HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11.16.2022
Contractor Licensing Board Minutes – Draft
November 16, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. St. Lucie County Administration Board of County Commissioners
Commission Chambers
PRESENT ABSENT STAFF PRESENT Contractor Licensing Supervisor…………………………………………………… Danielle Williams Building Official………..……………………………………………….……………. Doug Harvey Assistant County Attorney………………………………………………………….. Katherine Barbieri Code Compliance Manager……………………………………………………….. Monica Graziani Contractor Licensing Investigator………………………………………………… Mike Cicio Board Recorder……………………………………………………………………... Roxann Johnson A. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 8:45 a.m.
B. ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: The roll was called. Board member Vice Chairman Mr. Tony Jerger was excused. C. WELCOME – New Board Member: Mr. Michael Kauffmann Mr. Leonard welcomed new Board Member, Mr. Michael Kauffman to the Board. Mr. Kauffmann gave a brief introduction of himself to the Board and Staff. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None. E. SWEARING IN OF STAFF: The following staff members were sworn in by the Recording Secretary: Danielle Williams, Douglas Harvey, Arlene Cruz and Mike Cicio. F. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
G. APPLICATIONS TO BE APPROVED BY CONSENT VOTE: Motion was made by Mr. Pride to approve the applicants recommended by Consent vote.
Chairman.…………………………..................................................................... Travis Leonard
Secretary…………………………………………………………………………… Michael DiFrancesco
………………………………………………………………………………………… Michael Pride
……………………...………………………………………………………………… Adam Sampson
Chris Langel
………………...……………………………………………………………………… Sheila McCarthy-Taylor
……………………………………………………………………………………….. Gary Morris
……………………………………………………………………….......................... Roger Priest
………………………………………………………………………………………… Michael Kauffmann
Vice Chairman……………………………………………………………………….. Tony Jerger
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Mr. DiFrancesco seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The names were read into the record: Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor Testing Agency
APPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY RECIPROCITY: Motion was made by Mr. Pride to approve the applicants recommended by Reciprocity vote. Mr. Jerger seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor Andre T. Baxam A-OK Construction Inc. Building Contractor
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. THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED FOR REVIEW BY THE BOARD:
Chairman Leonard stated we have the application to be reviewed by the Board for Mr. Peter Ganio. 1) Peter Ganio /dba/ Titan Windows & Doors Inc. – Glass and Glazing Contractor
Chairman Leonard asked Mr. Ganio to come up to the podium to speak to the Board and be sworn in by the Recording Secretary. Mr. Peter Ganio was sworn in by the Recording Secretary. Chairman Leonard welcomed Mr. Ganio to the meeting. He asked him to tell the Bord why he wants to business in St Lucie County. Mr. Ganio stated he is a contractor for Home Depot and he is basically one of their service tech. He stated since recently they have asked all their service techs to be licensed in every County they perform any duties in. He stated he has licenses for Palm Beach County, Broward County and Martin County. Mr. Ganio stated he just wants to get his license reciprocated to St. Lucie County. He stated he was not able to verify his experience, due to the fact that the contractors that he worked for has passed away.
Joseph T. Mefford Taylormade Fire Systems Burglar Alarm I (W/Fire) Prov
Daniel Mige Mige Group LLC Building Contractor Prov
Wagler Francois N/A Journeyman Electrician Prov
Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor
None.
