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01-09-1990 (City Council) Agenda Packet DATE POSTED 1-05-90 TIME POSTED 5:00 PM AGENDA REGULAR MEETING, CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1990 7:00 P. M. COUNCIL C EMBERS MUNICIPAL COMPLEX 2000 HIGHWAY 78 NORTH CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ORDER OF PAGE BUSINESS REFERENCE BUSINESS 1 1 - 9 Consider approval of City Council minutes of the Dec. 12, 1989 meeting 2 10 Consider approval of change in Group Health Insurance from TML Hartford to Blue Cross Blue Shield 3 11 Consider approval of Proclamation for the month of February, 1990 as American History Month in Wylie 4 Consider approval of Proclamation for Prudence Kling, Employee of the Quarter ending Dec. 31, 1989 PUBLIC READINGS OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 5 12 - 13 Consider approval of an Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 89-21 - Uniform Building Code Amendments 6 14 - 29 Consider approval of an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 88-28, Section 3 - C, D, & E of the Uniform Building Code 7 30 Consider approval of a Resolution Supporting the January 20th Election for 1% increase in Sales Tax NEW BUSINESS 8 31 Consider approval of naming the official newspaper for the City 9 Discussion of ways to honor Volunteer Firemen UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10 32 - 36 Consider approval of SASA Sanitary Sewer Line Extension APPROVAL OF PURCHASE/PAYMENT 11 37 - 39 Consider approval of increase in subsidy to Lifeline Ambulance Service 12 40 - 41 Consider approval of payment request from Leon Hurse in the amount of $10,000.00 for Wastewater Collection System Improvements 13 42 - 43 Consider approval of payment request fran EGT, Inc. for Nortex Tank Site in the amount of $11,430.06 ORDER OF PAGE BUSINESS REFERENCE BUSINESS GENERAL DISCUSSION 14 Citizen Participation 15 Council Discussion 16 Recess regular business meeting and Convene Council into work session in the Council Conference Room (anyone wishing to adjourn to the other room with Council is welcome to do so) 17 Discussion of site location for Texas National Guard Facilities 18 Discussion and report from Collin County Commissioner Jerry Hoagland on various projects between the County and the City of Wylie 19 Recess open meeting 20 Convene Council into Executive Session under the authority of Article 6252-17 V. A. C. S., Section 2 paragraph "g" Personnel Matters - Evaluation Procedures for Department Heads 21 Reconvene open meeting 22 Adjourn CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 12, 1989 The City of Wylie City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, December 12 , 1989 at 7 : 00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex . A quorum was present and notice of the meeting had been posted in the time and manner required by law. Those present were Mayor Chuck Trimble, Mayor Pro Tem Bud Naish, Council Members Pat Stemple, Jim Swartz , Ortie Messenger, Steve Wright and John Akin, City Manager Charles Norwood, City Secretary Carolyn Jones, Finance Director James Johnson, Code Enforcement Officer Roy Faires, Assist . City Engineer Ron Homeyer and Frank Medanich of First Southwest . Mayor Trimble called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone attending the meeting and introduced Eric Stevens who is attending the Council meeting which is required in earning his Community Citizenship Badge in Boy Scouts. Councilman Wright gave the invocation and Councilman Swartz led the pledge of allegiance. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 28 , 1989 COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Pro Tem Naish corrected the October 17th minutes to reflect that the City would provide the materials and the County would provide manpower and equipment . Mayor Pro Tem Naish also corrected the statement about the sales tax in the November 14th minutes was made by Councilman Wright and not by Mayor Pro Tem Naish. Mayor Pro Tem Naish wanted his statement to be added to the section of appointment to board as follows in the future that the people wishing to serve on boards be contact prior to the meeting . There being no other corrections or additions, a motion was made by Councilman Akin to approve the November 28th minutes as corrected . Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Naish. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor, Councilman Messenger - in favor , and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor. This motion carried with all in favor. APPOINTMENT OF A RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER (RMO) : City Manager Charles Norwood stated this was added to the open meetings law and Cities are mandated by State to appoint a Records Management Officer . Staff recommends Carolyn Jones. Motion was made by Councilman Akin to appoint Carolyn Jones as Records Management Officer. Seconded by Councilwoman Stemple. Councilman Swartz asked what this was going to do to Carolyn ' s work load . City Manager Charles Norwood said after a seminar it should not be any additional work load and there is no extra money involved for her . Mayor Trimble called for a vote on the above motion. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor , Councilman Messenger - in favor , and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor . AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO SEEK COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR A SIDE MOUNT MOWER FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT: City Manager Charles Norwood stated this item is in our current budget and council has allowed $12 ,000 for it . It will enable staff to improve the ditches and keep them cleaner . Motion was made by Councilman Messenger to grant authorization for staff to seek bids for a side mount mower . Seconded by Councilman Swartz . The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor, Councilman Messenger - in favor, and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor. This motion carried with all in favor . AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO SEEK PROPOSALS FOR CODE BOOK OF ORDINANCES: City Manager Charles Norwood said this is not a budgeted item, it is an expenditure of $10,000 to $12 ,000 to codify our ordinances. There are several companies that do this and I have talked to some of them. It will take 8 to 9 months to complete it . City Manager Charles Norwood recommends this to be funded out of the Council Reserve. Councilman Messenger stated that Council has talked about this before and thought it would be more money. City Manager Charles Norwood said he has interviewed Municipal Code and they have said $10 ,000 to $12 ,000 . Motion was made by Councilman Swartz to authorize staff to seek proposals for code book of ordinances. Seconded by Councilwoman Stemple. Mayor Trimble wanted to know if after its completion, and the Council passes an amendment would this be put in the codification. City Manager Charles Norwood said the Company will send a supplement out when we have amendments. Councilman Wright stated to try to have our computers compatible to their computers . Mayor Trimble called for a vote on the above motion. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor , Councilman Messenger - in favor , and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor . AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO SEEK BIDS ON AMBULANCE CONTRACT: City Manager Charles Norwood said staff needs some direction on what level of service Council wants . Councilman Messenger said everyone wanted to go with ALS. Councilman Akin said to try an keep the options open . Mayor Pro Tem Naish wanted to know if ALS has different standards. Mr . Johnson, Finance Director said yes , BLS is a lesser service and if you want to do an alternate bid at the end of the package, state that you wish to have BLS bid also . BLS will not provide the quality of care that the Council and the Committee has talked about . Mayor Trimble said there is no multiple service of ALS , it is either ALS or BLS. Mr . Johnson said ALS can be handled with EMT with spec skills or have it mandated to have a paramedic on each shift . You can dress up the ALS such as making them carry special equipment for children. Mr . Johnson said the insurance is a critical section of this document . Mr . Johnson also stated the down side of a long contract is you are with the same company but it also has up side that the contractor has a longer time period to pay off his equipment. This drives down his overall contract cost . Councilwoman