City of Lawrence, Kansas

Contractor Licensing Board

April 25, 2007

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

 

 

Stephen Blanchard, Joe Caldwell, Ryan Kruse, Dennis Odgers, Dan Riedemann,  Barry Walthall

MEMBERS ABSENT:

 

Kevin Chaney,  Doug Dillon, Larry Frost

 

STAFF PRESENT:

 

Melissa Mitchell, Tim Pinnick, Victor Torres

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

 

 

Torres called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

 

Introductions

Staff and members introduced themselves.

 

Dan Riedemann

Nineteenth Century Restoration

Residential Contractor

Stephen Blanchard

Blanchard Design Group, LLC

Building Contractor

Joe Caldwell

Bartlett & West Engineers, Inc.

Architect/Engineer

Dennis Odgers

B.A. Green Construction, Inc.

General Contractor

Ryan Kruse

Lynn Electric

At-Large

Barry Walthall

City of Lawrence, Building Safety Manager

Building Official

 

Not present:

 

Kevin Chaney

Chaney, Inc.

Mechanical Board Representative

Doug Dillon

Plumbing Construction, Inc.

Plumbing Board Representative

Larry Frost

Integrated Electric

Electrical Board Representative

 

Chairperson and Vice-chairperson Election

Torres stated that the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson could be self nominated or elected. 

 

Reidemann questioned the duties of the Chair and the time line the CLB would have when a complaint was brought to the board.

 

Walthall explained Article 13 section 5-1308 Officers and 5-1314 Hearing Procedures. The Chair would be responsible for working with NR staff to prepare the agenda and to call and preside at all meetings and hearing of the CLB.

 

Odgers was nominated for Chair, seconded by Kruse. Motion passed.

 

Blanchard was nominated for Vice-chairperson, seconded by Walthall. Motion passed.

 

Pinnick discussed the Contractor Licensing Program and Article 12-Contractor Licensing Regulations. It was noted that NR sponsors contractor’s for examinations through Thomson Prometric. Pinnick introduced the board to the Plan Review and Licensing Division’s webpage, contact information, and online contractors search.

 

Blanchard questioned the cost of continuing education for contractors.

 

Pinnick replied the cost per contractor’s license is $200 annually and included 8 hours of continuing education through Johnson County’s Contractor Licensing program. The grandfathering and provisional licensing ended December 31, 2006.

 

Torres added the CLB may wish to consider other area of trades to including in the licensing requirements, for example roofers. NR staff would assist with concerns and code interpretations and the City Commission would review the board’s recommendations.

 

Walthall suggested reviewing the continuing problem with expired permits and incomplete inspections. NR is working on the internal process but the CLB may want to take other actions to help with compliance. A list of expired permits and frequent contractors who do not complete the required inspections will be provided to the board. NR also takes complaints for projects with nuisance issues, noise, trash, mud on the street, etc.

 

Odgers questioned if the problem was more from contractors or homeowners.

 

Walthall stated that is was a combination of both.

 

Article 12-Contractor Licensing Regulations

Article 12-Contractor Licensing Regulations was read to the board.

 

Walthall noted the board may adopt rules and regulations in addition to the ordinance as long as they are consistent with Article 12. Subcommittees may be formed and shall consist of at least 3 individuals who can or cannot be board members.

 

Article 13-Contractor Licensing Board

Article 13-Contractor Licensing Board was read to the board.

 

Walthall explained meetings and hearings would be as determined by the board and at the call of the Chairman.

 

Torres stated the meeting locations are not limited to NR offices and that attendance and meetings could be held by conference calls.

 

Walthall discussed the Kansas Open Meeting Act and expressed the importance of proceeding in accordance with state laws. A copy was sent to each board member with his or her acceptance letter. Questions that staff cannot answer will be directed to the Legal Department.

 

Discussion and Questions

 

Riedemann and Caldwell questioned if legal representation was anticipated for the CLB and for those brought to the board.

 

Torres replied that was a possibility.

 

Odgers questioned if NR would attempt to correct issues before bringing them to the board.

 

Torres stated the CLB was the last step and the board is not about punishment but compliance.

 

Walthall noted the updated roster would be emailed and asked the board to review the Kansas Open Meeting Act in regards to email conversations. It was added that email conversations are not a replacement for a board meeting.

 

Torres referenced Article 13 section 5-1306.

 

            “Five members of the CLB shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of CLB business,       including hearing. Attendance at any meeting may be in person or by conference telephone.”

 

Miscellaneous/Calendar

 

Staff will notify the board with next meeting date to comment and approve minutes.

 

Public Comment

 

There was no public present.

 

Adjourn

 

Blanchard motioned to adjourn, seconded by Joe Caldwell. Motion passed.

 

The meeting adjourned at 4:00pm.