Qualifier Business Name Type of Contractor
Peter Ganio Titan Windows & Doors Inc. Glass and Glazing
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There was discussion among the Board and Mr. Ganio regarding his application for Reciprocity. Mr. Pride made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation to approve Mr. Peter Ganio’s license to work in St Lucie County. Mr. DiFrancesco seconded the motion. Chairman Leonard thanked Mr. Ganio for attending the meeting and welcomed him to St Lucie County. H. WAIVER OF RIGHT TO A HEARING FOR FAILURE TO PAY OR APPEAL THE CITATION 1) Case No. 2205-0000012 - Stephen Elwood Snyder and/or C &S Marine Officer Cicio addressed the Board and stated for the record, he is submitting a total of 6 photos taken on may 17, 2022, at the property address of 151 NE Naranja Ave, Port St Lucie, FL. He states he is also submitting a copy of the complaint affidavit filed by property owner Natalie Klaas on May 12, 2022, a chronological list of events provided by Mrs. Klaas: • A copy of a proposal provided to the property owners by Stephen Snyder (C & S Marine) on November 12, 2020, for
the contracted price of $20,50.53
• Four (4) check images from the personal bank account of Jeff & Natalie Klaas totaling $10,621.21
• An invoice provided from the Mr. and Mrs. Klaas business of “Marine Wraps” showing a bartered amount of
$1,518.05 as a trade for the cost of work to be performed at the Klaas residence
• A draw schedule and division of corporation, notice of commencement and permit information
Officer Cicio stated the remainder of the balance was to be paid upon final inspection. The contract between C & S Marine and the property owners was for a seawall replacement, 2 boat lifts and a dock system. He stated records reflect that the first inspection failed for the work of c & s marine. through investigation, C & S Marine (Stephen Snyder) was found to be a fictitious company through Sunbiz as well as an unlicensed contractor through database searches. He stated he did have contact with Mr. Snyder. Officer Cicio stated he admitted to doing the work but claimed that he has received his license through St. Lucie County. He stated he became argumentative and disconnected the call. A $500 citation, Citation number 278, was issued. a copy of the citation and citation letter was mailed certified mail which was returned as unclaimed. i posted a copy of the citation and citation letter at the known address for Mr. Snyder on oct 18, 2022. Officer Cicio stated since the citation remained unpaid, a copy of a notice to appear for the November 16, 2022, Contractor Licensing Board was mailed certified mail which also remained undelivered. A copy of the notice to appear was posted on
November 3, 2022. Officer Cicio stated as of November 15, 2022, the citation remains unpaid. staff is recommending that a lien be placed on the real or personal property of Mr. Stephen Snyder if the citation is not paid within thirty (30) days. There was discussion among the Board and Staff regarding the citation 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. Langel seconded the motion. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. McCarthy-Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. 2) Case No. 107617 - Julio Rivera and/or Rivera & Sons Officer Cicio addressed the Board and stated for the record, he is submitting a total of fourteen (14) photos, three (3) provided by the property owner, Mrs. Gail Bodoski, along with her complaint affidavit on March 14, 2022, nine (9) taken on March 22, 2022, during an inspection at the property address of 169 Vindale Ave, Ft. Pierce, one (1) taken on May 31, 2022, showing a citation and citation letter posted at the worksite address and one (1) taken on October18, 2022 showing a Notice to Appear posted at the known residential address of Mr. Julio Rivera (Rivera & Sons). Officer Cicio stated I am submitting a copy of the complaint affidavit filed by Mrs. Bodoski, invoices, receipts, and personal check images of checks made out to Julio Riviera by Mrs. Gail Bodoski totaling $10,149.00. He stated this case is a result of a complaint affidavit filed by Mrs. Bodoski on March 14, 2022. Mrs. Bodoski contracted with Rivera & Sons (Julio Rivera) for a
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remodel of her mobile home in sept of 2001. He stated his investigation found that Rivera & Sons (Julio Rivera) is a sole proprietorship not registered with Sunbiz. He stated they were also found to be an unlicensed contractor. Officer Cicio stated he contacted the phone number for Rivera & Sons provided by Mrs. Budoski as well as advertised on next door and spoke to a male who denied being Mr. Julio Rivera. He did state that the construction company has been dissolved and no longer operational. a $500 citation, Citation number 271, was issued. He stated service of the citation and citation letter was attempted by certified mail which remained undelivered. Officer Cicio stated a copy of the citation and citation letter was posted at the worksite address on May 31, 2022. He stated he also emailed a copy of the citation to Rivera & Sons at the email address posted on the next door business advertisement on October 19, 2022. He stated due to the unpaid citation, a Notice to Appear for the November 16, 2022, Contractor Licensing Board was mailed certified mail which remained undelivered. A copy of the Notice to Appear was posted at the known residential home address of Julio Rivera on November 3, 2022. A copy was also emailed to the business email address on November 3, 2022. Officer Cicio stated as of November 15, 2022, the citation remains unpaid. staff is recommending that a lien be placed on the real or personal property of Mr. Julio Rivera if the citation is not paid within thirty (30) days. He stated the property owner, Ms. Gail Budoski is here to give testimony if the Board desires. There was discussion among the Board, Staff and Ms. Budoski 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. Pride seconded the motion. Chairman Leonard asked for a roll call vote. Mrs. McCarthy-Taylor – Yes, Mr. Sampson – Yes, Mr. DiFrancesco – Yes, Mr. Langel – Yes, Chairman Leonard – Yes, Mr. Pride – Yes, Mr. Priest – Yes, Mr. Morris – Yes, Mr. Kauffman – Yes. The motion carried unanimously. 