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The Drawingboard
January 2009 Volume 9, Number 1
In This Issue• President’s Message• Meeting Information• Help
Wanted• Mathcounts Invitation• 2009 Engineering Expo• DOB Queens
Industry
Meeting• NYSSPE / QC Legal Fund• Professional Services
Directory• Sponsors
Board of Directors
Chris Petallides, P.E. President(718) 961-4342George L.
Tavoulareas, P.E.
1ST Vice Pres.(718) 894-7822
John Sgouros, P.E. 2ND Vice Pres.(718-) 956-3488
Jose Valasquez, P.E. Treasurer(718) 323-0754
SecretaryTony Paolo
Editor/PublisherTony DiRuggiero
President’s Message By Chris Petallides, P.E.
President
Happy New Year, everybody! We hope you all had a happy Holiday
Season and that Santa was good to you. Our 2009 agenda books are
now here and will be distributed to those members present at our
next general meeting, Thursday, January 22nd, 2009. The rest of the
agendas will be sent out by mail shortly thereafter (sorry for the
delay).
It seems that there’s never a dull moment in our profession of
late and… 2009 promises to be no exception.On Thursday, January
8th, 2009, the Chapter’s Board of Directors met to identify agenda
priorities for the immediate future and the coming year. These
agenda items will be discussed with the membership and expanded
upon at our upcoming general meeting. Members with concerns are
encouraged to bring them up so that we may deal with common
problems as a group rather than as individuals.
One item of concern already identified is the “2008 NYC Building
Code” take on “Special Inspections”. We have already come in
contact with those in charge at the NYC Department of Buildings
(DOB) and we plan to pursue this matter further, again, not as
individuals (individual concerns are mostly ignored) but as a
united front.
(continued next page)
Page 1 of 12
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Immediate Past PresidentsBrian FlynnP.E.
2006/2008(718) 707-0416
Chris Petallides, P.E.
2004/20051998/2000(718) 961-4342
John Zurita, P.E.
2002/2003(718) 756-0320
Sal Galletta, P.E.
2000/2002(212) 788-8199
Joel Miele, Jr., P.E.
1996/1998(718) 894-2222
Chris Sideris, P.E.
1994/1996(718) 224-9091
Robert Lo Pinto, P.E.
1990/1992(718) 746-7122
Directors 2008-2010Tom Campagna, PE (718) 423-7924Gregory
Georges, PE (718) 274-4800Mike Karantinidis, P.E, (718)
482-0800
John Kepertis, P.E. (718) 343-6989Saeed Ainechi, P.E. (718)
544-7878Issam Aburafeh, P.E. (718) 276-9200
Directors 2008-2009James Manoussoff, P.E.Bernard Haber,P.E.
(718) 224 2146Eliot Shapiro, P.E. (516) 791-2300 Xenophon Caviris,
P.E. (516) 752-1687
Peter Boudouvas, P.E. (212) 594-4340
Robert Weiner, P.E.
(President's Message Cont'd)Yet another area of concern is the
so-called Special Enforcement Program (SEP) which now operates from
the basement of the Queens DOB. This group appears to be operating
independently from the rest of the DOB (i.e., a “Directive 14”
Department within the Department) and is run mostly by unqualified
individuals. We have already voiced our concerns about this during
the last DOB Industry Meeting (12/23/08) and plan to pursue it
further during the next Industry Meeting (now scheduled for
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 at 2:30PM in the DECAS Room (G-110).
Members who have dealings with the DOB and have personal experience
with the SEP staff and methods of operation are encouraged to come
forth and share their concerns and, possibly, offer solutions.
For those of you who haven’t already heard (if that’s remotely
possible) NYSSPE’s Board of Directors and its Voluntary Legal Fund
have authorized legal action against the City of NY for permitting
an individual to serve as NYC Commissioner of Buildings and
practice professional engineering without a PE or RA license. This
is the 3rd time in our recent history our State Society had to
resort to legal action to protect the profession and the public. We
hope that all Engineers (and Architects) will back this effort with
matching funds so that we may prevail, once more, for everyone’s
benefit. Elsewhere in this Drawingboard you will find a Queens
Chapter letter addressed to all colleagues, soliciting monetary
contributions to the “Legal Fund” to help support this effort. We
urge you to be as generous as you possibly can.
