El Agrimensor. President s Message. Introducing Our Guest Speaker, Eric Alger

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1 Channel Islands Chapter of the California Land Surveyors Association June 2014 Table of Contents Chapter News 2 Calendar of Events 3 Board of Directors Minutes 3 NSPS Update 4 Caltrans Liaison Report College of the Canyons Fall Semester Begins 4 4 Jobs for Hire Chapter Membership Application 2016 Update on ALTA/ACSM Standards 6 9 Annual Chapter Picnic 15 Contacts 16 President s Message Summer is almost upon us and daylight hours are plentiful. A traffic related incident with one of our local surveyors recently reminds us of the dangers we may encounter during field work. Sometimes it s easy to become complacent regarding safety and effort is necessary to remain vigilant. Our profession does include some inherent risks, but a little planning, equipment, and situational awareness can help reduce or minimize them. We are getting close to the magic number. This month we will be contacting local surveyors (some being past members) to encourage them to become current members of the local CLSA Chapter and the state association. We already know the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is 42 (Hitchhiker s Guide), but we only need 41 local/state members to qualify for a third Chapter Director in We will have lists available at the next meeting Thursday, June 19 in Ventura. Upcoming Local Events please invite a fellow surveyor (member or not): Joint Meeting with Los Angeles Chapter (July 10th) and Channel Islands Picnic (August 2nd, see page 15). Bill Hurdle, PLS bhurdle@jdscivil.com Introducing Our Guest Speaker, Eric Alger Eric Alger is a GIS Specialist with the County of Ventura, IT Services, GIS Division. He has been with the County for ten years and has been involved with the development and enhancement of the County View application, which can be seen here: Eric will be presenting a demonstration of the County View application and how it can benefit surveyors.

2 Page 2 Newsletter Yearly Advertisement Rates Business Card $100 1/4 Page $200 1/2 Page $300 Full Page $400 Mid-year commitments can be prorated as necessary. Chapter News The Ventura County Surveyors Office is selling DVD s 1, 2, & 3! DVD Set: $16.09 Shipping: $9.50 Reserve yours by calling the Surveyor s Office at (805) SPC Zone for Channel Islands As of May 2012, NGS has corrected the NAD83 State Plane Coordinates for the southern Channel Islands to be Zone 6, whereas they used to be NAD27 Zone 5. The islands impacted are: San Clemente, Santa Catalina, Santa Barbara & San Nicholas. Chapter Website Shant Ohannessian has teamed up with our newsletter team to create a new and improved Chapter website. Visit the link below and check it out! Caltrans Update Do you have an interesting STORY, EXPERIENCE, or OPINION? Please share it with us! jesse@opdahl.cc On November 27, 2012 Caltrans updated their survey manual and made the following changes: All projects on the state highway system must use the Construction Surveys Chapter for construction staking. You may purchase bound paperback copies of this chapter for $6.00 from the Caltrans DPAC Warehouse Publications Unit by calling: (916) or by visiting: National Geodetic Survey Releases 10-Year Strategic Plan In their efforts to continually improve their service to the nation, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) periodically undergoes a reevaluation and planning process. As NGS approached the halfway point with their existing Ten-Year Plan ( ), NGS leadership decided it was time to reevaluate priorities. With changing technological developments and revised NGS priorities, it became clear that an updated plan was needed. To represent their goals now and into the future, NGS is pleased present their new Ten-Year Strategic Plan To improve business operations, in the new plan NGS has focused their efforts and resources on four main goals and one enterprise goal. We invite you to review the updated plan at your convenience:

3 Calendar For Chapter Meetings, we usually meet on the third Thursday of every month. Social hour begins at 6pm followed by dinner and meeting at 7pm. The cost to attend is $25 and we also raffle off prizes, so bring a few extra bucks. Everyone is welcome. We work hard to bring you interesting, relevant topics of discussion led by speakers with diverse experience in the land surveying field. Please join us at the next Chapter Meeting and other events going on in our area. We value your participation and input! Date: Event: Location: 6/19/14 Chapter Meeting Marie Callender s Speaker: Eric Alger 1295 Victoria Ave. Ventura 7/10/14 Joint Meeting with LA Chapter BJ s Restaurant & Brewhouse 6pm Social Hour, 7pm dinner, 7:30pm Speaker 6242 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills Speaker: TBD 8/2/14 CLSA Chapter Picnic (see Page 15) Bob Kildee Park, Camarillo 8/21/14 Chapter Meeting TBD Speaker: Zach Hunt (CIRGIS) 9/17/14 & 9/19/14 Seminar by Richard Snay TBD Topic: Evolution of the North American Datum of 1983 Directors Report for the CLSA Board of Directors Meeting, April 26, 2014 We accomplished one big task: The revisions for the Association bi-laws were finally approved. Ballets and a copy of the amended bi-laws with instructions will