On October 1, 2015, a meeting is scheduled to take

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1 VOICE of the Licensed Master Plumber The Vol. 15, Issue 5 Septmeber 2015 In this Edition: 2015 Expo Details Inspection Ready License Board Updates A NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION OF THE MASTER PLUMBERS COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, INC. LICENSE BOARD UPDATES On October 1, 2015, a meeting is scheduled to take place that has the potential to greatly affect the plumbing industry. Attending this meeting will be representatives from the plumbing industry, other trade association representatives, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings, and his key staff members. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the License Board member s role in disciplinary actions against licensed plumbers, fire suppression, electrical contractors and their businesses. Recently, the DOB has stated that they no longer require board member involvement in any disciplinary actions, despite the fact that the published code requires it. This new policy shift, which has been implemented over the past several years, was communicated to the industry at the public sessions of the License Board Meetings. At these meetings, it has been stated that the code is no longer interpreted to allow for board level participation for any disciplinary actions. questions and determine if the allegation may have been a mistake or a deliberate action. This is especially true with the ambiguities in the code today. An investigator or prosecutor with very little working knowledge of either the plumbing industry or the code may tend to view things in a much different manner than a licensed professional would. Lawyers who face disciplinary actions appear before their local bar association (comprised of their peers). The local bar will hear the case and make recommendations to an appellate court (government). Why should it be any different for plumbers? In the next issue of the Voice, we will report on this meeting and will also discuss other localities and how they handle licensee discipline. IMPORTANT DOB LICENSE EXAM UPDATES: The Administrative Code Section clearly states that the role of the License Board is to advise the Commissioner regarding allegations of illegal practices on the part of licensed master plumbers and fire suppression contractors. In the past, persons accused of wrongdoing had their cases presented to the Board directly. Members were allowed to ask questions and advised the investigators on what they thought the actual charges should be. In the last issue of The Voice, we reported that the written exam for Licensed Master Plumbers was suspended due to the fact that the exam has not been updated to reflect the new code changes. We were assured that the test would be available around October 1, As of the writing of this issue, there have been no further updates. At the September 2015 License Board Meeting, which was open to the general public, we prepared questions for the License Division in regards to insurance updates and license renewal. Unfortunately, no one from the License Division attended the meeting and we will now have to wait three more months until the next general session to Why has the Department of Buildings changed this policy over the past few years? As a licensee, the Board deserve to have any allegations of proposed wrongdoing reviewed by our peers. Should have the ability to ask ask these questions. Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. * Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY * (718)

2 A Message from the Executive Director of the Master Plumbers Council Our 8th Annual Educational & Energy Efficiency Trade Expo is right around that corner and we are looking forward to hosting another successful event. It will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Russo s on the Bay in Howard Beach, NY. The event is graciously sponsored by National Grid and Con Edison as well as two of our affiliate members, Boileroom Equipment Sales and Venco Sales. We greatly appreciate their support. This annual event is a great opportunity for companies to showcase their latest energy efficiency, energy savings or ENERGY STAR products during the manufacturer and distributor trade show. While attendees are given the opportunity to discover new products and participate in educational programs. The event will begin with our trade expo at 1:30pm, which will take place the entire day, ending at 8:30pm. This year we are offering five seminars for attendees to take part in, many of which offer industry credits. The following are the seminars taking place at the event: Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY Phone: * Fax: The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber, a membership publication of the NYCMPC. All text for articles is due by the 1st day of the month prior to publication. We welcome your suggestions and contributions. NYCMPC Board President Darren Lundin Executive Director John F. DeLillo, Jr. [email protected] Uncover the Code: What You Need to Know About the Updated 2015 Energy Code in New York City Looking for Ways to Grow Your Business or Reduce Your Energy Costs? National Grid & Con Edison Can Help! Editors George Bassolino Brittni Rhoads Graphics Janene Meyerowitz JM Image Management, LLC [email protected] NYC Administrative Code, Fuel Gas Code & Plumbing Updates GENERAL DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The information provided in this newsletter is to be used only to educate businesses and the general public on plumbing and What s New with Water Pressure Booster Systems? related construction issues that may affect their daily business or personal lives. All opinions expressed herein are those of Expanding Your Business into the World of High the individual authors only and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the NYCMPC, its officers, Board of Directors, Performance Buildings the NYCMPC newsletter or its editors. The NYCMPC does not We encourage everyone to attend this esteemed event for guarantee the accuracy or the correctness of advertising, articles or references to information sources herein, nor does the NYCMPC our council. Visit the MPC booth for a chance to win great intend to endorse, rate, or otherwise officially comment on products available. Therefore, the readers are cautioned to rely prizes! We will also be running membership specials for on information contained herein at their own risk. All information those who join the MPC at the event as first time members. that is available to you through this newsletter is provided as is without warranty or condition of any kind, either expressed Please visit to register. Further event or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The details can be found on page 10 of this issue. information contained in the newsletter is believed to be correct and accurate. However, the NYCMPC cannot and will not assume I look forward to seeing everyone at the Trade Expo! responsibility for the consequences of errors contained in the Best Regards, articles or misapplication of any information provided. NYCMPC expressly disclaims any liability for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost revenues, Executive Director, NYCMPC or lost profits, resulting from the use or misuse. Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 2

