MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF CONTRACTORS OF THE CITY OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH U.S. #1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA, AT 9:00 A.M. ON TUESDAY, June 13, 2017.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Bergman called the roll and it was noted that Scott Bruhn and Holly Theuns had notified the secretary ahead of time that they would not be attending.
Chairman Bergman called the roll and it was noted that Scott Bruhn and Holly Theuns had notified the secretary ahead of time that they would not be attending.
- Present:
- Ralph Fogg; Paul Thomas; Don Bergman; James Matula; John Langel; Kenneth Waters; Marvin Grimsley; Reed Sudderth
- Absent:
- Holly Theuns; Robert Scott Bruhn
a.
CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCE(S)
Motion was made by Reed Sudderth, seconded by John Langel to excuse the absences of Ms. Theuns and Mr. Bruhn.
- AYE:
- Paul Thomas, Don Bergman, James Matula, John Langel, Kenneth Waters, Marvin Grimsley, Ralph Fogg, Reed Sudderth
Passed
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of May 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes
Motion was made by Reed Sudderth, seconded by Ralph Fogg to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2017 meeting as typed.
- AYE:
- Paul Thomas, Don Bergman, James Matula, John Langel, Kenneth Waters, Marvin Grimsley, Ralph Fogg, Reed Sudderth
Passed
5.
CONTRACTOR COMPLAINTS
a.
| Contractor/Qualifier | Dba | Competency Card # | State License # |
| Mark Musgrave | Mark Musgrave, LLC | 16-00018078 | N/A |
Paul Thomas began by stating the history of this case, that Mr. Musgrave, due to illness was unable to proceed with work associated with his fourteen (14) open permits, so they fell into an expired status. Mr. Thomas indicated that the Building Department created an action plan with Mr. Musgrave, who successfully reimbursed the Complainant for renewal charges associated with one of the permits. He successfully complied with the action plan, and at this time, since all permits were closed, Staff was recommending dismissal of the case.
Motion was made by Kenneth Waters, seconded by Marvin Grimsley to dismiss the charges against Mr. Musgrave.
- AYE:
- Don Bergman, James Matula, John Langel, Kenneth Waters, Marvin Grimsley, Ralph Fogg, Reed Sudderth
- Other:
- Paul Thomas (ABSTAIN)
Passed
6.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
7.
STAFF COMMENTS
8.
BOARD COMMENTS
Mr. Sudderth began a discussion by asking how the City can monitor expired permits. Mr. Thomas explained that currently the City's Building Department does not have the software or the staff to track permits. He indicated that this is actually a statewide problem, and is often addressed with automated monitoring, but that it would cost money. He also noted that while the Building Department will seek a solution, the responsibility of monitoring permits primarily rests upon the contractor.
Mr. Thomas said the Building Department is working on a solution for this and other issues, but this takes staff and funding. He explained that Building Departments are an enterprise fund (self-funded) in every municipality by State Statute, and do not receive funding from the general fund, as do most other departments. He also noted that decisions made by construction Boards can impact Building Departments, their budgets, and their staff.
Mr. Matula commented that it is daunting to have to make two trips to City Hall when obtaining a permit. He said that certain standard permits should be signed off right at the counter. Mr. Thomas added that the Building Department has an "early start" letter option, which may help in some cases. He added that the Building Department is implementing a new software program "Project Dox" in October, which should help streamline the plan submittal and permitting process.
Mr. Thomas explained that it is not always the permitting process that delays a permit; but every permit needs a certified person to review and approve it. Mr. Thomas added that there is a shortage of qualified professionals in the construction industry. Other area municipalities compete with the City of Fort Pierce for these professionals, and limited available funding hinders the Building Department's ability to be attractive to qualified applicants in the job market.
There was discussion about requiring plan reviews for simple or emergency projects. Mr. Thomas noted that the Florida Building Code provides for a "work at your own risk" option for emergency cases if a contractor needs to proceed with construction up to the first inspection.
In conclusion, Mr. Thomas stated that the Building Department provides a monthly report to the City Commission, which includes information on permits. He said that he appreciates the discussion, and would like to improve the permit issuing process. He said he would inquire about a software patch to address expiring permits.
Mr. Sudderth began a discussion by asking how the City can monitor expired permits. Mr. Thomas explained that currently the City's Building Department does not have the software or the staff to track permits. He indicated that this is actually a statewide problem, and is often addressed with automated monitoring, but that it would cost money. He also noted that while the Building Department will seek a solution, the responsibility of monitoring permits primarily rests upon the contractor.
Mr. Thomas said the Building Department is working on a solution for this and other issues, but this takes staff and funding. He explained that Building Departments are an enterprise fund (self-funded) in every municipality by State Statute, and do not receive funding from the general fund, as do most other departments. He also noted that decisions made by construction Boards can impact Building Departments, their budgets, and their staff.
Mr. Matula commented that it is daunting to have to make two trips to City Hall when obtaining a permit. He said that certain standard permits should be signed off right at the counter. Mr. Thomas added that the Building Department has an "early start" letter option, which may help in some cases. He added that the Building Department is implementing a new software program "Project Dox" in October, which should help streamline the plan submittal and permitting process.
Mr. Thomas explained that it is not always the permitting process that delays a permit; but every permit needs a certified person to review and approve it. Mr. Thomas added that there is a shortage of qualified professionals in the construction industry. Other area municipalities compete with the City of Fort Pierce for these professionals, and limited available funding hinders the Building Department's ability to be attractive to qualified applicants in the job market.
There was discussion about requiring plan reviews for simple or emergency projects. Mr. Thomas noted that the Florida Building Code provides for a "work at your own risk" option for emergency cases if a contractor needs to proceed with construction up to the first inspection.
In conclusion, Mr. Thomas stated that the Building Department provides a monthly report to the City Commission, which includes information on permits. He said that he appreciates the discussion, and would like to improve the permit issuing process. He said he would inquire about a software patch to address expiring permits.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Chairman Bergman closed the meeting at 10:40 A.M.
There being no further discussion, Chairman Bergman closed the meeting at 10:40 A.M.