HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01.17.2024
Contractor Licensing Board Minutes – Draft
January 17, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. St. Lucie County Administration Board of County Commissioners
Commission Chambers
PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Contractor Licensing Supervisor…………………………………………………… Danielle Williams Interim Building Official………….…………………………………….……………. Mark Thornbloom Assistant County Attorney………………………………………………………….. Katherine Barbieri Code Compliance Manager……………………………………………………….. Monica Graziani Contractor Licensing Investigator………………………………………………… Michael Winkler Board Recorder……………………………………………………………………... Roxann Johnson A. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 8:38 a.m. B. ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: The roll was called. C. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD SECRETARY CHAIRMAN: Mr. Jerger made a motion to nominate Mr. Travis Leonard for Chairman. Mr. Kauffmann seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. VICE CHAIRMAN: Mr. Leonard made a motion to nominate Mr. Jerger for Vice Chairman. Mrs. McCarthy-Taylor seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. SECRETARY: Mr. Leonard made a motion to nominate Mr. Michael DiFrancesco for Secretary. Mr. Jerger seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman.…………………………..................................................................... Travis Leonard
Vice Chairman………………………………………………………………………. Tony Jerger
Secretary…………………………………………………………………………… Michael DiFrancesco
………………………………………………………………………………………… Chris Langel
………………………………………………………………………………………… Michael Pride
Secretary…………...………………………………………………………………… Sheila McCarthy-Taylor
………………...……………………………………………………………………… Adam Sampson
……………………………………………………………………………………….... Gary Morris
………………………………………………………………………………………… Michael Kauffmann
…..…………………………………………………………………………………….. Roger Priest
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Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 20, 2023 Contractor Examining Licensing Board Meeting Motion was made by Mr. Priest to approve the Minutes of the September 20, 2023 meeting. Mr. Pride seconded and the motion carried unanimously. E. SWEARING IN OF STAFF: The following staff members were sworn in by the Recording Secretary: Danielle Williams, Mark Thornbloom, Michael Winkler, and Monica Graziani. F. PUBLIC COMMENT: Vice Chairman Leonard asked the audience if anyone present wanted to speak to the Board under public comment. There being none the Board moved on to Applications to be approved. G. APPLICATIONS TO BE APPROVED BY CONSENT VOTE: Motion was made by Mr. Pride to approve the applicants recommended by Consent vote. Mr. Langel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The names were read into the record: Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor Testing Agency
Kener Rivera Rako Electric LLC Electrical Contractor Prov Robert M. Morales N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov Bryan Aguilera N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov Daniel R. DeYoung N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov Diego I.F. Furlanetto N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov George C. Myers N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov Noel Hernandez N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov Geraldo Calderon N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY RECIPROCITY: Motion was made by Mr. Pride to approve the applicants recommended by Reciprocity vote. Mr. Langel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor Donald R. Masie Fritz Massie Fence Inc. Fence Contractor
Benjamin Friedman BHF LLC DBA CitiQuiet Windows and Doors Glass and Glazing
APPLICATIONS APPROVED ADMINISTRATIVELY BASED ON RECIPROCITY FROM THE CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE OR THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE: The applicant’s names were read into the record.
Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor
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THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR REVIEW BY THE BOARD:
1) Mr. Matthew Burns - M. Burns LLC dba Blue Wave Home Services – Plumbing Contractor. Chairman Leonard stated next, we have the applications for review by the Board. The first on the list is Mr. Matthew Burns. He asked if Mr. Burns or a representative was present to speak to the Board. Chairman Leonard asked Mr. Burns to come up to the podium to be sworn in by the Recording Secretary. Mr. Matthew Burns was sworn in by the Recording Secretary. Chairman Leornard: We are here to help you get licensed in St. Lucie County. That's what we're here for. Thank you very much. Chairman Leonard: Obviously, we have policies and procedures in place. What couldn't you get in order to be licensed without being in front of us? Mr. Burns: A letter signed by a contractor with more than three years. I think it's three or four years. Chairman Leonard: how long have you been in the plumbing business? Mr. Burns: Since I was 18. Family business? I started as an apprentice with Farmer and Irwin. Chairman Leonard: How long have you been in this area? Mr. Burns: Almost 35 years. Nice. Born and raised in Martin County. Chairman Leonard: Fantastic. Who are you working for now, currently? Mr. Burns: Myself.
