San Antonio Board Meeting: Plumbing Suspension Appeal and Vacancy Updates (July 2, 2025)

The meeting was called to order at 10:33 AM on July 2, 2025, with a quorum present. The board approved the minutes from November 15 and December 6, 2024, and heard a brief introduction from a new city liaison. The principal agenda item was an appeal hearing for a 60-day suspension of plumbing contractor Juan Oliveras. Following testimony from the appellant, property owner, and city inspectors, the board voted to uphold the suspension. The meeting concluded with a discussion on board vacancies and term limits.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from November 15, 2024, and December 6, 2024. (Motion by Robert Hendley, seconded)

Appeal of 60-Day Plumbing Registration Suspension (Juan Oliveras / Anytime Plumbing)

• City Staff Presentation: City staff presented the case background. An initial 30-day suspension was issued on April 2, 2025, for working without permits. The 60-day suspension under appeal stemmed from a May 29, 2025, inspection at 1511 Hartmann. City Plumbing Supervisor Danny Poor and Inspector Joe Hernández testified. Inspector Hernández stated he observed unlicensed workers Carlos and Miguel actively installing a shower valve and connecting water lines. When questioned, the workers fled the scene but later identified themselves as working for Anytime Plumbing under a supervisor named Martin Martinez. Mr. Poor testified this was the third time in 2025 that Anytime Plumbing workers had been caught working without a license under the same supervisor.
• Appellant Testimony (Juan Oliveras): Mr. Oliveras denied responsibility, stating he was not on site and the workers were not his employees. He argued he was being unfairly penalized for work he did not authorize or oversee.
• Property Owner Testimony (Ramiro Salgado): Mr. Salgado acknowledged the workers on site were his own employees performing framing and fixture work without a license. He accepted full responsibility for the violation and expressed regret for not hiring a licensed plumber like Mr. Oliveras.
• Board Deliberation: Board members John Martin, Mark Ross, Brian Smith, and George Salina heavily scrutinized the conflicting accounts between the appellant/property owner and the city inspectors. The board focused on the legal responsibility of the master plumber for all work conducted under their registration.

Board Vacancies and Term Limits

• Update from Liaison: City liaison Rachel updated the board on vacancies, noting that all current members' official terms had expired and they were serving in a holdover capacity. A call for new candidates was announced.
• Term Limit Interpretation: A discussion ensued regarding the maximum allowable terms (three consecutive terms or six years). Members questioned whether alternates could transition to principal roles without a full reapplication process. Rachel agreed to consult with the city attorney to provide a formal written interpretation of the rules.

Key Outcomes

• Appeal Denied: The board voted to deny the appeal of the 60-day suspension of Juan Oliveras' plumbing registration. The motion was made by John Martin, seconded, and passed by a voice vote. The suspension is upheld.
• Legal Clarification on Terms: The city liaison will seek a legal interpretation from the city attorney regarding term limit rules for board members.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.