September SCECA General Meeting

9/18/25

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

There were approximately 50 members in attendance.  Those Officers and Board of Directors present were:  Rob Szalay, Rob Tschoke, Mahesh Panchal, Ralph Lambiase, Joe Mikulas, Jack Morrell, John Ricciardi, and Michael Towers.

Excused: Dave Kennedy and Tom Orlando

Called to Order:  7:12 p.m.

A motion to accept the General Meeting Minutes of 5/15/25 was made by Ralph Lambiase and seconded by Mahesh Panchal.

**President’s Report:

Rob S. welcomed everyone back.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Treasurer’s Report:  Tom Orlando

Tom O. reported was not present.  Rob S. read his report:  “Welcome back everyone!

I apologize for not being at the meeting tonight. I have to do overnight work in a tenant space while the store is closed.  For the month of May 2025, the income was $1,500 and the expenses were $5,821.95.  For the month of June 2025, the income was $3,117.27 and the expenses were $3,409.05.  For the month of July 2025, the income was $21,065.00 and the expenses were $3,132.25.  For the month of August 2025, the income was $19,595.63 and the expenses were $3,629.87.  Billing went out on or about July 1st, 2025, for membership dues and Newsletter ad’s.  This is why our income was much higher than most other months.  Billing went out a second time for membership dues and Newsletter ad’s on or about August 1st, 2025.  Billing went out a third time for membership dues and Newsletter ad’s on or about September 1^st, 2025.

The billing will continue on or about the 1st of October, November and December until our December 4th Board meeting and at that point, unpaid members and Newsletter ad’s will be dropped for non-payment. Please pay your dues if you haven’t already done so. You can simply mail a check, pay on the SCECA website with a credit card or bring your payment to the general meeting.  Sincerely, Tom Orlando, SCECA Treasurer.”  A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Jack Morrell and seconded by Joe Mikulas.

 Secretary’s Report:  David Kennedy

Dave was not present.

Legal Counsel: Michael Ganz

Mike reported he is a construction attorney.  He does disputes, reviews contracts and purchase orders.  He gets involved with public works.  Any questions you can email or call him.  He will try to get back to you in a day.  He was reading the “Light” and there was a reproduction of a Newsday article in it.  You cannot print a Newsday article because it is copyrighted.  When  he writes articles for the “Light” he asks permission for the article.  In the future you should contact Newsday or whatever source you are using.  They love it when you use their articles.  You have to get written permission.  Certain articles are in the public domain but it is still better to ask permission.

 Insurance: Patti Jost from Borg & Borg,

Patti welcomed everyone back.  She does personal and commercial insurance.  Feel free to call here with questions.  You don’t have to be a client.

PROGRAM(S) Michael Towers of Long Island Emergency Power gave a presentation on some code changes on generator with the new adoption of the 2023 NEC Code.  He went over articles 445 – generators, 700 – energy systems, 701 legally required standby  systems and 702 Optional standby systems.  He also went over Article 445.19 Emergency Shutdown of Prime Movers (engine in a generator) and Surge Protection Article 230.67 requirements.  Generators all have provisions to shut down the prime mover (engine).  It is a code requirement now.  He then went over e-stop products and noted when the engine shuts down the electricity shuts off.  Surge protection should be type 1 or 2.  Type 1 install before transformer and main disconnect.  Type 2 install after the main breaker.  If you are replacing a service, you will now be required to install surge protection.  Generac came up with their own surge protector with transfer switch attached.  Wire size of generator feeders:  you have to size the conductors according to the breaker.  A lengthy question and answer session followed.