be mailed to Association Corporate Members soon. Per the current bi-laws, The adoption of said amendment shall require twothirds of such votes cast. We approved a $3, budget item to purchase a new CLSA exhibitors booth. If you have seen the old one, it was held together with rubber bands and duct tape, and the pictures were a bit outdated. By the way, this is something our Chapter can borrow; we helped pay for it. We agreed to some revised language for the Discussion Board Guide. Hopefully, the revisions will clear up the issue of posting someone else s maps, deeds, etc. without permission. The slate of Association Officers was approved for 2015: 2015 President Elect (this is like Vice President) is Rodger Hanlin (Northern Counties), 2015 Secretary is D. Ian Wilson (Sacramento Chapter), and 2015 Treasurer is Jeff Steffan (Cascade Chapter). The Workshop Committee has several events in the works. An Opus Seminar, taught by Bill Stone and Mark Armstrong will be on June 9-10 in Riverside, and June in Santa Rosa. They have confirmed the dates of September 17 and 19 for a seminar by Richard Snay, on the evolution of the North American Datum of The locations are yet to be determined. The CSRC is planning seminars at three locations across the state. They are always looking for webinar and seminar ideas. A committee has presented an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to NSPS and is awaiting a response. We (the Directors) have not seen those terms at this time, but it appears that it is just a matter of negotiating a few details, then the MOU will be reviewed for approval by the Directors. Once approved by the Directors, the MOU should go to all corporate members for a vote on CLSA participation in 100% membership in NSPS. If any Chapter member would like to see a complete agenda or minutes of any Board of Directors meeting, we can a copy to you upon request. These reports are often over 100 pages, much of which is individual Chapter reports. Respectfully Submitted, Kurt Lehnhardt, PLS & Steve Opdahl, PLS CLSA Channel Islands Chapter Directors Page 3 Effective July 1, 2012, the State Board of Equalization and the Franchise Tax Board may share taxpayer information with the Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. You are obligated to pay your state tax obligation and your license may be suspended if the state tax obligation is not paid. CLSA Professional Development Program (PDP) encourages and supports the continued professional growth and competency of land surveyors and recognizes their continuing education activities. This voluntary program also provides members a means to meet out-ofstate licensure requirements. Visit californiasurveyors.org/profdev.html for more information.

4 Page 4 Did you know? Since 2009, CLSA s use of social media has grown to over 1590 connections on LinkedIn and nearly 1400 likes on Facebook! PUBLICATIONS The Subdivision Map Act, PLS Act, PE Act, & Board Rules have been updated Publications are now available. NSPS Update NSPS seems to be growing in leaps and bounds. The organization now has 9000 members 4 ½ times as many as a year ago. 41 state societies have signed MOUs with NSPS. That is 11 more since October For 2014, NSPS will continue to fight for clarification as to why the Bacon Davis Act was expanded to include members of survey crews. The organization will also keep a close eye on changes to the Biggert-Waters Reform Act (part of the 2012 MAP-21 Act to combat the losses experienced by Hurricane Katrina, (Palatiello)) and other proposed legislation such as the Map it Once, Use it Many Times Act (reintroduced as H.R.1604, to establish the National Geospatial Technology Administration within the U.S. Geological Survey to enhance the use, efficiency, and economy of geospatial data, (Lamborn)), and the FLAIR Act (Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform Act, which aims to manage federal real property, (Federal)). To remain up-to date with NSPS, please visit nsps.us.com Caltrans Liaison Report Sea Level Rise Specifications: Curt Burfield of the Office of Land Surveys will be presenting at the Fresno Conference on the relationship between tidal and geodetic datums, with an overview of the draft specifications on Sea Level Rise that are currently being developed by the Coastal Commission. Any surveyor working on projects within the coastal zone will need to be familiar with the new specifications. The draft is available online at: Caltrans Surveyors TV Segment: Caltrans Surveyors were featured in a Sacramento TV segment on mobile laser scanning. Check it out at: index.html Caltrans Survey Manual: The Caltrans Survey Manual is available to the public at : WEBINARS Previous CLSA Webinars are archived on the Members Only Website for complimentary download by CLSA members. The fall semester at College of the Canyons begins on August 25, 2014 and applications are due by June 30, The school is hosting two Land Survey Information Meetings on June 12, 2014 at 6pm and June 14, 2014 at 10am. Go to or call (661) for more information. Due to low student count, this wonderful program is in jeopardy of closing down. So if you re considering improving your skills, or you know of someone who is studying for their LS or LSIT, please refer them to College of the Canyons.

