NYSSPE

Bachelor Degree Bill – Attention Members!

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Joe Pasaturo, P.E., President of NYSSPE, and the Society’s Board of Directors wants to thank all our members who have reached out to their NYS legislators in support of legislation to require a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite to licensure as a professional engineer in New York State. The legislation will add New York to the significant majority of states requiring at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (or its equivalent) to sit for the Engineering Exam.

The bill, S3541/A6809, has been approved by the Higher Education Committee in each house of the NYS Legislature and we anticipate that this measure will reach the floor in each house shortly for a vote.  We urge every member to contact both their NYS Senator and Assemblyperson and request favorable consideration.  If you do not know who to contact, please use the following link to identify your state legislators by simply providing your residential address.

https://www.aqeny.org/find-your-new-york-state-legislators/

A copy of the Society’s Memorandum in Support is set forth below.  If you have any questions, please contact Mark Kriss, NYSSPE Legislative Counsel at (518) 449-2037 ext. 207.

NYSSPE’s Memorandum

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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.

Legislative Update- April 2021

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By: Mark C. Kriss, Esq.
NYSSPE Legislative Counsel

Professional Engineering – Licensure Requirements in NYS
The vast majority of states currently require, at minimum, a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering, or its equivalent, as a prerequisite to sit for the professional engineering examination.  Unfortunately, presently New York is one of the minority of states which does not require a bachelor’s degree.  NYSSPE has secured strong sponsorship of a bill introduced in both houses of the legislature to move New York into the main stream of sister states with regard to engineering licensure requirements all in furtherance of public health, safety and welfare.

The New York State Legislature, having just completed action on the 2021/22 Budget, has now turned its attention to priority legislative matters. We anticipate that NYSSPE’s legislation to require a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or its equivalent, as a prerequisite to sit for the professional engineering exam will soon be given full consideration by the legislature. Accordingly we urge all members to contact their State Senator and Assemblyman or Assemblywoman urging favorable consideration of the bill.  See S3541 and A6809 which can easily be found via Google search at “NYS Assembly Bill Search”.  A copy of the Society’s Memorandum in Support of the Bill follows below.

Bachelors Degree NYSSPE Support Memo: Click 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.

 

Newly Elected NYSSPE Officers for 2021-2023

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The New York State Society of Professional Engineers is proud to announce the results of the Official Ballot for 2021-2023

 


The following members were duly elected and will be installed for their terms (date & time to be determined.)
Their term will begin July 1st. Congratulations!

 

Newly Elected Officers for 2021-2023:
David Macedonio, PE – Assistant Treasurer
John Sucharski, PE – Long Island Regional VP
Peter Lautensack, PE – Central New York Regional VP
Steven Robbins, PE – Mid-Hudson Regional VP

 

Officers already elected for two-year terms – 2020-2022:

Joseph Pasaturo, PE – President
Andrew Yarmus, PE, F.NSPE – President-Elect
Laura Pellizzi, PE, F.NSPE – Treasurer
Rick Lefever, PE – New York Region VP
Ernest Gailor, PE – Northeast Region VP
David Roberts, PE – Western New York Region

Continuing Education – License Renewal Update

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The department has extended the ability to obtain all of continuing education through online courses or educational activities to January 1, 2022.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Are CE requirements being waived?
Answer: Not at this time. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is working closely with other New York State agencies and the Governor’s Office to tackle issues relating to COVID-19. Please continue to monitor the Department’s website for updated guidance.

Can a licensee complete 100% of the required continuing education through self-study activities offered by approved providers for their profession?
Answer: Some regulations restrict licensees to a certain percentage of self-study for continuing education requirements. In response to the evolving situation with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and for those licensees whose registrations are due to renew March 1, 2020 – January 1, 2022, the Department will grant an adjustment to all licensees to complete up to 100% of the continuing education as self-study, provided that it is taken from a Department-approved provider and is in an acceptable subject area for the specific profession.

Additionally, the Department will grant an adjustment to all licensees, regardless of registration renewal date, to utilize self-study for any coursework taken during the period from March 1, 2020 – January 1, 2022, provided that it is taken from a Department-approved provider and is in an acceptable subject area for the specific profession. Coursework taken outside that timeframe must meet the continuing education requirements in each individual profession’s laws and regulations.

SED is working closely with other New York State agencies and the Governor’s Office to tackle issues relating to COVID-19. Please continue to monitor the Department’s website for updated guidance.

Read More: http://www.op.nysed.gov/COVID-19.html

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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 remembers former NYSSPE President Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE

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                                                     Courtesy of RPI

It is with great sadness that we write of the passing of former NYSSPE President Howard N. Blitman, PE, F.NSPE  on January 3, 2021. He was 94.

