Examiner_2021Fall

2021 - Fall MyOSBEELS Launch 2021 Symposium Recap Biennial Rate Increase Adminstrator’s Corner Published by the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering & Land Surveying The Oregon THE FINAL PRINT ISSUE This marks the final printed issue of The Oregon Examiner. But fear not, the digital Examiner will continue. Please go to https://online.myosbeels.org to register for your MyOSBEELS account to keep up with all things OSBEELS and notified for future issues of The Examiner. Board Members Board Staff Mission Dr. Sean St.Clair., PE President Jason Barbee, Administrator The mission of the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Tim Fassbender, PLS Vice President Jenn Gilbert, Deputy Administrator Engineering & Land Surveying (OSBEELS) is to regulate the Darryl Anderson, PE, PLS, CWRE Andrea Bijan practice of engineering, land surveying, photogrammetric Erin Austin, Esq., Public Member Eric Engelson mapping, and water right certification in the state as they Renee Clough, PE, PLS Veronica Gloria relate to the welfare of the public in safeguarding life, Daren Cone, PLS, PE Danee Koonce health and property. Paul Gribbon, PE Magali Martinez Jason Kent, PE Ashley Setzer Massoud Saberian, PE Nick Siegrist Ron Stillmaker, PE Dennis Smith Amin Wahab, Public Member Rob Sobotka Tina Sorensen

Administrator’s to reach resolution. Recognizing these meetings have afforded us include, Corner concerns, we dedicated time and resources reduced meeting expenses, easier to improve in this area. With a fully staffed public participation and more October 2021 marked my second year Regulations Department and revamped streamlined discussions. here at OSBEELS. While we have processes, our agency has been able to all faced challenges over the last few conduct investigations more efficiently in These are just a few of the successes years, those challenges have provided recent years. The result of these efforts we’ve seen over these last two years. opportunities for growth and change as is that we saw the average length of our It is also important to note that none well. For this article, I’d like to highlight investigations dropped well over 50%, of these successes would have been some of the successes OSBEELS has had which allowed us to completely resolve the made possible without the amazing over the last few years. case backlog. employees here at OSBEELS. They are the “wizards behind the curtain” Our biggest success has been replacing our Despite the COVID-19 pandemic catching us and have the great ideas for how to ancient licensing system that was broken, all by surprise in early 2020, the pandemic improve our internal processes and the preventing us from having a license lookup provided our agency the opportunity shift customer experience. tool and requiring all initial applications several Board activities from in-person to and license renewals be submitted in virtual experiences. Two areas I would like I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a huge paper. With the new online based system, to highlight include our annual Symposium “Thank You” to our volunteer Board MyOSBEELS, our registrants can interact and monthly Board meetings. members as well. They put in the time with us from the convenience of their and effort to provide guidance and computer or mobile device. While there are distinct benefits of having make decisions for much of the work our Symposium in-person, moving to a we do here. Their focus on improving Even prior to the launch of our new system, virtual platform made it easier and less the customer experience and removing we had made internal changes to our expensive for folks to attend, especially barriers to licensure without reducing application and review processes that those located out of state, while still required competencies has been amazing. include simple and consistent procedures providing top-notch presentations, as well They are supportive of the changes and that had substantially reduced the lag time as offering those oh so valuable continuing improvements we make and ensure that it took to process and issue licenses. development hours. we are headed in the right direction. Prior to 2020, our agency frequently fielded Holding our monthly Board and Committee questions regarding the length of time meetings virtually has allowed the Board it took Board Law Enforcement cases to continue to conduct core business functions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional benefits virtual Law Enforcement Cases The following list contains law enforcement cases that resulted in disciplinary actions and became finalized. X0082 – John Raby X0088 – Anthony Ooten As a friendly reminder, OAR 820-020-0045(4) requires The Board issued a Final Order against John The Board issued a Final Order against registrants to give written Raby, PE, assessing a $500 civil penalty Anthony Ooten, PE, assessing a $500 civil notification to the Board for failing to immediately notify the Board penalty for failing to immediately notify with 45-days of receiving any office of license discipline received in the Board office of license discipline disciplinary action by another another jurisdiction, violating Oregon received in another jurisdiction, violating licensing agency related to your Administrative Rule (OAR) 820-020-0045(4). Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 820-020- professional practice. 465 days elapsed from the time the final 0045(4). 1,330 days elapsed from the time order from the other jurisdiction was the final order from the other jurisdiction issued and when Mr. Raby reported it to was issued and when Mr. Ooten reported it the Board office. to the Board office. 2 The Oregon Examiner