3 THE GREATEST THREAT TO THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY What is the greatest threat to the licensed plumbing industry today? Is it the coverup plumbers who seem to file for a large percentage of the permitted work in NYC? Is it the Department of Buildings who seem to be unable to stop them? Is the limitless maze of regulations that seem to change on a daily basis? Or is it other government regulations that plumbers must comply with such as the Affordable Care Act? While all of these issues make it very difficult to operate a licensed plumbing business in NYC, the greatest threat to our industry is our fellow licensed plumbers. Far too many licensed plumbers are apathetic toward the industry as a whole. As a part of the Membership Committee of an industry association, we are constantly recruiting new members to join our organization. Too often, we encounter those who reply with the following responses; You are not doing enough to solve the industries problems, You will not make a difference in the industry, I don t have the time, and I can t afford it. Unfortunately, strictly voicing their opinion is the extent to which these plumbers will go to help improve their industry. 1. You do not do enough to solve the industries problems The MPC is comprised of volunteers who pay their dues and constantly take the extra step to sit on committees and work toward making a difference. To you we would say that you cannot make money by working in your business. To be successful you must work on your business. Taking that to the next level is participating and helping to work on your industry. We do all of this while operating a plumbing business just like you do. 2. You cannot make a difference in the industry Do you print labels for OP-98 s in your office, know exactly what the counter hours are for DOB operations and viewed the LAA appliance and fixture filing guides? The industry associations are working on these and many other issues and we know that together we will make a difference. We would like to take this time to address each of these responses. Continued on Page 4 Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 3

4 3. I do not have the time This should be the number one reason to become a member of an industry association. An association is working for you all of the time and because of this, members receive and have access to the most up to date information and are alerted to anything that effects the industry. Attendance at monthly meetings, while beneficial, is not mandatory, because we all know running a business isn t easy and things do come up. In this business, information can be obtained in many ways. One way is by being told of changes as they occur. Being told about changes allows you to make adjustments to your business and can save you time and money. Another way, is to find out about changes, such as when an inspector fails your job because you are not aware of a new rule or code interpretation. Finding out about changes can cost you both time and money. An old plumber, or maybe it was Yogi, once said that many plumbers spend too much time stepping over dollars to pick up dimes. Are you spending too much time on the small details and missing the big picture? 4. I can t afford it When potential members say I can t afford it we just tend to look at each other. Membership in our association costs as little as $0.70 per hour with monthly payment plans available. The real question CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 should be: How can you afford not to be a member of an association? Approximately only 10-15% of active licensees belong to an Industry Association. While it may be impossible to have every licensed master plumber join and participate in an association, the participation rate should be much higher based upon the valuable benefits of membership. DIRECTOR S NOTES: The MPC believes that membership in an association is vital to protecting our industry. Membership also provides a great resource for members to learn how to operate a successful business and stay up to date with all relevant industry information. Because of this, we would like to invite Licensed Master Plumbers who are not yet MPC Members to attend our 8th Annual Educational & Energy Efficiency Trade Expo on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Russo s on the Bay in Howard Beach, NY. You and one guest will receive free admittance by simply registering online at using promo code, VOICE2015. Preregistration is only mandatory if you would like to attend one of our informational seminars. If you choose not to register ahead of time simply show a valid NYC DOB License Identification Card at the door. We encourage you to visit the MPC booth as we are running membership specials for those who join the MPC at the event as first time members. Please contact the MPC Office with any questions: or [email protected]. Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 4

