Building Related Fire Codes Appeals Advisory Board Meeting – July 2, 2025

This meeting of the Building Related Fire Codes Appeals Advisory Board was called to order at 10:32 AM on July 2, 2025, by Chairman Jack Upmore. A quorum was present. The primary business included approval of prior meeting minutes, an appeal hearing regarding a 60-day suspension of a plumbing registration, and an update 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, by voice vote with a motion from Robert Hanley and a second.

Discussion Items

• Appeal of 60-Day Suspension of Plumbing Registration (Juan Oliveras):

  • The city presented its case, led by new board liaison Rachel Parrish. The suspension stemmed from an incident on June 12, 2025, at 115 Hardaman. Inspector Joe Hernandez arrived for a rough-end and top-out inspection and found two unlicensed individuals (later identified as Carlos and Miguel) installing a shower valve. The workers initially claimed to be framers but eventually fled after contacting Martin Martinez, who said he worked for Anytime Plumbing. City inspectors confirmed that Martin Martinez was previously linked to Anytime Plumbing and that this was a repeated violation.
  • Juan Oliveras, the appellant and master plumber with Anytime Plumbing, stated he was not on site and that the workers were not his employees. He argued that the property owner, Ramiro Romero, had instructed his own workers (including Miguel Martinez) to move the shower head without his knowledge. Romero confirmed that he had asked his workers to raise the shower head, believing it was a simple repair not requiring a permit.
  • Board members noted conflicting stories and questioned the chain of responsibility. Inspector Hernandez testified that the workers were actively performing plumbing work (using press tools and fittings) and that the job was only about 50% complete, contrary to claims of a simple repair.
  • After deliberation, John Martin moved to uphold the suspension as issued and deny the appeal. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote (all in favor, none opposed).

• Board Vacancies and Term Limits Update:

  • Rachel Parrish reported that all current board members’ terms have expired and they are serving in holdover status. New applications for board positions will be accepted until August 31, 2025. A new city council sunset committee (not yet formed) will interview applicants. Members expressed concern about term limits (three consecutive two-year terms) and the restriction that board members cannot apply for city projects. Discussion included possible clarifications on whether moving from alternate to primary resets the term clock. Rachel agreed to seek a city attorney opinion and follow up with the board.

Key Outcomes

• Appeal Denied: The board voted unanimously (all ayes, no opposition) to uphold the 60-day suspension of Juan Oliveras’ plumbing registration.
• Board Vacancy Process: Applications will be open until August 31, 2025, with interviews by a future sunset committee. The board liaison will clarify term-limit rules and the ability to modify board bylaws.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned shortly after 11:30 AM following a motion to adjourn.