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NY ConnectionOfficial Magazine for the New York State PHCCNew York StateScaffolding Lawp11The KnownUnknownsp12EMERGENCY!EMERGENCY!p16Winter 2020
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2020 Executive CommitteePresidentRyan TruncaliLakeville Place Mechanical, Inc.215 W. Hoffman Ave., Suite 1Lindenhurst, NY 11757Tele: 631-226-8100 Fax: 631-226-7232First Vice-PresidentChris TryjankowskiPCS Heating & Plumbing1 Carter St.Buffalo, NY 14220Tele: 716-822-4302 Fax: 716-893-9657Email: chris@pcsplumbing.comSecond Vice-PresidentRonald DoughtyWilliston Plumbing201 Hillside AvenueWilliston Park, NY 11596Tele: 516-746-3353Email: ron@willistonplumbing.comSecretarySteve ReddyNiagara Plumbing & Mechanical15 Hazelwood Drive, Suite 108Amherst, NY 14228Tele: 716-957 3904Email: stever.npm@gmail.comContentsWinter 2020 Volume 16 Number 4President’s Message. 5New PHCC–National President Hunter Botto Poised to. 6Strengthen Membership and Leverage Opportunitiesin a Pandemic WorldLocal Chapter Reports. 7NYSPHCC Legislative Update. 9PHCCCONNECT2020: Bringing Us All Together. 11Through the Power of TechnologyNew York State Scaffolding Law. 11The Known Unknowns. 12Fast Track to Service Plumbing Course.15Emergency! Emergency!. 16Moving Prospects Through the Funnel. 18TreasurerDonald PowersPlumbing Help Now345 Schultz Rd.West Seneca, NY 14224Tele: 716-861-7337Email: powersdonald@yahoo.comImmediate Past PresidentJoseph MarchitteM.K.S. Plumbing Corp.19 Ransier DriveWest Seneca, NY 14224Tele: 716-675-5771 Fax: 716-675-4957Email: jmarchitte@mksplumbing.compage 12Executive DirectorDorothy ReddyPO Box 23N. Tonawanda, NY 14120Tele: 716-957-3387Email: dreddy@nysphcc.orgPUBLISHED BY:Alexis Kierce, Publications Manager717-238-5751 x119alexis@thinkgraphtech.comFor Advertising Information:Jen Smith, Account Manager717-238-5751 x124jen@thinkgraphtech.comWinter 2020 3
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President’s MessageBy Ryan TruncaliAs the New York State Association of PHCC, we arevery proud to congratulate Hunter Botto as the newlyelected PHCC–National President and Joe CornettaPHCC–National Secretary. These members from the New YorkState PHCC currently hold two of the four PHCC–NationalExecutive Committee positions, which is remarkable in ourcurrent day and age. The New York State association willcontinue to support Hunter and Joe in their endeavors.With the unknowns of the coronavirus still looming, inconjunction with our Board of Directors, we have decided to cancel the 2021PHCC State Convention. We understand that many members look forward to theeducation and networking this convention affords us. We are currently lookinginto alternate in-state locations that will provide our members with the sameconvention experience we are used to. Keeping in mind the health and safety ofour members is of the upmost importance.“We are currentlylooking into alternatein-state locationsthat will provide ourmembers with thesame conventionexperience we areused to.”— Ryan Truncali,PHCC PresidentStay safe, stay well, and enjoy the holiday season.New York State Local Associations1. PHCC of Long IslandMr. John DeLillo123 South StreetOyster Bay, NY 11771Tele: 516-922-7688Fax: 516-922-1414info@phccli.org2. A ssociated PHCC ofRochester New YorkMr. Joseph TumiaTumia Plumbing Co, Inc.437 Ridge RoadRochester, NY 14580Tele: 585-671-6410Fax: 585-671-12083. WNY Association of Plumbing& Mechanical ContractorsMr. James C. Logan,Executive Director2660 William StreetCheektowaga, NY 14227Tele: 716-875-4626Fax: 716-875-4412jlogan@conexbuff.com4. Plumbers ContractorsAssociation of New York CityMr. Terence O’Brien44 West 28th StreetNew York, NY 10001Tele: 212-481-4580Fax: 212-481-7185t.obrien@acpcny.com5. Plumbing ContractorsAssociation of Long IslandMr. Richard Schaffer,Executive Secretary816 Deer Park AvenueNorth Babylon, NY 11703Tele: 631-422-2900Fax: 631-422-0987rich.suffolk@gmail.com6. PHCC of Western New YorkMr. Stephen ReddyPHCC of Western New YorkPO Box 23N. Tonawanda, NY 14120716-957-3387stevernpm@gmail.comGet in touch withother contractorsand suppliers in yourarea through theselocal chapters.623415Winter 2020 5