Chairman Leonard: You're working for yourself now? Mr. Burns: Yes, sir. Chairman Leonard: And you're licensed in any other municipality? Mr. Burns: No, sir. In Martin County, I apologize. In Martin County, I am licensed. Chairman Leonard: Mr. Burns, I appreciate you being here. It's important that you want to come and work in our county to be in front of the board. Mr. Burns: I'm very thankful and grateful for you to be here. Chairman Leonard: I would like a motion. Mr. Pride made to accept Staff’s recommendation to approve Mr. Matthew Burns’ license to work in St. Lucie County. Mr. DiFrancesco seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ricky C. Cochran Cochran Roofing LLC Roofing
Lawrence Calarco Custom Pool & Spa Mechanics Inc, Commercial Pool/Spa
Brian C. Konopa Konopa Services Inc. dba Budget Fence and Gate Fence
Robert J. Quinn Southern Roofing & Repairs LLC Roofing
Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor
Matthew Burns M. Burns LLC dba Blue Wave Home Services Plumbing Contractor
Landon Dinsdale N/A Journeyman Plumber
Quentin Dixon Q. Dixon Construction LLC Concrete Contractor
Kerry Nott J.O. Mory Inc. Mechanical Contractor
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Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. 2) Mr. Landon Dinsdale – Journeyman Plumber Chairman Leonard: Do we have Landon Dinsdale in the audience? Mr. Dinsdale, would you like to come up? Be sworn in. Mr. Landon Dinsdale was sworn in by the Recording Secretary. Chairman Leonard: Good morning. Are you excited to be here? Mr. Dinsdale: Sure. I'm excited to be here. Chairman Leonard: Tell me why you want to work in St. Lucie County. Mr. Dinsdale: I work at Stott Brothers Electric. I've been doing electric for almost eight years now, believe it or not. Chairman Leonard: Goes by fast, doesn't it? Mr. Dinsdale: A little bit, yeah. Chairman Leonard: Mr. Pride, do you have any questions for Mr. Dinsdale? Mr. Pride: No, I reviewed his file and I didn't see any issues with any of his paperwork. I'd make a motion to approve. Mr. Pride made to accept Staff’s recommendation to approve Mr. Landon Dinsdale to be sponsored by St. Lucie County to take the Journeyman Electrician exam. Mr. Langel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. 3) Mr. Quentin Dixon – Q. Dixon Construction LLC – Concrete Contractor
Chairman Leonard: Is Mr. Quentin Dixon here? Mr. Dixon, good morning. Please come up to the podium. Mr. Quentin Dixon was sworn in by the Recording Secretary. Chairman Leonard: How long have you been in the construction business? Mr. Dixon: Pretty much all my life, raised up in it. Chairman Leonard: As the majority of us all have been, no doubt on that one. So, what couldn't you get? Mr. Dixon: I think I was able to pretty much get everything I needed, except for there was a judgment on my file, which was for a business loan that I thought that I was acquiring, but it turned out to be some type of cash advance. I ended up defaulting on it, but I'm making payments on that. Mr. Dixon: I only have one payment left to make on it. Other than that, everything else I think I have in there. Yeah, that's what I was reviewing your file, seeing everything like that. Chairman Leonard: I have no further questions for Quinton. Anybody have any questions for Mr. Dixon? Mr. DiFrancesco: Mr. Chairman, I can make a motion to accept his application for a Certificate of Competency. Mr. DiFrancesco made to accept Staff’s recommendation to approve Mr. Quentin Dixon’s application for a Certificate of Competency to work in St. Lucie County. Mr. Jerger seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
