President’s Message

Summers are always hot and fast.  This year we are working on several developments in Texas and a legislative session that hit with a full slate of bills affecting cities.  BOAT watched for any obstructive bills, and there were several.  Due to H.B. 3329, in this issue of our BOAT Bulletin, we discuss recommendations on permits and registrations for electricians.  While the state legislature completed their regular session, they have now moved into a special session.  So unfortunately, our work is not done yet.  Stay tuned.

Our Houston and Arlington BPI’s were very successful!   Arlington celebrated its 25th BPI – quite a milestone!  As time passes, however, things change.  Our 2018 Arlington BPI will be different.  Read on about our plans for next year!

BOAT members and TML staff have responded to many projects over the past two years, and looking back, time has gone by in a blink.  A fresh website update along with continued employee and chapter awards and student scholarships were held showcasing all the good work building departments perform daily.  Recognition is important to help tell our story.

Responding to weather disasters and the challenges these events represent are also tenets of our organization.  The BOAT Response Teams were onsite several times in the past two years helping with damage assessments.  A fully equipped trailer was added to support our disaster response.  We also expanded our Arlington BPI to include ICC and helped make it a national event.  Austin, Houston, and Brownsville continued to be strong educational BPIs as well.

Recognizing the need for future professionals, BOAT members started a new program.  BOAT created an internship program and will expand it with a career day at our upcoming conference.  We have to tell our story, generate interest, and develop individuals into code officials, inspectors, plans examiners, and permit technicians.  This is just the beginning of a long-term goal to help grow our profession.  We must always remember to keep our purpose in place:  Making Texans safe in all the buildings they live, work, or play in our great State.

Lastly, I want to say how honored I have been to serve as your BOAT president for the past two years.  We have gotten a lot of work done and now it is time to step back and help Mike Olson run with BOAT during his time as president.  I am looking forward to the future.  We are in good hands.

See you soon, and stay in the shade.

Selso Mata, AIA, CBO, City of Plano
BOAT President