Licensing board approves two contractor certificates; one applicant is disputing credit-report entries

The contractor licensing board approved certificates of competency for two applicants during a regular meeting, voting unanimously to grant licenses to Patrick Gettler of Innovation Irrigation LLC and to Felix Vega of Regal First Call LLC.

Paul, a staff member, told the board he was comfortable recommending approval for Gettler. For Vega, Paul read an April 8 email from the applicant stating that three collection accounts appearing on his credit report — listed in the message as “Crunch Poinciana,” “Ellen Calcs,” and “Connection Realty” — are not recognized by him and that he is formally disputing those items with the credit reporting agency while seeking validation from the collection agencies. Paul presented that message to the board and recommended the board consider Vega’s explanation as it made its decision.

Committee members discussed Vega’s financial disclosures, noting the disputed accounts appeared to be a relatively small portion of his overall indebtedness. One committee member said Vega’s credit score was above the state minimum required for licensing and described the disputed balances as small enough that they would not, in the member’s view, impair the applicant’s ability to perform the trade. That member moved to approve both applications; another member seconded the motion.

The board approved the applications for Innovation Irrigation LLC and for Regal First Call LLC by roll-call votes with affirmative responses from the members present. Earlier in the meeting the board also approved the minutes from its March 10 meeting by voice vote.

The board did not record ongoing contractor complaints or unlicensed-contractor cases for follow-up during this session and adjourned after finishing the agenda.