Board Seeking to Fill Vacancy The OSBEELS is excited to announce that we are currently seeking to fill one vacant position on the Board! We are looking to fill the vacant position with a diverse candidate who is a registered Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor. As a Board member, you will have the opportunity to work alongside public and professional members, and agency staff, to license individuals, address questions from the professional community, and uphold the Board’s mission to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public. Interested in learning more about the application process and prerequisites? Visit the state boards and commissions’ website: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/ admin/Pages/Boards-and-Commissions.aspx. If you are interested in applying or learning more about becoming an OSBEELS board member, please contact Board Administrator, Jason Barbee, at Jason.Barbee@ osbeels.oregon.gov. Biennial Renewal Rates The OSBEELS recently completed development of the new online database, their licensing and registration services the rulemaking process resulting MyOSBEELS. These investments may cause through larger, centralized departments in increased biennial renewal fees for additional expenses in the short-term, but that oversee the process for multiple Professional Engineers and Professional promise to lead to decreased operational professions while their respective state Land Surveyors effective the December 2021 expenses and improved registrant services Board operates separately. The difference renewal period. The increase to the biennial long-term. in funding and operations are what causes renewal fees is $40, raising the rates from the difference in fees state-to-state. $190 to $230. The biennial renewal rate During the rulemaking process, the Board for Certified Water Right Examiners will received comments from professional Multiple submissions requested the increase to $80. registrants and public members. The Board first consider expense or staffing OSBEELS would like to take this opportunity reductions before imposing any fee The Board proposed the increases to to share a summary of comments received increases. These are valid concerns that allow the agency to operate in a manner and details regarding related activities were considered and action was taken where revenues are equal to its estimated the agency has taken prior to making the on prior to increasing fees. The OSBEELS operational expenses while maintaining decision to raise renewal fees. operates on a 2-year biennial financial cycle an adequate reserve fund in case of per state laws. The most recent biennium emergency. The Board’s Finance Committee, The office received several comments ended on June 30, 2021. Leading up to the in cooperation with agency administrators, regarding the amount our Board charges end of the biennium, the agency conducted projected the increase will help the Board for renewal fees compared to other state a number of financial reviews. These remain in good financial standing for at Boards. As a semi-independent agency, the reviews resulted in reduced budgeted least the next 6 to 8 years. The amount OSBEELS is self-funded and fully supported expenses to several non-registration- of the increase was determined through by its licensing and registration fees. The related areas of agency operations, analysis of current fund balances, recent reason our fees are higher than some other including the Board office’s lease, printing trends in industry and anticipated expense Licensing Boards in other jurisdictions is and postage services, promotional items, increases. The Board approved the change that many of them operate in different and more. Additionally, over the last 2 years during its September meeting. ways that result in different need for fees. agency personnel has decreased by nearly An example could be partial or full funding 25%. Despite these reductions, overall In the 2019-2021 biennium, the Board by their state’s general fund. Additionally, expenses are projected to increase for the made investments to improve applicant other jurisdictions may coordinate foreseeable future. and registrant services, such as the FALL 2021 3