5 Page 5 Jobs For Hire The City of Ventura will open recruitment beginning June 23 for a Survey Specialist position in the Public Works Department with the posting of a job flyer. If you have an interest, or know of someone with interest in this position, please visit for more information and to view the job description (see sidebar on webpage). Applicants can register and fill out a job application online in advance of the job posting. A supplemental questionnaire will become available when the job is posted and must be completed along with submission of the application on-line before the July 13, 2014 filing deadline. GIT Technical Specialist III Camarillo, Irvine or Ontario, CA RBF Consulting, a Company of Michael Baker International, has an exciting opportunity for a GIT Technical Specialist III to join our Surveying Geomatics team in our Camarillo, Ontario or Irvine, CA office. The GIT Technical Specialist s responsibilities will include: Assist in managing mapping projects in the private land development and public/municipal sectors. Accept professional responsibility for some specific Land Survey assignments. Develop and mentor technical staff. Ensure project goals/objectives are met within prescribed timeframe and funding parameters. Develop and maintain work plans, budgets, schedules and staffing for all project phases. Assist in developing and writing proposals, define scopes of work and cost/bid estimates. Perform mapping related research, boundary analysis, calculations, exhibits, and legal descriptions for a variety of land development and public works related projects from small infill developments to large master-planned communities and public related improvement projects throughout Southern CA. Perform mission planning and post processing for GPS surveys. Prepare flight plans, control schemes and coordination for aerial mapping projects. Review construction plans and perform calculations for layout staking and prepare exhibits. Perform survey data processing and prepare reports for spatial monitoring. Compile topographic information, compute and manipulate digital terrain models for topographic mapping. Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of final maps, parcel maps, record of survey and ALTA maps; and prepare and/or oversee preparation of legal descriptions and associated plats, and boundary analysis, as well as work closely with engineers to ensure coordination of technical surveying and engineering aspects of a project. Direct staff in preparation of various survey/mapping related projects. Requirements: Professional Land Surveyor License in California Bachelor s degree in Surveying Geomatics, Engineering or related field, or equivalent in experience. Minimum of ten (10) years of Surveying Geomatics experience with increasing levels of responsibility Knowledge of California Subdivision Map Act and Land Surveyors Act, and a thorough knowledge of drafting standards and processing project requirements. Baker, founded in 1940, provides professional engineering and consulting services for its clients worldwide. With nearly 3,000 employees in over 100 U.S. offices, Engineering News-Record consistently ranks Baker in the top 8 percent of the 500 largest U.S. engineering design firms and in the top 25 of numerous individual markets. The firm's primary business areas are architecture, aviation, defense, environmental, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, oil & gas, rail & transit, telecommunications & utilities, transportation, urban development and water. Baker s headquarters is located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. Baker recently became part of Michael Baker International, LLC, a leading provider of end-to-end engineering, development, intelligence and technology solutions with global reach and mobility. Baker offers excellent benefit packages that includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Additional Paid Time Off, Flex-Time, 401-K Retirement Plan, Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Credit Union. To learn more, please visit us on the web at To apply for this position, please log on to select Job Search and reference IRC47214 in Keywords. (Note: if you are unable to apply online, please contact the Systems Administrator at BAKERHRMS@mbakercorp.com ) Baker is an EEO/AAP (M/F/V/H) e-verify Employer

6 Page 6 Become a Member of Our Chapter Today! The success of an association is dependent on the membership. Financial support through annual dues is important, but even more critical is participation by members. If you are not already a member of your state or local association, join today and get involved!