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Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. 4) Mr. Kerry Nott – J.O. Mory Inc. – Mechanical Contractor
Chairman Leonard: Is Kerry Knott in the audience? No, Kerry Knott. Seeing that he is not present, I'd like to table this at the Board's discretion until Mr. Knott can be present. Mr. Langel: He's applying to take the county test. I believe that's what it is. I reviewed his file. He's taken the state certified
mechanical test. Chairman Leonard: I agree. Mr. Langel: Great numbers. He's applied and that supersedes any county exam. I'm just curious why he's looking for a county license. Chairman Leonard: That's a great question. Mr. Langel: If Mr. Knott was here, we'd be able to ask him. Yeah, he's not here. He's highly qualified. Officer Williams: I believe he told staff that because of the requirements for the state, he doesn't have, I guess, whatever the requirements are. So, he wants to be tested locally because it's easier to be tested locally. That's what he told Staff. I don't understand. Officer Williams: Do you want to continue it to the next meeting? Chairman Leonard: It's whatever the Board's discretion is. I believe everyone on this Board knows my feelings are. If you're on that list, I'd like for you to be here. But again, I'm not the Board. So whatever the Board's discretion is, I don't get to make a motion. Mr. Langel: I just can't help but wonder. The state has pretty stringent guidelines of what he's missing. I think maybe we should wait until next time, next meeting. Chairman Leonard: Any other discussion from the board? Or how do you guys feel? Mr. DiFrancesco: Well, if all he wants to do is take another test, I have no problem with that. He's already qualified, so I don't know what he's looking for. Rather than table it all, I can just go ahead and tell him, yeah, go ahead and take the test if you want to. Chairman Leonard: Well, I read everything. That's why I'm still a little confused when I read everything as to why. But again, whatever you guys like. What do you think, Chris? Mr. Langel: He's qualified. There's no doubt about it. I just was curious why the state's holding him up. But he's qualified. There's no doubt about it. Mr. Langel: I only saw one little glitch in his whole history, and that was a long time ago with the driving issue. I'll make a
motion to accept. Mr. Langel made to accept Staff’s recommendation to approve Mr. Kerry Nott to be sponsored by St. Lucie County to take the Mechanical exam. Mr. DiFrancesco seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. Officer Williams: We have one more review. It’s an addendum for Mr. Henry Williams. 5) Mr. Henry Williams – H.W. Road Construction – Paving Contractor
Chairman Leonard: Is Mr. Williams here? Mr. Williams, please come on up. Mr. Henry Williams was sworn in by the Recording Secretary.
Chairman Leonard: How are you doing, Mr. Williams?