New PHCC—National PresidentHunter Botto Poised to StrengthenMembership and LeverageOpportunities in a Pandemic WorldBy Staff Writer, PHCC–National AssociationPHunter Bottorepared to help membercontractors “work smarter,not harder,” gain strength innumbers, and leverage pandemicrelated challenges into newopportunities, Hunter Botto wasinstalled as the newest presidentof the Plumbing-HeatingCooling Contractors–NationalAssociation (PHCC) Oct. 1 duringPHCCCONNECT2020.Botto pledged to build on the advancements underwayand strive to make them even better. He also encouragedPHCC members to get involved with the organization,stating: “It is our responsibility to be the leaders movingforward and teach the next generation . let all of us ‘getit done’ . I’m ready; we are ready; all of us need to beready to launch into the new normal.”A third-generation plumber, Botto has a long history withhis family business — Botto Brothers Plumbing & Heatingin Hicksville, New York. In 1980, he was honorablydischarged from the U.S. Navy, where he served as aboiler technician. He attended the Mechanics Institutein New York City from 1980-1984 and became a licensedmaster plumber in 1989. Several years later, his fatherretired, and Botto took over Botto Brothers, assumingownership (together with his brother Roger) in 1993.Along the way, Botto has moved through the ranks atPHCC, from local and state levels to leadership positionsat PHCC–National; he has served as chapter president ofPHCC of New York, as a zone director and, most recently,as PHCC–National vice president and president-elect.He also served as chair of the PHCC Political ActionCommittee for several years, leading initiatives tostrengthen PHCC’s advocacy efforts.The new PHCC president credits much of his professionalsuccess to his direct involvement in the organization atthe local, state and national levels. In fact, supporting thePHCC chapter network and involving younger members inleadership are some of his priorities as PHCC president.He also is committed to continuing PHCC’s vigorousadvocacy efforts, workforce development programs andother initiatives included in the organization’s strategic6 NY Connection“It is our responsibility to bethe leaders moving forward andteach the next generation .let’s all of us ‘get it done’ . I’mready; we are ready; all of usneed to be ready to launch intothe new normal.”— Hunter BottoPresident of PHCC–Nationalplan. And, in this COVID-19 world, he sees opportunitiesfor PHCC members — essential workers committed toprotecting public health and safety and the environment— that their association can support by providing helpfulresources for their businesses and representation of theirinterests on Capitol Hill.Check out more insights from PHCC’s new president inthese profiles in industry trade publications: Plumbing & /?m 8211&i 674680&p 70&oly enc id 8908G0472478H0S PHCP iewwith-incoming-phcc-president-hunter-botto
retpahCLocalReportsPCA of Long IslandPHCC of Long IslandBy Ryan Truncali, President of PCA-LIBy Don Conway, PHCC PresidentPlumbing Contractors Association of Long Islandmembers have been working very hard during the pastemergency crisis response to the COVID-19 pandemicby working as essential workers to stand up severaladditional hospital areas on Long Island at SUNY OldWestbury and SUNY Stony Brook, among other places.Our members were credited by Governor Cuomoand others for their fine work under some extremeconditions.What a year it has been! During these difficult timesPHCC of Long Island has worked, and continues to work,diligently to ensure that members are receiving vitalinformation and have access to essential resources aswe all navigate through the pandemic.In addition, our members have been working to continueour charitable giving to several organizations that havebeen assisting those who suffered loss of employmentor illness during this pandemic. We continue to providea caring and compassionate outreach to help our fellowLong Islanders.Finally, our association has been working on Wicks Lawenforcement as we continue to monitor public bids toensure that they are following the letter and intent ofthe law. To date, we have been able to work with localengineering companies to correct issues relating to thedrafting of bid packages and local municipalities on thebid opening procedures to ensure fairness and equity inthe process in accordance with the law.PHCC LI has been hosting virtual events for membersand the local industry. These events have included atrivia night fundraiser, where a portion of proceedswere donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well asinformative meetings with topics ranging from COVID-19regulations to code updates.We are greatly looking forward to a new event seriesthat will begin in November. PHCC LI associatemembers will have the opportunity to do an in-personpresentation, of the topic of their choosing, to a smallgroup of contractors. This will also be offered as avirtual event. Whether in person or virtual, the goal ofthese events remains the same, to allow for associatemembers to reconnect with contractors who they maynot have seen in a while due to the pandemic.Our organization recently celebrated theaccomplishments of two past presidents. Hunter Bottoand Joe Cornetta were installed on to the Board ofDirectors of PHCC National Association. Hunter is nowthe National President and Joe is National Secretary.Hunter and Joe have always made a great team. Weare very proud of them and look forward to the greatwork they will do on the national level! CongratulationsHunter and Joe!Continued on page 8Winter 2020 7
Local Chapter Reports continuedPHCC of WNYBy Steve Reddy, President of PHCC–WNYCOVID — What a pain in the .!Here we are close to the end of a terrible year! 2020 will godown in history as annus horribilus as my favorite Auntieonce said.As we go about our respective businesses mindful ofthe impact this pandemic is having on us all, we attemptto navigate the treacherous waters of governmentlegislation. The legislation with its continually movingparts, one day this, another day that, driven by politicianswho skew statistics to suit their own agendas that trulyhave no business screwing the population during thistime.We all can lament upon its impact but truly except fora few months in the beginning we are all operating asbefore. The construction industry has the most robustindividuals working to keep this country up and running.T&S IS HEREEDUCATIONIf government spent a day on a construction site theywould better understand how they should run theirmunicipalities. I personally have not seen or heard of acase where COVID has spread on a jobsite; commonsensetells us how to behave and perform our tasks. Thepoliticians do nothing more than inflict legislation upon uswhere they can levy fines, close businesses, make pettygovernment officials into omnipotent, jackbooted thugsthreatening one and all! Thankfully, we are not in the barand restaurant business as their minefields are trickier tonavigate.In closing, stay safe and diligent, construction is thebackbone of the economy, looking forward to a better2021.HEALTHCAREPUBLIC VENUESCOMMERCIAL OFFICESContractors know how important it is to havethe right resources in place — and so does T&S.That’s why we offer a vast selection of high-qualityplumbing products for a wide range of marketsand applications, delivering world-class innovationand reliability when it matters most.Learn more at tsbrass.com/markets.T&S plumbing products represented in New York by: (Metro & Islands) Dellon Sales Company - 516-625-2626(Eastern & Western) WMS Sales Inc. - 716-741-9575TSB 3050 2018 PHCC 7.5x5.indd 38 NY Connection8/13/18 10:41 AM
NYSPHCCLegislative UpdateBy Nick Barella, Senior Advisor Park Strategies, LLC/Capitol Group, LLC2020 ELECTION OVERVIEWWe are two weeks away from election day and PresidentTrump and former Vice President Biden have squared offin two debates with a third planned for October 22nd.The outlook from the political forecasters give Joe Bidenan edge over the President in the race for the necessaryelectoral votes.The race for the White House has come down to PresidentTrump and Vice President Mike Pence versus former VicePresident Joe Biden and his vice-presidential nominee,California Sen. Kamala Harris. While initially Biden andTrump’s battleground seemed to be issues of trade andmiddle-class growth, now the candidates are focused onhow the country will navigate the economic downturncreated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Other keyissues are healthcare, climate change, gun rights, tradeand tariffs, immigration, Iran and abortion rights.A new issue has emerged regarding Vice President Biden’sson Hunter and his emails that allegedly indicate Hunter’sinvolvement with a Chinese energy firm. These emailsappear to show Hunter Biden pursuing a lucrative energybusiness deal in China and possibly cutting his father inon the action. It remains to be seen what impact theseemails may have on the Presidential race.This year’s 35 US Senate contests will determine whetherRepublicans are able to retain the majority in the chamberor if Democrats take control. Republicans currentlyhold 53 seats, but several incumbents are facing strongchallenges that could tip the balance in the Senate.Democrats are on offense, defending just 12 seats toRepublicans’ 23. Two of those Democrat-held seats —Alabama and Michigan — bookend this list of the seatsmost likely to flip partisan control. The remaining eightseats on the list are Republican-held. Democrats need anet gain of four seats to win control