NYSSPE

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

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

Although these continue to be trying times, this update (April 15–30) includes some positive news, and we continue moving forward. Please spend a few moments to learn the latest.

  • Testing Centers Begin Reopening
  • Coalitions Respond to New Tactics of Licensure Opponents
  • NSPE Challenges DOT
  • States Tackle License Exemption
  • New EJCDC Docs, Continuing Education Opportunities

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.

NSPE Update-from Executive Director Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE

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NSPE Update from Executive Director Mark J. Golden, FASAE, CAE

The year is just getting started, but there’s a lot to report. Check out the highlights covering January 1–15, 2019.

• How to Stay Current on Leadership Issues
• Court Ruling Preserves PE Designation
• 2019 Legislative Outlook and Webinar
• Challenges to Certification
• New Lineup of 15 Free Courses
• Membership Campaign in High Gear
• Record-Breaking NAFE Conference
• NICET News
• Headquarters Operations

READ FULL REPORT 

NYC DOB and DDC to Address Design Professionals on October 19th at NYC Design Professionals Day.

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On Friday October 19th, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) will provide several presentations to inform design professionals and the construction industry about important design considerations and about conducting inspections in the City, as well as about the recent initiatives by the department. The event will be held at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (NYU-Poly), Pfizer Auditorium, 5 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201. For more information and to RSVP to the event CLICK HERE.

The full day event will begin with a keynote speech by DOB’s First Deputy Commissioner Thomas Fariello R.A., who will discuss recent developments and an update on the online filing system being implemented by the department. DOB’s Chief Structural Engineer Dan Eschenasy, PE, F.SEI, SECB, will provide an overview of post fire structural investigations by design professionals (1 PDH). Chief of DOB’s Forensic Engineering Unit, Tim Lynch PE, will discuss Building Typology and NYC’s building classifications system (1 PDH) as well as lessons from the recent damage assessments in Puerto Rico (1 PDH). In addition, DOB’s Director of Sustainability Enforcement, Holly Savoia PE will discuss TR-8 energy progress inspections conducted by design professionals in New York City (1 PDH).

In addition, the Deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) Eric Macfarlane, PE, M.ASCE, will provide an overview of New York City’s efforts to engineer sustainability and resiliency in the face of Global warming and associated sea level rise projection and extreme weather events (1 PDH). Mr. Macfarlane will discuss NYC’s emissions reduction efforts to date and NYC’s Roadmap to 80% GHG reduction by 2050. Also discussed will be a few DDC projects and case studies related to sustainability and resiliency and 80X20 efforts to preserve and improve the quality of life for NYC residents. For more information and to RSVP to the event use the following link: RSVP to Event.

The presentation by DOB’s Director of Sustainability Enforcement, Holly Savoia PE will include a discussion on changes in the energy code and the continually evolving knowledge base of design professionals in an effort to improve energy performance and sustainable building practices in construction. Strong enforcement and education are a necessary component of this effort, and TR-8 progress inspectors play a crucial part in the bridge between the design phase and construction. The presentation will identify the resources available to design professionals for the conduct of progress inspections with respect to the energy code, the administration process to be followed, lessons learned by the Department of Buildings during a recent pilot study of alteration projects, a discussion of challenges, and what is coming up on the horizon.

The presentation by DOB’s Chief Structural Engineer Dan Eschenasy, PE, F.SEI, SECB, will include an overview of Post Fire Structural Investigations. Material specific methods of post-fire inspection and evaluation will be presented. Following a fire incident structural engineers are called to evaluate the structural stability and condition of the remaining structure and determine the needs for structural repairs. Fire characteristics and the effect of fire on various construction materials will be discussed (steel, concrete, stone and wood). [Read more…]

NYSSPE Members attend 2018 Professional Engineer Conference in Las Vegas

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From July 18–22 in Las Vegas, at Caesars Palace, NSPE members enjoyed an exciting week full of exceptional education programs, speakers, and great networking.

