Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3

Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
(478) 207-2440 phone
(866) 888-9718 fax
http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/construct/


Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
PLB is working diligently to become one of the most technologically advanced licensing agencies in the country.  Throughout this year we have continued to review our business processes and implement technology to increase our performance levels and customer service for our licensees and the general public.

This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications.  We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year.  There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications.

Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section.  Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia.  More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized.

PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible.  We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.


Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards


The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board consists of five divisions: the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, Division of Electrical Contractors, Division of Low Voltage Contractors, Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers, and Division of Utility Contractors.

The Board protects the public against faulty construction installations through the licensing of contractors. The Board establishes and administers standards for the licensing of the contractors in the above professions. These standards maintain the qualifications for entry into the professions, including experience, examination, and training, and the qualifications for continued practice, including work standards and education. Each division evaluates applicants for licensure, conducts examinations, issues and renews licenses, evaluates the practice of licensees, takes disciplinary action against licensees, and enforces the requirements for licensure.

The Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors consists of five members: one Professional Engineer engaged in mechanical practice, one chief conditioned air inspector for a county or municipality and three conditioned air contractors. A consumer member associated with all divisions also attends. Typically, the Board meets six times per year. Board meetings are open to the public with the exception of executive session in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/construct/.

Board Members:

Ken Davis, Division Chairman
Sally Stanfield Allen
George Lenaeus
Johnny Lyons
Jim Poe

Board Staff:

Darren Mickler
Executive Director
Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors


2009 Meetings:

December 2, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
The Board Meets at the Professional Licensing Boards, Macon

Number of Active Licensees:

Conditioned Air Restricted: 2,184
Conditioned Air Non-Restricted: 4,300

Actions Taken by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors

July:  The Board voted to approve 24 conditioned air non-restricted applicants for licensure and 10 conditioned air restricted applicants for licensure.

The Board voted to accept a cease and desist order from the following individual for unlicensed practice:
• Greg Mahan, Heflen, AL

The Board voted to accept a consent orders from the following licensees for substandard     work:
• Earnest Stephen Smith, Americus: Fined $2,000 and placed on 24 months probation.
• Lawrence Ted Spurlin, Smyrna: Fined $1,000 and placed on 24 months probation.
• Richard Ducharme, Suwanee: Fined $2,500 and a public reprimand.

September: The Board voted to approve the following Conditioned Air Non-Restricted applicants for licensure:
• Charles D. Viverette, Albany
• Joseph Mascetti, Myrtle Beach, SC

The Board voted to approve the following Conditioned Air Restricted applicants for licensure:
• Charles A. Conklin, Birmingham, AL
• David Andrew Clark, Greenville SC

The Board accepted the following cease and desist orders for unlicensed practice:
• Chris Lundy, Americus
• Allen Games, Richmond Hill
• Dale Lovell, Richmond Hill
• William R, Scott, Warner Robins

The Board voted to accept a consent order from the following licensee for substandard     work:
• Edgar Townsel, Tyrone: Fined $6,000 and received 24 months probation.

The Board voted to accept a consent order from the following licensee for violation of a cease and desist order:
• Gui Suk Cho, Duluth: Fined $2,000.

License Renewals:

Conditioned Air Contractor – November 30 of odd numbered years

It is illegal to practice conditioned air contracting with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Construction Industry Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/construct/.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-14-12 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors website.

Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board Division of Conditioned Air Contractors to regulate the licensing and practice of conditioned air contracting. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-14 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. This Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.