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Mr. Williams: I’m alright. Chairman Leonard: You are here applying for, and I apologize, I was going off of some later information. Asphalt paving contractor. How long have you been doing that? Mr. Williams: My grandparents started in 59, third generation. I started out on a pick and shovel. Chairman Leonard: Thank God for technology, right? Chairman Leonard: Does anybody have any questions for Mr. Williams? Mr. DiFrancesco: No, I want to commend you for paying all your fines and finally getting in here and wanting to get a license. Mr. Williams: It took me a while to get my act together. Mr. DiFrancesco: Yes, it seems so. You got it. Hopefully we don't see you no more. Chairman Leonard: Not that we don't like to see him. Any other further questions, Mr. Williams? Mr. DiFrancesco: I would like to make a motion Mr. DiFrancesco l made to accept Staff’s recommendation to approve Mr. Henry Williams to be sponsored by St. Lucie County to take the Paving Contractor exam. Mr. Langel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. H. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO A HEARING FOR FAILURE TO PAY OR APPEAL THE CITATION 1) Case No. 2310-111953 - Craig J. Cotterell and/or 2 Tree Fellers LLC
Chairman Leonard stated Officer Winkler, please bring staff up to speed on what we got going on here. Officer Winkler addressed the Board and stated for the record, he is submitting six photos dated October 19th, 2023. Officer Winkler stated during his first inspection of the property, located at 5601 Birch Drive, he found 2 Tree Fellas removing a tree without a permit and further learned that the company was not licensed in St. Lucie County to perform work, which is a violation. Officer Winkler stated a Notice of Violation was issued along with citation # 386 and mailed to 2 Tree Fellas / Craig J. Cotrell on October 19th, 2023 with a correction date of October 29th, 2023. Office Winkler stated the violations were as follows: Section 10-99 (6), engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified. Section 10-99 (7), advertise himself or a business organization as available to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified. Section 10-99 (9), proceed on a job without first obtaining applicable local building permits and inspections or perform any of the work for which a building permit and or environmental regulations permit is required without such permit being current. Officer Winkler stated after getting no compliance, a Notice to Appear was issued on December 1st, 2023 for the Contractor Licensing Board hearing of January 17th, 2024 and sent by certified mail. Officer Winkler stated he has had contact with an aunt of his, Bonnie Cotrell, on December 15th, 2023, inquiring what was needed and I explained to her. Additionally, the company did apply for a vegetation permit on October 19th, but it was denied because they were not licensed for tree removal in St. Lucie County. Officer Winkler stated as of January 16th, 2024, 2 Tree Fellas LLC and/or Craig J. Cantrell has no land clearing license.
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There was further discussion among the Board and staff regarding the case. Mr. Difrancesco made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation of $500.00 citation fee (1st offence) to be paid within thirty (30) days of the date of this Board meeting and authorize staff to place a lien against the contractor if not paid within thirty (30) days. Mr. Jerger seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. I. CITATION APPEAL 1) Evan Buckman and/or America’s Top-Notch Tree Service Chairman Leonard stated next on our agenda is citation appeal no. one for Case No. 2310-0000050 against Evan Buckman and/or America’s Top-Notch Tree Service. He asked Staff to update the Board on the case. Officer Winkler addressed the Board and stated for the record he is submitting a complaint affidavit received on 10/11/2023 from Denise E. Suarez for property located at 8305 Pensacola Rd. He stated he is submitting six (6) photos dated 10/11/2023 taken by Denise Suarez, two (2) photos dated 08/17/2023 taken by Code Enforcement Officer Huascar Moreira. Officer Winkler stated Denise Suarez hired Evan Buckman of America’s Top Notch Tree Service on August 1, 2023. Mr. Buckman stated to Ms. Suarez he was licensed and insured. Mr. Buckman further advised that Ms. Suarez did not need a permit and just needed to buy two trees to replace the oaks. Officer Winkler stated on October 11, 2023 he received a complaint affidavit from Ms. Suarez. He stated he was unable to find a contractor’s license on file for America’s Top Notch Tree Service or Evan Buckman. Officer Winkler stated on October 11, 2023, citation # 385 was mailed to Evan Buckman of America’s Top Notch Tree Service at 3830 NE Indian River Dr Lot 84, Jensen Beach. The citation was issued for violations of: Section 10-99 (6) Engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified; Section 10-99 (7) Advertise himself or a business organization as available to engage in the business or act in the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified; Section 10-99 (9) Proceed on any job without first obtaining applicable local building permits and inspections, or perform of any work for which a building permit and environmental regulations permit is required without such permit being current; Officer Winkler stated he received a call from Desiree Buckman on October 20, 2023 responding to the citation. He stated he left information on how to obtain a land clearing contractor’s license which is required in St. Lucie County on her voicemail. On October 26, 2023 he received an email from Desiree Buckman requesting an administration hearing. Officer Winkler stated he sent them another letter advising them the case has been scheduled for an administrative hearing on November 13, 2023 at 0830 AM. He stated on November 9, 2023, he received a call from Desiree Buckman wanting to confirm the next hearing for their case. She was advised it is rescheduled for 01/17/2024. Officer Winkler stated Staff is recommending that the $500.00 citation to be paid within thirty (30) days of the date of this board meeting and authorize staff to place a lien against the contractor if not paid within thirty (30) days. Chairman Leonard stated is Evan Buckman here? Is Desiree Buckman here? How does this work? Would you like me to bring Ms. Desiree up as a representative? Okay. Ms. Desiree, do you want to come up to the podium and get sworn in? Mrs. Desiree Buckman was sworn in by the Recording Secretary
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Chairman Leonard: Ms. Desiree, are you guys trying to get licensed in St Lucie County? Mrs. Buckman: Yes, we are. Ms. Buckman: We are currently trying to get ahold of his old boss to get the letter. I've been trying so hard. I want to do everything right. You know, when I started this company, I was like, okay, I'm going to call everyone. I called Martin County. I called Palm City. I called Fort St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, and I asked if I needed a license and everyone said, no, then I got this letter and then I'm like, okay, well, we need to get it anyways. Mrs. Buckman: We need to get the license. We need to get this done. The only thing is we can't get it without the letter and we're trying to get a hold of his boss. Chairman Leonard: So your husband Evan worked at another tree service company? Mrs. Buckman: Yes. Sunshine with Eric. Chairman Leonard: And you guys decided to start your own business? Mrs. Buckman: Yes. Two years ago. Chairman Leonard: So you've been doing work for two years unlicensed? Mrs. Buckman: We thought we were because I called everyone before I even remotely got the LLC. Chairman Leonard: Okay. There, there's policies and procedures and licensures and permits and... Mrs. Buckman: Understood. And, um, I did talk to my husband, and he did tell her that it does need a permit. And I guess she's told him that she did get it and it was bad. Chairman Leonard: It is your responsibility when you get licensed as a contractor. Mrs. Buckman: Okay. Chairman Leonard: You're sitting in front of six licensed contractors on this Board? Does anybody have any questions for Ms. Desiree? You do realize what you did was illegal, right? Mrs. Buckman: I thought we were all good and set. Um, I, like I said, I did call a bunch of places, a bunch of counties and asked if we needed to be a licensed contractor and everyone said your Sunbiz is enough. Mr. DiFrancesco: I have a question for Staff. Have they contacted you to try to get licensed? Officer Williams: Yes, I believe she has. She's trying, but she's waiting on the letter of recommendation from a licensed contractor in order to apply. Mr. DiFrancesco: So this was after, uh, obviously after October 11th? Officer Winkler: Correct. Mr. DiFrancesco: When they got caught, they finally realized I better get a license. Officer Williams: Correct, yes. Mr. DiFrancesco: So, what happens if they don't, if they cannot get this letter from the contractor? Officer Williams: She could provide me with W-2s and it would be on the review. You guys can review the application and decide at that time if you want to have it be licensed or not. Mr. DiFrancesco: Ms. Desiree, you understand what they're saying? Mrs. Buckman: Yes.
Mr. DiFrancesco: Do you have W-2s or anything? Mrs. Buckman: Um, I'll have to ask him about that. Mr. DiFrancesco: Who is him?
