Largo, Florida, The regular bimonthly meeting of the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) was held in the Board Conference Room, 12600 Belcher Road, Suite 102, Largo, Florida at 1 :30 P.M. on this date. Members Present: MEMBERS Rick Dunn Kevin Garriott Steve Gleaton Larry Goldman Alan Holderith James "Arry" Housh Jack Joyner Stephen Lee Rob Maslo Mike Rodde James Rosenbluth Danny Sandlin Fritz Wolf CLASSIFICATION Specialty Structure General Contractor Roofing Contractor Mechanical Plumbing Fire Marshal Building Residential Not Present: Peter Vasti Consumer Also Present: Rodney S. Fischer, Executive Director Anne L. Maddox, Department Administrative Manager Andrew J. Salzman, Attorney, Unice Salzman Jensen P.A. Marion Hale, Attorney, Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel and Bums LLP Other interested individuals Christopher Bartlett, Board Reporter, Deputy Clerk Pledge of Allegiance/Roll Call/Oath Mr. Dunn called the meeting to order at 1 :30 P.M. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. He indicated that any persons wishing to speak during the proceedings should raise their hand and take the oath; whereupon, he noted that no one in attendance indicated a wish to speak. 1
Later in the meeting, Mr. Gleaton noted that a roll call should be taken for the record. Upon Mr. Fischer's execution of the roll call, he noted that the Board had a quorum. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. II. CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED Mr. Dunn presented the Consent Agenda items as follows: A. Appointment of an Interim Chairman of the Board. B. Minutes for PCCLB meeting of September 13, 2016. C. Examining Committee Reports for September and October 2016. D. Special Magistrate Minutes for September 2016. E. Stipulations (Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes): Stipulations were reached regarding the following case and recommendation by the Executive Director would be to enter a Final Order as follows: Approved and adopt the terms and conditions of the Stipulation. If the terms and conditions of the Stipulation have not been complied with or satisfied within 30 days of a final order, a fine may be assessed up to $1,000 for each case and license/registration will be suspended. 1. Stephen David Dukes/Al5-548 F. Financial Reports: Balance Sheets, BCC Revenue and Fund Balance Reports, and Budget Expenditure and Encumbrance Reports for September and October 2016. Mr. Dunn indicated that the first item requires action by the Board; whereupon, Mr. Gleaton moved, seconded by Mr. Joyner, that the Board nominate Rick Dunn as Interim Chairman. Attorney Salzman stated that the motion could be addressed as part of a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as a whole. 2
After consideration and upon motion by Mr. Gleaton, seconded by Mr. Rosenbluth, the Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. The stipulation is a Final Order of the Board in accordance with Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes. III. REGULAR AGENDA - None. IV. MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE AND REQUESTS Mr. Fischer discussed the Board of County Commission' s (BCC) recent decision to request that he be disciplined by the Construction Licensing Board for using inappropriate language. He noted that to avoid any conflict of interest for the County Attorney' s Office, Attorney Salzman will provide legal representation to the Board; and that Attorney Hale is present as his representative. Mr. Fischer apologized to the Board for his indiscretion and indicated that he would temporarily step out of the room to allow the Board to openly discuss any possible disciplinary actions. Mr. Fischer left the meeting at 1 :34 P.M. Chairman Dunn asked the members to review the related documents in the meeting packet. Mr. Gleaton stated that he had previously reviewed the information; whereupon, he made a motion to put a letter of warning into Mr. Fischer' s personnel file. Mr. Rosenbluth indicated that he would support the motion; and that he would propose an amendment to require Mr. Fischer to write a letter of apology. Following discussion, Mr. Gleaton indicated that Mr. Fischer has publicly apologized to the Licensing Board, and Mr. Goldman stated that he believes Mr. Fischer has sent a letter of apology to the BCC Chairman. Mr. Gleaton noted that Mr. Fischer has done an exemplary job as Executive Director; and that this incident is the first and only time there has ever been an issue with his performance. 3
Thereupon, Mr. Gleaton stated that his motion would remain as originally stated. Upon the Chairman's call for a second, Mr. Wolf seconded the motion, and discussion ensued. Upon call for the vote, the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Fischer returned to the meeting at I :39 P.M. A. Old Business - None. B. New Business Board Appointments Mr. Fischer provided background information regarding the process of soliciting Board appointments from the various associations that provide nominations. He related that representative categories require between three and five nominees; that the appointees are selected by the BCC Chairman; and that the process is detailed in the Legislative Special Act that established the Board in 1973. Mr. Fischer provided updates on the remaining Board appointments still needing to be filled: Associated General Contractors (AGC) is required to provide five nominees and has provided only one. The business was relocated to Palm Beach and has a diminishing presence in the Tampa Bay area. The Fire Marshal's Association has nominated Steve Strong for reappointment. There are no further candidates who qualify under the Special Act and are willing to serve. Three nominees for architect have been received which meets the requirement. No appointment has been made at this time. The Tampa Bay Builders Association initially provided two candidates which was below the five required, and eight additional names have since been added to the nomination list. 4
Mr. Fischer indicated that the Special Act is somewhat antiquated; that the recent issues highlight the need to update the legislation so as to be more relevant to current times; and that both the Construction Licensing Board and the BCC have approached the Legislative Delegation encouraging a revision to the law. Mr. Fischer noted that the BCC Chairman recently reappointed Danny Sandlin and Stephen Lee to the Board; that the remaining seven Board appointments are overdue and the matter is a top priority; that a minimum of 11 members must be present for a quorum; and that there are 14 active members currently serving on the Board. Responding to queries by the members, Mr. Fischer indicated that specific changes to the law have yet to be identified; that he welcomes any input to help define the changes; and that the two Fire Marshal seats on the Board are essential and should not be eliminated, and discussion ensued. C. Miscellaneous Correspondence - None. D. Citizens to be Heard - None. VI. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Fischer noted that the next meeting will be January 17 at 1 :30 P.M.; and that any cases recently delayed will be presented at that time. The meeting was adjourned at 1 :56 P.M. 5