Jim Smith announced the new code 2023 will start 1/1/26.  We only have a few months to train.  You should take a course because there are major changes in the code.  GFCI requirements have changes.  They added dryers, rangers, cooktops, microwaves, and refrigerators to now require GFCI protection.   There are special GFCI requirements on swimming pools.  Receptacles over 150V to ground to have SPGFCI protection.  All kitchen receptacles will require GFCI.  The Island and peninsula receptacles are optional.  You cannot have a receptacle below the countertop.  There is no difference between an outdoor kitchen and an indoor one.  You have  to provide provisions to add a receptacle later.  You can no longer have  6 means of disconnect in the same enclosure.  In 1 & 2 family dwellings you have to have an emergency shut down.  Must be clearly marked and easy to get to.  It has to be outside 50 feet or less from building and have signage on alternate power system in the dwelling.  Grounding in corrosive areas or wet locations – you have to have a conduit in insulated equipment.  A storable pool is defined as easily taken down and put back up, any size.  A pool pump whether indoor or outdoor is considered in a corrosive area.  Outdoor outlets – including AC compressors are delayed until 2026 because of problems with GFCI.  Go by date of permit for the code.

 Rob S. introduced some vendors here tonight.  Billy Thea of U.I. said it was great to be back and thanked everyone for their support.  Rob, General Manager of Security Dodge talked about their Pro Master vehicles.  They are offering $10,000 off – their summer special.  He also will give a loaner if your vehicle goes down so you will always make money.  His manager Kenny handed out flyers.  He also has a truck outside for the members to look at.  Security Dodge has been family owned for 60 years.  They are located in Amityville.  He also wants your trade-in vehicle.

 By-Laws & Nominating: Ralph Lambiase

Nothing to report.

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

Rob S. reported we will have a class in October.  No date set yet.  We are running monthly CEH classes on the code changes.  The classes fill up fast.  We only have 12 people sometimes up to 14.  It is first come, first serve.  There are other organizations that offer other programs.  Ed Seltenreich of East End Inspection offers classes also.  You can go on the Consumer Affair website for the other classes or email us.

Electrical Safety: Robert Tschoke, Ralph Lambiase

Ralph sent some articles to Joe for the newsletter.  Rob S. said we will work on getting permission to print the articles.

Entertainment: Dave Kennedy, Mahesh Panchal

Mahesh reported we have the Exp next month – October 15^th.

Good & Welfare: Joe Mikulas

Joe had nothing to report.

Inspection Agencies: 

 Certified Electrical Inspectors: #896-A Rob Ceriello was present.  Rob had some observations.  Right now, the big problem is running bonding around the perimeter.  Sometimes he finds it kicked under the pool.  Bonding neatness and workmanship is important.  Regarding services, everyone is using Leviton panel.  He saw one put right above the sewage pipe.  It has to be brought out.  He also saw an AC unit pushed right up to the disconnect.  Med Spas (healthcare) outlets need healthcare wiring and receptacles.

East End Inspection Agency: #1193-A Ed Seltenreich was present.

EII: NYBFU: #1109-A Philip Goehring was not present.  Rich Jendzo was present.  Rich went over some violations he has seen.

Suffolk Bureau of Electrical Insp.: #856-A Gene Surdi was present and was in agreement with Rob Ceriello.

Southampton Town: Ron Linsalato was not present.

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

 Licensing: Michael Towers, Jack Morrell, Rob Szalay

Jack reported electricians will be getting renewal notices 90/60/30 and day of by text.  You need to make sure Consumer Affairs has your cell number.  Many are having problems with getting email notices.  Consumer Affairs has been generous with people lapsing their license.  But once this renewal texting gets going they will be strict.  They also had their front office redone.  Michael Towers is working on the test to reflect the 2023 code.  We are  trying to get the test on the computer instead of paper.  Jack also announced that he and maybe Rob S. or someone else will be going to all the Town meetings and asking them to add electrical and plumbing licenses on all the permits.  This is so the licensee that is doing the job is on the permit and then Consumer Affairs can go after people with no license or someone who is farming it out.  This is an avenue to help stop unlicensed work.  Gene Surdi said that Oyster Bay is already doing this.  Ed Seltenreich added that there is a dialog out east when an inspection agency issues a final the license numbers have to match.  Ed has a huge unlicensed problem out east.  He called Consumer Affairs three times and they did respond and found the unlicensed workers and the ones farming out their license.