Laura Pellizzi, PE, Dave Janover, PE, and Andrew Yarmus, PE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year NYSSPE had 7 members attend the conference.  Joe Pasaturo, PE, Nikhil Bodhankar, PE, Laura Pellizzi, PE,  Rudi Sherbanksy, PE, Andrew Yarmus, PE and David Janover, PE (a prior NY’er who has now relocated to Arizona) represented NYSSPE.  Marty Gordon from NAFE (and also an NYSSPE member) was also in attendance.  Andrew Yarmus, PE chaired the last NSPE PEC meeting of his term as chair, represented NSPE PEC at the House of Delegates, and was acknowledged as a member of this year’s class of Fellows.  Laura Pellizzi, PE was appointed as NE Region Candidate Screening Committee representative and represented NY at the House of Delegates (report to come).  Nikhil Bodhankar, PE, of course, was acknowledged as NSPE’s Young Engineer of the Year.

Some Highlights:
Board of Directors, 2018–19
The new 2018–19 Board of Directors has been installed—a talented group to lead NSPE into the future.

NSPE has a new app! The NSPE App houses multiple conference events within one app. You only need to download one app to access an archive of conference events at the palm of your hands.  Download the NSPE App to stay up to date with the latest event news and the full conference schedule.  Explore exciting features to keep you engaged throughout the event, including interactive maps, session and speaker profiles, and much more.

2018 NSPE Award Winners
Young Engineer of the Year Award -NYSSPE’s Nikhil Bodhankar, P.E. (Capital District Chapter)

Images courtesy of NSPE and Christie’s Photographic Studios.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

New Firestop Special Inspection Standards

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NEW FIRESTOP SPECIAL INSPECTION STANDARDS

Firestopping is a critical area of fire protection in commercial buildings to limit the spread of building fires.  This is the reason NYC Department of Buildings changed their new 2014 code to require firestop special inspections utilizing the ASTM firestop inspection standards for all buildings.  According to these standards, the inspector shall provide visual and/or destructive testing for a percentage of the firestop systems.  The New ASTM firestop inspection standards have proven to be an excellent standard to protect the liability of the special inspection agency and general contractors. To reduce your liability these standards need to be adhered to, so NYSSPE has supported firestop special inspection training for its membership.

Firestop Special Inspection Requirement:

Firestopping, is becoming more and more of a hot button item these days.  Why is that? Because of its extreme importance in fire resistive floors and walls.  Firestopping is the use of materials for building; such as ducts, pipes, etc. that prevent flames, heat and gases from spreading through penetrations of ceilings, walls and floors to restore its full fire rating. Not only do many buildings not have the proper firestop systems installed, but we are finding that it is inexperienced workers from each trade installing the firestop systems, leaving their walls, joints, ceilings, etc. exposed and at great risk.  When a building is at risk, people’s lives are at risk of injury and fatality, that could lead to litigation for your company.  To reduce this liability the NYC Department of Buildings has recently required firestop special inspections according to the new ASTM firestop inspection standards. 

Review Some of the Highlights of the New ASTM Firestop Inspection Standard: 

You may be aware that the International Building Code used in the US has included new firestop inspection standards since the 2012 codes were adopted.  These standards were put in place to help increase the efficiency of firestop systems and inspections.  The ASTM firestop inspection standards have been also adopted into the 2014 NYC codes. The two ASTM Standards are E-2174 (Penetrations) and   E-2393 (Joints) that are in place for special inspectors to adhere to.    These two standards are similar and important to understand, starting with Conflicts of Interest.  The firestop inspector needs to be completely independent of and divested from the installer, contractor, manufacturer, or supplier.   [Read more…]

NYSSPE Official Ballot Results 2018-2020

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The New York State Society of Professional Engineers is proud to announce the results of the Official Ballot for 2018-2020.  The following members were duly elected and will be installed in June 2018 for their terms, which will begin in July of this year. Joe Pasaturo, PE will serve as the NYSSPE 2020-2022 President.

OFFICERS
President-Elect : Joe Pasaturo, PE
Treasurer: Andrew Yarmus, PE
Assistant Treasurer: John Sucharski, PE

New York, Vice President: Rudi Sherbanksy, PE
Northeast, Vice President: Ernest Gailor, PE
Western, Vice President: William Klepser, PE

ELECTION OF AUDITORS
DeChants, Fuglein & Johnson, LLP

NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR
Laura Pellizzi, PE

DELEGATES
Long Island Region Delegate
Jaclyn Peranteau, PE

Western Region Delegate
Ed Szpala, PE

New York City Region Delegate
Al Brand, PE

Northeast Region Delegate
Steve Moore, PE

The following positions were not up for election in this election cycle and the following incumbents will be re-installed into their current positions:
President- James Kuhn, PE

Immediate Past President
Laura Pellizzi, PE

Long Island, Vice President: David Macedonio, PE
Mid-Hudson, Vice President: Andrew Yarmus, PE
Central NY, Vice President: Peter Lautensack, PE

PEC Chair 
Richard “Rick” Miller, PE

PEPP Chair
Thomas J. Petracca, PE

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.

ICC April Government Relations Update

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You can make the 2018 Building Safety Month a huge hit in your jurisdiction with a proclamation.  Scheduling a signing event with a mayor, a city council or a county commission is fairly simple. Just download a 2018 Building Safety Month proclamation (for free), and edit it with the name of the signer and the jurisdiction involved. Then, make the arrangement for a presentation on Building Safety Month, show this video and end it with the proclamation signing. For your office, you can also download (for free) the official 2018 Building Safety Month poster which you can copy and tape throughout the office. If you’d like to make a presentation to schools, you can download (for free) the official Building Safety Month Activity Book for Kids and hand them out. The activity book features color pages, crossword puzzle, word search, junior code official certificate and more.  Great to hand out from the building department counter or at school assemblies. For just $8, you can order a roll of 100 Junior ICC Building Safety Inspector badges. There are even two (free) downloads on how to conduct Building Safety Month events! Need a handout? Download the (free) Building Safety Month information brochure. There are other items for free or for purchase to help celebrate Building Safety Month in May and to raise the profile of code officials and the great service they provide to communities. Here’s the link.

Click here for the full ICC 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.

 

 

NYSSPE 2018 Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs -earn up to 7PDH

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The NYSSPE Annual conference is a cost effective way to obtain up to 7 PDHs, as well as a great way to network with other Professionals! Attendees will also have access to our exhibitors who will be showcasing great products that can help your career and business.

June 15 & 16, 2018
Holiday Inn
232 Broadway (Rt. 9),
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

Meeting Summary and Hotel Information
 Agenda/Schedule

Seminar Topics will include:
It’s a Matter of Ethics
Engineers, Envelopes, and the Energy Code
Bio-Engineering Utilizing Biodegradable Sediment & Erosion Control Solutions
Pavement Preservation Solutions
The 1939 NY World’s Fair: A Civil Engineering Showcase

Hotel Reservations are to be made directly with the Holiday Inn
Room rate $165
Rooms MUST be booked by: May 25, 2018

REGISTER NOW
Registration Deadline is June 11, 2018

Exhibitor Form 

Sponsor Form 

NYSSPE – A Special Message from Past President Marvin Specter PE LS

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This past June at our NYSSPE Annual Conference in White Plains, I had the pleasure to meet Marvin Specter, PE, LS.  Mr. Specter joined NSPE in 1955, was President of the Westchester Chapter in 1968, State President in 1972, NSPE National President in 1982, and that year founded the National Academy of Forensic Engineers. (NAFE).  He also Co-founded the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) in 1990 and was President in 1993. [Read more…]

NYSSPE Holds Fourth Annual New York City Design Professionals Day

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About 4 years ago, at the New York Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE), we decided that we needed to create a way for New York City design professionals to interact with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).   A way that would help these professionals stay up to date on the latest codes, and also meet and ask questions of DOB officials including Commissioner Rick Chandler, P.E.

Four years later, we just held our fourth annual Design Professionals Day and over 100 design professionals packed the room to learn and network. Topics presented included:

• Chapter 17: Special Inspections by D. Eric Hoyt, PE;
• Alterations in NYC: Common Pre-Construction, Construction & Inspection Issues by Matthew Millner, PE, LEED AP BD+C
• Flood Protection & NYC Gas Work by Robert Holub and Joseph Ackroyd
• Forensic Engineering: Existing Buildings, Alterations and New Construction by Anthony DeVito, PE & Yegal Shamash, PE

Commissioner Chandler also spoke for the fourth straight year at the event. The Commissioner focused his remarks on the importance of safety on construction sites. He mentioned legislation passed recently by the City Council mandating safety training for everyone who steps foot on a construction site. This is a message that we all need to hear repeatedly.

All of the technical presentations were very engaging, evidenced by the large number of comments and questions after each one of them. Once again this event achieved it’s goal of connecting design professionals with city officials to help both parties be able to do their jobs better. [Read more…]