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Mrs. Buckman: My husband, Evan Buckman. Mr. DiFrancesco: How come he's not here today? Mrs. Buckman: Um, he had a meeting to go to as well. Mr. DiFrancesco: He didn't think this meeting was more important? Mrs. Buckman: He does. That's why he sent me. Because I am the other owner of the company. Mr. DiFrancesco: Well, unfortunately the business starts in St Lucie County starts out with a violation. So, you did in fact do work without a license. You did in fact violate our County procedures. Mr. DiFrancesco: What is the problem with you getting a letter? Mr. Buckman: He is not answering us right now. Mr. DiFrancesco: Are you not on good terms with your previous employer? Mrs. Buckman: No, we are. Um, we don't know if he went out of town by, uh, because he does, uh, reliefs and stuff. So, we don't know if he's not in Sebastian yet or if he is. Mr. DiFrancesco: But did you just try to get that? I mean, you've had since October to get this letter. Can you see what it looks like? Mrs. Buckman: Understood. Mr. Jerger: I've got a question. Um, how long have you been in business, Ms. Desiree? Mrs. Buckman: Two years. Mr. Jerger: So, you've been working on a license for two years? Mrs. Buckman: I guess so. Yes. I didn't know. Mr. Morris: Do you carry insurance? Mrs. Buckman: Yes, we do. We have a two, uh, $2 million liability and damage insurance. Chairman Leonard: Ms. Desiree, how many people do you employ? Mrs. Buckman: Just him. Chairman Leonard: Just him? Mrs. Buckman: Yes. Chairman Leonard: I'm torn. I'm torn because I think I believe you when you say you didn't realize you needed one. I'm also torn that in October it's taken you three and a half months to get to this point and Staff is here to help you. There was discussion among the Board, Staff and Mrs. Buckman regarding the case. Mr. Pride made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation of $500.00 citation fee to be paid within thirty (30) days of the date of this Board meeting and authorize staff to place a lien against the contractor if not paid within thirty (30) days. Mr. DiFrancesco seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. DISCIPLINARY CASE 1) Case No. 2311-0000057 - Emily Galen and/or Sunshine Gas LLC
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Chairman Leonard stated next on our agenda is disciplinary case no. one for Case No. 2311-0000057 against Emily Galen and/or Sunshine Gas LLC. He asked Staff to update the Board on the case. Officer Cicio addressed the Board and stated for the record, he is submitting a complaint affidavit received on 12/01/2023 from Roxanne Bourbonniere 2377 Trowbridge Rd. Officer Winkler stated Roxanne Bourbonniere hired Emily N. Galen of Sunshine Gas LLC to install an LP tank and to hook it up 2377 Trowbridge Rd. Mrs. Bourbonniere gave a personal check (3537) for $2675.00 to Ms. Galen. The check was cashed, and work dates were scheduled. Permit GASR-2304-000237 was issued on May 5th, 2023. After numerous cancellations of the installation of the LP tank and hookup, neither Ms. Galen nor anyone from Sunshine Gas LLC. would return Roxann’s calls or emails. Officer Winkler stated after receiving the complaint/affidavit I called Ms. Galen/Sunshine Gas LLC. On December 11th, 2023 to discuss when the LP tank and hookup will be installed. He stated he sent an email to her email address that was on record on the same day to discuss when the LP tank would be installed, and he never received any communication on either. On November 1st, 2023, the gas permit expired due to no inspections. Officer Winkler stated on December 12th, 2023, he inspected the property at 2377 Trowbridge Road to confirm that no work had been started. No signs of an LP tank or hookup could be observed. A notice to appear for a violation was certified mailed to Sunshine Gas LLC/ Emily N. Galen on December 13, 2023, with a Contractor Licensing Board hearing date of Wednesday, the 17th of January 2024. Officer Winkler stated the violation was for violation of: Section 10-67: Revocation or suspension of certificate of Competency: sub section (3) Disregards and violates an applicable state or local building code, regulation or law for having an expired permit. Officer Winkler stated Roxanne Bourbonniere hired Emily N. Galen of Sunshine Gas LLC. and paid Sunshine Gas LLC. $2,675.00 to install a LP tank and to hook it up 2377 Trowbridge Rd. Mrs. Bourbonniere never received any work. Officer Winkler stated as of January 16, 2024, I have no contact from Sunshine Gas LLC/ Emily Galen. Chairman Leonard stated thank you. Mr. Winkler. Is Emily Galen here in the audience or the property owners here? Contractor Licensing Board Attorney, Mr. Richard Neil addressed the Board and stated Mr. Chair, for clarification and he may have misheard, but just to make sure the record is straight, he thought he heard that notice was given for a hearing on July 17. Contractor Licensing Board Attorney, Mr. Richard Neil stated he’s sure the notice was given for a hearing on January 17th, but
