Committee advances ordinance allowing noncity residents on plumbers examining board

The General Services, Health and Environment Committee moved Ordinance 14.81.25 out of committee with a positive recommendation, a change aimed at expanding the list of plumbers eligible to serve on the city’s examining board. Committee members said the change removes a residency requirement that limited membership to within city limits. "Basically, this is just allowing the, the list to go beyond the the city of Albany, like like, all our ordinances, you know, so it's so we can get more plumbers involved off the list," Committee Chair Jack Flynn said. Frank, a buildings-and-codes staff member, described the item as primarily under the jurisdiction of the Buildings and Codes department. The ordinance was described as a straightforward administrative adjustment to broaden the pool of qualified candidates; no changes to licensing standards or board duties were discussed at the committee meeting. A motion to move Ordinance 14.81.25 out of committee with a positive recommendation was made and seconded; the motion passed on a voice vote. For the record, Flynn noted Commissioner LaJoy was unable to speak because of a family death but was in favor of the change, as reported at the meeting. The ordinance now goes to the full council for final action.