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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02051980 ASTIAN CONSTRUCTION BOARD MEETING, February 5, 1980. ~~All present except Ed Scb_mucker. Ed Palluch acting 'as chairman. Also present: Burney Carter, Attorney Robert Kehr, Field Investigator, State Licensing Board. An application for Milo E. Kaeding was reviewed by all members. Mr. Kaeding has applied for a General Contractor License using a reciprocal agreement from Palm Beach County. A letter from Palm Beach county was read stating that Mr. Kaeding did take a test (which was not Block proctored) and now held a "Limited" General Contractors license. A letter addressed to Burney Carter on January 18, 1980, was also attached and read by the Board. This letter states that Mr. Kaeding took an exam on January 28, 1963, that was written by their Board of Examiners in Palm Beach County. The letter also states the number of questions and in their oPinion the test was not as comprehensive as the Block exam, however the test did include basic questions concerning the codes that are included on all test. Ed Palluch points out that our ordinance calls for the Block examination or an equivalent as the requirements for licensing all contractors in the City. Burney Carter questions the Board as to what equivalent is; are there quidelines used to determine what is equivalent to the Block exam. It is suggested by several members of the Board that the test be reviewed by Block & Associates and let them determine if the test is equivalent to their exam. Burney Carter questions whether Block will be impartial. There is much discussion at this point, it was decided by the Board that Block could be impartial because they were not in business at the time Mr. Kaeding took his exam. Before reviewing this application again the Board ~uggests the following: 1. The Palm Beach CoUnty exam be reviewed by Block & Associates and their evaluation be sent to us. 2. Find out what his ~Limited!' status Ss in Palm Beach County. 3. Find out what previous experience he has had. Discussion of this matter then closed. The next matter of business wa~ the problem with. owner-builders in.the City. According to the Florida ~tatutes, it is unlawful for an owner- builder to sell, rent or lease for one .year from the date of completion. Several incidence of infraction of this law were reviewed with the Board. Ed Palluch voices his concern for the houses that are started and then take as long as 3 years to complete. This caases deterioration of the materials because they are left out in the weather and not properly sealed. It also invites theft and vandalizlsm; children have been seen playing on incomplete houses. Ed Palluch s~ggests the Board review all applications for permits by owner-builders. It was suggested by Mayor Pat Flood, that the Board go to the City council and ask for a new ordinance stating that the Board will meet once a week as needed and review all owner-builder applications. There is discussion at this point on other actions that might cut down on infractions of this law. They are as follows: 1. Building Inspector to stop by owner-builder construction periodically and make sure they are using licensed contractors for work ~hey are not doing theirselves. 2. Contact surrounding areas to see how they are handling this same problem. 3. Mr. Kehr was asked to see what action can be taken against Realtors who abuse this law. Mr. Kehr informS the Board that the Florida Construction IndustrY Licensing Board is under restructer. The Construction Industry is now the Department of Professional Regulations. It includes all construction trades, and real estate; 26 professions in all. This will make it easier to enforce some of these laws that are so flagrantly abused. After being questioned, Mr. Kehr informs the Board that a City can restrict even more than the Florida Statutes. There is a motion by Greg Palmer, for the Board to go before the City Council for approval that all applications for permits by owner-builders be reviewed by the Construction Board. Motion seconded by Don Langlois. All in favor, none opposed. It is agreed that Ed Palluch and Arthur Mayer go to the Council Workshop, Wednesday, February 6. DiSCUSSion then c~sed. Meeting adjourned.