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info@miacca.org
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Sent on behalf of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
As the fall and flu seasons begin, the number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Michigan have recently trended upward, prompting a call from public health officials to increase vigilance and preventative measures. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), hospitals, and local health officials are calling on all residents to take simple steps to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases that could overwhelm the hospital systems.
"Michiganders did a great job of bringing our cases down after a surge in the spring," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. "Basic things like wearing masks, maintaining a physical distance from others and washing hands worked. Yet as the colder months and flu season have arrived, we now see a concerning jump in our cases – a trend we can reverse if we all take this seriously and follow best practices to slow the spread of COVID-19."
The recent increase in cases, along with people gathering indoors more frequently due to cooler weather, creates a risk of greater community spread. To protect against the risk of a devastating surge in cases and its impact on Michiganders, MDHHS has issued additional Emergency Orders to clarify gathering definitions, capacity restrictions, mask requirements and worker protections. This recent increase should remind us all to refocus on preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to rising cases across the state, more tests are coming back positive and more residents are being hospitalized compared to previous weeks. Currently, Michigan has 89 daily cases per million people, 3.6 percent of tests are positive and there are 698 COVID-19 hospitalizations. This is compared to the same point last week when the following numbers were reported: 81.6 daily cases per million people, 3.4 percent positivity and 586 hospitalizations.
Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, washing hands, and participating in contact tracing with public health officials are proven, effective ways to slow the spread of this virus.
As Michigan works to safely reopen, it is important to remember that does not mean that the virus is gone, or the risk of infection is less. Scientists and doctors agree that masks and face coverings can help to reduce the spread by about 70 percent. And further, not feeling ill is not a sign that you are not infected – the reality is that about 40 percent of people who have COVID-19 may be asymptomatic and capable of spreading the virus to others. Although many people getting infected with COVID-19 this fall are not needing to be hospitalized, it still important that we wear masks and socially distance to prevent people who will have severe disease from getting infected.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
MIACCA's Efforts on Bill, Which Would Allow Contractors Reasonable Work Experience Credit, Passes Senate and Heads to the House
SB 827 was passed by Senate roll call on September 30th with 38 yeas and 0 nays It was then referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee.
This bill is important to the HVAC industry as it will continue the long standing safety practice of having employers attest to an applicant's mechanical work experience; and provide for a reasonable work experience credit for those who goes to school to learn a skilled trade and successfully completes a recognized HVAC trade school, community college, or university program.
MIACCA encourages you to reach out to to these House Regulatory Reform Committee members of this committee in your district and encourage them to introduce the bill to the House of Representatives:
Michael Webber (R) Committee Chair, 45th District
Ryan Berman (R) Majority Vice-Chair, 39th District
Kathy Crawford (R), 38th District
Diana Farrington (R), 30 District
Ben Frederick (R), 85th District
Michele Hoitenga (R), 102nd District
Graham Filler (R), 93rd District
Matt Hall (R), 63rd District
Pauline Wendzel (R), 79th District
John Chirkun (D) Minority Vice-Chair, 22nd District
Frank Liberati (D), 13rd District
Sara Cambensy (D), 109th District
Jewell Jones (D), 11st District
Alex Garza (D), 12nd District
Cynthia Neeley (D), 34th District
Molly Wingrove, Committee Clerk 5173735024
MIACCA would like to thank it's members, Roger Mullennix of Williams Distributing, Ken Misiewicz, of Pleune Service Company, Doug Young of Behler-Young,, Glenn VerMurlen, Michigan Building & Mechanical Inc and Phil Forner of Allendale Heating Company for their efforts in reaching out to Senators to get this in front of the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee.
A special thanks to Senator Roger Victory and his staff for introducing the bill and their efforts in getting this passed and to Senator Aric Nesbitt for getting the bill heard before the committee.
Another way MIACCA is working for you. We will continue to keep you posted on the progress.
On Thursday, September 17th, MIACCA submitted these comments on behalf of our members:
The Michigan Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MIACCA), would like to submit the following public comments in regards to Part 5. Residential Code (ORR# 2019-118 LR) : MIACCA requests that the Bureau to remove, in its entirety, the Section R105.2(c)(xi) exemption which states (xi) When changing or relocating a gas meter or regulator, a permit is not required when installing gas piping which shall be limited to 10 feet (3 005 mm) in length and not more than 6 fittings.
