911 N 7^TH P.O. Box 4169*Pocatello, Idaho 83205-4169*(208)234-6225 FAX (208)234-6296

LETTER

June 18, 1996

Mr. J. D. Canning, PE/LS

President, Idaho Society of Professional Engineers

600 South Orchard, Suite B

Boise, ID 83705-1242

Re: "Responsible Charge" Position Paper from Idaho Society of Professional Engineers in Government

Dear Mr. Canning:

As President of the Idaho Chapter of Professional Engineers In Government (PEG), I have requested to address the City Engineer’s responsibilities as to stamping construction plans.

It is PEG’s position that a registrant cannot legally sign and seal documents if he or she has been denied responsible charge of any portion of a project or his/her professional judgement has been overruled, or the project is outside the registrant’s field of competence.

It has long been the position of National and State Engineering Societies that the supervisor of City Engineering Departments be a licensed professional engineer. I am unaware of any exceptions in our three state areas of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.

We believe the best interests of any City are served by having a professional engineer supervise engineering functions. Competent engineering will save the tax payers a great amount of money over the long run. Cities are risking the public’s money, safety, health and welfare when they allow politicians or non-professionals to make important engineering decisions.

I hope this will serve to clarify PEG’s position on this matter.

Sincerely,

Jay L. Cornelison, PE/LS

President

Idaho Chapter of Professional

Engineers in Government