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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AMENDMENTS~,a .5~~~,, Agenda Item 8 ~ ~ Reviewed: ~` ~~ Finance Director ~~ ~~ ~ ~ AGENDA REPORT 9~J1r: MEETING DATE: JANUARY 18, 2011 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS VIA: DAVID C. BIGGS, CITY MANAGER FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SUBJECT: 2010 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AMENDMENTS -FIRE SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT FOR RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS SUMMARY: The 2010 Fire Code adopted by the State of California requires fire sprinklers within all new buildings (including single family homes) but does not include a requirement for sprinkler retrofit when additions are made to unsprinklered single family homes. The City Council adopted Ordinances No. 1386 and No. 1387 on December 14, 2010 which included several amendments to the California Building and Fire Code as recommended by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA.) OCFA is requesting additional amendments to the Tustin City Code (related to Building and Fire Codes) (Amendment 1) to require that the entire homes be retrofitted with fire sprinkler systems when additions are made beyond certain thresholds. These thresholds are: OCFA Option 1: area of the addition exceeds 1,000 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent OCFA Option 2: area of the house exceeds 3,600 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent OCFA staff has stated that the proposed requirement for fire sprinkler system retrofit would save lives and is warranted due to the special climactic conditions typical of Orange County and that local circulation patterns can be significantly disrupted during emergency situations. An OCFA staff representative will be making a presentation to the City Council. RECOMMENDATION: That the Council consider the following options: • No additional amendments beyond what is required by State Law • OCFA Option 1: area of the addition exceeds 1,000 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent 2010 California Fire Code -Fire Sprinkler Requirement For Residential Alterations Or Additions January 18, 2011 Page 2 • OCFA Option 2: area of the house exceeds 3,600 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent FISCAL IMPACT: The OCFA has identified that there is no fiscal impact to the city budget. However, the adoption of either OCFA Options will increase the cost of construction to the home owner. The precise fiscal impact cannot be estimated because of the many factors involved in existing structures and in the renovation process. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: The OCFA has requested that its cities include an amendment to the 2010 Building and Fire Codes that would go beyond current state law to require fire sprinkler systems be provided throughout unsprinklered single family homes when additions are proposed that exceed a defined threshold. Staff met with the OCFA and jointly agreed that this issue requires separate consideration from the timely tri-annual code adoption cycle by the City Council. The 2010 California Building and Fire Codes already require fire sprinkler systems for all new residential structures. The Fire Authority staff has suggested that additional fire sprinkler systems be required for existing residential structures if the addition or renovation exceeded certain thresholds. Two options are proposed as follows: OCFA Option 1: area of the addition exceeds 1,000 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent OCFA Option 2 (OCFA preferred option): area of the house exceeds 3,600 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent OCFA staff has stated that the proposed requirement for fire sprinkler systems retrofit would save lives and is warranted due to the special climatic conditions typical of Orange County and that local circulation patterns can be significantly disrupted during an emergency situation. The following is the proposed text of the language of each option: OCFA Option 1: area of the addition exceeds 1.000 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent Amend Section 903.2.8 (Residential) of the Fire Code to require an automatic sprinkler system throughout an existing, unsprinklered residence when an addition is proposed to be 33 percent or more of the existing building area and greater than 1,000 square feet within a two year period as follows: 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 902.1 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows: 2010 California Fire Code -Fire Sprinkler Requirement For Residential Alterations Or Additions January 18, 2011 Page 3 New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings. 2. Existing Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when one of the following conditions exists: a. When an addition is 33 percent or more of the existing building area as defined in Section 202, and greater than 1, 000 square feet (93 m2) within a two year period; or b. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or c. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be the same as in a new building. OCFA Option 2: area of the house exceeds 3,600 square feet and the addition exceeds 33 percent Amend Section 903.2.8 (Residential) of the Fire Code to require an automatic sprinkler system throughout an existing, unsprinklered residence when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet if an addition is proposed to be 33 percent or more of the existing building area within a two year period as follows: 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows: New Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings. 2. Existing Buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3, 600 square feet (334 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists: a. When an addition is 33 percent or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 202, within a two year period; or b. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or c. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be the same as in a new building. 2010 California Fire Code -Fire Sprinkler Requirement For Residential Alterations Or Additions January 18, 2011 Page 4 City staff surveyed other communities within the County and found ten (10) agencies, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, La Habra, La Palma, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, and Rancho Santa Margarita, follow the State or another standard other than those proposed by the OCFA. Six (6) cities including Aliso Viejo, Buena Park, Cypress, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, and Placentia adopted OCFA Option 1. Other cities are adopting other standards or are still considering potential amendments, but have not yet made a decision in this matter. In addition, the Building Industry Association (BIA) has expressed opposition to the OCFA proposal (Attachment 2.) Their primary issues of concern relate to the costs associated with sprinkler installation and that the installation can be very complicated. There are a number of potential considerations, including but not limited to, adequate space for installation, adequate water pressure, aesthetic issues related to exposed plumbing, prohibitive cost, and potential insurance issues due to the risk of water damage and moisture intrusion. Approved for Forwarding By: ___~ r ~. Elizabeth A. Binsack Director of Community Development ~~ David C. Biggs, City Manager Attachments: 1. Orange County Fire Authority Agenda Report dated January 18, 2011: Consideration of Modification to Tustin's Fire, Building, and Residential Code 2. Building Industry Association letter dated November 17, 2010 ATTACHMENT 1 ORANGE COUNTY TIRE A UTHORI T Y PO Box 57115, Irvine, CA 92619-711 S 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, CA 92602 MEETING DATE: JANUARY 18, 2011 T0: DAVID BIGGS, CITY MANAGER FROM: LAURA BLAUL, OCFA ASSISTANT CHIEF/FIRE MARSHAL SUBJECT: Consideration of Modification to Tustin's Fire, Building, and Residential Code SUMMARY This item is submitted for Council's consideration to modify specific sections in ordinance 1386 and 1387 of the City of Tustin Municipal Code adopting the 2010 California Fire, Building and Residential Codes as it applies to residential fire sprinkler protection for homes undergoing substantial expansion. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION On December 7, 2010, the City Council adopted the 2010 California Fire, Building, Residential Code and other related construction codes with local amendments. Fire sprinkler protection of homes was deleted from staff recommendations and deferred for later consideration. The City of Tustin has had a local residential fire sprinkler ordinance for single family homes since 1991. Initially, the threshold was 6000 square feet and, in 1994, lowered to 5500 square feet. The ordinance required all new homes above the threshold (6000 or 5500) and existing homes that were expanded above those thresholds, to be protected with fire sprinklers. In 2007, the fire sprinkler ordinance was further refined to include existing homes undergoing alteration/remodeling of 50% of the square footage or greater when the installation of the fire sprinkler system was less than 5% of the construction cost. The case for fire sprinklers is a strong one. Nationally, fires kills more people than all other natural disasters combined. Over 85% of these fires occur in the home, where people feel the safest, and eight out of ten fire fatalities happen in the home. In Orange County fire sprinklers have demonstrated that they are the most effective way of eliminating deaths, reducing injuries by 96%, and reducing property loss by over 60%. OCFA's findings are consistent with the national statistics published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Between 2004 and 2009, there were 91 residential fires in Tustin. This represents 34 fires per 10,000 households. These fires caused 4 deaths Serving the Cities of: Aliso Viejo • Buena Park • Cypress • Dana Point • Irvine • Laguna Hills • Laguna Niguel • Laguna Woods • Lake Forest • La Palma Los Alamitos • Mission Viejo • Placentia • Rancho Santa Margarita • San Clemente • San Juan Capistrano • Seal Beach • Stanton • Tustin • Villa Park Westminster • Yorba Linda • and Unincorporated Areas of Orange County RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS AND SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES (the highest in OCFA's 23 jurisdictions), 10 injuries and an estimated $6 million in damage. There were no injuries or fire related deaths in homes protected by sprinklers. If the objective is solely community safety and the proposed changes to the fire sprinkler ordinance were based only on the statistical analysis, sprinklers should be required in all new and