Recap of ARC Accomplishments in 2011

Post date: Jan 18, 2012 10:3:26 PM

Members met seven times with outcomes as follows:

January 6, 2011 Members discussed the expected reorganization of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce; their concerns and possible outcomes related thereto.

February 17, 2011 Member concerns regarding operation of the Safety and Buildings Division were reviewed and a new organizational structure for the Safety and Buildings Division was discussed with Mike Corry and Ron Buchholz.

March 18, 2011 Members identified their top three areas of concern relative to the Safety and Buildings Division: 1.) lapsing of funds, 2.) resource allocation, and 3.) changes to the Department and Division organizational structures.

April 15, 2011 Members discussed the draft ARC white paper entitled “How to Advance Safety Services in Wisconsin through Improved Resource Management”, which communicates ARC recommendations regarding the top three areas of concern identified during the March 18th meeting.

May 20, 2011 Members discussed 33 areas of interest concerning operation of the Safety and Buildings Division and decided to focus on developing recommendations for addressing those concerns of most interest among members.

July 29, 2011 Members identified these top five areas of interest relative to S&B operations:

1. Stop the lapsing of funds from the Safety and Buildings Appropriation.

2. Improve the organizational structure of the Division.

3. Improve deployment of resources among programs and services within the Division.

4. Maintenance of services when merging into the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

5. Future efforts of the Division to improve delivery of continuing education courses through more coordination with industry associations.

October 28, 2011 Members decided to send a letter to Secretary Ross, of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, concerning operational and organizational aspects of the new Department.

Additional Accomplishments

On July 1, 2011, the Department of Safety and Professional Services was created by 2011 Wisconsin Act 32, reflecting the recommendation of ARC members made to Governor Walker in November, 2010.

In September 2011, the Alliance mailed Certificates of Commendation to over 2300 Wisconsin fire departments and municipalities, recognizing them for their efforts in promoting safety, and reinforcing the concept of the Wisconsin Building Safety Network. The Alliance intended those certificates, and the recognition they conveyed, to help local officials realize that their efforts are appreciated and that their local programs deserve continued funding and support.

To help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Safe-Place Law in Wisconsin, and to recognize all the men and women who have dedicated themselves to promoting safety in Wisconsin during the last 100 years, the Alliance commissioned a commemorative plaque and presented it to the Safety and Buildings Division on September 30, 2011.

On November 8, 2011, the following five outcomes were requested in a letter to Secretary Ross:

• • Maintain a high level of expertise among staff.

  • Maintain capacity to provide timely services.

  • Continue utilization of citizen advisory councils for code development.

  • Keep up with national model codes and standards.

  • Keep lines of communication open.

On November 15, 2011, Safety and Buildings Division Administrator Nancy Mistele and Board Services Division Administrator Kellie Kaalele, of the Department of Safety and Professional Services, were sent a letter of invitation to attend the ARC member meeting on January 20, 2012.

On November 22, 2011, the Alliance sent a letter to Department of Safety and Professional Services Secretary Ross, requesting that the administrative rules to implement statewide electrical inspections, as mandated by 2007 Wisconsin Act 63, be made one of his top priorities during the next few months.