Minutes of Maryland/DC Damage Prevention Meeting
May 22, 2007
Miss Utility Call Center
Hanover, MD 21076 At 9:35am Wayne Gilmer called the meeting to order. Introductions were made.
Wayne stated that Chris McMurry from MGH would be in at 10:30am to review some items.
Wayne reviewed the Safety Message on “Hydroplaning” and the key point to avoid hydroplaning is to decelerate
to regain control.
The previous meeting minutes were reviewed and accepted with one clarification by Dora Parks: For the status of (5)
to be re-statused with a (1) or a (2) is only within a 10 day period and will be within a 120 day period.
At this time, no Damage Prevention Presentations are scheduled. Wayne reminded everyone that this is a free
service; it lasts for approximately 45 minutes to one hour and brings everyone together on the “same page”. Scott Brown
of Washington Gas reminded and invited all to the Damage Prevention Meeting that is held at 6801 Industrial Road,
Springfield, Va. 22151. This meeting is held the last Wednesday of every month and begins at 8am. Anyone with questions
regarding the meeting should call Don Jones @ 703-750-5510.
Trade Shows- Wayne provided information for the upcoming event at McGrath Contractors to be held on June 27,
2007.
Various contractors are invited. This is the second event of this kind. A safety message on video will be provided to
Wayne to share and Dora suggested asking the rep from McGrath if a copy could be provided for the on line shared library. Wayne said that he would check on it.
Wayne also provided feedback on the Vender Expo held at the BGE Baltimore Complex. He said it was a
worthwhile event.
Scheduled Trade Shows- Coverage needed! Wayne referred to the events page and asked anyone interested to
contact Stephanie Schneck from MGH @ 410-902-5023. Nelson Sneed added that it’s important to share this involvement.
Dig Smart/ Locator Achievement- Dora Parks, Nelson Sneed and Chris McMurry take leadership on this committee
and the meetings will resume in September.
Marking Standards Group- Wayne explained that because a group consensus is very important, this is a time
consuming process. However, the committee is at approximately 70% completion. The question was raised as to whether these
minutes are posted on the web site. Dora looked in to this during the meeting and discovered that they were posted on
the website.
Title 12 Steering Committee- A meeting was held on 6/20/07, chaired by Jim Barron was well attended. At this
meeting it was decided that the committee would not break down in to sub committees to handle specific topics. Instead,
the steering committee will make changes and present to general committee and allow time for comments, suggestions and any
necessary changes. This committee will be making changes that will affect the industry for the next 30 years. Two key
elements used for changes are the “RP1162” and the “Nine Elements of a Damage Prevention Program”.
MD/ DC Subscribers Committee- Tom Baldwin is the chairman for the committee and the next meeting is
September 19, 2007 @ 9am.
Nelson Sneed (Verizon) provided projected footage for FTTP/ FIOS:
| |
July |
| Anne Arundel |
190,919 |
| Baltimore |
162,682 |
| Howard |
85,026 |
| Prince George’s |
111,418 |
Montgomery |
26,727 |
Nelson added that the current damage ratio is 1.78 per 10,000’. Nelson invited all prime contractors to the
regularly scheduled Friday meeting to discuss any concerns. John Stump will be retiring and therefore Nelson will be
taking over all of John’s contractor direct reports. Any questions about the meetings, call Nelson at 301-230-5050. Any
FIOS issues call Vince Healy at 301-898-9695.
New Promotional Items- feedback given by Wayne Gilmer. Existing stock of promotional items for the Miss
Utility Center would be depleted to allow for purchase of new items that will include 811 information. Items of interest
include: lip balm, coloring books, yo-yos, bandage dispensers, mini 1st aid kits, the mighty grip, stress relievers
and collapsible cozies. Final decisions will be made after sample items are viewed.
Chris McMurry from MGH arrived and added that these new promotional items will help make the communication to the
homeowners for the 811 campaign.
A 7.5 minute DVD and PSA has been modified to promote the 811# primarily and the 800# as a footnote.