Stemple said the Council agrees that we get the best service there is and I know money wise we have to go without a lot of things we would like to have, but I like the comfort of knowing if I get sick I will be taken care of . Mayor Trimble said to restructure this and bring it back. Councilman Akin wanted to know if we have provisions for a company to establish their own site. Mr . Johnson said yes . Mayor Pro Tem Naish said a problem with all the vehicles on one side of town and you can ' t get across town when a train is coming through. Mr. Johnson said this is an issue we need to look at and also how many reserve ambulances you want in town . Councilman Akin wanted to know how the County funds are coming in. Mr . Johnson said there are several ways to do this . Mr . Johnson also said the County subsidy is about to double for Wylie Ambulance District, it is $16 ,000 and I understand it is going to $31,000 plus Lucas is giving Lifeline a subsidy also . Councilman Wright said we need to keep the options open and then we can see what we have to cut and what we can keep. Motion was made to table this item by Mayor Pro Tem Naish. Seconded by Councilman Wright . The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor, Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor , Councilman Messenger - in favor, and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor to table. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION: The issuance of certificates of obligation in the principal amount not to exceed $3 ,500 ,000 for the purpose of paying contractual obligations to be incurred for the construction of public works, to wit : improvements and extensions to the City' s combined Waterworks and Sanitary Sewer System, including the installation of sewer interceptor lines and related facilities and capping the City' s landfill to conform to the State' s requirements , purchasing and acquiring land and a building for City' s utility department and paying contracts for professional services , such certificates to be payable from ad valorem taxes and a limited pledge of the net revenues of the City' s combined Water works and Sanitary Sewer System. City Manager Charles Norwood said he has given Council a report on the break down in three phases as follows : 2 Million for wastewater collection improvements, 1 . 3 Million for landfill closure and $200 ,000 for relocation of the service center , of these three proposals, the wastewater collection improvements and the landfill closure have been mandated by the State. City Manager Charles Norwood said in July , 1987 the city received an enforcement order from the Texas Water Commission, addressing the collection system and the need to improve and eliminate the pump and haul operation. In May, 1989 the city received a second enforcement order which was on the collection system. This enforcement order also handed down a penalty the city would be charged per month for continuing the pump and haul effective Jan. 1 , 1990 and this penalty is $500 .00 per month. This enforcement order also stated that the city would be charged $1 ,900 for each bypass reported, and this penalty will increase to $2,900 per occurrence and the administrative penalty will increase to $1 ,000 per month if the conditions have not been corrected by January, 1991 . City Manager Charles Norwood also stated that the landfill closure will entail the relocating of Alanis Rd, utilities, legal fees and submittal of closure plan to the State, plus attorney fees . It is impossible to determine what the final cost of closing the landfill will be until the final plans have been submitted to and approved by the State. City Manager Charles Norwood said the city is in dire need of relocating the service center to a more desirable location. Beside the present facility being totally inadequate for today' s needs , it is also necessary for the fuel tanks to be replaced . These tanks are well over 25 years of age and the city must meet the new state laws governing fuel tanks . 3 City Manager Charles Norwood stated if the Council elects to go ahead with the 3 .5 million the advantage in securing the total funds are: 1 . to split this would add additional cost of $25 ,000 , 2 . Bond rators believe cities should plan in advance 3 . while we do not know what dates we will have to begin closing the landfill , we need to have the funds available 4 . also interest earned will off set interest we are paying for the CO' s 5. interest rates will be more competitive at this time 6 . smaller amounts of bonds will be harder to acquire the insurance. There is a lot of advantages as to go with the entire amount rather than a smaller amount . It is recommended that the approximate $326 ,000 in principal and interest be paid from the following: $6 .00 per month per customer from water/sewer rates $2 .00 per month from garbage rates $ .03 tax increase If Council opts not to increase the tax rate, it would be necessary to add an additional $2.25 to the garbage rate or a total increase of $4 . 25 above the present rate. Mayor Pro Tem Naish stated in looking at paying off this , if we keep this separated , the utility fund from the general fund which is what part of this council did two years ago, 2 .5 million on sewer the sewer treatment plant my calulations are that by $5 .00 per month increase with 2700 customers this would bring in approximately $162 ,000 . and with the pump and haul with the lift stations , we will be going from 11 lift stations to 7 lift stations and with the finding of some of our water loss will add additional revenues, it looks like we need to generate closer to $80 ,000 to $100 ,000 instead of $200,000 . Councilman Messenger said I do not fore see any tax increase being necessary. Mayor Pro Tem Naish stated if the pro rate impact fee studies comes through this will help. Councilman Akin said we need to depend on people coming in not going out of town. Mayor Pro Tem Naish said we have been discussing this for several years , we were not here when we annexed and etc, but we are mandated to take care of this. With the impact study , this may help. Councilman Swartz said if elected or not, this wastewater collection system has to be done, land fill has to be closed properly and public works building has to be moved due to the grounds . We do not have a choice it has to be done. The citizens will have to pay for it . Councilman Akin said in 1970 the health department was suppose to have found drums in the land fill and in 1980 they gave the city a permit to operate the land fill and in 1985 our neighbors made TV and was not closed down. We are guided by a situation we do not have any control so don' t blame other people . We have straighten things out . City Manager Charles Norwood said the city has no choice on the 3 .5 million, it is just a matter of how to pay it back. Mayor Pro Tem Naish said we do have some light at the end . Mayor Pro Tem Naish also stated that if we are going to have to move public works building , we need to look at a new animal shelter at the same time. City Manager Charles Norwood said Sachse has completed a new public works facility and we are talking with them on a joint venture for an animal shelter . Mayor Pro Tem Naish asked Mr . Johnson the approximate cost of an animal shelter . Mr. Johnson said you would have to hire an architect to design the building , the estimated cost would be $75,000 . You might reduce this cost if you go with metal building instead of brick. Councilman Akin said next year with Sanden getting involved it will bring in more revenue. Mayor Trimble said we need to look at the worst case and not bet on the come. Councilman Messenger said if the payments start in February, 1991 do we need to change the wording. City Manager Charles Norwood said no, just need to tell our financial advisor . Councilwoman Stemple wanted to know if we were going to look at other options on paying for this. City Manager Charles Norwood said yes , when we get closer to budget time , we will have a better picture. Councilman Swartz said this was the last of our problems to over come unless somthing jumps out we do not know about and then we can begin to look at streets and other things we need to get done. Mayor Pro Tem Naish wanted to add the Animal Shelter to this Resolution. Motion was made by Councilman Messenger to approve the Resolution with the addition of the animal shelter . Seconded by Councilman Wright . The vote was as follows: Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor , Councilman Akin - against , Councilman Swartz - in favor, Councilman Wright - in favor, Councilman Messenger - in favor , Councilwoman Stemple - in favor. This motion carried with six in favor and one against . Mr . Frank Medanich said the resolution gives Council authorization to take action on January 23 , 1990 on the sale of these bonds. APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ALLOWING THE CITY TO TAX ALL TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY AS DEFINED IN SAID PROPOSED AMENDMENT ADDING SECTION 1-J TO ARTICLE VIII OF THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION AND IN SECTION 11 .251 TEXAS TAX CODE IN THE TAX YEAR 1990 AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER: City Manager Charles Norwood said this is a resolution that will allow the city to tax certain properties that cannot be taxed beginning in 1990 . This was passed on the November ballot. We do not know what will be exempt as of this date. Councilman Messenger said when will they know what is exempt . City Manager Charles Norwood said Central Appraisal can give us an estimate before the next tax year . Councilman Wright wanted to know if we could put a time limit on this resolution. City Manager Charles Norwood said no you can no , you can come back later on and recend it . Motion was made by Councilman Akin to approve the Resolution allowing the city to tax all tangible personal property as defined in said proposed amendment. Seconded by Councilman Wright . The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor, Councilman Messenger - in favor, and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor . This motion carried with all in favor. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 88-28 SECTION 3 (d) (REGARDING ENGINEER TRUSS) : City Manager Charles Norwood said at the last Council meeting staff was asked to meet with engineers and bring back a recommendation . Mr . Ron Homeyer said that this has been discussed in great lenghts and have found that the code does allow degrees of flexibility under which the buidling official can allow alternate methods of construction. The key is that any deviation needs to be cretified by an Engineer that will state the structure meets and complies with the code. The issue here is wheather or not to allow trusses on 24$ centers. The code addresses this and says a double top plate is not adequate. It would be a bad decision if Code allowed this. . Mr . Homeyer said 24" center spacing of trusses can be allowed provided there is a certification from an Engineer . Our recommendation is to leave the ordinance as amended a few weeks ago with 16" centers for ceiling joists unless there is an Engineers certification on it. Mr . Homeyer said 24" centers can be allowed as alternate construction provided an Engineer certifies the plans. The key is do we put this burden on the building official or do we build on 16" centers. Is it right for economics alone to do this and not look at health, safety and welfare of our citizens . Mr . Kevin St . John, owner of Rushin Truss Company, said it is very obvious that you have not framed a house. Mr . St . John said there is no way you can line up everything on a house. Mr. Homeyer said you have separation of studs to where the load is over a stud. Mr . St . John said he does not understand why the City of Wylie is different from other cities . The Engineer said you should not do this and tonight you do not have him here because you are not doing what he said. City Manager Charles Norwood said the Engineer met with us and this is his recommendation. Mr . St. John said that is not what he said in the Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Naish said there is a developer building behind me, are they using trusses . Mr . Faires said not now, they have changed . Councilman Messenger said the Engineer said the code stressed the quality of wood and that 85% of the County is using the Uniform Building Code. Mr . Homeyer said Uniform Building Code uses trusses with clear instructions if truss is off the stud 5 ' you have to put in plat/blocking between the studs. If you want to fall back on the Code Department we can, but it will take more man power and inspections. Councilman Akin asked Mr . St . John what he has waited until now. Mr . St. John said we have never had a problem with it, I bought the company five years ago and we have done forty or fifty jobs and all of them have been on 24" centers and nothing has every been said to us . My own house is built on 24" centers and the fire station the City has , we gave you the trusses. Mr . Faires said he became aware of this about two years ago when we adopted these codes. I have been enforcing it since then. Councilman Swartz said the man here before said we need to stick with Uniform Code and I think we should do it . Councilman Messenger said Rushin Truss has not had their inspection yet, they are in the process of getting it now. Mr . Faires said the problem with a stick built house is you can see a grade mark on each piece of lumber and on a truss you may not see this mark on each piece of lumber . Mr . St. John said you are not going to cut your truss from a long piece of lumber. Councilman Wright wanted to know if Code Enforcement officer can go in and inspect the truss plant . Mr . St . John said he was open from 6: 00 A.M. to 5: 00 P.M. and you can come in anytime. Mr . Faires said he has no authority to go in and inspect the plant. Councilman Messenger said need to go with Uniform Building Code since all of these concerns are addressed in there. Mr . Faires wanted to know if it was Council intension to go strickly by the building . Councilman Messenger said on what we are talking about now. Mr . Faires said on ceiling joists. Councilman Messenger said he did not understand how 85% of the country could be using the code if it is not good . Mayor Pro Tem Naish said this goes back to that this is the minimum, how many people will buy a house and know what the 15 grade of wood is or if it is a 2x6 or 2x4 . This is where we relie on the building inspectors . Mayor Trimble you can relie on him. Mayor Pro Tem Naish said I know we can relie on him but what if he can not make it and a house is going up. Mayor Trimble said we will just have to do our job. Councilman Wright read the following statement "while it is true that the key is effective code enforcement I have seen the result of minimum standards in other communities and have overlooked discrepencies that crop up at a later date" . I think this is something that has to be considered . If we adopt the UBC part or partial , what we will end up with is a minimum standard house if it is built correctly. Mayor Trimble said it also goes back to the inspection, if it is not inspected then we failed . Councilman Swartz said you come across this about one and half years ago , what code was you using . Mr . Faires said the Uniform Building Code. Councilwoman Stemple asked Mr . St. John if he has been making trusses for five years and have there been any failures . Mr . St . John said he has never had a problem on a truss except a flat roof truss and it was put in backwards. Councilman Akin said we don ' t want to over look the fact that Mr . Faires was brought here to enforce the code , he did not adopt the code, he just enforces the code. Councilman Wright wanted to know if the City could require a live load put in the trusses . Mr . Faires said you can require it . Mr . Faires said if Council wanted to give minimum standards only, then that is what he will do. Mr . Faires said he has always wanted to give more than minimum. Motion was made by Councilman Messenger to approve the Uniform Building Code. Seconded by Councilman Swartz . The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor , Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor , Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - against , Councilman Messenger - in favor , and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor . This motion carried with six in favor and one against . APPROVAL OF A PAYMENT REQUEST FROM HUNTER ASSOCIATES, INC. : This payment request is in the amount of $4 ,966 .25 for improvements to wastewater collection system on the extension of Southfork Mobile Home Park lines. Staff recommends approval . Motion was made by Councilman Akin to approve the payment request in the amount of $4 ,966 . 