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7 As part of the Department of Buildings technology enhancements they will soon launch Inspection Ready, a new online tool that will dramatically change the way you conduct business with the DOB. One of the biggest changes will be that all inspections will eventually have to be scheduled electronically. This will be done in the same manner as you currently schedule a self-inspection or a boiler inspection now. We have not been able to review any of the new inspection request forms. We would expect that the DOB has revised the new applications forms to be much more clear and concise that the existing forms. You will also have the ability to cancel appointments online. DOB field inspectors will now be equipped with tablets so that the inspection results will be immediately uploaded into the system directly from the field. After your inspection you should have the ability to upload all of your inspection results directly from the field or your desk. This in effect will provide you with an electronic basket in which to place your inspection results. The system will also provided you with the ability to update your insurance. In the coming months, the Department will be hosting a series of information sessions for the public including industry-specific events where attendees will see Inspection Ready in action. Registration for these events will be advertised on the DOB website at: nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/inspection_ready_ General_Info_Sessions.pdf INSPECTION READY They have prepared a frequently asked questions sheet which can be reviewed at: html/development/insp_ready.shtml Inspection Ready is the next phase of the Department s long-term plan to advance public safety, increase transparency and improve customer service. Inspection Ready will be instrumental in supporting these goals and promoting development in New York City. ARE YOU READY FOR INSPECTION READY? By now all licensed plumbers should have been contacted by the Department of Buildings about Inspection Ready. They have sent letters and e mails to all licensees at both their home and business addresses. If you are already signed up for E filing you should be ready for Inspection Ready. If not you must contact the Licensing Division by October 16, 2015 to obtain a Department issued PIN and e mail link to set up your new account. If you have any questions they should be address to the Licensing Division which is in charge of setting up and maintaining the licensed professional information. They can be reached at: [email protected] EDITOR S NOTE: The ability to request inspections will be maintained through the call in center for a limited period of time while this new system is implemented. After that you will be required to request all inspections on line. We would hope that by this time all licensed plumbers have computers, scanners (to upload documents) and e mail accounts. NEW DEP RULE REGARDING ASBESTOS INVESTIGATORS On September 28, 2015, a final rule was adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection. Section (d)(2) of the New York City Administrative Code authorizes the Commissioner to make rules establishing criteria for certifying individuals as asbestos investigators. The amendments codify the existing practices of the Asbestos Control Program. The New York State approved training courses for asbestos handler supervisors and asbestos investigators are administered in English only. This is also the case for the DEP examination for these certificates, which are only administered in English. The reason for this is because asbestos handler supervisors must speak and understand English in order to ensure that they can communicate effectively with a DEP Inspector at the DEP office as well as during field audits. The rule further goes on to state that at any disciplinary hearings involving possible suspension or revocation will be held in English only and no translation services will be provided. Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 7

8 JOHN J. FIGLIOLIA LMP# 419 LEWSAN CONSULTANTS SERVICING THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY FOR OVER 30 YEARS! BUILDING CONSULTANTS / EXPEDITING SERVICES SERVICING ALL 5 BOROUGHS DOB, ECB AND DEP. FULL ARCHITECTURAL & ENGINEERING SERVICES PERMITS, LAAS, METER PERMITS, OP98S, CERTIFIED ASBESTOS INVESTIGATORS AND MUCH MORE! CROSSBAY BLVD, 2ND FL, HOWARD BEACH, NY, T: / F: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 8

9 IMPORTANT DOB BOILER DIVISION UPDATE: Con Ed has been bringing new gas services into existing boiler rooms where there has never been a gas meter before at many sites. The new gas meter is then enclosed in the boiler room with a single door opening into the boiler room. Appendix E.3 (2) of the Fuel Gas Code does not allow new gas meters in boiler rooms unless they are replacements or additions to an existing meter. DOB will now accept a new gas meter in an existing boiler room if: 1. It is enclosed in a two hour fire rated enclosure with a self-closing door 2/3 FPSC. 2. The new meter room is labeled in accordance with appendix E.3 (3). 3. Gas meter room ventilation in accordance with FGC Appendix E Installation of a listed natural gas detector in the new meter room is installed with a local audible and visual alarm in the boiler room. Boiler projects rejected by the boiler division for only the meter room location will be signed off administratively in the office if photos are provided of the items above for each meter room along with a single sheet signed and sealed schedule C for each project. New Buildings and gut rehabs must meet the current code and no meters will be accepted in the boiler rooms in those cases. Robert Daly, P.E Technical Director, Boiler Division DOB FREE ADMISSION TO EXPO Licensed Master Plumbers who are not yet MPC Members can attend our 8th Annual Educational & Energy Efficiency Trade Expo on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Russo s on the Bay in Howard Beach, NY. You and one guest will receive free admittance by simply registering online at using promo code, VOICE2015. See event details on the next page. Pre-registration is only mandatory if you would like to attend one of our informational seminars. If you choose not to register ahead of time simply show a valid NYC DOB License Identification Card at the door. We encourage you to visit the MPC booth as we are running membership specials for those who join the MPC at the event as first time members. Please contact the MPC Office with any questions: or info@ nycmpc.org. CASELLA & CASELLA, LLP 1200 South Avenue, Suite 201 Staten Island, New York Ralph P. Casella, Esq. has been representing plumbers since 1971 in the following: Applications for Licensing, Buildings Department and OATH Investigations, Disciplinary Matters, Challenging License Application Denials in Court, Appeals, and Appearances before Licensing Board. Ralph P. Casella is the former attorney for the Richmond County Plumbing Contractor s Association, Plumbers Union Local 371; Plumbers Union Local 1, Brooklyn and Queens; Plumbers Union Local 1 for the City of New York. Contact Ralph Casella at (718) Ralph Casella is the most knowledgeable attorney I ve met regarding the plumbing industry, licensing, disciplinary matters and general plumbing business practices Emmanuel A. Troise, Jr. Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 9

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11 WORKSHOP DETAILS Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc. The Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber 11

12 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FLUSHING, NY PERMIT No Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc Braddock Avenue Bellerose, NY (718) Gregory T. Chillino Attorney at Law Former Director of Prosecutions and Investigative Attorney for NYC Department of Buildings Administrative Hearings, Licensing Matters and Disciplinary Proceedings, Article 78 s, ECB Violations, Civil Litigation. 315 Madison Avenue Suite 901 New York, NY (646)