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9 Page 9 Submitted by Gary R. Kent, L.S. Gkent@schneidercorm.com Update on 2016 ALTA/ACSM Standards Work The NSPS committee on the ALTA/ACSM Standards met in San Diego in April and made it through just over 2 of the 8 pages of suggestions. I have attached the list with my notes in blue on how they wanted to address each suggestion. For those that were approved, I will eventually draft language for everyone s review. It seemed to me that many of the committee s decisions were based on whether the suggestion was truly relevant in (1) adding value to, or (2) clarifying wording in the standards - or whether it would just add unnecessary words to an already detailed document. That is how it should be and I respect that attitude; this really should not be a teaching document any more than absolutely necessary. Since I last sent the listing to you, there have been a couple of new suggestions which I have included near the end of the document. I am, at the same time as all of this, engaging the ALTA committee in particular as to those items on the list that specifically mention needing its opinion or input. In the meantime, I will work with the group that was in San Diego to continue working incrementally on the list before we meet again face-to-face in the fall. For everyone else, if you have thoughts on any of the suggestions, please let me know so they can be documented and acknowledged. And, regardless, I will keep everyone in the loop as we progress Suggestions (as of 05/07/2014) Review entire document for proper and considered use of the words all,, any," and necessary. Section 1, 7 or 8 Limit period of time that the survey is valid (not a statute of limitations, just re: usability of the survey for current transaction). [YES to the extent that it is worth discussing with ALTA. One suggestion was to send unsigned versions of old surveys, so they will have to order an update if they want a signed one,] Section 1 or 3 State that surveyors do not/cannot determine ownership; have no legal authority. [NO. Some in the group like the idea, some do not, even though they know the idea is true. Suggested it is a contractual/education issue.] Section 2 Mention easements as another type of atypical property [grk] [YES] Mention not just insurer, but lender and anyone else not responsible for payment unless contractually bound? [NO; contract issue] Purchase agreement to be provided if an original survey. [NO; contract issue] Section 3 Include copyright statement [Curt Sumner] [Consensus to look at it further.] Section 3 or 1 - Issues/considerations when dealing with out-of-country banks. [Ask Victor O. Schinnerer Co. (Professional liability managers who assist NSPS in reviewing the standards for liability issues)] Section 3, 1, 7, or 8 - Time frame limitation on validity of survey? [Same as above; also talk to ALTA] Section 3.A Add Any ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey ordered on or after [Effective Date] must be conducted in accordance with these Standards. Any ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey delivered on or after [Effective Date] may be conducted in accordance with the 2011 Standards if the order was placed prior to February 23, [NO; but write this as one of a series of FAQs to put on NSPS and ALTA websites.] Section 3.B Remove reference to Standards of Practice? [grk] [NO; but remove "Federal Agencies from this list; there are none.] Look at 95% vs. 2 Sigma. [YES. Remove parenthetical "(or 2 Standard Deviations)"] Section 3.D Specifically state that an ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey IS a boundary survey [Curt Sumner] [NO; this is already addressed to some extent.] Include field in front of 'survey' (last word). [YES.] Address appurtenant easements? [add - "...of any property being surveyed as part of an ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey (including appurtenant easements if requested pursuant to Table A item 20a and/or 20b)...] [NO.] Section 3.E Measurement standard shall be in accordance with the measurement standard of the state in which the property resides. If the state has no such regulation or statute, then follow 3.E. (grk) [NO; the ALTA/ACSM Standards should provide for its own specific measurement standard] Precision vis-à-vis local vs. network [See new NGS precision standards] [ASK Dave Doyle] Section 3.E.i approximately 2 standard deviations [95% is actually 1.96 sigma] [Similar comment above; simply remove reference to 2 standard deviations.] Section 3.E.ii(?) Add a comment similar to the last sentence in paragraph 3 of the 1962 standards about differences of opinions with other surveyors. [Gary Kent] But include wording about relying on the same evidence. (i.e. It is expected that the exercise of professional judgment by the surveyor will minimize differences of opinions with other professional surveyors exercising equally prudent judgment in such situation and in relying on the same evidence. [KAPS Lexington] [NO; even though there is broad agreement with the statement, it doesn't belong in the standards.]