25 to Hunter Associates , Inc . Seconded by Councilman Messenger. The vote was as follows : Mayor Trimble - in favor, Mayor Pro Tem Naish - in favor , Councilman Akin - in favor, Councilman Swartz - in favor , Councilman Wright - in favor , Councilman Messenger - in favor , and Councilwoman Stemple - in favor. This motion carried with all in favor. STATUS REPORT ON WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS: Mr. Homeyer said staff has received bids, the lower bid on each phase was from the same company. The total bid package is $1 ,651 ,000 .00 and Mr . Homeyer stated staff was ready to recommend award of bid as soon as the funds are available. As far as easements we are working on them, but looks like four to eight parcels will have to go into condemnation. Councilman Akin wanted to know if these parcels will hold up the project . Mr . Homeyer said no it will not hold up the project . Mayor Pro Tem Naish said in condemnation you can go ahead with the project . Councilman Swartz said with the company that has all three phases , will contract state they work on three phases at once. Councilman Akin wanted to know when start up time was . Mr . Homeyer said as soon as the money is available and probably be the last part of February, 1990 . Mayor Pro Tem Naish wanted to know how much of the bid was for new growth. Mr . Homeyer said he did not have it broken down like that , he would have to break it out . Mr . Homeyer stated that the wastewater treatment plant was complete at this time. City Manager Charles Norwood stated one thing to point out , we have not resolved San Antonio Savings project as yet . CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Mayor Trimble invited anyone wishing to address the Council to come forward at this time, to state their name and address for record and to keep their comments to within two minutes. There were not speakers at this time. COUNCIL DISCUSSION: Councilwoman Stemple wanted to know if there had been any figures on the park improvement fund . Mr. Johnson said the figures are not put together yet , but estimated $800 . to $1 ,000 per month. Councilwoman Stemple also requested in the near future put on the agenda to recognize the Volunteer Firemen. Councilman Messenger wanted to know how the new board members were contacted . City Secretary Carolyn Jones said a letter went out with their first packet . Councilman Messenger requested this letter be sent out earlier if possible. Councilman Messenger wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . Councilman Wright wanted to know if anything had been done on the Council Inquiries . City Manager Charles Norwood said staff will be using these after this meeting . Councilman Swartz stated the Christmas Parade was very nice and was one of the best . Councilman Akin said only complaint was the flat bed truck in front of the barber shop. Councilman Swartz also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . Councilman Akin wanted to know when the election for the sales tax increase was . City Manager Charles Norwood said January 20, 1990 . Councilman Akin also wanted to know if there had been any thought given to passing a resolution to show support from the Council on this. Also to get the Chamber to show their support through the papers. Councilman Swartz said the Chamber needs to take a stand. Mayor Trimble said to remember it started with Economic Development Board and the Chamber has to be careful as they are an entity. Councilman Akin stated Council is passing up citizens on the list wishing to serve on Boards, need to have Carolyn call these people and see if they still want to serve. Councilman Akin wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . Mayor Trimble also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . Mayor Trimble recessed the regular meeting and convened Council into a work session on the Section 5-6 , 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 of the proposed Personnel Regulations and that the work session would be conducted in the Council Council room and all citizens were welcomed to come. PERSONNEL REGULATIONS : Section 5-6 : Leave for Hazardous Weather Conditions, need to add that the employee must call in when he/she is not able to make it in. Section 5-7 B: Occupational Disability or injury Leave (Worker ' s Compensation) . The following replaced 5-7B - "After the aforementioned seven (7 ) days , the employee shall be paid the difference between his regular salary and any Worker' s Compensation payments received for such injury for six months. After six months the injured employee will be reviewed and at this time may only receive worker ' s Compensation payments, depending upon the out come of the review" . Section 5-15: Group Insurance - the insurance will become effective the first day of employment , there will be no waiting period. Section 6-6: Demotion B. add employee is demoted with pay. After some discussion, it was noted by Council that there was a need to add a separate section for Drug/Alcohol Abuse. There being no other matters for discussion, a motion was made to adjourn with all in favor . Chuck Trimble, Mayor ATTEST : Carolyn Jones, City Secretary BENEFITS TML HARTFORD BLUE CROSS/BS COVERAGE 80/20 80/20 DEDUCTIBLE $100. $150. MAX. DEDUCT. FAMILY $300. $450. PRESCRITIONS - EMPLOYEES PAY 20% $8.00/$5.00 DEDUCTIBLE FOR ADM. HOSPITAL -0- $200. PENALTY FOR NOT CERTIFICATION $400. $250. EST. TOTAL OUT OF POCKET EXP. $1,500 $1,500 PREMIUMS EMPLOYEES 156.20 $115.63 EMP. DENTAL 0.00 17.14 DEPENDENTS 200.12 217.29 DEPENDENT DENT. 0.00 25.94 MONTHLY COST HEALTH $ 8, 122.40 $ 5,897. 13 COST LIFE 1,016. 13 938.42 COST DENTAL 0.00 874. 14 PAID TOWARD DEPENDENT COV. 0.00 1,400.00 * TOTAL MONTHLY COST $ 9, 138.53 $9, 109.69 * Staff estimates that 20 employees will request dependent coverage /64 Ital 0/ dill Mayor I. I. arxas 4 it rottamatton AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH rWHEREAS: The backbone of this great nation of America is its history, upon which all of our accomplishments are based; and WHEREAS: American History must be preserved and remembered by all , young and old; and WHEREAS: The Daughters of the American Revolution is now and always has been a living history of the growth of our nations , and stresses the importance of remembering American History through such valuable community services as educational programs, essay contest and such; and WHEREAS : Both the importance of remembering American History, and the contributions made to our society by the Daughters of the American Revolution should be duly noted , NOW THEREFORE, I , CHUCK TRIMBLE, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, do hereby proclaim the month of FEBRUARY, 1990 to be AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH IN WYLIE, and I urge all Wylie residents to join with me this month in recognizing the importance of American History in our lives, and in recognizing the community service performed by the Rockwall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution , in our area . fin witness w4t7tof J havt cE .tunto set my /and and caustd :his scat to tit affixti. CHUCK TRIMBLE, MAYOR ATTEST. CAROLYN JONES, CITY SECRETARY DATE JANUARY 9, 1990 ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 89-21 AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 88-28 BUILDING CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE: BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS , A HOME RULE POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1 That Ordinance No . 89-21 be repealed in its entirety which amended Ordinance No. 88-28 - Uniform Building Code Ordinance SECTION 2 SEVERABILITY CLAUSE - Should any paragraph, sentence, subdivision , clause, phrase or section of this ordinance be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional , illegal or invalid , the same shall not affect the validity of this ordinance as whole or any part so decided to be invalid , illegal or unconstitutional and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. SECTION 3 EFFECTIVE DATE - This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publications of its caption, as law in such cases provides . PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS ON THIS THE 9TH DAY OF JANUARY , 1990 . Chuck Trimble , Mayor ATTEST : Carolyn Jones , City Secretary ORDINANCE NO. -aV AM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS, AMENDING THE BUILDING CODE ORDINANCE NO. 88-28 BY CHANGING THE WORDING I■ SECTION 3 (D) , CONTAINING A PENALTY CLAUSE, A 41 SAVING CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE _., 19)L BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE , TEXAS : SECTION 1 That Section 3 (d) of Ordinance 88-28 be, and it is hereby amended by the insertion of the following in section 2309 : (d) . All wood ceiling joists shall have a minimum nominal dimension of 2 inches by 6 inches ( unless part of an Engineer Truss) and they shall have a maximum spacing of 16 inches on centers SECTION 2 PENALTY CLAUSE - Any person firm or corporation violating any of the provisions or terms of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of Five Hundred ($500 . 