April SCECA General Meeting

4/18/24

S.C.E.C.A. General Membership Meeting Minutes

There were approximately 38 members in attendance.  Those Officers and Board of Directors present were:  Rob Szalay, Rob Tschoke, Tom Orlando, Dave Kennedy, Joe Mikulas, Jack Morrell, and Mahesh Panchal.

Excused: Ralph Lambiase.

Called to Order:  7:20 p.m.

Rob Szalay led the Pledge of Allegiance.  A motion to accept the General Meeting Minutes of 3/21/24 was made by Rob Tschoke and seconded by Tom Orlando.

**President’s Report:

Rob S. deferred his report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Treasurer’s Report:  Tom Orlando

Tom O. reported for the month ending March 2024 the income was $2,550.74 and the expenses were $5,775.02.  Tom O. thanked Tom DiBella for donating $40 to the Tom Palk Scholarship Fund.  A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Dave Kennedy and seconded by Mahesh Panchal.

 Secretary’s Report:  David Kennedy

Dave reported business as usual.  There was nothing interesting in the mail.  He has been in touch with some people about being on the Board, which will be reported on later – a lot of business behind closed doors.  A motion to accept the Secretary’s Report was made by Mahesh Panchal and seconded by Rob Tschoke.

Legal Counsel:  Michael Ganz

Mike Ganz said he is a contract law attorney.  Every now and then he writes an article for the “Light” on contracts, mechanic liens and bonds.  The last article he wrote in the February issue was on a new law passed in NYS to reduce the amount of retainage that can be held on private construction projects and accelerate the time in which contractors can bill for final payment on those projects.  Instead of 10% it can be no more than 5% withheld as retainage from a contractor or subcontractor on a construction project equal to or greater than $150,000.  This only applies to private commercial construction projects.  Mike’s number is in the newsletter if anyone has any questions.  He usually answers in a day.  He can also ask his fellow attorneys at his firm if he cannot answer your question.

Insurance: Patti Muldoon from Borg & Borg, Wally Boorum from Sunrise Benefits Solutions, Diane Mullahey-Senior from Executive Ins. & Financial Svcs. 

Patty Muldoon, Wally Boorum and Diane Mullahey-Senior were not present.   Wally said his industry has the same thing as Consumer Affairs – checking on licensing for insurance.  The link is on everything he gives to a client.  Take the time to click the link to know who you are doing business with.  He has been writing articles in the “Light” every month and is trying to create a database for members to access.  His January article was about what’s new with all the insurance carriers for 2024.  February and March were a two-part article on who are tomorrow’s employees and how do we compete for them.  April article is about retirement plans and their pros and cons.  Call him with any questions.

PROGRAMS:  James Andrews, Administrative Director at Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs gave a briefing on the way they are changing license renewals and answered questions from the members.  James said he has been the Director of Consumer Affairs for 9 years and an employee of the Department of Labor for the last 33 years.  He has been doing a lot of things since he has been with Consumer Affairs.  The computer system was revamped.  He had an online portal opened where you can check on licenses 24/7.  You can see if you have had complaints in the last 5 years.  You can see if a sub you are going to use has complaints or violations.  Any subcontractors you use should have the appropriate license for any work they are doing.  They started sending out renewals for licenses by email.  Make sure your email address and telephone numbers are correct on our online portal.  Please make sure your cell number is correct because they are developing text messaging over the next year with IT where you will be getting a text that your license is coming up for renewal.  They started a 90/60/30-day email notification before your license expires.  You’ll get an email the day your license expires and 30 days after.  You can go online to renew your license or come to the office.  The board is very active in screening out people that work full-time for another agency like the LIRR.  They have to shelve their license or leave the business because it has to be your primary business.  They are not just about consumer protection but also vendor protection.  If you get a complaint, they look at three sides of the story and try to get to the truth.  If no agreement is made, then you go to court.  They are not in the business of writing violations just for revenue.  They need to serve the people that pay for the license fees.  They are looking at the possibility of having the practical exam at Western BOCES.  There will be more changes coming.  Member Dan Sherry asked if there is a game plan to stop unlicensed contractors.  He thought if you are unlicensed the consumer does not have to pay you, maybe let the consumers aware of this.  James answered how do you get the consumer to not to go with the lower price.  He has also seen 3 judges this month side with the unlicensed contractor and the consumer had to pay them.  SCECA lawyer Mike Ganz never heard of a judge doing that and he sees these cases all the time.  It is mostly home improvement.  He is curious what court that was in.  James said two were small claims and one was district.  James asked why would you give someone your license number for a permit before they hire you for a job.  One member answered you give an estimate for the permit and assume you have the job and in the end, you don’t get the job.  James asked then what does the electrical inspector do when they come to inspect the permit.  They should be checking the license holder on the permit is the one doing the job.  Dave said in Smithtown they will issue anything until they get everything from the electrician, plumber, etc. and then Smithtown will issue the permit, after that the customer says they don’t need you.  One member said he will not give his license number unless a contract is signed.  Member Howard suggested looking at it from the insurance side.  If you do work on a house that was unlicensed, you are not covered.  If homeowners knew that they may want it done correctly with a licensed contractor.  Jack Morrell asked James to go over the procedure for license renewals online.  Jack said you have to set up an account first – email, username and password – and then you can renew right online. James said right now they are trying to focus on the 1,000s of licenses that are not being renewed.  The last administration decimated them so badly James does not have enough staff in the field to go out and catch people.  He was able to hire two people and put them on the computer.  They are calling contractors advertising work and ask them questions.  When they find out they are working, they call back and tell them their license has expired and they have four weeks to get it renewed.  If it is not renewed, they have to pay $750.  He started a new system where every renewal that comes in there is a background check and judgement searches.  Also, some contractors claim they are a single man shop and then he gets worker’s comp claims.  If you are a single shop, you can file an exemption form; download it form NY State.

