Michigan City licensing board approves multiple contractor licenses, denies one application

The Michigan City Licensing Board on Feb. 3 approved licenses for several contractors applying to work in Michigan City and LaPorte County while denying one application for inadequate independent references.

The board approved a master mechanical contractor license for Steven Vanderworth (doing business as Geothermal Specialist), who supplied a certificate of liability insurance, passing results from a national/master mechanical exam and multiple professional references. "He has his liability certificate of insurance," the meeting facilitator said while the board reviewed supporting letters from local realtors and contractors who recommended Vanderworth. The motion to approve Vanderworth’s license was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

The board also approved licenses for Justin Heffner of Jurgensen Heating & Cooling (Valparaiso) and Charles Anderson of Mead Electric after reviewing insurance, exam results and multiple recommendation letters. Sammy Dean Bracken of Bracken Electric received approval after the board reviewed his prior exam records and letters of support.

One application was denied. The board rejected Matthew Summers’ application (Emcore Hire Electric) after finding two recommendation letters that were word-for-word and both from the same company; a member moved to deny on the grounds that the board requires distinct, independent references.

Another application from a Grand Haven electrician (listed in the record as Brian’s Electric) raised a reciprocity issue. The applicant had a Michigan master electrician license but had not taken the local exam; board members agreed the city does not automatically reciprocate out-of-state master licenses and voted to table the application for up to three months to allow submission of local test results or proof of a passing exam.

Board action on each applicant was taken by motion, second and voice votes; the record shows votes were taken by voice with approval declared as "Aye."