3) Case No. 2204-107946 - Jeremie Lee Lewis and/or Lewis and Lewis Lawn Officer Cruz addressed the Board and stated for the record, he is submitting a total of eleven (11) photos taken on August 24,2022, during an inspection at the property address of 3100 Hwy A1A Unit 1104, ft. pierce 34949. She stated during our investigation Mr. Jeremie Lee Lewis admitted to rewiring the fans and electrical outlets. Mr. Lewis also admitted to being an unlicensed contractor. Officer Cruz stated a computer check of Sunbiz was done and it was also found that he does not have a business registered under Lewis and Lewis lawn. She stated on August 24,2022 Mr. Jeremie Lee Lewis received a $500 citation (1st offense),
Citation number # 294, for engaging in the business or act of the capacity of a contractor without being duly registered or certified. She stated the citation remained unpaid and uncontested. Officer Cruz stated a Notice to Appear for the November 16,2022 Contractor Licensing Board was sent via certified mail to the residence of 2601 Rolyat St., Ft, Pierce, FL 34982 which was signed for and received. Officer Cruz stated as of November 15, 2022, the citation remains unpaid. Staff is recommending that a lien be placed on the real or personal property of Mr. Jeremie Lee Lewis if the citation is not paid within 30 days. There was discussion among the Board and Staff regarding the citation. Mr. DiFrancesco made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation of $2000.00 citation fee (5th 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. Pride seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. H. DISCIPLINARY CASE: 1) Case No. 2210-0000021 - Mario Russo dba M.R. Aluminum Inc. Officer Cruz addressed the Board and stated for the record, she is submitting a copy of the complaint affidavit filed by property owner Norman Staub, 4 photos taken on October 4, 2022. She stated she is also submitting a copy of the contract between M.R. Aluminum Inc. and Mr. Norman Staub.
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Officer Cruz stated on September 28, a complaint affidavit was filed by Mr. Norman Staub against M.R. Aluminum (Mario Russo) with whom Mr. Staub had contracted to build a screened in porch at the address of 8817 champion way Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. She stated upon investigation, it was found that M.R. Aluminum Inc., violated: SLC 10-67 (8) – Abandons a construction project in which the contractor is engaged or under contract as a
contractor. A project shall be considered abandoned 90 days after the contractor terminates the project without just cause or without proper notification to the owner, including the reasons for termination, or fails to perform work under the contract for 90 consecutive days. Officer Cruz stated M.R. Aluminum Inc. contracted by Norman Staub at property 8817 champion way Port St Lucie, FL. 34986 from the start date of January 31, 2022 and the last day there was any communication between Mr. Russo and Mr. Staubs was on September 11, 2022. She stated Mr. Russo did apply for a permit on July 25, 2022, Permit # BLDR 2207-001276, which remains in review. No other communication has been made between Mr. Russo and Mr. Staubs. As it is shown in the photos the screened in porch was never completed. Officer Cruz stated on October 10, 2022, she had contact with Mr. Russo on, where he state he was going to email her a copy of the contract as he also stated that he did not receive a $4000.00 deposit but an $800.00 deposit for the work. She stated she did not receive an email with the contract from Mr. Russo. October 26, 2022, she attempted to email him again but received no response from him. Officer Cruz stated on November 2, 2022, a Notice to Appear before the November 16, 2022 Contractor Licensing Board was mailed to Mario Russo via certified mail which was received and signed for. Officer Cruz stated based upon the facts in this case, staff is recommending suspending the permitting privileges of M.R. Aluminum / Mario Russo for a term not to exceed thirty (30) days. She stated Staff is also recommending forwarding a copy of the Board’s order to the surrounding municipalities. There was discussion among Staff and the Board regarding the case. Chairman Leonard asked the Board if they had any questions for Staff. There being none he asked if he could receive a motion. Mr. DiFrancesco made a motion to suspend Mario Russo and/or M.R. Aluminum Inc.’s St Lucie County Certificate of Competency the permitting privileges for new permits only. The term of suspension shall be for one hundred and eighty (180) days and the Board orders Mario Russo and/or M.R. Aluminum Inc. to pay a fine of one thousand 00/100 dollars ($1,000.00). A copy of the Board’s order will be forwarded to the surrounding municipalities. Mr. Morris seconded the motion carried unanimously. H. OLD BUSINESS: None. I. NEW BUSINESS: None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 a.m.
The next Contractor Examining Board Hearing will be held on WEDNESDAY, January 18, 2023, AT 8:30 A.M.
Respectfully submitted, ------------------------------------------------ Michael DiFrancesco, Board Secretary Or Travis Leonard, Chairman