The city of Pilot Point received the ElectriCity Award at the Nov. 13 City Council meeting, given to cities on a mission to improve electrical safety and prevent hazards.
Amanda Wozniak, the Public Policy Specialist for the Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry, presented the award at the meeting on behalf of the alliance and the International Code Council.
“This designation isn’t simply symbolic,” Wozniak said. “It reflects your leadership’s decision to invest in the skills and capabilities of your inspection team, to align your permitting and in- spection practices with nationally recognized pathways and to put the safety of your residents and businesses front and center.”
For the city to receive the award, specific training was required, and the city had to meet the following ICC standards by having a residential electrical inspector, commercial electrical inspector, electrical inspector, electrical plans inspector, code specialist and electrical code specialist.
Pilot Point is now the fifth city in the nation to earn the ElectriCity Certificate of Recognition, joining Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Corinth and Denison.
“In cities that participate in the ElectriCity program, all these efforts combine to reduce electrical hazards, protect homes and commercial properties from fire risk, and strengthen community resilience,” Wozniak said.
The city of Pilot Point acknowledged two dedicated staff members who took the initiative on this project: Jerry Carnes, who led the city’s permits and inspections team and the building official, along with James Kasper, the code compliance manager.
The pair both obtained the required certifications to receive recognition for this award.
Their efforts were recognized at the meeting, along with the staff members who completed the training: building inspectors Kevin Walker and David Cabrera, senior code compliance officer Sheree Brady and residential plans examiner Chelsea LaFon.
“These courses make our team more knowledgeable, and we have a better understanding of how a building is supposed to go together,” Carnes said.
In the training, staff learned important skills to improve the quality of inspections and professional development to keep the public safe.
“It’s all about better electrical inspections, more thorough electrical safety, and avoiding fire hazards,” Carnes added. “Ultimately, you’ll have a better home for the citizens of Pilot Point.”
Wozniak thanked many departments, including the building inspection staff, permitting officials, the code enforcement team and city leaders for their contributions behind-thescenes.
“Thank you for your unwavering commitment to safety, excellence and service to your community,” she said.
Then Wozniak commended the City Council for supporting this initiative and shared her positive hopes for the city.
“Mayor and council members, by endorsing this program and giving your staff the support they need, you are not only protecting Pilot Point today, but you are preparing it for tomorrow’s growth, tomorrow’s challenges and tomorrow’s technologies,” she said.