10 Page 10 Update on 2016 ALTA/ACSM Standards Work (cont d) Section 4 It is recognized that for the performance of an ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey, the surveyor will be provided with appropriate data which can be relied upon in the preparation of the survey. The request for an ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall set forth the current record description of the property to be surveyed or, in the case of an original survey, the current record description of the parent parcel that contains the property to be surveyed. Complete copies of the most recent title commitment the current record description of the property to be surveyed (or, in the case of an original survey, the parent parcel), the current record descriptions of adjoiners (except where the adjoiners are lots in platted, recorded subdivisions, unless the client has selected Table A item 13), any record easements benefiting the property, the record easements or servitudes and covenants burdening the property (all hereinafter referred to collectively as "Record Documents"), documents of record referred to in the Record Documents, documents necessary to ascertain, if possible, the junior/senior relationship pursuant to Section 6.B.vii. below, and any other title documents containing desired appropriate information affecting the property being surveyed, and to which the ALTA/ACSM Land Title Survey shall make reference (all hereinafter referred to collectively as "Record Documents"), shall be provided to the surveyor for use in conducting the survey. Reference is made to Section 3.B. above. [YES to moving the parenthetical definition of Record Documents. Ask ALTA if they need adjoiner names. YES to clarifying with the suggested parenthetical. Craig will consider the Michigan problem whereby they have a definition of parent tract that is not what we contemplate on the standards.] Add according to current public records with regard to adjoiner and subject deeds. [This should be a NOTE on the survey by the individual surveyor, not specified in the standards.] Divide into 2 paragraphs, starting with Complete copies of. This one paragraph is too long; need go find a logical place to bifurcate it. [YES] Specify a reasonable time frame in which the documents need to provided to the surveyor. [NO; this is a contractual/communication issue, not a standards issue.] Use Title commitment, title policy, abstract of title and/or title opinion instead of title commitment? [ALTA will need to provide guidance] Clarify research responsibilities. If titles are supposed to be provided, and they are not, there is no way to provide an adequate cost estimate that will foresee that event. When one party does not perform, Surveyors, not title researchers, are the ones that suffer. The ALTA/ACSM requirements are supposed to reduce 3rd parties misunderstandings and they do not. There needs to be an educational effort on behalf of the title researchers and title companies. I do not understand where the line is drawn where title researchers are allowed to stop researching. (Vermont). [NO; Gary will write an NSPS News and Views article and an FAQ addressing this.] Section 5 Introductory comments Unless noted otherwise, all features to be located pursuant to Section 5 should be located to an appropriate degree of precision based on various considerations such as the use of the property, the contemplated use of the property, if known, and the location of the property. Express the intent of on the ground vis-à-vis state plane grid distances. Section 5.A.i The location, size, character and type of any monuments, and the location, description, and character of any lines, that control Section 5.A.ii - The location, size, character and type of any monuments found Section 5.B.ii Pavement on the other side of the street? What about pavement in limited access rights of way? Section 5.B.v Without expressing a legal opinion as to the ownership or nature of the possible encroachment Section 5.B.vi Look at wording; does this include right of way width on the opposite side of the street? Also, define parcel corners (i.e., fence corners? monuments?) Recovered in the process of conducting the fieldwork" Section 5.C.ii and iii Specify that surveyor does not need to show trees, bushes, shrubs and other natural vegetation on boundary line [unless specifically included in the terms of the contract?] Give examples? Section 5.C.ii "Within 5 feet of a perimeter boundary line?" Show pipeline markers further than 5 feet from the boundary line? Section 5.E.ii ways of access rather than R/W? Section 5.F - Look at wording vis-à-vis does the surveyor need to show all gravesites in a cemetery or burial ground? Section 5.G.i Define bordering on. Consider within 5 feet to be consistent with Section 5.C.ii.? Section 5.G.i and ii Locate water features to the appropriate degree of precision (similar wording as used in 5.D.) Section 5.G.ii Move 5.G.ii. to 5.C. ( and reference 5.G.ii. (??)) Section 6.B Add a new subsection re: the relationship of surveyed tract/record description/new description to the title commitment description? Address the validity of a parcel vis-à-vis zoning ordinances (illegal split; not enough square feet; etc.) Address grid vs. ground distances on survey and in any description prepared. [Illinois discussion 4/2013] Address the creation of invalid parcels (e.g., through foreclosure or noncompliant splitting of parcels). [ An issue that comes up regularly in my [state] that doesn t appear to be addressed by the standards is whether a parcel is valid. The Assessor s office will split anything that a deed comes through on but it may be a violation of the platting laws and the parcel may be unbuildable. This is a prob-

