The Wisconsin Building Safety Network

The Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the University of Wisconsin are pleased to announce the 2009 Wisconsin Building Safety Network (WBSN) third annual meeting. This year's meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee.

Established in 2007, the WBSN serves as the foundation for state and local officials affiliated to promote safety and health in the state's built environment. The networking strategy of the WBSN coordinates Safety and Buildings Division regulatory services with municipalities to eliminate duplication of efforts that promote those objectives.

The theme for the 2009 WBSN annual meeting is "Building Inspection: Options for Local Control." Commerce believes that expanding local control over the building inspection process will better serve local governments, the general public and the private sector. As a result, Commerce is actively working to provide encouragement and assistance to local governments interested in implementing local inspection programs that integrate with statewide safety goals.

The WBSN meeting in Pewaukee will present the options available to local governments, including discussions of what elements need to be in place to have an effective process. These elements include:

• Proper ordinances for enforcement
• Funding mechanisms
• Staffing options
• Liability assurances

This program is designed for local government officials, municipal manag­ers, building regulation supervisors and fire department officials interested in finding better ways to manage the delivery of regulatory services for the built environment. Stakeholders in Wisconsin's building industry also encouraged to participate are design professionals and contractors.

The draft program at the present time is as follows:

• Making the Switch to Local Control
• Developing an Internal Capability
• Deciding to utilize a Third - Party Inspection Service
• Funding Options
• Liability Issues
• Resources

-- Henry Kosarzycki