00 ) for each offense, and each day such violation shall continue to exist shall constitute a separate offense. SECTION 3 SEVERABILITY CLAUSE - Should any paragraph , sentence, subdivision , clause , phrase or section of this ordinance be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional , illegal or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this ordinance as whole or any part so decided to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. SECTION 4 EFFECTIVE DATE - This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication of its caption , as law in such cases provides . PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE , TEXAS ON THIS THE NTH DAY OF NOVEMBER , :,89 . Chuck 'I r imb e , Mayor ATTEST : Carolyn ne Y ity Secretary SEAL t►y t 1E, TE . ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 88-28 - UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, SECTION 3 IN SECTION 2309 (C, D. & E) ; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PENALTY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS THAT SECTION 1 Ordinance No . 88-28 , Section 3 is hereby amended by deleting Paragraph (d) and adding thereto in this section designated the following in section 2309 a new paragraph (c , d , & e) to read as follows : (c) All wood studs shall be on a maximum of 16 inch centers (d) All wood hips and ridges shall be constructed with a minimum nominal 2 inch by 8 inch material except when formed by a truss (e) All wood shakes and shingles installed on any structure shall be fire retardant treated wood as defined in Section 407 of the Uniform Building Code 1988 Addition. SECTION 2 SEVERABILITY CLAUSE - Should any paragraph, sentence, subdivision, clause , phrase or section of this ordinance be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional , illegal or invalid , the same shall not affect the validity of this ordinance as whole or any part so decided to be invalid , illegal or unconstitutional and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. SECTION 3 PENALTY CLAUSE - Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions or terms of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of Five Hundred ($500 .00 ) for each offense, and each day such violation shall continue to exist shall constitute a separate offense . SECTION 4 EFFECTIVE DATE - This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication of its caption, as law in such cases provides . PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS ON THIS THE 9TH DAY OF JANUARY , 1990 . Chuck Trimble , Mayor ATTEST : Carolyn Jones , City Secretary ORDINANCE NO _AP o O AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS, REGULATING THE ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION, ENLARGEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, MOVING, REMOVAL, DEMOLITION, CONVERSION, OCCUPANCY, EQUIPMENT, USE, HEIGHT, AREA AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES IN THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFORE; REPEALING ORDINANCES NO. 83-15, 84-10 AND 86-3 OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES AND PARTS OR THE ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH; CONTAINING A SEVERANCE CLAUSE; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS THAT SECTION 1. That Ordinance No. 83-15, 84-10, of the City of Wylie hereby be repealed. SECTION 2. That certain documents, one (1 ) copy of which is on file in the office of the City Secretary of the City of Wylie being marked and designated as "Uniform Building Code, " including appendix chapter 12 but , without Appendix Chapters 1 , 11 , 23, 26, 32, 38, 49, 51 , 53, 55, 57 and 70, 1988 Edition , published by the International Conference of Building Officials, be and the same is hereby adopted as the code of the City of Wylie for regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration,repair, moving, removal , demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings or structures in the City of Wylie providing for issuance of permits and collection of fees therefore; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, conditions and terms of such "Uniform Building Code, " 1988 Edition, and "Uniform Building Code Standards, " 1988 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, one of which is on file in the office of the City Secretary are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this ordinance. SECTION 3. The Uniform Building Code 1988 Edition is hereby amended by adding thereto in the sections designated the following: in section 1707 a new paragraph (d) to read as follows; (d) In order to abate the proliferation of buildings subject to early and premature deterioration and to reduce fire hazards within this community, all residential and commercial buildings shall be constructed of masonry walls; that is, exterior walls shall be at least seventy-five percent covered with masonry on vertical surfaces, excluding windows, doors, and other normal openings; or with materials with equivalent fire-retardant and structural qualities as approved by the Building Inspector. In section 2309 a new paragraph (c,d,e&f ) to read as follows; (c) All wood studs shall be on a maximum of 16 inch centers. (d) All wood ceiling joists shall have a minimum nominal dimension of 2 inches by 6 inches and shall have maximum spacing of 16 inches as centers. ' r e) All wood hips and ridges shall be �+ constructed with a minimum nominal 2 inch by 8 inch material except when ` J formed by a truss. f) All wood shakes and shingles /installed on any structure shall be fire y retardant treated wood as defined in r-, ,` �`7✓'� ' Section 407 of the Uniform Building Code 1988 Addition. MBA` SECTION 4. The "Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Building" 1988 Edition , published by the International Conference of Building Officials one (1 ) copy of which is on file in the City Secretary 's office is hereby adopted. SECTION 5. REPEALING CLAUSE - That all ordinances of the City in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be, and the same are hereby, repealed and all other ordinances of the City not in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 6. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE - Should any paragraph, sentence, subdivision, clause, phrase or section of this ordinance be adjudged or held to be unconstitutional , illegal or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this ordinance as whole or any part so decided to be invalid, illegal or unconstitutional and shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. SECTION 7. PENALTY - Any person firm or corporation violating any of the provisions or terms of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of Five Hundred (S500. 00) for each offense, and each day such violation shall continue to exist shall constitute a separate offense. SECTION 8. PUBLICATION CLAUSE - This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage and publication of its caption, as law in such cases provides. 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' ^fIzt 70'..• --•IC?it • 1, ,....,... ..r. , .., , 0, 4. ) ....}. . . - -..... ,,:.-...',..r'' ..• r•• : . 4t-1•4••'; - •r . • ..-:., . . •...V4!v..t,4.1•"; 4. •0 ‘...0 ,444. .• ....i .... 4 .. •••. 4 • • •' ''' , . •, + .