11 Page 11 Update on 2016 ALTA/ACSM Standards Work (cont d) lem that is fundamental to the use of the property. I m working with several banks that have foreclosed on properties only to find that they don t have a valid parcel and the another party, often the entity that they foreclosed on, has them over a barrel.] Section 6.B.i. If a new description is prepared (1) don t screw up the title, and (2) explain in a note the relationship of the new description to the record description. Consider statement that the property described hereon is one and the same as the property in Schedule A of title work provided to the surveyor Section 6.B.iii or 6.B.iv - Label P.O.B. Section 6.B.iii. Suggested rewording Where measured or calculated dimensions are shown at the discretion of the surveyor, such dimension shall be shown in addition to, and differentiated from, the corresponding record dimension. [Ben Drerup, Georgia] Section 6.B? Add note similar to 6.B.vi. for dedicated roads with unknown right of way width. [Dick Bales see 10/5/12 ] Section 6.B.vi Clarify water boundary as being a property boundary vs. simply the bounds of the water feature. Section 6.B.vii Also disclose to buyer if different from client. Section 6.B.ix Rename as Section 6.C.xiii. Section 6.B.xi Add a new subsection xi. requiring that evidence of possession/occupation and possible encroachments be dimensioned (referring to Sections 5.C.i. and iii.) Section 6.C.i Location, width and recording information of Including any easements identified in Table A if a title commitment provided to the surveyor Section 6.C.ii Add an item for illegible documents [KY Seminar 11/12/2010] Add new (f) that has been released or otherwise terminated. and move the current (f) to (g) Incorporate lack of observed evidence shall be noted clause in the 2 nd to the last sentence of 2005 paragraph 5h into new standards? In the case of an off-site/schedule A/insured easement - No evidence of the easement parcel being used or blocked by the owner of the fee simple interest observed in the process of conducting the survey (associated with Table A item 20). (Dick Bales) Access to easement Address Affected by an easement Section 6.C.iii Make the surveyor s burden consistent with Section 5.B.iii. ( Visible vs. observed in the process of conducting the survey.) A note if no physical access to a public way was visible observed in the process of conducting the survey Section 6.C.iv The width of abutting rights of way, and those rights of way that cross the surveyed property, and the source of such information Clarify responsibility of surveyor as to R/W research. Section 6.C.vi Are names of adjoiners really necessary? What if adjoiner is a condo with many percentage interests? Include condos developments with subdivisions? Any other similar exceptions? Section 6.C.vii(?) Prior to or on delivery of [re: notification of gaps or overlaps] Section 6.D Require a table of Schedule B2 items? Tax Parcel number? Section 6.D.i Standard legend? Section 6.D.iii. Reword to No buildings on the surveyed property observed in the process of conducting the survey [grk] Section 6.D.iv Show company website instead of registrant s ? Section 6.D.v. Number of total pages if multiple pages. Section 6 - Combine the various sub-sections that require Notes on the face of the plat or map into one sub-section in Section 6; or simply add a new Section 6 subsection that all notes should be in some sort of singular surveyors report or otherwise presented in some organized fashion. Might give a better appearance/presentation than a bunch of disparate notes. Section 7 In certification The field work was completed on [date]. Add Title Company policy number to the certification to better protect the surveyor from unauthorized reuse of the plat. [12/1/2010] In the certification and includes Items of Table A thereof as selected by the client [From Illinois one person thought that as currently written, it could be interpreted to mean that the surveyor needed to study the surveys and list the items of Table A that appear on the survey regardless of whether or not they were selected by the client. The rest of the audience disagreed this interpretation.] Provide guidance on how to word a HUD certification on a separate sheet of paper. (Bob Dahn) Section 8 Clarify that signed digital copies do not have to be provided unless contracted [ R.A. Smith National] Consideration of the fall-out of statutes or ordinance requirements that require filing of new surveys or recordation of surveys or lot line adjustments. Section 8 (?) Caution on notes on the plat/map or certifications (even on separate sheets) that call for express warranties of violation of registration laws. (gk) Table A items Identify which are negotiable and which are not? Maybe use standard wording as specified by client, etc.) to indicate which are negotiable. Or, have Table A and Table B one contains non-negotiable items and one contains negotiable items. [Bock and Clark] No additional items may be requested other than what is in the standards and in Table A items Note on face of plat/map explaining any modifications to Table A items that may have been negotiated? [grk and others]