of the chamber, orthree if Joe Biden wins the White House since the vicepresident breaks ties in the Senate.Political analysts believe that the Democrats will keep themajority in the US House of Representatives and are likelyto pick up a number of seats. The electoral environmentcurrently favors the Democrats, and Republicans havemore open seats to defend. One reason Democratsare starting in such a strong position is few of theirincumbents are retiring or seeking another office.Of course, none of this rule out the GOP retaking theHouse in November. For one thing, the generic ballotmargin could narrow and the electoral environment couldgrow more competitive as we get closer to November. Thisis especially true if the contest between Trump and formerVice President Joe Biden heats up. A good performancefrom Trump could make a big difference in the House, asthe House map already has a slight Republican lean.NYS ELECTION OUTLOOKThe June 23rd primary elections took its biggest toll onthe Democrat Assembly majority. A slew of progressivechallengers upset entrenched incumbents in the NewYork Legislature cementing their movement’s influence inAlbany and making it likely that the state government willbecome one of the most liberal in the nation.Most, if not all, of the primary wins over Assemblyincumbents occurred in safely Democratic seats, meaningthe primary winner is almost assured of winning a seatin the Legislature in November. All told, the Assemblycould have nearly two dozen new members when the nextLegislature is formally seated in January. The Assemblywill still have a significant Democrat majority after theNovember election.The NYS Senate will be the house to watch as a waiveof retirements by incumbent Republican Senators mayresult in further losses. Democrats currently control 40of the 63 Senate seats. If they pick up two more in 2020,they will have a super majority, which would allow themto override bills that are vetoed by Governor Cuomo. Thatcould fundamentally shift the power dynamic once againin Albany, since the Assembly Democrats already have aveto-proof majority.However, in the last few weeks, a new independentexpenditure group founded by Ronald Lauder hasemerged as a financial lifeline for the Republicans. Thatgroup, Safe Together New York, has poured 2.9 millioninto radio, digital, and television advertisements aimedat six State Senate races, including four with Democraticincumbents. There are Democrats wondering if theeffort is to prevent their party from winning a two-thirdssupermajority. So, by giving money to Republicans inState Senate races, Mr. Lauder may be indirectly helpingthe Governor.Continued on page 10Winter 2020 9
NYSPHCC Legislative Report continuedAmong the Democrats being targeted by Mr. Lauder’sPAC are three first-term incumbents in moderate districtson Long Island, including in Suffolk County. A key targetis Senator Monica R. Martinez along with two otherSenate Democrats on Long Island, Kevin Thomas andJim Gaughran as well as Senator Andrew Gounardesof Brooklyn. Two upstate Democratic candidates, JimBarber and John Mannion, running for seats vacated byRepublicans are also facing negative ads paid by thePAC.PENDING LEGISLATIONAs reported in our July 24 update, S7644 Breslin/ A9117Cusick, payment in construction contracts had passedboth houses of the Legislature. This legislation wassupported by the NYSPHCC and many of the state’sconstruction associations. The bill has not yet beentransmitted to the Governor for his action.This bill would establish a new comprehensive definitionof “substantial completion” for public constructionprojects under State Finance Law and General MunicipalLaw. This bill would define substantial completion aswhen the work required by the contractor with the publicowner is sufficiently completed so that the public ownermay occupy or utilize the work for its intended use.It would reform the contract payment process ofretainage for owners, contractors, and subcontractorsby establishing new procedures and timelines toclearly define all remaining items to be completedby the contractor and subcontractor. Within 30 days,the public owner shall submit to the contractor awritten list describing all remaining items requiredto be completed by the contractor. No later thanseven days, the contractor shall submit to eachsubcontractor a written list of all remaining items to becompleted by the subcontractor. By establishing
his family business — Botto Brothers Plumbing & Heating in Hicksville, New York. In 1980, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, where he served as a boiler
