Engineering Ethics: The PE and Domestic and International Gifts *
  • Engineering Ethics: The PE and Sustainable Development *
  • Engineering Ethics: The PE as an Expert Witness *
  • Hurricane Engineering Response: Restoring Power to Puerto Rico
  • Introduction to the 2018 EJCDC Construction Series Documents
  • License to Succeed: Compliance for Architecture, Engineering and Construction Firms
  • Navigating Successful Project Delivery
  • Prevention through Design
  • Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) and its Importance to Engineering and the Public
  • Staying Relevant: The Lifelong Learning Journey
  • Understanding Wastewater Engineering *

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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.

 

NYSSPE 2019 Annual Conference Recap

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The New York State Society of Professional Engineers held their annual conference in Saratoga Springs, NY June 6th and 7th.   The conference was well attended by over 130 engineers and included a variety of learning sessions cover trending topics such as Ethics, Safety During Construction, Trends in Licensure and Structural Stabilization of Partially Collapsed Buildings.    NYSSPE had the pleasure of welcoming Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE, NSPE’s Executive Director who attended the conference and Board Meetings.

NSPE Executive Director Mark J. Golden, FASAF, CAE addressing NYSSPE Memebers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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:

Meritorious Service Award: Irvine G. Reinig II, P.E.
Meritorious Service Award: Laura M. Pellizzi, P.E., F.NSPE
Young Engineer of the Year: Kaitlin E. Sajduk, P.E.
Contribution in Education: Aaron D. Straus
Recognition of Dedication: Mark Kriss, Esq. for his 30 years of dedication to NYSSPE as Legal Counsel.

The project of the year was awarded to PE’s in Construction (PEC) Project of the Year: 5-Mile Belt Parkway Bridge Replacement & Reconstruction Project with attendance from the many firms and project owners that worked directly on the project.

The NYSSPE appreciates the support of all the speakers, engineers and their guests that attended the annual conference and continue to support the society and its mission. This year was truly a success.
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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.

Laura Pellizzi, PE and Rudi Sherbansky, PE named in NSPE Fellows Class of 2019

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Eleven outstanding professional engineers have been named to the 2019 class of Fellow members by the National Society of Professional Engineers, two of which are NYSSPE Members.  Laura Pellizzi, PE and Rudi Sherbanksy, PE have both been named this prestigious membership honor.   The Fellow membership grade honors those active NSPE members who have demonstrated exemplary and devoted service to their profession, the Society, and their community. Requirements for the designation include holding at least one elected office at any level and active involvement at the national level. This prestigious designation has been awarded to just over one percent of all NSPE members since the award was established in 2000.

“The professional engineers selected as Fellows in 2019 represent the very best in the engineering profession,” said chairwomen of the executive committee of the Council of Fellows Amy Barrett, PE, F.NSPE. “Their selfless involvement in state and local activities inspires pride in our profession and displays a level of dedication in which the public can be proud to put its trust in professional engineers. On behalf of the executive committee, I am honored to welcome them as Fellows.”

NSPE state and territorial societies can nominate one person for each 500 voting members on their rolls per year. Nominations are also open to NSPE interest groups, chartered affinity groups, and the Board of Directors.

 

Laura M. Pellizzi, PE, F.NSPE
Immediate Past President

 

 

 

Rudi Sherbansky, PE, F.NSPE
New York City Region

 

 

NYSSPE is incredibly proud to have Laura Pellizzi, PE and Rudi Sherbansky, PE as loyal and dedicated members.

Congratulations from all of your friends at 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.