Howard N. Blitman, PE, F.NSPE received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master of arts degree in political science and government from the Graduate Faculty of the New School of Social Research in New York City in 1976. Building upon the establishment of Blitman Construction Corporation by his father, Charles H Blitman of the class of 1914, Trustee Blitman was the owner and president of Blitman Building Corporation.

Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE was a long time member of NYSSPE for over 50 years and a beloved leader in at both the local and state level.  He served as president of the New York Chapter/NYSSPE from 1974-75.  He was elected president of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers for 1978-79, and was later elected as the 2002-03 president of the National Society of Professional Engineers. He was also elected by his peers to Fellow Grade of the National Society of Professional Engineers in 2001. Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE was active on many committees for the National Society of Professional Engineers, particularly education and scholarship committees (Foundation for Engineering Education) and the construction committee.

Howard Blitman PE, F.NSPE served for forty years as a dedicated member and leader of The Practicing Institute of Engineering, Inc. In 1980, Blitman and five other professional engineers co-founded PIE for purpose of providing training opportunities to the engineering community in preparation of the requirements for Continuing Education Competency, which was then pending in the NYS Assembly. Howard’s commitment to his profession included his continued involvement in leadership positions including serving as PIE president and serving numerous terms on the Board of Trustees until his retirement in 2020.​

An officer in the Chemical Corps, United States Army, during World War II, Blitman also studied at the Virginia Military Institute. During the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty and took charge of the construction of a chemical plant. He received Special Commendation from the Chief of the Chemical Corps.  Howard Blitman, PE, F.NSPE resumed his career as the engineer in charge of field installations erection and detail design of buildings for a steel fabricating firm. He then joined Blitman Construction Corporation and its associated engineering firm, working in structural design, and as field superintendent, estimator, expeditor, project manager, and then corporate officer, a position to which the board of directors elected him in 1962.   In 1970, he was elected president of Blitman Construction Corporation.   Professional Builder has ranked the company as one of 400 top home builders. [Read more…]

NYC DOB Plan Examiner, Erik Jostock RA to Discuss Demolition Plan Requirements and Common Errors.

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By the PEs in Construction Group of the NYSSPE

On Thursday January 14th, 2021, Assistant Chief Plan Examiner, Erik Jostoc RA of the B.E.S.T. (Buildings Enforcement Safety Team) Squad at DOB, will provide an overview of current demolition plan requirements and common errors (1 PDH). The discussion will provide an overview of the submittal document requirements of the NYC Building Code, highlight safety considerations pertaining to the development of plans for the full demolition of a building or structure, clarify the necessary details expected to be provided by design professionals on the plans, and highlight common errors and omissions noted by Department plan examiners during the review process.

In addition, Matt Millner PE, Director of Engineering and Geoff Eisele PE, Executive Engineer for DOB’s Construction Safety Enforcement & Safety Operations unit, will provide an overview of NYC Building Code requirements pertaining to construction equipment, sidewalk sheds, scaffolding and material handling equipment. Related industry service notices and case studies will be used to demonstrate lessons learned and the importance of code compliance (1 PDH).

The presentations will be part of several seminars for engineers and architects developed by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) to inform design professionals and the construction industry about a series of important design considerations including demolition plans filing requirements in the City, as well as about the recent initiatives by the department. The event will be held at an online webinar. For more information and to RSVP to the presentation CLICK HERE.

Emily Hoffman PE, Director and Gina Bocra RA, Chairperson of the Energy Code Compliance office of DOB will present an overview of the Residential construction provisions of the 2020 NYC Energy Conservation Code (ECC). The review will include changes to the residential provisions of the 2016 Energy Code, changes made by the NY State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council, changes made to align with NYSERDA’s NYStrech Energy Code-2020 and the local provisions adopted by the NYC DOB. The discussion will include how the code might evolve in the next decade to significantly reduce building related greenhouse gas emissions in NYC and how that will impact building design and construction (1 PDH).

DOB’s Director of Building Emissions and Sustainability Enforcement, Holly Savoia PE and Deputy Director Ian Graham PE will present on the topic of recent changes to the NYC Local Laws including changes to Building Energy Grades and Retro-commissioning that affect the Energy Audit and Retrocommissioning Reporting Law (LL87/2009). Additionally discussed, LL97/2019 and LL 147/2019 the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Law and the necessary steps to identify in order to prepare for compliance with the GHG Limits Law. The presentation will include information about the upcoming Adjustment application program for buildings with excessive energy use and not-for-profit health care, as well as a discussion about what buildings can or should do to prepare for compliance with the law (1 PDH).

For more information and to RSVP to the event CLICK 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.

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

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

From:  Wendel Stewart, CAE, Interim Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer

Even though 2020 has been a turbulent year, we can be thankful for the perseverance that our volunteer leaders and staff have shown in the face of many challenges.