existing residential units. However that would not take into consideration a balance between safety and prosperity. OCFA believes the proposed ordinance provides a reasonable balance between safety and cost. If adopted as written (Attachment 1), the revised ordinance will require fire sprinkler protection in existing homes that increase in size by more than 33% and result in a home that exceeds 3,600 square feet. The 3600 square foot threshold is based on the fire flow requirements specified in the Fire Code. Fire flow is the theoretical estimate of the quantity of water required to extinguish a fire given the building construction characteristics and size. At 3600 square feet, the amount of fire flow (water demand) begins to climb exponentially (moves to commercial quantities). Council members have previously expressed concern with the cost of providing sprinklers in homes undergoing renovation. In a November 2010 survey conducted by OCFA, the current costs associated with installing sprinkler in an existing residence were found to range from $1.18 to $2.40 per square foot, or a average $1.79. These findings were consistent with national 2008 "Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment" study which was conducted by Fire Protection Research Foundation and found the average sprinkler installation cost was $1.61 per square foot. Further breakdown of the OCFA's survey can be found in Attachment 2. The installation cost can be partially offset by insurance savings. The major insurance companies provide discounts of up to a 10% for homes protected by residential fire sprinklers. One issue that can increase the cost of fire sprinklers is water supply. In the rare occasion when an increase in the supply line from the street to the water meter is required, an excessive cost burden may be incurred and, therefore, an exception to the sprinkler ordinance is proposed. FISCAL IMPACT The adoption of the revised Building and Fire Code language will not have a fiscal impact on the City's budget. Attachments: ATTACHMENT 1 2010 Building Code SECTION 903.2.8 Group R is hereby revised as follows: [F] 903.2.8. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows: 1. New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings. 2. Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334.5 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists: a. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 502.1, within a two year period; or Exception: When demonstrated to the fire code official that the hydraulic demand of the fire sprinkler system requires a water meter upgrade solely for the fire sprinkler system, and that upgrade requires replacement of the domestic lateral feed from the water main to the water meter solely for the fire sprinkler system, fire sprinklers shall not be required. b. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or. c. When an existing Group R occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building. 2010 Fire Code SECTION 903.2.8 Group R is hereby revised as follows: 903.2.8. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area as follows: New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings. 2. Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334.5 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists: Serving the Cities of Aliso Viejo • Buena Park • Cypress • Dana Point • Irvine • Laguna Hills • Laguna Niguel • Laguna Woods • Lake Forest • La Palma Los Alamitos • Mission Viejo • Placentia • Rancho Santa Margarita • San Clemente • San Juan Capistrano • Seal Beach • Stanton • Tustin • Villa Park Westminster • Yorba Linda • and Unincorporated Areas of Orange County RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS AND SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES a. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 502.1, within a two year period; or Exception: When demonstrated to the fire code official that the hydraulic demand of the fire sprinkler system requires a water meter upgrade solely for the fire sprinkler system, and that upgrade requires replacement of the domestic lateral feed from the water main to the water meter solely for the fire sprinkler system, fire sprinklers shall not be required. b. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or. c. When an existing Group R occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building. 2010 Residential Code Section R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinklers are hereby revised as follows: R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinklers systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed in Townhouses as follows: New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings, including the attached garages. Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334 mz) and when one of the following conditions exists: 1. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 202, within a two year period; or Exception: When demonstrated to the fire code official that the hydraulic demand of the fire sprinkler system requires a water meter upgrade solely for the fire sprinkler system, and that upgrade requires replacement of the domestic lateral feed from the water main to the water meter solely for the fire sprinkler system, fire sprinklers shall not be required. 2. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or. 3. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building. Section R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinklers systems is hereby revised as follows: R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinklers systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed in one- and two-family dwellings as follows: New buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout all new buildings, including the attached garages. Existing buildings: An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when the building area exceeds 3,600 square feet (334 m2) and when one of the following conditions exists: 1. When an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area, as defined in Section 202, within a two year period; or Exception: When demonstrated to the fire code official that the hydraulic demand of the fire sprinkler system requires a water meter upgrade solely for the fire sprinkler system, and that upgrade requires replacement of the domestic lateral feed from the water main to the water meter solely for the fire sprinkler system, fire sprinklers shall not be required. 2. An addition when the existing building is already provided with automatic sprinklers; or. 3. When an existing Group R Occupancy is being substantially renovated, and where the scope of the renovation is such that the Building Code Official determines that the complexity of installing a sprinkler system would be similar as in a new building. Serving the Cities of: Aliso Viejo • Buena Park • Cypress • Dana Point • Irvine • Laguna Hills • Laguna Niguel • Laguna Woods • Lake Forest • La Palma Los Alamitos • Mission Viejo • Placentia • Rancho Santa Margarita • San Clemente • San Juan Capistrano • Seal Beach • Stanton • Tustin • Villa Park Westminster • Yorba Linda • and Unincorporated Areas of Orange County RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS AND SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES ATTACHMENT 2 November 9, 2010 Fire Sprinkler Cost Evaluation Summary: OCFA conducted a survey from several fire sprinkler contractors who work in Orange County to determine the current cost of retrofitting an existing home with fire sprinklers. The average range was found to be between $1.18 and $2.40 a square foot, with the medium cost at $1.79 a square foot. The cost can be slightly higher for those homes that have unique ceiling configurations. Ayearly discount of up to 10% off homeowners insurance is offered by insurance companies for fire sprinkler system installation. Findings: OCFA conducted a survey of four fire sprinkler companies (combined have installed over 4,100 residential fire sprinkler systems in OCFA's area since 2000) and the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) Southern California Chapter, which represents over 60 sprinkler companies, to provide current cost estimates for fire sprinklers involving a retrofit of an existing home. AFSA and each contractor was provided with a scenario where there was an hypothetical 1800 square foot (ft2) existing home, non-sprinkler, single story, which was adding a 1000 ft2 second story (total of 2800 ft2), with a 3/4" meter size and water pressure of 75-80 PSI. They were advised to take into account the typical residential construction characteristics that would be found in tract style homes. The estimated cost provided by the contractors range from $1.18 to $2.00 square foot with the average of $1.56 a square foot. Not all home owners contract directly with the sprinkler contractor, in some cases the sprinkler contractor is contracted by the General Contractor who will add a markup to the cost of the sprinklers; 20% is the norm. The cost for fire sprinklers with the General Contractors markup would then range from to $1.41 to $2.40 a square foot with the average of $1.87 a square foot. All the contractors related that the price may increase for non standard ceiling designs such as domed or beamed that are found in some large custom homes. Flat and sloped ceilings are considered standard ceiling types. Company Total Cast Cost er ft2 Cost er ft2 20% GC Marku Crai Fire Protection $3,300 $1.18 $1.41 merican Fire S rinklerAsso $4,134 $1.48 $1.78 Fire S rinkler S stems $4,200 $1.50 $1.80 Residential Fire S stems $4,620 $1.65 $1.98 Beach Plumbin $5,600 $2.00 $2.40 Additionally, the contractors provided information on some recent projects they have completed. The information below represents the actual prices charged for fire sprinkler installation where there was a significant addition to an existing home. The 7368 square foot home is an example where the price can go up due to non-standard ceiling design. The home had significant beamed ceilin s. ctual_Cost of Completed Pro'ec Total Size ft` 2338 ~~Actual`Cos $3,553 Cost per ft 1.52 2404 $3,293 1.37 2583 $4,912 1.90 3416 $5,655 1.66 4000 $5,800 1.45 7368 $18,483 2.51 Further research revealed a 2008 "Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment" study which was conducted by Fire Protection Research Foundation, and prepared by Newport Partners. The study was conducted nationally and concluded "The cost of sprinkler systems to the homebuilder, in dollars per sprinklered SF, ranged from $0.38 to $3.66. This range represents the 30 different house plans, with the average cost being $1.61 per sprinklered SF. The low end of this range ($0.38/sprinklered SF) represents a California house in a community with a longstanding ordinance, sprinklers in the attic and the garage (in addition to the living space), and some potential pricing benefits from a volume