MyOSBEELS System Update As we march towards the end of 2021 we In order to access MyOSBEELS you will FAQs About MyOSBEELS are excited to share that the agency’s need to register and verify your account new online system, MyOSBEELS, is up and in the new system. Registration is easy Q: How do I access MyOSBEELS? running! Earlier this fall, we conducted a and can be completed within minutes. pilot period rolling out the new system If you are a current registrant or intern, A: Applicants and licensees seeking access to registrants who are up for renewal in the system has the ability to synchronize to MyOSBEELS can visit the Board website December and new applicants. So far, the your existing license information with at www.Oregon.gov/OSBEELS or the system new system has been operating smoothly your new MyOSBEELS profile. During your portal at https://online.myosbeels.org and we are excited to announce MyOSBEELS account registration, the system will is now available for all registrants and ask you to enter unique ID information Q: Do I need OSBEELS-issued future applicants! in order for the system to identify you- credentials to register or access the such as your social security number or MyOSBEELS system? Agency staff have been hard at work license number. with our selected vendor, InLumon, to A: No, users will have the ability to enroll in modernize our operational processes and Although we are very excited for the the new system using their own email and develop a new integrated licensing and launch of the new system – we’d like personal information. data management system. Throughout to ask for your patience with the roll the development of this system, we’ve out and enrollment period. Our agency Q: Can I access MyOSBEELS on my focused on the user experience and staff have done their best to test all mobile phone or tablet? creating seamless, efficient methods areas of the system, however, as with of information delivery. With the new any new system launch; there will be A: Yes, the system is mobile and tablet- system, we are excited to provide some growing pains and a learning friendly. paperless processes, secure online curve for all. We thank you for your payments, revamped online tools, and an patience over the last couple of years Q: Will I need to input all my license easy-to-navigate account dashboard. while we have navigated the transition information into my profile? to our new system. Moving forward, all applications for A: Upon registering in the new system, a professional registration and registration Additionally, in this issue, there are required field will ask you to enter your renewals will be submitted and processed Frequently Asked Questions related to social security or license number, which will through MyOSBEELS. The new system MyOSBEELS, how to register, and how to then link your profile to your license record. portal is available online through the complete online processes within the Board’s website. new system. Q: What can I do in MyOSBEELS? Register for your MyOSBEELS account today at A: The new system will allow individuals https://online.myosbeels.org and registrants to complete a number of processes and applications online from their account. These include submitting application materials and payment directly within the application portal. Users will be able to register for state-specific exams, submit PDH documents, update their contact information, and more from the user dashboard. 4 The Oregon Examiner

Q: When will I be able to renew my Q: What if I have more than one Q: How will I know that my license(s) through MyOSBEELS? license? application and payment was received? A: With the launch of MyOSBEELS, all A: MyOSBEELS will allow you to link to all registrants will now be able to renew and your current licenses in good standing and A: Upon submittal, users return to their manage their license(s) online within the allow you to renew each license as they dashboard, where they can see the status new system. become eligible for renewal. of submitted applications via the activity tracker. Through the tracker, users are able Q: How will I know if my license(s) is Q: What if I have a license that is to see what stage of the review process eligible for renewal? dependent upon another license their application is current at with agency to practice (Structural Engineer staff. Any submissions and results will also A: Historically, your first indication may requires a Civil Engineer license)? generate a notification from the system to have been the courtesy notification that your account’s email. Users are also able is mailed to your address of record on file A: If you have a license that requires a “base to view and print receipts for any online with the Board. Our agency will continue license” (i.e., Civil Engineer), you will need to financial activity. to mail out those courtesy reminders via ensure that all your licenses are showing up mail for the upcoming renewal period in your profile before submitting a renewal. Q: Will registrants still receive a new ending on December 31, 2021. Additionally, If you notice any license information missing wall certificate and pocket card by once you have created a profile, logged from your profile, please contact the mail like previously? into MyOSBEELS, and linked your profile to OSBEELS office at OSBEELS.Info@osbeels. all current licenses, an expiration date for oregon.gov. If all your license information is A: Initial wall certificates suitable for each eligible license will be shown on your present, you should be able to renew your framing will still be mailed to the preferred dashboard along with a button to renew license from the user dashboard. address on file. Updated electronic each eligible license. Reminders are also renewal certificates and pocket cards are emailed to users at 90, 60, and 30 days prior Q: What options do I have to pay for automatically emailed to users in an easy- to their respective renewal deadline. my license renewal(s)? to-print format. Q: What information will I need to A: Once you have confirmed your contact Q: Will I have the option to select have ready to renew my license(s) information and chosen which license(s) my preferred method to receive through MyOSBEELS? you wish to renew, you will certify to that notifications? information and be presented with an A: You will need to have all the information option to process a payment by credit card, A: While licensees are required to provide you normally would to submit a paper- debit card or electronic check. the Board with a physical address of based application, your license information, record, and keep the Board informed of PDH details, and your payment. However, • If you choose credit card or debit any changes to it, MyOSBEELS does offer with MyOSBEELS, users will be able to card, you will enter the required card users the option to identify their preferred submit this information into the new system information and the payment will process method of contact, via email or phone. through an easy-to-use step-by-step online by electronic means. application process. Additionally, users will be able to save unfinished applications and • If you choose electronic check, you will re-visit them later. enter the account number and routing number. • If you need make payment cash or money order, please contact the Board office for guidance at [email protected] FALL 2021 5

