ACEC New York
6 Airline Drive
Albany, NY 12205 acecny@acecny.org T 518.452.8611
F 518.452.1710
60 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10165
T 212.682.6336
F 212.818.0286
2009 Call For Entries: Engineering Excellence. The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York invites you to participate in the 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) Program that recognizes and celebrates the engineering achievements of member firms. Per the Program Guidelines, the Preliminary Entry forms are due on July 18 and Final Entries are due September 19. A new award will be introduced in 2009 – the “Best Project in New York State.” This award will be presented to the engineering project judged to bring the greatest value to a community in New York State. The Engineering Excellence Awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner dance at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel, NYC, on Saturday, April 4, 2009.
ACEC New York Inducts New Board and Presents Annual Awards at Spring Conference. On June 9, ACEC New York inducted its 2008-2009 officers and board members and presented awards to members for their exemplary leadership and contributions to the consulting engineering community. Congratulations to this year’s award winners:
Samuel Schwartz, P.E. – Engineer of the Year
Thomas C. McLaughlin, P.E. – New Principal of the Year
Francis Lombardi, P.E. – President’s Award
Congratulations to the First ACEC New York Leadership Class! The class of 2008 received certificates of completion at the ACEC New York Spring Conference, June 9, 2008:
Najib N. Abboud, Ph.D.
Huston Dawson, P.E.
Steven B. Eriquez, P.E.
Paul W. Grosser, Ph.D., P.E.
Jack C. Healy, P.E.
Jee Mee Kim
David Klock, P.E.
Joseph M. Lanaro, P.E.
Gene Lempicki
Ryan Malin, P.E.
James Quinn, P.E.
Mark Richter, P.E.
Paul A. Rouis, III, P.E.
Jane O. Rowan, PWS, LEED AP
Douglas S. Roy, P.E.
Karl J. Rubenacker, P.E.
Jay J. Simson, C.A.E.
David Teng, P.E.
ACEC New York Launches Second Leadership Institute. The ACEC New York Leadership Institute develops the future leaders needed to grow engineering organizations and create a more vibrant, dynamic, and profitable place to work. The course is open to all ACEC New York members and non-members. The program includes nine sessions plus an individual one-on-one session. The first class is scheduled for October 7, 2008. If you are interested in the program, please review the 2007-2008 Overall Program Evaluation and the 2008-2009 Brochure. If you have any questions, contact Gina Potfora, gina@acecny.org or (518) 452-8611.
NYC Code Update. Chet Vogel, 2007-2008 Chairman of the ACEC New York Mechanical Code Committee and the NYCDOB Mechanical, HVAC, Boiler Committee has submitted an update on the new NYC Building Code:
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The new NYC Building Code will go into effect on July 1, 2008, for new buildings filed on or after that date.
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New buildings may be filed under either the new code or the existing 1968 code until June 30, 2009.
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Existing building renovations may continue to be filed under the existing 1968 code until the new NYC Existing Building Code is issued and effective.
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Special Inspections will replace Controlled Inspections. A revised TR1 form has been issued by NYCDOB and is available online in draft format.
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Reference Standards in the new code will replace MEA approvals for materials and equipment.
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NYC DOB will issue interpretations and clarifications of the new code requirements on their web site during the 3 year code review & update period. Currently DOB is planning to issue clarifications to the new code requirements for boilers and related accessories.
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Visit www.nyc.gov and select "NYC Construction Codes" for more details.
The End of Legislative Session. With high hopes of seeing Permissible Forms of Practice and QBS pass this session, we are, again, disappointed. The efforts and strategy of staff did not go unnoticed, but it seems these two bills were not a priority in the legislature this year.
Great strides were made in amending the bills to please opposing parties.
The Permissible Forms of Practice Bill (S.930-B/A.2060-B) was amended and accepted by the bill sponsors, passed in the Senate, but got stuck in the Higher Education Committee of the Assembly. The Committee was not comfortable with the language, due to new leadership of the committee and their unfamiliarity with corporate law. ACEC New York staff and our lobbyist are continuing to hold meetings with Higher Education Committee members and staff of the Assembly to ensure that this bill will pass next session.
The QBS Bill (S.8305/A.11204) also passed the Senate but was stalled in the Assembly.
Outsourcing Bill (S.153/A.5644). This bill was pushed forward and passed the Assembly. It essentially would prohibit the MTA from outsourcing any work. ACEC New York was a key opponent of this piece of legislation, and it died in the Senate.
Governor’s Executive Order. New York Governor Patterson has issued an executive order requiring all consultant contracts over $1 million to be reviewed by a panel of state agency heads. New York agencies will have to justify the use of consultants to the panel, although the panel doesn't have approval or veto power over contracts. The panel will review contracts each quarter and will make public reports to the Governor. Transportation engineering contracts will be a priority for the panel's review. To view a copy of this executive order, please click here.
