PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by John Sullivan, Full Time Instructor at Plumbers Local 1 on Intro 429
1:50:30
·
4 min
John Sullivan, representing Plumbers Local 1, testified in full support of Intro 429. He discussed three main aspects of the bill: changes to emergency and ordinary plumbing work definitions, updates to gas piping inspection requirements, and the reinstatement of the plumbing and fire suppression licensing boards.
- Sullivan emphasized the importance of the licensing boards for public safety and fair administration
- He clarified that, contrary to DOB's claim, the union had not met with DOB representatives to discuss industry issues since the dissolution of the boards
- Sullivan urged the council to vote yes on Intro 429, citing its benefits for safety, transparency, and egalitarianism in administration
John Sullivan
1:50:30
Good morning.
1:50:32
Good morning.
1:50:32
I'm John Sullivan.
1:50:33
I'm a full time instructor for the Plymouth Local One Trade Education Fund.
1:50:37
So thank you, chair Sanchez, and a members of city council on housing and building for support, for for the opportunity to speak to you.
1:50:45
Before I start, it'll be remiss not to say, to express my sincere condolences to the families that affected by tragedies we talked about in the other proposal today.
1:50:54
I'm sure that the counts will come up with a wise solution to these to these issues.
1:51:01
However, I'm here today as a representative of local wanna speak on members behalf in full support of intro 429.
1:51:08
Personally, I've been in the plumbing industry in New York City for more than 25 years.
1:51:13
Over the course of my career, I've been fortunate enough to sit on many codes and standards committees.
1:51:17
Currently, I sit on the New York City plumbing code technical committee.
1:51:21
It is with that perspective that I come here today, urgent support for intro 429.
1:51:26
I would like to quickly speak to the specifics of 3 items that comprise this law.
1:51:31
The first item is section 28 dash 105.4 of the administrative code of the city of New York, which addresses work categorized as emergency work and work categorized as ordinary plumbing work.
1:51:42
In plain language, ordinary plumbing work covers plumbing work, which requires a master plumber to perform the work, but is allowed to be done without department issued permits or department inspection.
1:51:53
The process is intended to streamline the paperwork and provides cost savings to property owners while still notifying the department and maintaining those highest levels of public safety.
1:52:04
To set an item I'd like to mention is section 308 of the administrative code, initially known as local law 152 of 2016.
1:52:12
Article 318 has become a silent protector of our agent build in stock.
1:52:16
Local law 152 was a great step forward in protecting our city from the repeating, the horrific disasters, which led to its passing, and these updates to the arco 318 are a result of lessons learned since that initial passing.
1:52:29
Intro 429 further solidifies the intent of 318 by placing a burden of proof on the inspection entity to prove the relevant training experience.
1:52:39
Updates to Section 318 will advance protection of our building stock and our population by requiring the inspection entity to take action for certain AOCs categorized as immediately hazardous.
1:52:51
The last item I wanna talk about is amend in the administrative code of City of New York with new article 417 boards, which is a reinstatement the plummeted fire suppression licensing boards.
1:53:05
Article 417 aims to protect the public by ensuring license holders have been thoroughly vetted by an unbiased course section of registered and licensed professionals ensure a new license hold is a properly qualifying net trade.
1:53:17
A license award ensures a proven application of checks and balances by utilizing the collective knowledge and experience of industry leaders who have worked with the jurors of the New York City administrative code for years.
1:53:29
The representative membership, identified by Alco 417, ensures a fair and equitable administration of the board, and aids the commissioner in performing their employment work.
1:53:39
Reinstatement of these strict advisory boards is an endorsement for safety, transparency, and a gay egalitarianism in this administration.
1:53:47
As a registered journeyman who has seen and understood the importance of the licensees voice and code administration, I urge you to vote yes, on intro 4 29, reinstating the plumbing and fire suppression license board, extending the scope of ordinary plumbing work, and clarifying the elements of periodic gas inspection.
1:54:05
Chair, if you wouldn't mind, Can you please allow me just for a little bit of latitude?
Barbara Manu
1:54:09
Please.
John Sullivan
1:54:10
Okay.
1:54:11
I have a quick statement from my business manager, Poll O'Connor, referenced to something that was stated earlier.
1:54:16
So the reference the representative from DOB And Deputy Commissioner of Development And Technical Affairs stated that the DOB has met with industry leaders on an advisory level since the dissolution of the boards intended to be reinstated by this article 429.
1:54:30
No member of the DOB has ever met with any representative you need to discuss ongoing issues they are seen in in this industry.
1:54:36
However, the union is open to meet with them to discuss what we are seeing anytime.
1:54:41
Thank you very much, Mountain chair.