OSBEELS 2021 Symposium Features Transformative Projects & Noteworthy Teams The OSBEELS hosted its 11th annual League’s Los Angeles Rams and the Los Symposium on September 23-24. Similar Angeles Chargers. The team of experts to the 2020 event, the Board held the annual shared the unprecedented engineering professional development conference that was required to design the 3.1 million virtually, welcoming over 700 participants square-foot landmark that is just 500 yards who joined for the live and re-air events. from an active seismic fault and on the The virtual format allowed industry flight path to LAX airport. professionals from across the country and internationally to tune into the event. The first day wrapped up with a presentation from Travis Smith, SE, who The 2021 OSBEELS Symposium brought shared the structural evolution of Salem, together an outstanding lineup of speakers Oregon’s North Salem High School. from across the western U.S. region. Over His presentation provided attendees the course of the 2-day event, senior a timeline of how the school’s building experts, department leaders, and project has transformed over its 85-year history teams from nationally recognized firms, and focused on recent additions and federal programs, and locally owned structural changes that resulted in new businesses came together to share ideas athletic facilities, class rooms, and student and insights about their work. common-areas. During the event’s opening remarks, Board In-between these marvelous structural President, Dr. Sean St.Clair, PE, and Board presentations, attendees heard from Administrator, Jason Barbee, welcomed the United States’ Bureau of Land attendees to the virtual event and shared Management’s Cadastral Surveying details about their vision for the future program on the implementation of the of OSBEELS and services provided to Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act and registrants and the public. also from Leonard Rydell, PE, PLS, CWRE on surveying projects he has come across Transformative structures were a topic of in his career and how the practice is conversation throughout the first day, as evolving. Additionally, the day’s program the conference kicked off its program with also featured a presentation from the City a presentation from Brian Dickson, SE, of of Hillsboro, InPipe Energy, and Energy Magnusson Klemencic Associates on the Trust of Oregon on a first-of-its-kind complete replacement of the University of microhydropower energy project. Oregon’s iconic Hayward Field track and field complex. Noting the new stadium was The second day kicked off with the event designed to provide fans with what Dickson host and OSBEELS Communications described as, “a theater for track and field, Coordinator, Eric Engelson, providing while portraying a sense of motion in its attendees a sneak preview of the agency’s design,” attendees were taken on a behind- new registrant database, MyOSBEELS. the-scenes look at how Brian and his team Following this, the conference heard from achieved this noteworthy feat. a panel of speakers representing the City of Astoria and DOWL Engineering and Later in the day, the conference welcomed Surveying on the transformation of the a panel from David Evans and Associates, historic waterfront and bridge system in Inc., to share their insights about how they Astoria, Oregon. The team of experts shared stretched the limits of what was possible details about their project journey and during the design and construction of SoFi approach to developing the new waterfront Stadium, home of the National Football 6 The Oregon Examiner

bridges that feature American Disability project that required coordination from all Act compliance, multimodal transportation members and local departments. facilities supporting pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicles, and rail users, and sustained local The OSBEELS would like to thank all who wildlife habitats. attended, presented, and helped to make this year’s Symposium a success. At this Day two also featured presentations on the time, the Board and agency staff are expansion project at Portland International actively planning for the 2022 event. We Airport, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ anticipate sharing more updates with Portland district team, and fish passage registrants in the spring of 2022. and aquatic habitat reconnection projects completed by Melanie Klym, PE, RG, ENV SP The OSBEELS Symposium is an annual and her team at GeoEngineers. event held in September and aims to bring professionals together for a day of A panel comprised of professional professional education and networking. engineers and land surveyors from public and private organizations shared If you are interested in attending future how they worked together to develop Symposiums or other OSBEELS-related the latest master planned community events, follow us on Facebook and keep an in Beaverton, OR. Representatives from eye out for future announcements in The OTAK, Standridge Engineering, and the Oregon Examiner. City of Beaverton provided their unique perspectives and involvement in this FALL 2021 7

BOARD OF EXAMINERS OSBEELS is on Facebook! The up-to-date information on FOR ENGINEERING & exams, applications, audits, renewals, and more! LAND SURVEYING facebook.com/osbeels 670 Hawthorne Avenue, SE 503-362-2666 Suite 220 [email protected] Salem, Oregon 97301 oregon.gov/osbeels This is the final print edition of The Oregon Examiner. Register for your MyOSBEELS account at https://online.myosbeels.org to access the digital Examiner in the future. And as always, stay tuned for updates via the Board website: oregon.gov/osbeels