The Excavator’s Guide has also been changed and Chris asked that if anyone noticed issues with the changes to please
contact him by phone or e-mail: 410-902-5036/ cmcmurry@mghus.com.
The changes on the media announcement and the Damage Prevention DVDs, as well as local news excerpts covering the
new 811# and the importance of them were viewed.
Contractor Nights-The standard Miss-Utility presentation is used along with a Q&A session and dinner. The schedule
for this fall is as follows:
Wednesday, October 3 - Waldorf, MD - Jaycees Hall - 3090 Crain Highway
Wednesday, October 10 - Frederick, MD - Ft. Detrick Holiday Inn - 999 W. Patrick St
Thursday, October 18 - Joppa, MD - Joppa Magnolia Fire Company – 1403 Old Mountain Rd. South
Wednesday, October 24 - Laurel, MD - WSSC Headquarters – 14501 Sweitzer Lane
Either NPL or Iacaboni, the 2006 Dig Smart winners will speak at each of these events, as well. MGH will send out
invites in August and there will be a link on the Miss Utility web site to allow for “e-viting”. The next meeting for
the Contractors Nights committee will be held on 7/17/07 and Chris invited anyone to attend the upcoming meeting as well
as the Contractor Nights to support the group during the Q&A portion of the event.
Open Discussion:
Dennis Lescalleet received a damage notification from Comcast simply because his company had a valid dig ticket and
it was further determined that another company was the culprit. Phoenix Loss Control was the collection agency who Dennis
received this bill from and as of yet, has not received a letter to redeem Pleasants Construction. Also, Dennis wanted to
know why he had not heard a thing about the damage until the bill arrived in the mail. Wayne commented about Phoenix Loss
Control stating that for the most part, they have done a good job and that after the meeting, he will forward some
contacts to Dennis. Wayne also suggested going to the client (utility damaged) before dealing with the collection agency
as they have more knowledge of the specific incident. Sherell Stone of NPL asked if there is any specific procedures
followed when a utility is damaged. Mark Hamrick stated that all utilities are different, but that Verizon likes to get
all parties involved immediately (within two hours, if possible). Dennis brought up a situation where a ticket was called
in and the response of #1-clear/ no conflict was given. On the next update for this ticket, marks were painted and it was
statused as marked. Dennis wanted to know how this could be. Paul Elwood added that between these two tickets, that more
than likely, the utilities had been installed. Dennis added that he cannot understand why if permits are applied for, why
shouldn’t it be clear as to the proposed excavation? Bob Norman and Wayne both suggested that Dennis start with the
locating company when there are issues with marking responses on tickets. If not resolved, than deal with the utility
owner. Mark Hamrick stated that Verizon locators use visual inspection in new developments. Scott Brown added that WG
flags locations for proposed excavation, so the locator is aware that something is going in the ground. Mark Hamrick added
that WG has the most current information going out to their locators.
The situation of bad addresses was brought up as it relates to coding or marking of such tickets. Mark Hamrick stated
that for Verizon, when coded with a #10, the ticket becomes closed. An excavator will have to call in a new ticket. So, in
consideration of excavators, Matt Ruddo is looking in to the possibility of being able to re-status a#10 to a #2.
Dora added that locators should not mark tickets with innacurrate information(address or map page & grid) even if they
know where a location is simply because another member may not be notified who should’ve been which could cause a damage
or injury.
Paul Elwood was introduced as the Operations Manager for Utiliquest in Baltimore and comes from the
Delaware area.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45am.