• s a sr �f j I Wood Construction I 83 and the impact load of a ladderman's axe. The metal parts of the truss are vulnerable to heating and resultant failure. Never very large. they have little 11 mass to which to distribute heat received. Lightweight wooden members may t i� burn through long before the heavy timber main members. The truss is only as strong as its weakest part. j The scissors truss is used for steep roofs, most often on churches. Scissor 3•!! trusses often have steel tie rods that are under tension, and their failure will col- lapse the truss. A number of different designs of parallel chord trusses are used. %- I One-story commercial garages and auto repair shops are typical of buildings requiring large. clear floor areas and a lightweight roof that need carry only the • snow load. Today, such buildings are usually spanned with steel trusses, but a _ generation ago, the wood truss was universally used. A fire of record in a vacant one-story, wood-trussed, brick-bearing wall garage, which necessitated a second alarm, shows the danger of wooden trusses. The building was vacant. The roof ! was the only fuel. The roof collapsed about 15 minutes after the first alarm. .1 bringing down the walls. Photographs taken moments before the collapse I showed no sign that the wail was about to come down. The wooden trusses 1 were counteracting the eccentric load of a heavy sign on the brick wall. When ' , the trusses burned, the eccentricity was too much and the wall collapsed.' When trusses support an open roof, such as a garage or gymnasium, the space required for the height of the truss is of no particular consequence. If a ' truss is used to carrythe upper ~, �° stories of a multistory building, a space problem - . presents itself. This is usually solved by incorporating the truss in the partition ,_ walls of the floor above. If you are opening up a wail. and you find diagonal Y _ structural members, be careful: they may be parts of a truss. Modern long-span trusses are likely to be space frames, or three-dimensional _ trusses. A college in the northwest has several buildings with timber space-frame _~ trusses yielding a 120-foot clear span and capable of carrying a 5-ton moving i ~ crane. Since the laminated timbers in the trusses meet the definition of heavy *. s timber, the steel connectors might prove to be the first point of failure in a fire. The description the author read of the buildings was silent about ceilings, but if ' . ceilings were installed (fire resistant or not), these forests of timber would be pro- ram, �-+ Y :_ tected from hose streams and a fire in the truss areas could rage unchecked." as� r i Lightweight Trusses 'r `. ,es ;e: •1 _ l�• i :`L t st-pf �-• Until recently, the roof structure of an ordinary one-family house or garden I ` « i k apartment house was supported on 2-inch by 12 inch or 3-inch by 12 inch or :-,:, � - ,,. similar rafters about 16 inches apart. (A rafter is a joist set at an angle to support - k� F - ""K 1.., g PPort • ''� t.�r a sloping roof.) The rafters carried the wind and snow loads, provided the r' _ 6 y? M '* necessary rigidity, and supported the weight of the few mechanics who might '• " L ; nave business on the roof. �' '*T.0 Because it takes time to burn away from rafters that portion of the wood that ( ' _ 4,r- ,? ...,j �' ` .r' <f'� �4 tom, "' '.^1 gives them rigidity, experience has taught us that in the ordinary dwelling fire. there is still enough reserve strength in rafters to permit adding to a burning roof -t� �V, - �. K e 1':-.1Z-' i S ,r t `+."Vty _IAA{ i s 4 i�� y Y 84 Building Construction the weight of several fire fighters and the impact load from repeated axe blows without excessive risk of collapse. Thus. standard fire school instructions discuss ventilation of such a roof by men standing on the roof with at best slight mention of the possibility of failure of the roof. -+lrC_r ''..1•.....i....seamesa.4......- 1011P.-- -T _ • a- a._ - • _ _ 1 The light weight and wide span of this construction illustrated the advantages of truss con- struction and snows the high collapse potential which may offset the advantages. In order to build faster, use less lumber, and provide wide spans without the . necessity of interior bearing walls (as required in a conventionally roofed building more than about 25 feet across), lightweight wood trusses are used. These trusses are assembled of 2-inch by 4-inch and 2-inch by 6-inch ;umber. The members are ail in one plane: there is no overlapping. In such trusses. bolt and nut connectors are not used. but gusset plates hold the truss together. These gusset plates are sheets of galvanized steel from which teeth are punched out at - right angles to the plate. (These trusses are sometimes called "Sanford Trusses.) Sometimes. sections of plywood are used as gussets. In a typical garden apartment roof. the trusses are spaced 24 inches on centers. and the roof sheathing is usually plywood. This roof is perfectly capable of carrying its normal load without any trouble. When a fire occurs. however. the situation may be quite a bit different from what it would be in the case of an old-style raftered roof. A 2-inch by 12-inch rafter has a lesser surface-to-mass ratio than a 2-inch by 4-inch truss member. (Compare the perimeter of each to the respective cross-sectional areas.) All : s other factors being equal. a piece of wood of greater surface-to-mass ratio will ig- - - t nite sooner and burn faster than one of lesser surface-to-mass ratio. The lightweight truss is a fast burner. +t a The problem is compounded by the fact that if one member of a truss tails. the < c .�'_ entire truss fails. The failure of one rafter does not cause the failure of any other au .+r� 'y t element. '4? - ,`; Metal gusset plates' can act as heat collectors: the heat is transmitted along r_. . k.. ., . `., 'Framing anchors. similar to the gusset plates used on trusses. are sometimes used to attach tali "' ...44i • -•- °�' otsts hoists not bearing on a wail or girder,to another,Dist.These present the same possibility or heat iC=_i 1/ �s-'Y.t *r " : causing pyroiytic decomposition and resultant .oiiapse .j -.' 37 1 f i ii 2a ' Wood Construction 85 • the prongs, the prongs heat the adjacent wood fibers. and the fibers are destroyed by pyrolytic decomposition. The only force holding the truss together i j is the friction and compression of the wood fibers on the teeth of the gusset i plates. If the fibers adjacent to the teeth are destroyed. the truss will collapse. j 1 1 Plywood gusset plates (usually s of an inch thick) can burn away. I o i The term "trench cut" has come into use to describe a long narrow cut in a roof, typically of a tenement house, to cut off extension of fire in a cockloft. The + I 1 trench cut was developed by units working on sawn joist roofs. with their in- f '',1.-:•- herent "fire-time." The concept must be thought out carefully before being ap- • ' ,-'x.:•, - plied to trussed roofs. For only one hazard. note that the saw may cut right "` through truss members. i _ a.,. '.c= All of this is not to condemn the gusset plate truss out of hand. Any device t ;` • ' ' that conserves natural resources and reduces the cost of building certainly has in trinsic merit. From the overall fire protection point of view. the early failure of air .,=, .- . such a truss may well be beneficial in that it may open up the roof and thus yen- i t } ;; 'i'.: tilate the fire. The building will not collapse; the collapse will be a local collapse. . 1. . :r _<k ;,rr,, not a general one. ,, • _'" ''. i T Until recently, one might be wary of a gabled (peaked) roof but could be confi- ; J fir€-i • dent that a flat roof was built of sawn joists. This is no longer the case. It appears . that wood trusses with their wider span have taken over entirely. In the past I I _:. several years, while photographing buildings under construction across the i. 1 _. country, the author has not seen a flat roofed building under construction of any il ; substantial size. with a roof of other than wood trusses. ' These trusses are of two general types. There appears to be little to choose be ;_ tw•een them from the point of view of fire failure. In one type. the top and cot-,.{ torn chords are 2-inch by 4-inch lumber: the web is steel tubing. Wood is cut ~- s s away to admit the tubing and a steel pin is inserted to hold the flattened ends of t . J the tubes. which have a hole punched in them. The bottom of a truss is under . . tension like a rope. Wood is removed leaving little at the panel point. What little • wood remains is attacked from outside and inside (by conducted heat in the pin.) One failure, and the truss fails. . . the author has seen trusses in which the top and bottom chords : i were fabricated of two pieces of wood with the metal web members held be- tween the pieces of wood. This provides an even greater surface-to-mass ratio for the wood members, and probably means even earlier failure. In the other type, the web is of 2-inch by 4-inch wood like the chords. Gusset ; • plates join the units. In one variation, a piece of steel serves as a diagonal web - member and both ends are gusset plates. Such trusses. or wooden I beams. are often used in rehabilitation of. or addi- tions to. existing buildings. What you find in the older section isn't necessarily the same as the construction of the newer section. • Through prefire planning, the manner of construction of every wooden-roof building in your area should be known to you. The author offers you the follow- ing rule: "In the case of a trussed roof. if there is enough heat and fire to require ventilation. the roof is unsafe: men ventilating the roof should be supported in- ) i - ,if,-•. • tP / re .. .. . . „ ., .._ _ • .. . , or . . - ,01 __ % . ,.. . f • • .. • - / • . 