The U.S. population broke the 300 million mark last week, and you may think all those people are calling the CSLB when you try to dial in. Ill work out the problems for a contractor replacing his RMO. I also do the heavy-lifting to assist someone who is concerned about pumped up license claims and help all contractors better understand new diesel engine rules which may hit them squarely in the wallet
Q: I filed a form to change the officers on my corporation. This officer change is being made because our renewal is coming up soon and were replacing the RMO. I was told that all new officers (there are three) must be fingerprinted. The application was sent in over a month ago but Ive not received anything from the CSLB. Can you look into this for me and let me know if there is a problem (I can never get through on the phone lines). Thank you.
A: Thank you for your call and email. I did look into your situation and there is a problem but it has nothing to do with your application. Your Officer Change form was filed in mid-September as you indicated and has been scanned into the CSLB computer. However, it is figuratively sitting in a stack waiting to be reviewed (probably this week). Only then will you be sent the fingerprint forms for your three new officers.
All other applications (original license, additional classification, etc.) that trigger fingerprinting are assigned a tracking number and generate the necessary fingerprint mailing within 7-10 days. Board policy treats Officer Change applications differently which means its taking 6 weeks for applicants like you to receive the required Live Scan fingerprinting forms.
The problem is that if these officer changes are necessary to renew a license or change the RMO, this delay can cause you serious problems (I am familiar with incidents where this has happened).
Fortunately, your renewal is not due until the end of November so the delay is unlikely to have any impact on your license. If your license was due to expire in October and the officer change was necessary to renew the licensewell you get the idea.
I received a call recently from a concerned contractor who felt that most concrete-pump operators in his area are unlicensed. Let me know by e-mail if you also think this is a concern that needs to be investigated.
Coincidently, a recent article in the Sacramento Bee Business section sheds light on what may be an even bigger problem for contractors a little known regulation affecting portable diesel-powered engines.
Diesel-powered engine operators including concrete-pumping contractors, crane operators and other related businesses that serve the construction industry have the option of obtaining individual air pollution control and air quality management district permits or can operate with one single permit statewide by participating in the Portable Engine Registration Program (PERP).
PERP was established in 1997 and is administered by the State Air Resources Board (ARB). According to the article it appears a number of contractors were not aware of the program and therefore have not complied. Those who failed to register could face hundreds of dollars in fines or possibly thousands of dollars in costs to replace their present equipment.
Due to an outcry by the industry, the ARB recently issued a compliance-advisory extending some of their registration deadlines. Check out their web site: www.arb.ca.gov/portable/perp/perp.htm or call the PERP Hotline at (916) 324-5869 for more information. (Southern California Contractors Association-SCCA- has been a leader in alerting contractors everywhere about the serious concerns and problems associated with these diesel regulations. Kudos to Editor, Bill Davis!)