We look forward to seeing all of you at our next General
Meeting, Thurs., January, 27th, 2009, 6:30PM at Fort Totten.
Upcoming Meeting InformationOur Next Chapter MeetingDate:
Thursday January 22rd ,2009 – 6:30 PM
Sponsor: Stone Strong, LLC.Title: Precast Retaining Wall
Seminar
Description: This seminar will discuss the Concept, Components,
Design Theory, Construction Details, and Support oprions of the
innovative Stone
Strong Precast Retaining Wall System.
Location:
422 Weaver Ave., Fort Totten, New York
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Nominating CommitteeBrian Flynn, P.E.
Mike Karantinidis, P.E.
John Zurita, P.E.
Sal Galletta, P.E.
Help Wanted
My name is Daniella Adinolfi and I work for a company called
Aerotek. Presently, I am working on a position that requires a
Mechanical Design Engineer, with at least 2-5 years experience. The
company is definitely looking for a junior level engineer. This
person needs to have experience using the 3-D software Pro-E and
knowledge of the ISO 9001 requirements. The company would also
prefer someone with experience in electrical packaging or an
electrical background. They would also prefer someone who has
worked in the Aerospace or Defense industry. I know these
qualifications are hard to come by but this position is hard to
fill and... ... I would make you aware of this opportunity, if
anyone comes to mind. I would really appreciate it if you could
spread my contact information around to open this opportunity up to
those engineers you work with. Have a great day and I hope you had
a happy New Year.
Best Regards,
Daniella AdinolfiCE RecruiterAerotek Inc.145 Pinelawn
RoadMelville, New York 11747Tel: (631) 756-8720Fax: (631)
756-8750
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2009 Mathcounts Competetion Invitation
School MATHCOUNTS Coaches: I hope you are all preparing your
students for the upcoming Queens Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition. I
welcome back returning schools, and welcome new schools.
The QUEENS MATHCOUNTS Competition will be held on Saturday,
February 7, 2009 at 9:00 A.M. at JHS 189, Flushing, Queens.
REGISTRATION:Registration will begin no sooner than 8:15 AM. All
schools should arrive before 8:45 AM to register their students.
Please complete the enclosed Registration Form and bring it with
you the day of the competition. Also, please Fax me a copy at (516)
791-0782 before Wednesday, Feb 4th. Also attached are the National
and NY State Rules for Team composition.
JHS 189 LOCATION:JHS 189 is located in Flushing. The Address is
144-80 Barclay Avenue. The Main Entrance is located on 147th
Street, between Sanford Avenue and Barclay Avenue. 147th Street is
One Way North, from Sanford to Barclay Avenues. There is also a
school yard that is used for parking. It is located on Sanford
Avenue, West of 147th Street. There is a Curb at the entry gates,
so you can drive in. There is an entrance from the parking lot to
the school. JHS 189 is in Flushing, North of the Long Island
Expressway, South of Northern Blvd, East of Main Street and West of
150th Street. .
REMINDER: Please make sure all students bring their own Pencil
and/or Pen for the competition.
It is estimated that the competition and awards ceremony will
end by 1:00 PM. There will be a short break after the Team
competition-before the Countdown round competition. We will provide
some refreshments. Students can bring refreshments of their own -
BUT limit the amount to a small size, as we have limited space.
If there are any questions, call me during the day at
516-791-2300. I can also be reached on my Cell Phone at
516-816-3800. Please let me know if you do not plan on attending,
or you have any special requirements.
Bob LoPinto, PE
Cell- 516-816-3800
[email protected]
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Professional Services DirectoryThe Queens Chapter of the NYSSPE
recommends the advertisers listed below for their respective
products or services. However,the Queens Chapter does not take
responsibility for these advertisers products or services.
Miles Fisher, P.E.Fire and Building Code Services, Inc.10 East
Merrick Road, Suite 308Valley Stream, New York 11580
Tel: 516-256-7780, Ext. 201Fax: 516-256-7783Cell:
516-779-7295
E-mail: [email protected]
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The Queens Chapter of the NYSSPE recommends the advertisers
listed below for their respective products or services. However,the
Queens Chapter does not take responsibility for these advertisers
products or services.