• Legislative News from WY, GA, NJ, MI
• NICET Develops Emergency Communications Certification
• Strategic Plan Webinar Available
• Call for Conference Presentations: Deadline Nears
• Webinar Revenue Share
• Remember Ed Foundation on Giving Tuesday

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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.

Former NYC DOT Traffic Commissioner, Sam Schwartz P.E. to Present on the Topic of COVID-19 and Transportation

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By Rudi Sherbansky, PE, F.NSPE

Former NYC DOT Traffic Commissioner, Sam Schwartz P.E. will provide a virtual presentation on the topic of present and future Covid-19 impact on transportation, equity implications, virus transmission and best practices for the transportation industry going forward (1 PDH).  The presentation will be held on Wednesday December 8th and about 5:30 PM.  To obtain more information and/or to RSVP to the event, follow the following link:https://nysspe-nyc.org/events/december-virtual-event/

COVID-19 is affecting several Industries throughout the State.  On December 8th, Sam Schwartz PE, will give a presentation on how COVID-19 is affecting the Transportation Industry. The presentation is called  “Covid-19 and Transportation” and will discuss the following: a look at impacts, equity implications, virus transmission and transit, best practices, and looking forward.  Join us for the virtual presentation and get 1 PDH (Flyer is coming soon). Link to access to the virtual presentation will be emailed to attendees following registration.  During its peak, the impact of Covid 19 was drastic and dramatic on transportation in New York City.  Overall subway use dropped by about 92%, bus ridership dropped 87%, Commuter rail fell 93% – 97%, Staten Island Ferry down 90%, walking down 84%, Air travel fell 98%, traffic volumes dropped 50% – 80% and Citi Bike ridership down 62%.  Ridership is gradually recovering, though unevenly.

Mr. Schwartz is currently CEO and Founder of Sam Schwartz Transportation Consultants, a firm that specializes in transportation planning and engineering. In addition to his 1982 to 1986 post as Traffic Commissioner at the New York City Department of Transportation, he has served as an adjunct professor of engineering at Cooper Union, Long Island University, and Brooklyn College.  Mr. Schwartz is also the Inaugural Ted Kheel Fellow at Hunter College’s Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute. Among the many roles he has held throughout his career, he is the acclaimed author of Street Smart: The Rise of Cities and The Fall of Cars, and No One at the Wheel: Driverless Cars and the Road of the Future (2018). He also pens the “Gridlock Sam” and “Transit Sam” columns in the New York Daily News and Downtown Express.

Mr. Schwartz serves on the board of the Regional Plan Association, the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. His accomplishments over the course of his career have been recognized with a wide array of awards, including, most recently, Transportation Alternatives’ David Gurin Award, Riders Alliance Honoree, the NYC Zoning Advisory Council Honor Award, and the AAA Traffic Safety Award.

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

PAC Committee Message to all PE’s: Let us hear your voice!

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Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends;

As you may know, there are currently several proposed NY State Bills and laws, that if approved, will significantly impact the careers of professional engineers throughout New York State.  I am inviting you to review a list of these proposed new laws and provide your comments through this link so that we may get a clear idea of what bills and laws are the most important to your career and profession.

Our Society’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is the nonpartisan Political Action Committee of The NYS Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) dedicated to advocating and lobbying in the political process for laws and rules that support professional engineers, as well as contributing to candidates in election campaigns that sponsor bills and laws that support New York  professional engineers.  A sample of the Bills and laws that the PAC Committee seeks to lobby for or against is provided in this link.

I urge and invite you and your colleagues to review the list of pending New York State Bills in this link and to provide your comments to these proposed new laws that will impact the engineering profession in the foreseeable future. You may also contribute to the NYPE- PAC Committee Fund to advocate for (or against) these new laws in the link provided below.

*Link to review and comment to a list of proposed bills and laws impacting the engineering profession:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G9XH7FS

Thank you for your support and constructive comments.

Rudi O. Sherbansky
Rudi O. Sherbansky P.E., F. NSPE
Political Action Committee (PAC)
New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE)

NSPE Interim Executive Director Update to the Board of Directors – October 2020

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From: Wendel Stewart, CAE Interim Executive Director& COO

Over the last month, leaders and staff at headquarters and in the state societies have been working hard through challenging times to continue making progress on our goals. Don’t miss the highlights from October 1-30.

  • Strategic Plan Review
  • Executive Director Search Update
  • NSPE Announces Senior Director of Ethics and Professional Practice
  • ARPL in Action
  • Webinar: Strategic Plan Revisions
  • Officer Nominations Now Open
  • Climbing to the Summit
  • In Memory of Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail

Read the 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.