12 Page 12 Update on 2016 ALTA/ACSM Standards Work (cont d) Introductory comment on design surveys perhaps should be moved to Section 1. [grk] Introductory Comments Additional items should be 22a, 22b, etc. Table A Item 1 Required if the state has no regulations otherwise. Clarify how this option relates to mandatory state laws. (Judy B.) Table A Item 2 Address of the surveyed property. [grk] Table A Item 3 consider an option for elevation determination and/or elevation certificate Table A Item 4 Other areas clarify what this means (other specified areas on or within the surveyed property that the client may wish to have areas for? Or square feet vs. acres vs. hectares?) Specify precision of area. Table A Item 6 As provided by the insurer when it has been requested to provide a zoning endorsement. Provided by? [the standards cannot obligate a title company ] Require that a zoning letter be provided [Texas surveyor] Table A Item 6a and 6b Start with the word List. Table A Item 6b Surveyor will not graphically depict setbacks due to interpretation unless the jurisdiction will specifically outline to the surveyor how the setbacks apply to the surveyed property. Table A Item 7a Include in the main part of the standards under 5.D. [Dick Bales] Table A Item 8 Include in the main part of the standards (would need to look at exact wording). [Dick Bales]. Or do NOT include do this since could create a large expense and effort on a large site [Kansas]. Also, located to the appropriate degree of precision. Table A Item 9 Striping, number and type (e.g. handicapped, motorcycle, regular, etc.) of clearly identifiable parking spaces Make striping optional. This item now inadvertently includes striping in parking garages. [grk] Table A Item 11a - Include in the main part of the standards under 5.E. [Dick Bales] Table A Item 11b Clarify if the examples apply to 11(a) or 11(b). Remove railroads as examples of utilities. Discussion on one-call issues. (Craig Amey) Table Item 15 Rectified orthophotography, photogrammetric mapping, airborne/mobile laser scanning remote sensing and other similar products, tools or technologies Table A Item Observed in the process of conducting the survey [grk] Table A Item 18 Remove in favor of a Phase One Environmental Assessment. Perhaps a note in the standards in that regard? [grk] Table A Item 19 Qualified persons not appropriate authorities. Note showing a wetlands delineation of the plat or map is not a certification by the surveyor that the delineated area is, in fact, a wetlands or not. Write out more specifically what we mean viz. If wetlands have been delineated and marked by qualified persons prior to the survey, the surveyor shall locate those markers and show them on the survey. [grk] Perhaps require a note (similar to the water boundaries note) that the surveyor cannot certify as to the existence or non-existence of wetlands, only show the delineation marks. [grk] Suggested/required note to clarify what surveyor did on this item (Ohio). [This may be taken care of by fixing the wording of the item. [grk] Table A Item 20 Appurtenant to the surveyed property rather than offsite. Clarify that what this requirement is intended to do is to treat the appurtenant easement as if it were a fee parcel from the standpoint of the ALTA/ACSM requirements (see comment on 20a below). [grk] Suggestion to remove due to problems when quotes are given without benefit of a title commitment [Texas surveyor] Table A Item 20a Should refer back to Section 5 requirements for any such easement. [grk] Should require that the survey show or note if there is no observed evidence of the easements parcel s use by the owner of the easement. [Dick Bales] Table A Item 21 Better define what is meant by throughout the contract term. (i.e. as requested by client?) Reconsider? Suggestion to remove due to a perceived conflict with limit of liability clauses [Texas surveyor] Table A Item 22 if used, there needs to be a note explaining what was negotiated. Also, if there is more than one additional item, they shall be identified as 22a, 22b, 22c, etc. Table A New Item Location of environmentally or culturally significant areas as designated by appropriate authorities. Latitude and Longitude at a client-designated location on the surveyed property Evidence of subsidence (suggestion from Alabama) Throughout the standards Relook at the term Observed in the process of conducting the survey. Does this provide an easy out for the surveyor? [Chicago Title s regional counsel] Provide a sample plat and sample AutoCAD standards (e.g. lineweights) showing various types of notes, line weights, etc.? Address treatment of Updates? An indirectly related item: When an owner s affidavit and old survey are used at a closing, provide for the surveyor whose survey is being used - acknowledge payment for its use, thus preventing violation of his or her federal copyrights. Post 3/11/2014 notice