Upcoming Trade Shows:
| Show name: |
|
Maryland Association of Counties |
| Date: |
|
August 15th - 18th |
| City, State: |
|
Ocean City, MD |
| Place: |
|
Ocean City Convention Center |
| Website: |
|
www.mdcounties.org/events/sc_overview.cfm |
 |
| Show name: |
|
Chesapeake Region Conference & Expo |
| Date: |
|
September 14th |
| City, State: |
|
Baltimore, MD |
| Place: |
|
Martin's West |
| Website: |
|
N/A |
|
| Show name: |
|
Suburban Maryland Home & Garden Show |
| Date: |
|
September 14th - 16th |
| City, State: |
|
Upper Marlboro, MD |
| Place: |
|
The Show Place Arena |
| Website: |
|
www.americanconsumershows.com |
|
| Show Name: |
|
Harford LIVE! |
| Date: |
|
September 29th - 30th |
| City, State: |
|
Aberdeen, MD |
| Place: |
|
Ripken Stadium |
| Website: |
|
www.harfordlive.com |
|
| Show Name: |
|
Fall Maryland Home & Garden Show |
| Date: |
|
October 19th - 21st |
| City, State: |
|
Timonium, MD |
| Place: |
|
Maryland State Fairgrounds |
| Website: |
|
www.mdhomeandgarden.com |
|
| Show Name: |
|
Fall Montgomery County Home & Garden Show |
| Date: |
|
October 26th - 28th |
| City, State: |
|
Germantown, MD |
| Place: |
|
Discovery Center at Maryland Soccer Plex |
| Website: |
|
www.americanconsumershows.com |
Upcoming Meetings:
The next Maryland/DC Damage Prevention meeting is scheduled for July 24, 2007 at the
Miss Utility Center. Coffee and donuts will be served at 9:00 am. The meeting will begin at 9:30
am.
The 2007 Maryland/DC Subscribers meeting will be held September 19th and December 6th
at the Miss Utility Center. Coffee and donuts will be served at 8:30 am, and the meeting will begin at
9:00 am.
 |
| ITIC % Report for Maryland and Washington D.C. |
|
| Month |
|
Call Center Tickets |
|
ITIC Tickets |
|
Percentage |
| May-06 |
|
73,459 |
|
45,474 |
|
62% |
| Jun-06 |
|
73,787 |
|
47,588 |
|
64% |
| Jul-06 |
|
68,103 |
|
44,388 |
|
65% |
| Aug-06 |
|
76,513 |
|
50,595 |
|
66% |
| Sep-06 |
|
64,581 |
|
41,709 |
|
65% |
| Oct-06 |
|
68,748 |
|
45,427 |
|
66% |
| Nov-06 |
|
57,801 |
|
38,407 |
|
66% |
| Dec-06 |
|
58,388 |
|
35,595 |
|
68% |
| Jan-07 |
|
58,657 |
|
40,008 |
|
68% |
| Feb-07 |
|
50,152 |
|
35,148 |
|
70% |
| Mar-07 |
|
68,632 |
|
46,108 |
|
67% |
| Apr-07 |
|
71,453 |
|
47,548 |
|
67% |
| May-07 |
|
79,243 |
|
53,201 |
|
67% |
|
| June 26, 2007 MD/DC Damage Prevention Meeting Attendee List |
|
| Name |
|
Company |
|
Phone |
|
Email |
| Wayne Gilmer |
|
|
|
| John Payne |
|
|
|
| Paul Elwood |
|
|
|
| Dan Wiles |
|
|
|
| Tom Baldwin |
|
|
|
| Dennis Lescalleet |
|
|
|
| Mark Hamrick |
|
|
|
| Karen Watkins |
|
|
|
| Kelly Hardy |
|
|
|
| Kenton Jones |
|
|
|
| Tom Hastings |
|
|
|
| Sherrell Stone |
|
|
|
| Chris McMurry |
|
|
|
| Erik Phillips |
|
|
|
| Veronica Rozier |
|
|
|
| Sean Davis |
|
|
|
| Bob Norman |
|
|
|
| Rick Behrens |
|
|
|
| Bede DuPree |
|
|
|
| Tim Kempa |
|
|
|
| Andy Kaldmaa |
|
|
|
| Dora Parks |
|
|
|
| Nelson Sneed |
|
|
|
| Jeff Novotny |
|
|
|
| Scott Brown |
|
|
|
| Tony Goodman |
|
|
|
| Kevin Woolbright |
|
|
|
| Vince Healy |
|
|
|
|