MIACCA requests that as an alternative to removing Section R105.2(c)(xi) entirely, that the Bureau considers replacing Section R105.2(c)(xi) with the proposed following language: (xi) When changing or relocating a gas meter or regulator, a permit is not required when installing gas piping OUTDOORS which shall be limited to 10 feet (3.005 mm) in length and not more than 6 fittings.
Therefore, MIACCA respectfully requests that Section R105.2(c)(xi) be either removed in its entirety and alternatively replaced with the proposed language, suggested in the above paragraph, and requiring mechanical permits, gas leak testing and mechanical inspections by the third party authority having jurisdiction when gas meters are relocated in residences that includes gas piping after the meter being redone and or installed. If mechanical permits are required for other gas piping done in a residence, then so should the gas piping done when relocating a gas meter.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this and hope that you will strongly consider our suggestions, as we believe it is to the benefit of the profession and our members.
Webinar: Leading Forward - Workplace Controversies
When? Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. CST
What? In this webinar, we will address key issues such as returning to work after a pandemic-related shutdown or slow down; adjusting to the shift to remote work; workplace violence and weapons issues; and how to avoid unexpected risks of discrimination claims as your organization navigates the impact of social justice issues and the pandemic on its workforce and customers. We will provide practical tips you can use today to lead from the front and reduce risk.
REGISTER HERE
Service World Expo Free Virtual Trade Show
Sept 22-24, 2020
Service World Expo is making a major pivot, company officials announced. The show is still on, but based on the responses of a survey of prior attendees the show will not be physical. It will be virtual, but a different kind of virtual, powered by incredibly robust and creative software. Imagine Service World Expo as a video game.
"In 2020, people have become so accustomed to virtual meetings that they are now boring, passé," said Service Roundtable president, Matt Michel. "That will not be the case with Service World. This will not be a glorified webinar. It is not another Zoom call. It is a true virtual event. As such, it will be virtually unlimited. It will be science fiction virtual. It will be like something you would expect from a video game or from a movie. It will be unlike any virtual show seen in the service trades to date. Service World Expo is making a major investment to bring contractors and exhibitors the industry's most exciting event in 2020."
Each day will start with a general session and a keynote speaker. The keynotes are Phoenix contractor Lou Hobaica; motivational speaker, Kevin Brown; and Service Roundtable president, Matt Michel. Breakouts follow the general session. The trade show follows breakouts. The same speakers who were lined up for breakouts in the physical show will give the breakouts for the virtual event. Each speaker will go to a virtual room after the presentation to answer questions.
The trade show will blow attendees away. A number of booths will be able to use virtual reality and augmented reality. Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in one of these booths and get a 360-degree panorama. They will be able to see products in three dimensions and walk around them, just like a real show.
Click here for More info and to Register
Interested in saving an average of 15% or more on your facility's energy costs? Join Consumers Energy experts to learn how by enrolling in Retro-Commissioning Programs. These programs include several offerings designed to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings, often at little to no cost. Every building uses energy uniquely. Retro-Commissioning Programs aim to find your building's hidden energy saving potential through free assessments. During the assessment, our experts uncover energy waste reduction opportunities and give you an actionable plan to reduce energy and save money. Our teams will support you every step of the way to help your facility reopen safely by following ASHRAE (industry standard) guidelines all while saving your business energy and money. Additionally, Consumers Energy is offering bonus incentives for a short time, which further serves to help in these uncertain times. Webinar Purpose: To educate contractors and trade allies on the new RCx offering, Building Tune Up, review the other RCx programs (Facility IQ and Defined Actions), and review the bonus incentives available (now extended through October 31, 2020). Webinar Presenters: Audrey Ewen, Building Tune-Up; John Nametz, Facility IQ and Defined Actions; Kevin Coleman, technical Q&A.
Sep 16, 2020 11:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)
NOTICE OF SCHEDULED MEETING
COMMITTEE: Senate Committee on Regulatory Reform
DATE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
TIME: 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Harry T. Gast Appropriations Room 3rd Floor, Capitol Building 100 S. Capitol Avenue Lansing, MI 48933
CONTACT: Mike Sitkauskas, Committee Clerk (517) 373-5314 OfcSCC@senate.michigan.gov
AGENDA
HB 4686 Rep. Berman Gaming; casinos; removal of name from disassociated persons list; allow.