Page 6 of 12
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Sponsors
The Queens Chapter of the NYSSPE recommends the advertisers
listed below for their respective products or services. However,the
Queens Chapter does not take responsibility for these advertisers
products or services.
Material Engineering and ServicesPlease Patronize Our
Sponsors
YOUR AD HERE
Contact the Editor
Attention Sponsors/ Advertisers: If you would like your card
updated please contact the editor. Cards can be dropped off at the
next meeting, mailed, faxed, scanned and emailed or text can be
substituted in lieu of a card.
Page 7 of 12
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ENGINEERINGENGINEERING
SundayMarch 29, 2009
SundayMarch 29, 2009
Discover Engineering!Discover Engineering!AtAt
For more information visit
Lower Hudson Valley Engineering Expo - P.O. Box 332 West Nyack,
10994
BeAnEngineer.o
rgBeAnEn
gineer.org
The Foundation for Engineering Education
11:00 am – 4:00 pm11:00 am – 4:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION!FREE ADMISSION!
OO‘‘99
The Lower Hudson Valley Engineering Expo is a project of The
Foundation for Engineering Education, Inc. (FEE). FEE is a NYS
Chartered 501(c)(3) corporation. Donations are tax deductible to
the maximum extent allowed by law. A copy of the latest annual
report may be obtained, upon request, from The Foundation for
Engineering Education, Inc., 385 Jordan Rd, Ste 6, Troy, NY 12180
or from the New York State Attorney General’s Charities Bureau,
Attn: FOIL Officer, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271
Lower Hudson Valley
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QUEENS BOROUGH OFFICEDEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS 120-55 QUEENS
BLVDEXECUTIVE OFFICES KEW GARDENS, NY 11424280 BROADWAY, NEW YORK,
N.Y. 10007
ROBERT LIMANDRI, COMMISSIONER Ira M. Gluckman, R.A.Website:
nyc.gov/buildings BOROUGH COMMISSIONER
Meeting Topic: Queens Borough Industry Meeting
Date / Time: December 23, 2008 / 2:30 pm
Attendees: DOB: Ira Gluckman, James Cheng, Lynette Mitchell,
Jamie Maule, Donald O'Connor, Dmitri Dits, Mark Steiner, Simon Lee,
Frank Marchiano, Linda Pesiri
Industry: Chris Petallides, Carlton Prime, Petrus Fortune, Suau
Umek, Bob Shamlou, Joseph Sultana, Issah Abourafeh, David Tehraus,
Michael Almon, John Calcagnile, Jose Velasquez, Weikuo Chen,
Michtiadis Lemourcofi, Jacob Kanner, Jamil Coppin, William
Gati,
The following issues were discussed and agreed upon:
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1. Commissioner • Guest speaker Mr. Scott Pavan from Manhattan
Office Operation Redesign.• Industry questions must be submitted 48
hours prior to Industry meeting, any questions submitted less
than
48 hours will be discussed at the next Industry meeting.• Frank
& Lynette will discuss the possibility of a separate SEP
meeting limited to Professional only.• Q: What is being done
regarding the long await for an appointment? A: The 2nd Deputy
Commissioner is
expecting to join Queens Executive staff shortly – Please allow
at least 60 days for the transition. In the meantime the second
Squad Leader can answer your question
2. Borough Manager • Lynette Mitchell announced effective
December 29, 2008 Administrative staff changes.• Certificate of
Occupancy – Brenda Lindo, Shirley Giddens, and Helen Akinyooye•
Construction - Maria Cruz• B-Scan – Donroy Callendar• Property
Profile - Kevin Lashley• Commissioner Office- Jamie Maule
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• Pens – Kim Wright• New Building, effective January 1, 2009 one
copy of the approved plans will be maintained by the Dept.