13 Page 13 Update on 2016 ALTA/ACSM Standards Work (cont d) Section 1 Add the same sentence as the first sentence of Section 4 to Section 1, only add the word equally (i.e., It is equally recognized that. [from BLM] Section 2 (Section 1?) Clarify that ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys may be performed on non-fee parcels. [from BLM] Section 4 Legible copies Current record descriptions of adjoiners Shall be provided to the surveyor in legible form and be the entire complete instrument or document for use in conducting the survey. Define most recent title commitment Clarify what is to happen if record documents are not provided Section 4 (?) Define original survey vis-à-vis common grantor vs. simply the first monument set at a corner [from BLM] Section 4 (?) (also Table A Item 11, and perhaps other locations) Clarify the responsibility of the surveyor with respect to obtaining non-public documents that might be necessary for conducting the survey. [from BLM] Section 5.A.i corners and/or lines [from BLM] Section 5.A Add item iii: Any monuments found or set on the boundary or parent parcel. [from BLM] Section 5.B.v Without expressing a legal opinion as to ownership or nature, the location and extent of any potentially encroaching driveways, alleys, and other ways of access from adjoining properties onto the surveyed property within ten feet on each side of any boundary line being surveyed (unless additional information is needed to clarify the possible encroachment) observed in the process of conducting the survey. Section 5.C.ii Identify the types of wires (also Table A item 11) Section 6.C.ci Require PIN/APN numbers for surveyed property and adjoiners (T.D A) Section 8 - Digital copies of the plat or map may be provided in addition to, or in lieu of, hard copies in accordance with the terms of the contract. [some states like SC and NY require a raised seal] Introduction to Table A Clarify that Item 22 is not only for engineering design-related requests. Table A Item 11 Include options or other content vis-à-vis Levels A, B, C, or D from ASCE Standard See or, mention somewhere in the standards that subsurface utility engineering is a specialty practice that has a separate set of nationally accepted standards that are independent of the ALTA/ACSM Standards. Identify the types of wires Did You Know? * Captain James Cook was one of the first surveyors who sailed into every ocean and surveyed all of the areas he discovered. He was also one of the first English men to step on every major continent in the world, and the first to cross both the Antarctic and Arctic Circles. His surveying equipment included a brass telescopic, a theodolite, and small station flags. * In Greece and Rome, surveyors were held with exceptional esteem, due to their responsibility of the straight angles and perfect lines that shaped the remarkable buildings and coliseums that are still present today. They used a simple surveying tool called Groma, which was a long staff with a cross bar that measured right angles and straight lines. The Groma is said to have originated from about 400 BC in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). Greenfield, Jason. "Interesting Facts About Surveying - Interesting Facts."Interesting Reality. Interesting Facts, 17 Jan Web. 10 June 2014.

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16 Channel Islands CLSA Mission Statement Recognizing that the true merit of a profession is determined by its service to society, the Channel Islands Chapter of the California Land Surveyor s Association does hereby dedicate itself to advancing the profession of land surveying because of its social and economic contributions to the welfare of the community, state, and nation. CLSA Channel Islands P.O. BOX 6572 Ventura, CA Contacts Chapter Officers President: Bill Hurdle, PLS (805) bhurdle@jdscivil.com Vice President: Shant Ohannessian, PLS (805) shant.ohannessian@ventura.org Secretary: Gene Rosecrans (818) gene.rosecrans@yahoo.com Treasurer: Dan Walsh, PLS (805) dan.walsh@ventura.org Chapter Kurt Lehnhardt, PLS (805) kurt.lehnhardt@dot.ca.gov Directors: Steve Opdahl, PLS (805) steve@opdahl.cc We re on the web! Alternate Directors: Michael McGee, PLS (805) michael@mcgee.cnc.net Matt Vernon, PLS (805) mvernon@rbf.com Debbie Naves, PLS (805) debbien@hpengr.com Newsletter Steve Opdahl, PLS (805) steve@opdahl.cc Editors: Jesse Kendall (805) jesse@opdahl.cc Committees CLSA Central Office 526 South East St. Santa Rosa, CA Phone: (707) clsa@californiasurveyors.org Website: californiasurveyors.org Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors & Geologists Phone: (866) Website: bpelsg.ca.gov JPPC Channel Islands Joint Professional Practices Committee P.O. BOX 6572 Ventura, CA ppc-info@clsa-ci.org Website: clsa-ci.org/ppc_home.html A Message from the Board About Unlicensed Activity It is a violation of state law for an unlicensed individual to offer and/or practice civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering, land surveying, geology, and geophysics unless he/she is appropriately licensed by the Board. Our Board takes this unlicensed offering and/or practice of professional services seriously. Since the Enforcement Unit is limited in its resources and cannot proactively search for unlicensed activities, we rely on others to inform staff when unlicensed work is being offered and/or performed. The Board is asking that any listing of these services by an individual not licensed to perform those services be sent to our office for review. Licenses can be verified on our websites, and or by calling the Board Office. If you become aware of unlicensed and/or practiced activities, please provide us with documentary evidence of the alleged unlicensed activity. This may include copies of the advertisement, the written contract, a business card, or other documents that may support the allegation. You may choose to submit the complaint anonymously, if you wish. The goal of the Board is to ensure understanding of and compliance with the laws through education to prevent future violations and enforcement actions, when necessary. Any questions or concerns you may have regarding possible unlicensed practice should be directed to Enforcement Analyst Larry Kereszt of The Board For Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists by at Larry.Kereszt@dca.ca.gov or telephone at (916)