Joe Mikulas commented after James Andrews had left that in the past Tom Thomas single-handedly called and complained to Consumer Affairs about unlicensed contractors but was told the complaint had to come from the homeowner.  Tom Thomas said we also passed a law that stopped unlicensed contractors from advertising.  A lengthy questions and answer session followed.

Dave Kennedy asked if Consumer Affairs will be setting up a forum inviting the towns.  James answered they tried to do it with the Bellone administration and they screwed it up.  Jack said they are now trying to get all the towns and coded enforcement people together to have a meeting so we are all on the same page.

Rob S. asked members if they have any other questions for James Andrews to contact the SCECA board and we will send the questions to James.

Joe Casalino, senior and junior from Monarch Electric gave a presentation on their Southwire line.  Monarch Electric prides themselves on service.  They are in Port Washington.  They have a huge facility in New Jersey that restocks them every night.  They have two or three trucks that leave the facility in Port Washington every day.  And larger items that come from New Jersey to Long Island.  They have large MC feeders, True Colors that he can do next day, 500 MCM.  They have a bunch of solutions partnering up with Southwire.  They have lighting and switchgear departments.   Paul Bitterly, Northeast salesman for Southwire gave a lengthy presentation on all Southwire has to offer.  Southwire is the biggest wire manufacturer in the world.  They manufacture building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, utility products, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment and hand tools.  He showed videos of some of their wire jobs.  They do quick efficient work.  A four-day job can be done in a few hours with them.  If you buy their wire, you get field service for free.  All their equipment is delivered to your site.  They also have free calculating tools on their website to help you work most efficiently, and aid in your wire and cable installations: Voltage Drop Calculator, Cable Pull Calculator, Configurator Plus™ Calculator, Conduit Fill Calculator, Cost Calculator, Lighting Calculator, VFD Cable Selector, Power Conversion Calculator, Concentric Neutral Calculator, and Labor-Saving Calculator.  A lively question and answer session followed.

 Jim Smith, former Chief Electrical Inspector went over some code issues.  John Cangemi could not be here tonight.  One of the things John and Jim have been reluctant about is teaching the new code because 2017 is now the code for NYS outside of the 5 boroughs.  There has been a push to get moving on the newer code but the issue with that is it can cause confusion.  He has a letter dated October 2022 addressed to John Addario, Director of Building Standards and Codes from the Adirondack IAEI pushing for the State to go to the 2020 code.  His reply was they were going to follow the ICC Code because the 2024 version of the ICC Code is included in the 2023 version of the NEC standard.  So, they are not going to the 2021 ICC code; they are going to the 2024 ICC code.  They do not say when they will do this.  One example of an issue is for 2017 your island and peninsula receptacles require one receptacle no matter what size the island or peninsula and changed the definition of a peninsula to as it starts perpendicular to the wall; not starting at edge of counter (that receptacle on the wall could satisfy the peninsula requirements).  The 2020 code says it will enforce a square footage.  The first 9 square ft. of any island or peninsula (and w/in 2 ft. of the end of the peninsula) has to have a receptacle and any 18 square ft. or portion beyond that has to have another receptacle.  However, when you get to the 2023 code, they make the receptacles on the island or peninsula Optional.  You just have to supply a means to put in a receptacle if it is needed later on.  If you do install a receptacle; it has to be above the countertop; but not more than 20 inches above.  It can be on the countertop (a popup – not faceup in the counter) or in the counter but not below.  This supersedes the 2020 so all the requirements in the 2020 will not be enforceable.  Joe Mikulas asked if we need to learn the 2020 code prior to the 2023.  Jim said anything in the 2002 that is not superseded you will have to know so he and John will have to go over both codes.  The State will adopt the 2024 ICC code but they don’t say when.  The letter was dated 2 years ago.  If it is going to be adopted it will probably take a year.    We have gone in the past 7 years without a code change with the State.  Tom Orlando asked if he puts a receptacle on the side of a counter is it a violation.  Jim said not until they adopt the 2024 ICC code which references the 2023 code.  The State has to give 90 days or at least 6 months to learn the new code.  If you start a project with the 2017 code, you have to stay with the 2017 code.  This is why Jim and John do not want to teach the new code yet until they get the official notice from the State.  Rob S. said that is SCECA’s position also.   An informative question-and-answer session followed.