Jack said there is no requirement for general contractors (nonresidential) to have a license.  Anyone can build anything in Suffolk.  But if you want to paint you have to have a license.  There is no onus on the general contractors.  This is only in Suffolk.  He is hoping the legislative board will enact this.  This is another avenue we can use to stop unlicensed work.

Michael Towers said there is a rumor going around with the Town of East Hampton requiring a license.  He did a lot of research on that.  The Village of East Hampton is enacting a home inspection license.  Ed said they were looking to do a registry and that inspector was fired.  That will not happen.  East Hampton Village does have a parking permit.  The fine is $150 if you done have a permit.

 PSEG Representatives: Joe Mikulas, Jack Morrell, Rob Szalay

Tom DiBella brought 3 of his engineers so they can start to come to our meetings.  He thought all the speakers at the meeting were interesting.  PSEG has issues that they come across with contractors they do not know what they are doing.  They are usually working under someone else license.  One guy went ahead and spliced a 3 phase and it was not grounded.  In Huntington Village there were people working on scaffolding and putting their shirts on the primary.  PSEG electrical service people are going to call OSHA on these people doing violations.  People that come to the SCECA meetings would never do that.  PSEG has protocol for setting work up.  You have to call BRS.  They have a Redbook committee and they are working on it.

Rob Ceriello said the Town of Babylon is getting handwritten certificates.  That is not legal.  They are void.

A discussion ensued.

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

Rob T. reported membership is going well.  We are sending out email blasts to all nonmembers.  You do not have to be on the Board to get involved in the association.  The Board does a lot and we are all working for our licenses.  Get involved.  We need more members.  He announced we are having a SCECA east meeting at the Lobster Roll in Southampton on September 25 at 5 pm.  We are having it for the east end electrical contractors out there.  It takes a team effort.  Rob S. added we are offering this because east end contractors would like more information.  Michael Towers will give a similar presentation out there as well.  Mention this meeting to the guys out east.  Michael added you can also take a ride out there to support it.

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

 Tom Walsh reported Bill from U.I. Supply is doing a program on Wi-Fi systems.  Maybe do a course on the new code and the Energy Expo is coming up next month.

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

Rob Ceriello reported their next meeting is 11/5 with Jim Smith to go over code changes.  Sal Grimaldi is trying to get more members; he is trying to bring in younger guys.  They have courses you can take online.  He will give us meeting information and we will send it out to our members.  Meetings are in Farmingdale at Allen Park Town Hall building at 6:30 pm.

 MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS: (Rob Szalay and Jack Morrell)

Joe Mikulas, Editor – “Light,”

Nothing to report.

Joe reported Ralph has sent him great stuff.  In the future he will read the article and condense it.  If anyone sees anything interesting out there, take a picture and email us.  Make sure we have your correct email address so you can get the newsletter.  Rob T. added, just don’t send a picture, write about it.

 Energy Expo: Rob Szalay, Jack Morrell, Dave Kennedy

10/15 2 pm – 8 pm Radisson Hotel 110 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge

Rob S. reported we are having 4 hour workshop on Generac equipment.  Space is limited and it is free.  The workshop will run from 10 am to 2 pm.  Give Barbara your contact information if you are interested in attending.  We will also have a care cut in half by DeWalt with a Sawzall.  There will be prizes and vendors.

 Legislative Review: Jack Morrell

Jack reported the State is trying to get prevailing wage in the private sector.

Old Business: 

Nothing to report.

 New Business:

Tom Thomas reported that Southold Township is now open to outside inspection agencies.

Raffles:            

• $80 cash prize were won by Anthony Leo (twice), John Ricciardi and Chazz Leo.

$100 attendance award was drawn for Philip Buonomo (#327-CR) who was not present to win.

A motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. was made by Joe Mikulas and seconded by Michael Towers.

Respectfully submitted,

APPROVED BY:   

                                                                                                9/20/2025

Barbara George                                                                      Dave Kennedy

Recording Secretary                                                             Secretary