The applicant must submit 3 correlated sets of plans for
approval.• 2nd Phase of B-Scan, Effective January 1, 2009 approved
plans only will be scanned. All Plans submitted
for approval must be in black and white only. When plans are
approved 2 sets will be return to applicant and the 3rd set will
remain in the folder. The applicant will not have access to folder
only instances were the applicant copies of approved plans are in
the folder. Plans will no longer be perforated, however the Plan
Examiner will continue to sign and stamp approved plans. Q; Now
that approved plans are scanned will the Buildings Dept. continue
to charge for microfilm? A; Yes, microfilm is no longer needed,
however the payment will be applied as a scanning fee for the
scanning process. Q; How will the Buildings Dept. Inspector know
what plans are approved on job site? A; Lynette, will meet /
discuss this matter with the Operation Redesigned team on how will
the inspector can identify approved plans on job site.
• Withdrawal Policy; If your job is in Pre-file, disapproved or
approved status go directly to Borough Mgr. . If the job is
permitted go directly to the Chief for inspection or approval. The
PW-1 must have the owner signature for all withdrawal. If your job
was previously audited, the audit must be lifted prior to
withdrawal. No Exception. Q: If the second job was signed off can
you withdraw a job? A: Yes, with the Chief approval.
3.Electrical / House Connection • Chief Rodriguez will be
meeting in January regarding Drywell and will pass on any new
development 4. Construction • Q; The industry is requesting that a
specific day or time is allotted for Professional only to see
Construction
Chief and/or assistant? A; The following time is slated for
Professional 5 days a week from 9am-11am Kirk Bernard, 1pm-3pm
O’Connor and 1pm - 4pm for Inspectors on Thursday’s only.
5. Plumbing • Mr. Dits Inspector Manager announced the new
Assistant Plumbing Chief Mr. Richard Lakatos.6. Zoning • Guest
Speaker Scott Pavan presentation indicating the New Zoning
Compliance. The New Zoning
Compliance applies to new buildings and enlargement of buildings
7. Plan Examiners • No issue at this time.8. Directive 14 – Special
Enforcement Program S.E.P
• Reviewed agenda questions regarding SEP operation – Question
#4 A: Individual cases should be addressed with the Director Frank
Marchiano or Commissioner. Frank referred to Building Code 27.157A
#3. Question #6 A: The written in error can take 1 day or up to 6
month or longer.
Ira Gluckman, R.A.Borough Commissioner, Queens
Cc: DOB -all attendees, R. LiMandri, I. Gluckman,
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QUEENS COUNTY CHAPTEROF
THE NEW YORK STATE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS
(Member: National Society of Professional Engineers - NSPE)
47-15 Marathon Pkwy, Little Neck Hills, NY 11362-1255
Tel. No. (718) 961 4342 Fax: (718) 321 3929 e-mail:
[email protected] website: www.nspequeens.org
OFFICERS:
CHRIS PETALLIDES, PE GEORGE TAVOULAREAS, PE JOHN SGOUROS, PE
JOSE VELASQUEZ, PEPresident 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
November 20, 2008 Dear Colleague,
The Queens Chapter – NYSSPE is soliciting contributions from
Engineers and Architects in the NY area to help fund a lawsuit by
the NY State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) against the
City of New York. As you probably already know, the NY City Council
recently passed a law changing the City Charter, at the insistence
of Mayor Bloomberg, which removed the licensure requirement from
the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings. The new law now
states that the Buildings Commissioner need not be licensed.
Presently, an unlicensed lay person is Buildings Commissioner.
The Queens Chapter is leading the fight in the NY Metropolitan
area AGAINST the Mayor’s irresponsible actions which endanger the
public’s health, safety and welfare while undermining and
diminishing both the Engineering and Architectural professions.
The Queens Chapter leadership is asking all Engineers and
Architects to contribute to a legal fund which will support the
NYSSPE legal suit against the City of New York. Please make
whatever contribution is within your means.
It’s about time we stand up for our Profession and the people of
New York!
Suggested contributions:
$1,000 ____ $ 750 ____ $ 500 ____ $ 250 ____ $ 100 ____ Other
____
Please make checks payable to: “Queens Chapter – NYSSPE” Memo:
“Legal Fund”
Mail to: Jose A.Velasquez, P.E. - Treasurer Queens Chapter –
NYSSPE130-08 122 Street (2nd Fl.)
South Ozone Park, NY 11420
dbmain1.pdfBinder1.pdfdbmain.pdfEXPO 2009 color.pdfEXPO 2009
Astronaut Hart News Article.pdfIndustry meeting December 23
2008.pdfLegal_Fund.pdf