HB 5339 Rep. Webber State financing and management; escheats; access to certain unclaimed property account information and distribution of certain unclaimed property to locators; modify.
HB 5340 Rep. Byrd State financing and management; escheats; contracts with certain locators; modify.
HB 5602 Rep. Wakeman Construction; permits; low-voltage electric fence requirements; modify.
SB 986 Sen. McBroom Occupations; construction; individuals allowed to engage in business or act in capacity of residential builder without a license; expand.
SB 827 Sen. Victory Occupations; mechanical contractors; minimum experience requirement to take written license examination; modify.
SB 1057 Sen. VanderWall Medical marihuana; licenses; proof of financial responsibility criteria; modify.
SB 1058 Sen. Wojno Medical marihuana; other; references to medical marihuana licensing board; replace with marijuana regulatory agency.
And any other business properly before the committee.
Due to concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), audience seating will be extremely limited. We encourage individuals who attend meetings to take precautionary measures and practice safe social distancing. For those wishing to present their positions/testimony, written statements are encouraged and can be submitted to the committee clerk prior to meetings at OfcSCC@senate.michigan.gov. Please contact the committee clerk with any additional questions.
MIACCA would like to inform our members of this important Citation Implementation Notice from Keith Lambert, Director of the Bureau of Construction Codes:
August 11, 2020
The Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) would like to provide you with advance notice that it will begin implementing its authority to issue citations in accordance with MCL 339.553 and MCL 339.5537 to maintain compliance with the Occupational Code, 1980 PA 299, and the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, 2016 PA 407. Individuals licensed/registered as building officials, inspectors, plan reviewers, residential builders, maintenance & alteration contractors, electricians, plumbers, mechanical contractors, and boiler tradesmen may be subject to a citation being issued.
Effective October 1, 2020, a BCC team member may issue a citation to a person that is licensed under 1980 PA 299, or 2016 PA 407, or required to hold a license or certificate under these acts if staff observes from an investigation, inspection, or complaint that conduct or conditions exist or have existed that violate these acts or rules promulgated or orders issued under these acts. Please be advised that citations will not be issued for violations of the code as there are existing remedies to resolve code deficiencies.
The following are a list of violations subject to a citation being issued along with a brief description of conduct or conditions observed, and individuals that may be subject to the citation being issued:
Lack of Identification
Conduct/condition: No proof of licensure and government-issued photo identification.
Individuals: Anyone required to be licensed under 2016 PA 407, specifically: building officials, inspectors, electricians, plumbers, mechanical contractors, and boiler tradesmen.
No Permit Status
Conduct/condition: No documentation of permit where required before work commences.
Individuals: Anyone required to be licensed under 1980 PA 299, or 2016 PA 407, specifically: building officials, inspectors, electricians, plumbers, mechanical contractors, residential builders, maintenance & alteration contractors, and boiler tradesmen.
Unregistered Apprentice
Conduct/condition: Non-licensed individual on worksite assisting with electrical or plumbing work.
Individuals: Anyone required to be registered under 2016 PA 407, specifically: apprentice electricians and apprentice plumbers.
Operation of a Boiler Without a Valid Certificate
Conduct/condition: Boiler found operating with a certificate blocking violation and existing code deficiencies that are not corrected.
Individuals: Anyone responsible for the boiler.
Any citation issued will include actions required for compliance along with the payment of a fine not to exceed $100.00 for each violation. Please note that a citation can either be accepted or contested within 30 days of issuance. If you have any questions concerning this notification, please contact us at 517-241-9302 or LARA-BCC-Help@michigan.gov.
We sincerely appreciate your attention and any concerns you may have regarding this matter.
Keith Lambert, Director
Bureau of Construction Codes
Cyber Risk Management Webinar
When? Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. CST
What? Hardly a day goes by that we don't hear about a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to outside influence or "hackers." We will discuss several layers of risk management that could or should be implemented to reduce a business's exposure, as well as coverage options available to transfer this risk to an insurance carrier. Cyber-crime is the fastest growing and most dynamic exposure in business today and we'll address strategies to minimize the risk. What you will learn:
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