By-Laws & Nominating:  Jack Morrell

 Jack announced nominations will be closed at the end of this meeting.  All the officer and board positions are open.  You need to be an active member for two years to run for a board position.  For an officer position (president and treasurer only) you must be a board member for two years.  The slate will read:  Rob Tschoke for President, Mahesh Panchal for Vice President, Tom Orlando for Treasurer, Dave Kennedy for Secretary and two full term Board positions are open.  Mike Towers and John Ricciardi were interested in those positions.  We also have two other board positions that will be open after the May meeting that being Mahesh’s position (he is running for VP) and Brian McAuliffe’s position (who will be resigning at the end of the May meeting.)  Those two open positions will be appointed.  We have Mark Parris interested in that board position.  He asked if anyone was interested in the 2^nd appointed board position.  Tom Orlando nominated Mike Towers and Dave Kennedy nominated John Ricciardi for the elected positions.  After the May meeting, we will be able to appoint Mark Parris for the open position and there will be one more open position.  The May meeting will also be the elections.  If anyone is running unopposed, one ballot will be cast by the Secretary.  Jack had nothing to bring up for By-Laws.

Education/Seminars:  Rob Szalay, Mahesh Panchal, Ralph Lambiase

Rob S. reported our 4/27CEH class is full.  We have another class 5/11.  The classes fill up fast.  It is not just for someone needing to renew their license.  You can come for education also.  The class is on One- & Two-Family dwellings right now by Jim Smith and John Cangemi.  Rob S. said the classes fill up fast.

Electrical Safety:  Robert Tschoke, Ralph Lambiase

Rob T. reported he submitted a safety article to Joe for the newsletter.  He would love feedback from the membership; send him an email.  Tom Thomas had brought up something on Angi’s List and sent him an email.  They have some wacky electricians.  He is pursuing that.  He asked if anyone has had any issues with Angi’s List.  Member Fred Solino commented the electricians on it are not certified.  Many are from out West.  People are not aware of that.

Entertainment:  Dave Kennedy, Scott Eastman, Mahesh Panchal

Dave had nothing to report.

 Good & Welfare: Joe Mikulas

Joe welcomed back Rich Inserra of PSEG.  Ralph’s wife had surgery but is doing ok because they are away on vacation.  SCECA sent out the email about Revco – Jeanette’s son is suffering from brain cancer.  We had made donations individually and also SCECA sent a card and donation.

Inspection Agencies: 

 Certified Electrical Inspectors: #896-A   Rob Ceriello and Eric Daversa were present.  Eric reported that guys are still not sure how to do pool bonding.  They should call us and ask questions.  That is a big one for him.  Rich Jendzo added that a lot of times these guys do not back fill the whole pool.  And they put in peripheral bonding at 3 or 4 feet.  It has to be grade level.  Rob S. said that is good advice from the Inspection Agencies; guys can ask questions.

East End Inspection Agency:  #1193-A Ed Seltenreich was not present.

EII: NYBFU:  #1109-A Philip Goehring was not present and Rich Jendzo was present.  Rich reported Solar guys should not modify the meter boxes and they need to make sure you have a 90% swing or you cannot open the door.  Sometimes they cut the handles off and they void out the box.  He’s seen many violations from the solar guys.  Electricians should not cover them.  The inspectors should make sure it is a licensed electrician doing the work.

Suffolk Bureau of Electrical Insp.: #856-A Gene Surdi was not present.

Southampton Town:  Ron Linsalato was not present.

Alliance Electrical Inspect.  Ltd.: Michael Dumitru was not present.