he just thought he would ask and make sure they're clear on the record. Officer Winkler stated It is for the 17th of January, 2024 sir. Chairman Leonard asked if there were any questions of Staff. There being none, he asked for a motion. Mr. DiFrancesco made a motion to accept Staff recommendation to revoke the permitting privileges for Emily Galen and/or Sunshine Gas LLC for a term not to exceed three hundred and sixty-five (365) days. After the suspension period, Emily Galen and/or Sunshine Gas LLC must request to be reinstated before the Contractor Licensing Board. It is further recommended that this case along with the copy of this Board’s Order be prepared and sent to the state and surrounding municipalities. Mr. Pride seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. J. OLD BUSINESS: Request for Reinstatement of Permitting Privileges – Mr. John Schneider and/or Gitter Done Home Maintenace TC Inc Chairman Leonard: Is Mr. Schneider in the audience? Mr. Schneider, happy new year. Welcome back. Come on up. Mr. John Schneider was sworn in by the Recording Secretary
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Chairman Leonard: John, good morning. Thank you for being here. Mr. Schneider: Thank you for letting me. Chairman Leonard: So, when I say we say last time we saw you, it was March of 2023. Uh, I believe it was a while back. Mr. Schneider: Yes, sir. Chairman Leonard: What have you been up to? Mr. Schneider: Trying to work, pay the bills. Chairman Leonard: So, we revoked your permit and permitting privileges in St. Lucie County for a year. And you'd like to be reinstated? Mr. Schneider: Yes, sir. Chairman Leonard: Tell me why. Mr. Schneider: Well, I've learned my lesson as far as doing this stuff here. Um, but, um, you know, I've served, you know, pretty much most of my sentence and learned my lesson about doing stuff here. I've been a contractor for almost 20 years in three or four county areas. This is the first thing I've ever had a problem with. Chairman Leonard: Have you paid all your fines? Mr. Schneider: Oh yes, sir. Paid it that day when they told me. Chairman Leonard: Perfect! Does anyone have any questions of Mr. Schneider? Mr. DiFrancesco made a motion to reinstate Mr. John Schneider and/or Gitter Done Home Maintenace TC Inc.’s Permitting Privileges in St Lucie County. Mr. Langel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Jerger – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. K. NEW BUSINESS: End of Year Report of 2023 – Officer Williams
Officer Williams addressed the Board and It's actually, it's very brief this year. In 2023 we generated three hundred and twenty-five (325) cases with a contractor's license investigator. Twenty-six (26) citations were issued totaling $10,500. Twelve (12) of those are actually state certified contractors working without permits. Fourteen (14) stop work orders were issued and eight licenses were suspended or revoked by 2023. Officer Williams stated we had thirty-seven (37) contractors registered with us in 2023. It did drop from the previous year in 2022 is actually seventy-two (72) and now it was thirty-seven (37). Wow. That's a big drop. Seven hundred and thirty-two (732) state certified contractors registered with us last year. The year prior to that it was five hundred (500) and I think like eighteen (18). So, it did go up. Officer Williams stated so, we saw more state certified contractors give in more than right. Okay. And seven (7) of the seven (7) of the new registration, the seven (7) were from the city of Port St. Lucie for other municipalities. And it the same with citation. We dropped a little bit because you know Mike wasn't here for half of the year. So, 2022 it was sixty-eight (68) we had and this in 2023 it was twenty-six (26) and again, Staff wanted to thank you guys for volunteering on the Board and we appreciate you every year. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:28 a.m. The next Contractor Examining Board Hearing will be held on WEDNESDAY, March 20, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M. Respectfully submitted, ------------------------------------------------ Michael DiFrancesco, Board Secretary Or Travis Leonard, Chairman