750***• i.. . 04“0189* 4002261669 07" 880 0002 S0015 ; DEPT .: TRE #2 FpLRLAoSTF ION TX 75075 2630 t4 s7REET •PLANO , .. — , - „ , „•:// . 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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION , Joist- Rafteri; versu. . .. ...„ ..... _• . _ .4„, • The strength of these assembli( : , *„.....4,_- ,_.;.„ ••.- . . .�_ -f r ,►z _ - - -j: ate'. •'. -. � d. ;.1 _ _ RIDGE BOARD � - � ._ V 1� RAFTER \ . '--:MAOP- -17....lAndi'- — - -ifLit Joist-rafter construction relies on dimension of its members for strength.A collapsed rccf and its supports can still be supported cy COLLAR BEAM ceiling joists below. Diagram at right recre- sents joist-rafter construction. Photos cv John Mittendorf. b. ICA CEILING JOIST TOP PLATES STUD BY JOHN MITTENDORF The article relied .an laboratory basic differences between light- tests to validate a comparative tire weight, metal-plate-connected A recent article on lightweight, performance euuivaie.acv between trusses and conventional joist- ratterassemblies as commonly truss assemblies land other structural members and con.en used in modern construction. newer building components, such Clonal lotst-rafter assemblies. Structural members of joist- as wooden l-beams) focused on This prompted a response from rafter assemblies depend on their concerns of tire service personnel Francis L. Brannigan itii- size for strength. The greater the about the performance of this con- wL':':1,; June 1988) R'hich marked span or imposed load, the larger struction when it's exposed to tire. the dangers and inaccuracies in us- the structural member must be to ing some Wide]v accepted test support it. Minimum size of the methods to develop rireground on- structural members of these - JOHNMITTENDORF:s aoattai,ch chief:,itr et'iti i _-,rocedtires. and shape semi, lies is generally two inches 1� the Los Angeles City Fire Department sef,,- general °we ptions of these strut- six inches. but they may be as larce ng as the commander of the gin-Service ur,ai as ,_;n; lire when e\posed to as halal timber size. Training Section. He s been with the eeoar.- .,en t „r� tare i t -i,n:t:cUat proportions. L<- for 24 years Chief Mirend has a- It follows that the larger the associates degree !n tare science and Cam In,:, Hint, ,':nni;-ln - ,u•ti lr .. -truitur,al memPer. the '_re,ater ',h;- ::,;:s seminars on ventilation Sorttg . . ,-'t l' ..nL1 ,)n. .(iC inherent strength. .As the length oi 48 FIRE ENGINEERINGIJuIy 1988 Lightweight Wood Truss .• .. comparable— until fire strikes. ,A"} 3 r / .. 11.4E:I METAL GUSSET PLATE /C • ' N WEBBING , t I/ h The strengtn or truss construction depends izii�{ on the integrity of ail its parts. Charring R causes one of :he connector plates to fail. severely weakening the entire assembly lbeiowl.What wcuic Happen if the connector \ `ailed at the but ec memoers under tension !above)? Ciagram at !eft snows lightweight BOTTOM CHORD wood truss construction. TENSION - sir -; -» the structural member IS 1.^. _� .• J� - jar.iib.-. - - -creased. so 1s its o\-erail size. Con- f •6, Aice - -- - _ l'entional 'Dist-ratter assemblies. „ter f� :.---_ -' ••i... +rr� ��ri, never "loin- or 'connect" several • ; :" :211- - - _ __-- - _ _ _ .... r member; to-.ether to tornl a -i:l le. • :' _ • _ • 3�_-.;-.; �c#+ ?r con tinuo >._. .1�._u� ortec. .s.ructur - ir-- . . -- '� 1 8.VI a-?1,di3a, al member. The inherent tren_th - _,�4 - .� • derivative e _ : size .-Inc S�,ln is rein- • torced O\ the method or attach ,.:,- LSTI' wistS anO ratters to ,ether root .lno 'f • c o eilinc me'rler with ith nw is rh,lt _ .lenetra:e ..'.0 i\od :hree to :o.,ir Inches, or '.'.it', metal �llhpo;"ts 111111►ll lllitol 1A-hich titre!. -Imi1,1i-iV. ,1CeelU,,.re � �.., .treni th. • On the ,'.:le' ..,ln,.t. ,t common to the sil u.:l I o: nr t ... • . \-eI,'lt ,',,.1 1, i! .' 14:321 -'i ^a 1 �,-- ..,-;<,� -- { -ai • • .1`�! be two-by-tours or even two-by- _ _ threes. As the span or imposed _ •-.- . load of a truss is increased, the size _- ' :`�'c> • Tr' !` K of the truss members is generally - - -��s1s''�-.-.i • -�, ;,;,.;_r not increased. The number of . _ _ "web" supports (See diagram, - ~` - page 49) is increased. Remember .� -- , -•_ �.-' `,,:' `p►•,' fix- ` . • -- _It that the common two-by-four will C_ _'-- actually measure 1•- inches by 3'•_ . inches. - f �� .s. , '. 41 sF. ;► .- ' •-sl_ " : _4, •. A simple truss derives its __ ._ __- strength from multiple members •--7Cbes _•�-_ •-- -_, • -w that are in compression and ten- , - - sion to form an integral unit. Its strength, therefore, is dependent a; _ - on the sum total of the members in _ _ _ -- the truss. The bottom andior top �w _ ___-_�_ �• i chords in truss assemblies are c - _ i �. - . made up of various lengths of 1 — - 2x4s, joined by metal-plate connec- - — f •_ - . ' 4y- i i `, l ;, Mrs. to form a continous structural - - ---i' t - / - - . member. 1S- to 22-gauge metal r -�- t 1 a ._:1'--I connector plates, with Prongs that • rroduce only -inch penetration These wooden I-beams are another example of lightweight truss construction. into t e woo , are common. Joist-ratter assemblies have a pnsed of two 2x4s butted together that were exposed to fire. Notice distinct advantage over light- and held in place by a single con- that fire only traveled across the weight wood truss assemblies in a nector plate. Size and thickness of underside of the roof (the bottom collapse situation. In the former, metal connector plates may van-, portion of the vertical studs are not the ridge board and rafters are an but their prongs, in most cases, charred), burning away some integral unit; however, they are produce the same result: penetra- "stems" of wooden I-beams. Yet, separate and distinct from ceiling tion into the wood of only of an several feet away, the I-beams joists. Therefore, if the attic is ex- inch. Tests and fireground inci- aren't charred. Obviously, this posed to significant fire, the rafters dents have indicated that when roof is not safe—but the top of the • and roof may collapse on the ceil- truss members are "charred" to a roof looks normal. Other portions ing foists, thereby preventing col- depth of inch, such connector of this roof suddenly collapsed lapse onto firefighting personnel plates suddenly fail ,see Photo 3s without any warning. tl niie it's inside the structure. (See Photo 1.) Notice also in Photo 3 that the con- true that protected truss assem- However, since the strength of nector plate has conducted heat to blies may achieve one-hour fire wood truss assemblies depends on the wood under it, which faciii- ratings under full-design load, few the sum total of interconnected fates plate failure. are constructed with any type of members, expect the rafters (top It's easy to see that when the fire protection rating, leaving un- chord of the truss). the ceiling connector plate in Photo 2 fails. the protected truss members vulnera- joists (bottom chord of the truss), bottom chord of the truss will sep- ble to fire exposure. and the roof decking to collapse as arate and fail, allowing the vertical The popularity of lightweight, a unit into the structure. Obvious- supports for the roof to fail, which, metal-plate-connected wood ly, this puts firefighting personnel in turn, can cause the entire roof truss construction and other at great risk. This was graphically and the attic assembly to fall into types of lightweight trusses is in- demonstrated at an attic fire in Cal- the floor space below it. creasing due to cost-effectiveness ifornia when a lightweight, metal- There's no comparison in size of and speed of installation. How- plate-connected truss roof sudden- structural elements between lout- ever, use of relatively small struc- ly collapsed without warning into rafter assemblies and any type of turai members in tension and the structure, severely injuring lightweight truss. This fact bears compression should be a maior nine firefighters. directly in determining collapse concern to engineers and fire ser- The common building practice time during a fire. A recent test by vice personneljast failure rates. of "butting" together varying the Los Angeles City Fire Depart- unpredictable collapse, and a lack lengths of 2x4s in lightweight ment indicated that metal-plate- of warning before collapse are wood truss assemblies to form a connected trusses. open-web common characteristics that fire single structural member is also ex- trusses, and wooden-i beam- col- service personnel should always. tremely dangerous in the event of lapsed in less than fi\t minutes consider when confronting a fire fire. Notice in Photo 2 that the Pot- when exposed to tire. Photo -1 is a in a ligh ti,:eight wood truss tom chord of the truss is corn- good example of wooden 1-beams construction- 50 FIRE ENGINEERING.July 1988 ,t) IIIV)I18fld 113/ANN3d V _ .. - # * i —D 1 OIT 750 4 . _ ::7 F":;G 0401 90* 0002 r : .IN #? 