Licensing: Jack Morrell, Rob Szalay

Jack reported on 2 quick things:  1) For the next couple of months the investigators will be going on the internet and calling people on Angi’s list and other lists to see if they are doing unlicensed electrical work.  James Andrews can get more people that way then sending out investigators.  2) In any commercial work general contractors, construction managers and carpenter contractors do not need any licenses.  He does not know why because they help build malls, hospitals, etc.  They do have to be inspected by the Town but the County has zero recourse to go after these people. We need to make sure consumers are being protected.  He will try to get them to have licenses.  He will see where this goes.

PSEG Representatives:  Joe Mikulas, Jack Morrell, Rob Szalay

Rich Inserra thanked the SCECA Board for the get-well card.  They are having problems getting current transformers for the 400-amp services.  The four vendors they use keep pushing delivery dates out.  In the eastern Suffolk division, he is in they have 44 jobs that do not have CTs.  In Tom’s division he has 12 jobs and  that is growing every day.  He was told the next delivery that is expected is in June.  He will tell people when they apply for the 400-amp service to expect a 3-month delay.  This is for residential and commercial.  One member mentioned they are allowing the 320 meter to be used for the 400-amp service in other parts of the country.  Rich said there were issues a while back and because of lawsuits they will not do that.  A while back when they were short on transformers they took a look at vacant accounts; those not being used so we are going to do that with the current transformers now.  We will look at the vacant accounts again.  Tom DiBella said they have been buying ones from Korea now.  There are a lot of losses in them.  More wasted heat.  A question-and-answer session followed.

Membership/Plaques & Awards, Skills USA:  Robert Tschoke, Brian McAuliff, /Jack Morrell

Rob S. announced he brought in one member by befriending him and inviting him to a meeting.  He encouraged members to ask friends to come to a meeting as a guest.  We have three new members:  Kevin Budka, Michael Lombardo and Glenn Homeyer.  All were present.  Dave Kennedy swore them in as members.  Joe Mikulas took their picture for the newsletter.

 Nassau Electric League:  Mahesh Panchal, Ralph Lambiase, Tom Orlando

 Jason Goetz reported ABB did a presentation.  Jason also reported Sheraden Electrical Supply house just opened up a supply house in Glen Cove.

IAEI: (Independent Alliance for the Electrical Industry)  Mahesh Panchal, Ralph Lambiase, Tom Orlando

Rob S. reported they have meetings every month on the 1^st Wednesday in Farmingdale.  Dan Sherry reported they had SUNation this month as a program.  Eric Daversa reported they are also having a CEH Class on 4/27.  Four hours on 4/27 and 4 hours on 4/29 on the 2020 code changes.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: (Rob Szalay, Brian McAuliff – Co-chairs, and Jack Morrell) Joe Mikulas, Editor – “Light,”

Rob S. had nothing to report.

Joe reported paid members should be able to access the newsletter on our website.  Barbara sends it out by email with a link to the website.  If a member sees some crazy stuff, take a picture and send it to the Secretary.

 Energy Expo:  Rob Szalay, Jack Morrell, Dave Kennedy

 Rob S. reported we are in the planning stages.

 Legislative Review:  Jack Morrell

Jack had nothing to report.

Old Business: 

Nothing to report.

 New Business:

Frank Navetta from PowerPro reported Kohler was just sold to a private equity firm.  He would like to see new products from them that will generate business.  They have a couple of new products from Generac and Kohler.   There is a special Builder Alliance program where large builders can get discounts.  A few months ago, they did work for a rich famous guy out in the Hamptons, the architect from his house in California said he wants some coastal protection.  He wanted the generator protected from corrosion.  So, Frank spent two months working with Cosmoline and came up with a system to protect a liquid cooled generator.  This is for the connections and outside; not inside the generator.  They spent so much time on developing it for that customer and it may be useful for other people near the water.

Raffles:            

2 – $85 cash prizes were won by John Ricciardi and Rich Jendzo.

2 – $80 cash prizes were won by Steve Paduano and Wally Boorum.

1 – Roll of Wire donated by Monarch Electric was won by Glen Ayasse.

$100 attendance award was drawn for John DeMaio (#1249-C) who was not present to win.

Jack needed a motion to close the ballot.  Joe Mikulas made a motion to close the ballot and Mark Parris seconded the motion.  The ballot is officially closed and the slate will be set.

A motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. was made by Tom Orlando and seconded by Scott Eastman.

Respectfully submitted,

APPROVED BY:   

                                                                                                     5/2/2024

Barbara George                                                                      Dave Kennedy

Recording Secretary                                                             Secretary