Board Scrutinizes Applications Amid Legal Disputes and Contractor Violations at Escambia Meeting

The Escambia Contractor Competency Board meeting on April 2, 2025, was marked by discussions on contractor applications and ongoing legal disputes. Key issues included the examination of contractor applications with undisclosed legal backgrounds, scrutiny over unresolved civil suits, and disciplinary actions against contractors for unresolved complaints and violations.

05:49The meeting commenced with a examination of contractor applications, notably Mr. Albert Swatz’s application for examination, which was rescinded after undisclosed background issues emerged. The board unanimously voted to withdraw his application approval due to concerns over false information in notarized documents, emphasizing the legal implications of perjury in such cases.

29:36The board then shifted focus to Ms. Kiana Williamson, another applicant for the residential contractor examination. Williamson faced intense scrutiny due to an open civil suit involving her company, Diva Builders IC. She defended her position, asserting that her involvement in the suit stemmed from the original contractor’s documentation failures, not her professional conduct. Board discussions revolved around the ethical implications of the civil suit and Williamson’s qualifications. Members debated the necessity of comprehensive background checks and the importance of verifying applicant information, especially for those from outside the local area.

Further complicating the board’s deliberations was the case of Ms. Rata Szu, whose application was delayed due to pending litigation involving Algra Homes LLC. Szu sought to distance herself from her husband’s legal troubles, which were linked to several lawsuits. She expressed a strong desire to establish her own business and support her family. The board acknowledged the complexities of her situation and stressed the importance of gathering additional documentation to clarify her involvement and any outstanding legal responsibilities.

01:02:14The board also addressed disciplinary cases, including those against Wade L. Hunter III of Lee Hunter Construction LLC. Hunter faced two complaints, with board members previously finding violations but delaying final orders pending restitution documentation. The board debated whether to proceed with issuing final orders without the necessary documentation or to defer the case for more time. Ultimately, they granted a continuance, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

01:21:27In another disciplinary matter, the board reviewed a case involving My Drian of M&H Construction Services LLC, linked to unresolved civil litigation with LY Yang Lee of Let’s Meet Korean Barbecue. The board learned of a confidential settlement agreement that had not been fulfilled, prompting discussions on the potential penalties for non-compliance. The board’s guidelines suggested fines or proof of judgment satisfaction, with members weighing the contractor’s actions and intentions.

01:37:28A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the board’s focus on upholding professional standards and ensuring compliance with regulations. The board deliberated on whether to accept recorded liens as judgment satisfaction or impose financial penalties. Ultimately, they opted for a $1,000 fine, with liens serving as provisional satisfaction, and stipulated a 30-day payment deadline to avoid license revocation.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country: