Courtyard Marriott
5000 Express Dr. S, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(Next to Red Lobster and Smokey Bones)
1/15/26
S.C.E.C.A. General Membership Meeting Minutes
There were approximately 46 members in attendance. Those Officers and Board of Directors present were: Rob Szalay, Mahesh Panchal, Tom Orlando, Dave Kennedy, Joe Mikulas, John Ricciardi and Robert Tschoke.
Excused: Jack Morrell and Michael Towers.
Called to Order: 7:27 p.m.
Rob Szalay led the Pledge of Allegiance. A motion to accept the General Meeting Minutes of 11/20/25 was made by Mahesh Panchal and seconded by John Ricciardi.
**President’s Report:
Rob S. introduced John Anthony Ferrara from the ETC. They are having a CEH program in March. We have our monthly programs, but this is a little different – it is full blown and you get a code book. We are not having a CEH class in March. John announced they are having their class on March 11 at the Hilton on Broadhollow Road in Melville from 7 am – 5 pm. PowerPoint presentation, breakfast and lunch; code book, CEH certificate, highlighter and pencil included. They max out at 500 people. It is filling up. They are reaching out to anyone south of Westchester County. They did open a Bellport location recently. If you are in need of skilled labor, you can hire our student. There are flyers about the class on the tables.
Justin Greenfield of Goodmart – They sell electrical supplies, lighting and just started selling generators. We have a new location in Centereach.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Treasurer’s Report: Tom Orlando
Tom O. reported for the month ending October 2025 the income was $15,865.32 and the expenses were $5,200.34. For the month ending November 2025 the income was $4,030 and the expenses were $15,399.78 because part of that is giving the NEL their half of the profit from the Expo. For the month ending December 2025 the income was $3,615.35 and the expenses were $2,589.34. If you have not paid your dues, you have been dropped. A side note: Joe put me in under the History of SCECA and called me an “unsung hero.” He appreciates Joe’s recognition of his hard work. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Mahesh Panchal and seconded by Steve Danielson.
Secretary’s Report: David Kennedy
Dave reported we had one person contact us to become an associate member. Anyone can go on our website and join, or they can mail a check. We had 3 students looking to come to the meeting. Our website shows the day and time of our meetings. It’s election time soon, if anyone has any interest being on the board, contact him to discuss it. A motion to accept the Secretary’s Report was made Joe Mikulas and seconded by John Ricciardi.
Legal Counsel: Michael Ganz
Mike was not present. Rob S. said Mike is our lawyer on retainer. If you have any legal questions, he is very receptive. He gives good advice and it is part of your membership.
Insurance: Patti Jost from Borg & Borg,
Patti was not present. Rob reported we have Borg and Borg – very faithful for us and our members. We do have another insurance agency Anthony Cardona and Justin Greenfield from Cardona & Company came out and introduced themselves. The are on the east end – Sag Harbor. They do employee benefits – health insurance. They work with a lot of different trades. They also offer life insurance and long-term care insurance. They are their own entity. They work with all the carriers. If you need to discuss anything with them, you can step out and discuss it.
PROGRAM(S) Rob Ceriello discussed some code changes. Rob went over a number of code changes and there was a lively question and answer session. Some topics covered:
Rob C. handed out a chart for AFCI and GFCI requirements and the list of the AIEI meeting dates.
By-Laws & Nominating: Jack Morrell
Jack was not present.
Education/Seminars: Rob Szalay, Mahesh Panchal
Mahesh reported our February class is full. Our next class will be in April. We do not have a date yet. We are also looking to do specific training programs on business and products in the future.
TPSF: John reported he and Dave went to the E.T.C. and spoke to the students about applying for the scholarship. Dave added the application is online. You can print it out and follow the rules. It’s a $1,000 scholarship. It is opened for 2 more months. Rob S. said before the students leave speak to Dave or himself and we can give you more details on it. Tom Palk was a long-standing member, president and secretary. He was very beneficial to our organization for many years. In memory of him we developed this scholarship. If he were here today he would give you $1,000 out of his own pocket. Please talk to us if you want more information.
Electrical Safety: Robert Tschoke
Rob T. wrote an interesting article in the “Light;” he encourages everyone to read it. Dave reported his daughter, who is a manager of Starbucks in Myrtle Beach, called him because she grabbed the plug out a the wall behind the dishwasher and got zapped (it was a little out of the wall). Now she knows to look before grabbing the plug. Rob C. added a contractor was doing an overhead 300 amp on a house. He ran the cable down the pole and came to the panel and looped it in the panel and left. He was going to come back and install it with PSEG. This house was connected to other houses. A neighbor called and said their power was out. Somebody came out and reconnected the connection from the secondary and reenergized the feeder. He was blown back when he went to connect the meter pan. Always check if something is energized or dead. Rob S. announced if anyone has anything about electrical safety, please email us. Rob T. said always turn off the electric when working on it. When he first started out, if something didn’t fit he was taught to alter the breaker. He was taught wrong. Any type of alteration to an electrical device voids the warranty and is a potential liability. Don’t use a ground as a neutral. Treat everything as though it is live. Pay attention. Rich Jendzo added use proper equipment to test. Rob T. also emphasized to use safety glasses and gloves.
Entertainment: Dave Kennedy, Mahesh Panchal
Nothing to report.
Good & Welfare: Joe Mikulas
Joe reported that long-time member Mark Gebhardt’s daughter passed away recently from cancer. She was in her 50’s. Rob S. please share any news with us.
Inspection Agencies:
Certified Electrical Inspectors: #896-A Rob Ceriello was present.
EII: NYBFU: #1109-A Philip Goehring was not present. Rich Jendzo was present.
Suffolk Bureau of Electrical Insp.: #856-A Gene Surdi was present.
Southampton Town: Ron Linsalato was not present.
Alliance Electrical Inspect. Ltd.: Michael Dumitru was not present.
Licensing: Michael Towers, Jack Morrell, Rob Szalay
Jack and Mike were not present. Bob Kohlmeyer, Chairman of the Licensing Board reported SCECA is very well represented by Jack Morrell and Michael Towers. He had the opportunity to speak to the SCECA board the other night. He met with the Town Supervisors a year ago. He asked the building department to have the licensed electrician sign off on the building permit. That would be a nice step toward stopping unlicensed work. Also, Suffolk County has a law that says if you get a professional license it has to be your primary source of income. We have been stopping guys that have another job and just do electrical on the side. They can only get a temporary license for a year and cannot do the work and still have to quit the other job if they want a license. The Town of Babylon streetlighting guy and Southampton hospital guy came to get a license saying their employer is requiring them to get a license, so we are making a special license for them only.
PSEG Representatives: Joe Mikulas, Jack Morrell, Rob Szalay
Syed said if you see anything that is not good reach out to our Emergency service department. We had an incident recently in Brentwood, a pressure washer on a forklift and got hit with a 1380 line? Also, If you need an inspection we need to be able to access the electoral equipment. One incident was where the electrical room was downstairs but there were no steps so we couldn’t inspect it. They always need to be accessible. The Redbook will clarify more on the platforms that needs to be built. Regarding load letters – diversify the loads. We want to have all the different sizes available for you guys. Joe asked him to sent the information for the newsletter. Gene added if you have stairs more than 3 steps you need a railing. Neal Slattery works in Building and Renovation services in the Melville office, on updates: BRS Clerks – 844-341-6378; New Email is: PSEGLongIslandBRSLI@PSEGLINY.com. The Redbook is being revised. You have 3 days to add any comments. We are working on this next week. Send him the comments. Slattery@PSEGLINY.com. Trade Ally – they are starting it up again. There should be about 3 meetings a year. Rob S. said there will only be two or three organizations attending. Neal also announced there will be a Trade Ally breakfast and more info to follow. The service reconnect is an email address provided to allow you to fast track to get a service reconnected is going away next week. Once away everything – certificate, application, load letter has to go to PSEGLongIslandBRSLI@PSEGLINY.com. This email is live right now. Under consideration, all agencies and towns inspection certificates be provided by the agency or town to the PSEG mailbox not the electrician. Only send a copy to the electrician. They are working with the Suffolk Police to investigate fraudulent certificates from builders or customers – doctored using adobe and changing the address, name, date, what was done and/or certificate number. Out of 48,000 certificates in the last 5 years, they found about 20 jobs that were fraudulent. For service reconnect a lot of times squatters will forge the lease or rental agreement.
Riser fees will be increasing. Temp service fees and tap fees will be going up this year. Info will be printed in the newsletter when we get the info from PSEG.
Membership/Plaques & Awards, Skills USA: Robert Tschoke/Jack Morrell
Two new members – #1284 Keith Ray of Goodmart Electrical Supply in Greenvale and #1285 Justin Greenfield of Cardona & Company in Sag Harbor – were not present for their packets. They will be mailed to them.
Nassau Electric League: Mahesh Panchal, Tom Orlando
Meets 2nd Wednesday of the month at Knights of Columbus Hall in Hicksville
Mahesh reported they had Ray Lopez on code changes yesterday and next month State Farm will be there.
IAEI: (Independent Alliance for the Electrical Industry) Mahesh Panchal, John Ricciardi, Tom Orlando
Meetings are 1st Wednesday of the month in Farmingdale (45 Motor Ave.) at Allen Park Town Hall building at 7:00 pm. Meeting dates: 1/7, 2/4, 3/4, 4/1, 5/6, 9/2, 10/7, 11/4. Rob Ceriello – President.
Rob Ceriello reported they had a discussion on code this month and their next meeting is 2/4 – E.T.C. Tom Terino on code. They also have supplemental trainings to renew your license.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: (Rob Szalay and Jack Morrell)
Joe Mikulas, Editor – “Light,”
Nothing to report.
Joe reported our paid-up members will receive the newsletter by email. It can also be accessed on our website. Sometimes our attorney contributes, PSEG contributes. We look forward to sharing that information. We highlighted Jim Smith for his years of contribution to the industry. All the inspectors are welcome to write something. Gene Surdi contributed an article on NYS building code that was in last month’s newsletter.
Energy Expo: Rob Szalay, Jack Morrell, Dave Kennedy
Rob reported it was very successful last year, and we will have it again next year.
Legislative Review: Jack Morrell
Bob Kolmeyer reported last month Consumer Affairs voted to raise the fees for all licenses. Bob and Mike Daly wrote a letter in opposition to that. The fees were going from $50 to $100 and $200 to $300. They had no back up on what they would be doing with the money. It got tabled.
Old Business:
Nothing to report.
New Business:
Nothing to report.
Raffles:
2 – $105 cash prizes were won by John Ricciardi twice.
1 – $100 cash prize was won by Reynaldo Ortiz.
1 – Jab saw donated by Goodmart Electric was won by Henry Gulbudagian.
1 – Knife donated by Goodmart Electric was won by Allen Horvatch.
$100 attendance award was drawn for Robert Tschoke Jr. (#1208-C) who was not present to win.
A motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. was made by Mahesh Panchal and seconded by Dave Kennedy.
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED BY:
1/26/2026
Barbara George Dave Kennedy
Recording Secretary Secretary
| Dwelling Unit area reference chart for AFCI and GFCI requirements. | |||||
| Legend: TM = Thermal-magnetic breaker | |||||
| AF/AFCI = Arc fault circuit breaker | |||||
| GF/GFCI = Ground fault circuit interrupter | |||||
| 2017 | 2020 | 2023 | |||
| Location | NEC | NEC | NEC | ||
| Family rooms | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Dining rooms | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Kitchens | |||||
| 125 V receptacles | AF/GF | AF/GF | AF/GF | ||
| 250 V receptacles | TM | GFCI A | GFCI | ||
| Bedrooms | AFCI | AF/GF A | AF/GF A | ||
| Living rooms | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Garages | |||||
| 125 V receptacles | GFCI | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| 250 V receptacles | TM | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| Sunrooms | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Parlors | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Libraries | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Dens | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Recreation rooms | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Closets | AFCI | AFCI | AFCI | ||
| Hallways | AFCI | AF/GF A | AF/GF A | ||
| Laundry areas | |||||
| 125 V receptacles | AF/GF | AF/GF | AF/GF | ||
| 250 V receptacles | TM | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| Basements | GFCI B | AF/GF | AF/GF | ||
| Bathrooms | GFCI | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| Dishwashers | AFCI | AF/GF | AF/GF | ||
| Microwaves | AFCI | AFCI | AF/GF | ||
| Ranges, Ovens | TM | GFCI F | GFCI | ||
| Dryers | TM | GFCI F | GFCI | ||
| Outdoor outlets | TM | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| Sump pumps | TM | GFCI | AF/GF | ||
| Outdoor receptacles | |||||
| 125 V | GFCI | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| 250 V | TM | GFCI | GFCI | ||
| A GFCI protection required if receptacle outlet is within 6 ft of edge of sink. | |||||
| (i.e. bedroom, bathroom, hallway, bathroom, etc.) | |||||
| B Unfinished basements. | |||||
| C Where the receptacle is installed withing 6 ft of the outside edge of sink. | |||||
| D Example of outdoor outlet loads (150 V to ground or less; 50 A or less; | |||||
| single-phase) are air conditioner unit, septic aerator, etc. Refer to the | |||||
| appropriate section of the NEC for further details on the specific requirements. | |||||
| E in Dwelling Units | |||||
| F in areas where protection is required. | |||||