New York City Council/Intro 755 - Building Commissioner Qualifications. Shortly after resignation of Building Commissioner Lancaster, the Mayor proposed eliminating the long standing City Charter requirement that the Commissioner be a licensed engineer or registered architect. ACEC New York joined with the New York Building Congress and a coalition of industry organizations to resist any change to this requirement in the City Charter. Over the last two months, we have met with Deputy Mayor Skyler and the Speakers Office, testified in opposition to the bill before the Governmental Operations Committee, and signed a joint letter with the AIA New York Chapter for distribution to City Council members. We also have had a team at City Hall advocating for our position with various City Council members. The Mayor’s compromise to Intro. 755, announced the first week of June, was to change the City Charter so that either the Commissioner or the First Deputy Commissioner be a licensed professional. The matter is being debated internally by the City Council right up to writing of this report (6/26/08). Many members of the Council have told us that they were initially inclined to go with the Mayor’s compromise. However, they have found our arguments persuasive and have been inundated with letters and calls from the design community. We believe this has significantly slowed down the Council process and resulted in members reevaluating the Mayor’s proposal.
Beardsley Design Associates Architecture, Engineering & Landscape Architecture, P.C., is pleased to announce that Tracy L. Bellerdine, RA, has earned her Registered Architect’s license in New York State. Ms. Bellerdine graduated from SUNY Buffalo, receiving her Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture, and has been a LEED-Accredited Professional since October 2004.
John W. Franz, Jr., P.E., joins Shumaker Engineering & Land Surveying, P.C., as Partner & Senior Managing Engineer. With more than 37 years of professional experience in the civil engineering industry, his experience involves transportation planning, design and construction inspection services. He has vast experience managing large contracts involving multiple sub consultants and technical specialists.
Beardsley Design Associates, Architecture, Engineering & Landscape Architecture, P.C., has announced the addition of four new associates: Julia Cutler, Administrative Assistant working with the design/build team; Timothy Dodge, Jr., Architectural Designer; Douglas Porter, Intern Environmental Engineer; and Deborah Drew, Architectural Designer.
Beardsley Design Associates, Architecture, Engineering & Landscape Architecture, P.C., is pleased to announce that Allen J. Cook, P.E., has earned his accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Mr. Cook successfully completed training and examination on sustainable design, green building practices and principles and the USGBC’s LEED Rating System to earn this title.
RobsonWoese Inc is moving its corporate Syracuse office to Salina Meadows Office Park, 301 Plainfield Road, Suite 180, Syracuse, NY 13212. Phone and fax remain the same.
C.T. Male Associates, P.C., is pleased to announce that they have moved their Gloversville, NY, office to Johnstown, NY. Alexandra Rhodes, P.E., will continue her responsibilities as Regional Manager of the office. The new address is 5 West Main Street, Johnstown, New York, 12095. The phone number has also changed to 518-848-3533, and fax is 518-848-3534.
Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., is pleased to announce the addition of four new staff members: William Dritz, P.E., Senior Engineer; Claire Yu and Paul Byrd, Design Engineers; and Amy DiBello, Assistant Business Manager.
Erdman Anthony has promoted Jake Malagisi to Facilities Regional Manager in its Albany office, where his responsibilities will now include expanding the company’s facilities work in Eastern New York State. Jake Malagisi is a professional engineer with 13 years of experience in project management and mechanical engineering.
STV announced a significant addition to the company’s professional offerings by unveiling its new subsidiary, STV Security Solutions Group, Inc. STV Security Solutions Group, Inc. is headed by Douglas J. Sahrbeck, Vice President and Managing Director; Daniel Gordon, CPP, Director of Security and Risk Management; Robert J. Gleason, Senior Associate for Crisis and Emergency Management; and Douglas Rose, CPP, Chief of Security Operations. They average more than 30 years of experience in Fortune 100 security environments.
Molly MacQueen has been promoted to Senior Associate and Environmental Planning Manager in STV’s National Transportation and Infrastructure Division. Steven P. Scalici, P.E., has been promoted to Traffic Planning and Analysis Manager of STV’s National Transportation and Infrastructure Design.
Severud Associates has announced that Muhammad T. Rahal, P.E., has been promoted to Associate
Daniel Street has joined FRA’s Rochester office as a Survey Technician. Mr. Street has been providing surveying services throughout New York State for over twenty years and will be responsible for providing these services in FRA’s Rochester office. Mr. Street holds a degree from the Rochester Tool, Die & Precision Machining Institute. Daniel MacDonald, PLS, has joined FRA’s Rochester office as the Survey Department Manager. Mr. MacDonald brings over fifteen years of experience to FRA, and is skilled in planning and organizing the technical, logistical, and manpower aspects of fielding survey crews. He will be responsible for providing services and managing the surveying department in FRA’s Rochester office.