50058 P- - -cT ^ 7'k--.VT.TR55T P_=--• : TX 75075 t .. Ilk Itiop. R Y' ` r 11 i S �. r v i M :4 -' i . . ;7 861 H)8VW • S11V3A i t t 1101 3)IA83S 38113H1 4 1 ■ NRI33W1ON ■ EI)IU ' HLAW S,NV9INNVb9 • S3WDH 31180W • 1131VM 1V 1DI • SNIVID 3f)S38 • 3SJV110) SSRH1 I FIRE REPORT The continuing battle against runaway technology. Lightweight Wood Truss Construction • Gives Up _. More Lessons • ft 1 BY WALTER KURZEJA aiatanallgin LIGHTWEIGHT WOOD TRUSS vividly reinforced at a private dwelling construction is having a major impact fire in our district. The structure col- on firefighter safety and survival lapsed early in the fire operation with- throughout the country. This fact has out causing injury—but we were just been emphasized over and over in this lucky. and other fire service publications by On that day, we responded to a Frank Brannigan, Vincent Dunn, John reported kitchen fire.Upon arrival,first- Mittendorf, and authors of fire reports due companies reported a heavy fire from every section of the nation. Origi- and smoke condition within a three- nally designed for large. open commer- level home with 6,000 square feet of cial spans, lightweight truss construc- living space, a five car attached garage, • tion has found its way into bedroom and a converted four-car garage. The community private dwellings. The fac- lower level was a walkout basement. tors orless cost and reliance on perfor- which included a built-in swimming mance codes are the underlying causes. pool. Response time was four minutes. In January 1988. the Farmington Hills An aggressive interior attack was initi- (MI)Fire Department had these lessons ated, but heavy fire conditions prevent- ed access to the seat of the fire.Approxi- • WALTER KURZEJA is a tire technician spe- mately fifteen minutes into the alarm, cialist who's spent the past five years with the the second floor collapsed.It is believed Farmington Hills (MI) Fire Department. He is that this early collapse was due to the currently working toward his bachelor's degree use of lightweight wood trusses to sup- j in fire science at Madonna College. port the entire second floor of this 1'1RL E\l. t-i.RINe, • \l.sio 11 191i9 • 33 j`i FIRE REPORT haps even death to firefighters were each end. The flattened ends of these averted. rods are then inserted into a groove that ueNTWa6NT TRUSS CONSTRUCTION Lightweight wood trusses are typical- has been "rabbitted" into the top and ly constructed of two-by-three- or two- bottom chords. A steel pin (up to one single-family dwelling. The use of these by-four-inch members forming the bot- inch in diameter) is then placed trusses is atypical of most single-family tom chord in tension and the top chord through predrilled holes in the wood dwellings and not usually considered by in compression. The chords are joined chord member and the tubular steel to fire personnel. Fortunately, firefighters together by web members of similar hold them in place. were unable to enter the second floor lightweight wood construction or. as in Generally in residential construction. or search underneath it due to imped- this case, two-inch-diameter tubular these joists are covered over with ing fire conditions—so injuries and per- steel rods cut to size and flattened on drywall. Whether or not the drywall assembly has a fire-resistive rating is irrelevant once the integrity of the covering has been breached. Drywall ! �` i assemblies are typically rated by testing �✓ : methods that have the fire burn from the-outside in."not the inside out."All rY y 4r..• i-• such tests are carried out under con- , ,,_.•`. -- . `• .1 lifilt �,, _ trolled conditions that do not always •, '. -' ' - simulate actual structural fire behavior. . :i In this dwelling,tongue-and-groove red- �•- _ •— wood slats were attached directly to the ' underside of the joist: this also contrib- , - .1: It', ' • iiti 1-, -.I, • J.} t,...-- f,.. .,. ,,,, . .„ , „:. „ :, ,,,. . ,.._41....0."- •. •• . $1.- '..3r,' . '.. - ii . .10.- 1.11-( •_-. 1 o• . • ow jt 4 .(11„/1111,4 . . Soon after roof operations were abandoned, the structure collapsed, IL.-` sending flames roaring skyward. ;Photo by Farmington Hills FD) ;` - V ram, • �vii-iic,..'. �l • . _ _ 11141111110 r ` ens~ P,.e , '.,{ :J:; ::: ;j r I y _.- T.' - _. • �J4.� �= \ Pin sizes of connections were inconsistent. T•, ' ; �i�� (Photo by S. Hume) ir The collapsed area of the structure was extensive. (Photo by S. Hume) . _ - .--J 34 • FIR1 E N(.:vLERIy(. • LIAR( II Vow, TOP CNORv STEEL WEI • \....:„.TIELTUBOUR o 01 [ TUBULAR STEEL WEB > SECTION A-A —� STEEL PIN f--- 2" x 3"or 2" x 4"CHORD uted to the rapid spread of tire. collapse were still joined together by rural collapse may be imminent. In lightweight wood truss construc- the pins after the top and bottom chords The fireground commander must tion of this kind, a large void exists that had burned away. consider truss construction in his size- will allow fire to propagate unimpeded The tactics utilized to fight fires with up of single-family and multiresidential ` and possibly even assist in propagation this type of construction are dependent dwellings, just as he must in his size-up 1 by contributing oxygen that has been upon numerous variables that are be- of commercial property. Fire personnel trapped in the void space. Another yond the scope of this article.However, are not usually trained to expect this problem associated with truss construc- the fireground commander. if he is type of construction in single-family tion is that the members are attacked aware that lightweight wood trusses dwellings. This is dangerous: single- from the outside and the inside simulta- have been used in construction, may family dwellings are not usually inspect- neouslv. The pins used to hold the web base his strategic decisions in part on ed by the fire department. nor are they members together are subject to pvro- the following observations: the subject of preincident planning. lytic decomposition caused from the 1) signs of puffing or pushing smoke This essential construction data must be heat placed upon them. This can lead to (exterior observation) in the area gathered during actual construction and early failure and ensuing collapse. As where joists are tied to the structure: certainly before occupancy. has been well-referenced in this and 2)smoke and heat in the interior of the The dangers of lightweight wood other tire service periodicals, failure in structure with no visible fire: truss construction are many.Yet, as we any component of the truss can lead to 3) length of the truss span: have learned, an aggressive attack with truss failure,and failure of just one truss 4) estimated time the fire has been constant reevaluation of the fire condi- can lead to total failure of the structure. burning without suppression forces tions might eliminate the chances of Each truss is a component of a system,a making any progress. your personnel becoming statistics on system that is only as strong as each part The officer must also be aware that the the injurvifatality report. Remember: which supports it. amount of oxygen contained in the void •CONSTRUCTION TYPE IS NOT All of the above contributed to early space of lightweight trusses can create a OCCUPANCY-SPECIFIC. collapse during the January fire. One potential for backdraft. • VOID SPACE BETWEEN THE interesting point that we have not been It's impossible to place a time frame FLOORS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR able to clarify is the inconsistency in pin on when a building will collapse. Some BACKDRAFT OR SMOKE EXPLOSION. size. Pins in all the web members varied texts state that collapse in lightweight •EARLY COLLAPSE MAY BE IMMI- in size.with no standard size used in the construction will occur in ten minutes NENT IF FIRE HAS EXTENDED INTO top chord as opposed to the bottom or less.Any time the fire has been found THE JOIST SPACE. chord. Furthermore. it was observed to be in the truss loft space. consider •EXPECT TRUSS CONSTRUCTION that tubular members in the areas of withdrawal of suppression forces:struc- IN NEW, LARGE,EXPANSIVE HOMES.■ FIRE E\i'I\LtRING • MARCH 19rit1 • 35 1 .