relationship with the sprinkler contractor. The high end of this cost range ($3.66/sprinklered SF) represents a Colorado house on well water and a system constructed with copper piping which utilized anti-freeze for freeze protection during the winter. These costs include all costs to the builder associated with the sprinkler system including design, installation, and other costs such as permits, additional equipment, and increased tap and water meter fees - to the extent that they apply."The estimates by AFSA and the four contractors are consistent with the national study. Each contractor pointed out that the cost is based on not replacing the water line from the street to the meter. Although these are rare occurrences the cost for such replacement can range from $2,000 up to $10,000. Several water purveyors were contacted and confirmed the cost estimates provided by the sprinkler contractors. OCFA is recommending an exception to the sprinkler if the replacement of the supply line is required. Research shows that Farmers Insurance, State Farm Insurance, and All State Insurance all give discounts on home owner insurance policy ranging from 5 to 10%. The average cost for homeowner insurance is $947 per year Surveyed Sprinkler Contractors Fire Sprinkler Systems Inc. Contact: Harold Rodgers, President 705 E. Harrison, Suite 200 Corona Ca 92879 800-915-3473 Beach Plumbing Inc. Contact: Don Folgner, Owner 241 Calle Pintoresco San Clemente, CA 92672 949-498-6000 Serving the Cities of: Aliso Viejo • Buena Park • Cypress • Dana Point • Irvine • Laguna Hills • Laguna Niguel • Laguna Woods • Lake Forest • La Palma Los Alamitos • Mission Viejo • Placentia • Rancho Santa Margarita • San Clemente • San Juan Capistrano • Seal Beach • Stanton • Tustin • Villa Park Westminster • Yorba Linda • and Unincorporated Areas of Orange County RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS AND SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES Residential Fire Systems Inc. Contact: Ty A. Maley, President 2871 E. Via Martens Anaheim, CA 92806 714-666-2978 Craig Fire Protection Company Inc Contact: Craig Dale, Owner 1044 W. First Street Pomona, CA 91766 909-865-7030 American Fire Sprinkler Association Contact: James Moyer, President j~cjsuppression.com 951- 735-5560 ATTACHMENT 2 November 17, 2010 Mr. Henry Huang Building Official City of Tustin 300 Centennial Way Tustin, CA 92780 Re: 2011 Code Adoption Mr. Huang, I am writing on behalf of the membership of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, Orange County Chapter (BIA/OC) to address the issue of mandatory residential fire sprinkler installation for existing residential structure remodel or retrofit. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this important issue. Until recently, our membership has not taken a position on this issue. As you know, the core of our membership is made up of production homebuilders. However, we do have a significant number of remodelers within the BIA/OC that have recently expressed concern. Our industry's primary issues of concern relate to the dramatic costs associated with sprinkler installation. Unlike new construction, the challenges associated with sprinkler installation in an existing residential structure can be very complicated. There are a number of potential complications, including but not limited to, adequate space for installation, adequate water pressure, aesthetic issues related to exposed plumbing, prohibitive cost, and potential insurance issues due to the risk of water damage and moisture intrusion. The risks listed above are risks that will be assessed by individual home owners as they consider remodeling or retrofitting their homes. Our concern is that the risks will dominate homeowners' cost/benefit analysis and prevent them from moving forward on remodeling projects. The obvious fallout for our remodeier members is a further decline in work. No sector of our industry can afford further loss of work. Increased regulatory pressures that have the potential to exacerbate the continued devastation being felt by the construction industry are unacceptable. It is for this reason that the BIA/OC is opposed any proposal that would require mandatory installation of fire sprinklers for existing residential structures in the case of retrofit or remodel above and beyond the city's current standards. We appreciate the opportunity to express our views to the City of Tustin. Thank you for your consideration. All the best, j /,' ~ { Bryan M. Starr Deputy Executive Officer, BIA/OC ~'B1H Orange County Chapter [3uilding Industry Association of Southern Califomio 17744 Sky Park Circle Suite 170 Irvine, California 92614 949.553.9500 fax 949.553.9507 www.biaoc.com '.ti'.v w.tieµ SnmesniatelumTt lour indu:q ry's comprclTCn,cnc onlinr ~uidr to new home,, PRESIDENT DAVE BARTLETT BROOKFIELD HOMES VICE PRESIDENT PAUL HERNANDEZ IRVINE COMPANY 2V° VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL McCANN CALMAR DEVELOPMENT TREASURER CHRIS HAINES PULTE HOMES/DEL WE88 SECRETARY DAVE BULLOCH STANDARD PACIFIC HOMES IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIIDENT PAUL JOHNSON RANCHO MISSION VIEJO TRADE CONTRACTOR COUNCIL V R. JIM VATES GOLDEN WEST PLUMBING ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT MARK HIMMELST EIN NEWMEYER & DILLION, LLP MEMBER-AT-LARGE BILL WATT BAYWOOD DEVELOPMENT MEMBER-AT-LARGE MIKE W INTER SARES-REGIS KRIST~NE THALMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER