John Haff

The council meeting focused on several administrative and legislative updates. Key topics included the welcoming of new board members and staff, an announcement regarding staff promotions within the codes division, and a progress report on the 2025 code implementation. The council also discussed the status of the single-exit, single-stairway multi-unit residential building study, updates on advanced in-service training for code officials, and the international code development process. Furthermore, the meeting addressed changes to the handling of more restrictive local energy standards, noting recent filings from the Town of Ithaca and the City of New York.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on new business items, specifically regarding hair relaxers and a request for a scope review concerning controlled microchanneling. Additionally, the meeting provides a designated period for public comments.

The board meeting primarily focused on administrative matters and the adjudication of various petitions. Andy Ellis was elected as the Chairperson for the current calendar year. The board conducted five hearings regarding specific petitions: Petition No. 2025-0831 for Tahamey Management LLC, Petition No. 2026-0006 for the Albany Housing Authority, Petition No. 2026-0014 for the NYS Department of Health, and Petition No. 2026-0028 for the NYS Department of Health were all granted with conditions following SEQR motions. The fifth hearing regarding Petition No. 2026-0008 for VMFuller LLC was adjourned.

The board discussed departmental reports regarding enforcement activities, licensing statistics, and educational standards audits. New business included a discussion on the Practical Application of Real Estate Appraiser experience (PAREA) as an alternative licensing pathway and the implementation of mandatory Valuation Bias and Fair Housing coursework to align with upcoming federal requirements. Additionally, the board provided clarifications regarding continuing education requirements for license renewals.

The Board discussed legislative and regulatory updates, including pending legislation and draft rule revisions. The Division Report covered recruitment efforts, upcoming community outreach programs such as Cemetery 101 courses and Caring for Your Cemetery Day, and annual report statistics. Several applications for the Vandalism, Abandonment, and Monument Repair or Removal Fund were approved for various cemeteries, including Breesport Hilltop, Forest Lawn Group, Forest Lawn (Lakeside), Exeter Cemetery, and Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Additionally, the Board approved the construction of a columbarium at Cedar Hill Cemetery.