NCICLB Third Quarter 2020 Newsletter

North Carolina Irrigation Contractors' Licensing Board

Third Quarter 2020 Newsletter

P.O. Box 41421 • Raleigh, NC 27629 • info@nciclb.org • www.nciclb.org

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak the Board office remains closed to the public. Staff members can be contacted during regular office hours at (919) 872-2229 or by email at info@nciclb.org. Board staff will continue to process renewals, applications and other related licensing paperwork. The Board will continue to provide updates on their website at www.nciclb.org and through email.

In This Issue

Outreach
2021 License Renewal
GC's advised re: compliance with NCGS §89G
Rule of the Month
Disciplinary Actions
Enforcement Statistics
2020 Calendar
Board and Staff Members

Contact the Board for Free Posters (large and small)

Outreach

As a licensed professional it is up to you to do all that you can to educate prospective customers on the value of hiring a licensed irrigation contractor.

Do you have a website, and if so, does it say in LARGE LETTERS that you are licensed and is your license number posted?
Is your license number at the top of your website just under the company name or is it at the bottom of the page?
Does your website display your seal?
Does your website explain the benefits of hiring a licensed professional as opposed to someone that is unlicensed? You may want to attach the Board’s “Why Hire” flyer to your website or a link directly to the NCICLB website.
Do you advertise on other sites? If so are you using these same strategies?
Do you provide the Board’s “WHY HIRE” flyer to potential customers when giving a bid? What about current customers?
Does any of your advertising explain that because you are licensed you are required to have a Surety Bond and how that Bond protects the customer?
Does your advertising explain that you are (normally) required to earn continuing education?

2021 License Renewal

The Board is surprised and delighted by the number of people that have already renewed their license for 2021. Just a few reminders:

Don't forget to renew your corporate license if you have both an individual license and a corporate license.
Don't forget to submit continuing education credits that you have already earned or will earn in 2020. Although continuing education is not required for the 2021 renewal, those hours will be carried over and put towards the 2022 renewal.

Click here for some helpful reminders to get you through the 2021 renewal with ease.

(Please note that many of the "helpful reminders" deal with continuing education. The reminders are still relevant if you have taken continuing education in 2020 and want them to roll over for the 2021 renewal.)

Visit www.nciclb.org for step by step online renewal instructions.

Click Here to read the Advisory Letter that has been distributed to all N.C. licensed General Contractors. This letter explains the Board’s interpretation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 89G-3.

Rule of the Month

21 NCAC 23 .0501 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) When an irrigation contractor determines that a design provided by others does not meet the minimum standards set forth by the rules of this Chapter or local requirements, the irrigation contractor shall notify the designer in writing of such violations of minimum standards and shall not complete the job until all such minimum standards are met.

(b) All irrigation system components shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, local code requirements, and the requirements of the rules of this Section.

History Note: Authority G.S. 89G-5; Eff. July 1, 2011; Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. September 22, 2014; Amended Eff. November 1, 2016.

Disciplinary Actions

The Board is required by law to investigate every complaint received. If the findings of the investigation indicate that a violation of the laws and/or rules enforced by the Board have occurred, a number of disciplinary actions are available to the Board. Following is a list of actions for the third quarter of 2020.

Advisory Letters

Upon completion of an investigation, an Advisory Letter can be issued to a licensed or unlicensed individual if a violation is minor or guilt cannot be determined.

No Advisory Letters this quarter

Settlement Agreements

Upon completion of an investigation, a Settlement Agreement can be issued to a licensed or an unlicensed individual where it is determined through an investigation that a violation has occurred. The Settlement Agreement is made between the Board and the Respondent and admits wrongdoing on the part of the Respondent. The agreement lays out the sanctions and remedies required which include fines predetermined by the Board, investigatory and attorney costs.

Luis E. Torres - Youngsville, NC

Daniel K. McDonald - Denver, NC

8/12/20

Unlicensed Practice - CASE 1

Unlicensed Practice - CASE 2

Advertising

Hearings

If a Respondent does not agree to a Settlement, a Notice of Hearing shall be issued. A Hearing can be scheduled in order for both sides to have the opportunity to present evidence and argue their case.

There are no hearings to report.

Enforcement Statistics

29 Complaints received since 1/1/20

6 Minimum Standard Complaints

13 Unlicensed Practice Complaints

9 Advertising Complaints

1 Other

24 Complaints closed since 1/1/20

3 Administratively Closed

11 Insufficient Evidence

7 Closed through Settlement

3 Invalid Complaint

Marketing Tool for Licensees

Print this flyer,

WHY HIRE A LICENSED IRRIGATION CONTRACTOR and present it to your prospective customers.

CALENDAR

OCTOBER

October 16 Licensing Exam

October 28 Continuing Ed Advisory Council Meeting

NOVEMBER

November 11 Board Meeting

November 20 Continuing Ed Advisory Council Meeting

November 26-27 Office Closed - Thanksgiving

DECEMBER

December 9 Administrative Hearing

December 16 Continuing Ed Advisory Council Meeting

December 23-25 Office Closed - Christmas

Board Members

Steve Hill

Board Chair

Raleigh

Charlie Nieman

Vice Chair

Jarvisburg

J'Nell Bryson

Public Member

Treasurer

Charlotte

Chad Poole

Member

Raleigh

Charles Allen

Member

Fayetteville

John Ross

Member

Flat Rock

Charles Hughes

Member

LaGrange

Tracy McDonald

Member

Cary

Jeff Edwards

Member

Youngsville