Erdman Anthony is pleased to announce the addition of five new staff members: Matthew Weaver, Daniel Suhocki, Patrick John Lynch andDaniel P. Servatius, P.E., mechanical engineers and Michael Furibondo, P.E., project manager, Energy Consulting and Commissioning Services Group.
Shumaker Consulting Engineering & Land Surveying, P.C., is pleased to announce the opening of a new office in Syracuse, NY. The office will be managed by John W. Franz, Jr., P.E., Partner and Regional Manager. The new office is located at 7900 Davis Road North, Suite 200, Clay, NY 13041. Phone: (315) 272-9878 Fax: (315) 724-3715
Watts Architecture & Engineering, P.C., is pleased to announce the addition of seven new staff members: Joseph Lindstrom, Senior Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager; Aaron Henderson, Intern Architect; Connie Wurstner, Human Resources Coordinator; James Waddell, Marketing Department; Aaron Lange, Electrical Engineer; and Michael Marshall and Kevin Pease, Asbestos Technicians.
ACEC New York Launches New Online Registration System for Conventions. ACEC New York has contracted with CVent for online registration. The new software will give members an easy way to register for events. ACEC New York will launch the C-vent system mid July with the Fall Conference registration form. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Gina Potfora.
Book Your Flights Now for the Fall Conference in Aruba November 5-9, 2008! The conference will take place at the newly renovated Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. The draft conference agenda is as follows:
Wednesday November 5
Noon
Registration and Group Check In
6:30PM -8:30PM
Welcome Reception Buffet Dinner and Entertainment
Thursday, November 6
8:00AM-10:00AM
ACEC New York State Board of Directors Meeting
11:00AM-3:00PM
Team Building Activity: The Aruba Jeep Rally Adventure
6:30PM-9:30PM
Cocktail Hour and Dinner at Hotel Restaurants
Friday, November 7
8:00AM-9:30AM
Continental Breakfast
8:00AM-10:00AM
Educational Seminars 2 PDH Seminars will be offered
8:00AM-10:00AM
Metro New York Board of Directors Meeting
11:00AM-5:00PM
Tour
6:30PM-9:30PM
Cocktail Hour and Group Dinner with Guest Speaker
Saturday November 8
8:00AM-9:30AM
Continental Breakfast
8:00AM-10:00AM
Educational Seminars 2 PDH Seminars will be offered
11:00AM-4:00PM
Golf at Tierra del Sol Golf Course
7:00AM-10:00PM
Farewell Dinner and Entertainment
Sunday, November 9
Departure
Conference registration forms will be distributed via e-mail mid July.
ACEC New York is an authorized provider of continuing education for registered architects, professional engineers and land surveyors in New York State. Courses approved by ACEC New York are now acceptable for both engineering and architectural credits in New York State.
As an approved sponsor organization for continuing education, ACEC New York may approve courses for certification. Members need to submit a course application and related materials.
Call for Web Seminars! ACEC New York is seeking two-hour courses to be offered throughout the year as web seminars. Courses are sought for all engineering disciplines. ACEC New York, with our partner Contract Solutions Group, will review the course material for free and provide training on how to present via the web. If you need information or have a course to offer, contact gina@acecny.org
In addition, the following course(s) are provided for your information:
Donovan Hatem LLP is pleased to announce the schedule for their 2008 Design Professional Roundtables in New York City. Please click here for registration information and the schedule. Lorman Education Services will be holding a seminar entitled “Building Codes” in Albany, NY on July 18, 2008. The seminar has been approved for 6 PDH credits. For more information and to register please visit www.lorman.com.
NSPE is pleased to announce the 2008 Fall Semester, a two-day continuing education event being held October 23-24 at the Maritime Institute Conference Center in Baltimore, MD. NSPE is now requesting proposals for continuing education sessions lasting 90 minutes on topics of interest to engineers from all disciplines and work environments. The deadline for submission of all proposals is July 15, 2008. Submit your proposal online at http://www.nspe.org/Education/fall_semester_rfp.asp.
Please also check the ACEC New York Continuing Education Page for Webinar classes during the month, as sometimes they are posted mid month.
Since 2005, ACEC New York and its member firms have distributed close to 17,000 copies of “Engineering as a Career,” a full-color brochure for high school students. If you would like to receive free copies for distribution to young people, please e-mail Hannah O’Grady, Hannah@acecny.org.
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The 8 minute CD-ROM, “Consulting Engineering—A Career that Matters,” is available on the ACEC New York homepage, www.acecny.org. It can be downloaded for viewing or sharing with local schools.
