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Local businesses feel sting of state fines By DAVID PRESZLER The Oregon Construction Contractors Board has levied $545,100 in fines against businesses and contractors in the state since April, the board announced late last week. Twenty-nine of those cited do business in the Rogue Valley and 14 of those were fined more than $1,000 -- most for doing work while not registered with the state. The rulings were handed down between April and October, although some violations occurred before that. Though the rulings are considered final orders, contractors can still appeal in court. State law requires all construction contractors, including self-employed ones, to register before they advertise, bid on or perform construction, remodeling or repair work. The board says about 43,000 contractors are registered statewide. Kent Meek of MK Meek Contracting in Medford received the largest fine among Rogue Valley contractors. Meek was fined $10,000 for doing dry-rot work, roof repairs and building a fence while not registered. About half of the fines against local contractors were less than $1,000 for offenses ranging from advertising services they weren't registered to provide or failing to notify owners of construction liens. The other 13 Rogue Valley contractors and businesses fined $1,000 or more were: Clyde L. Slagowski of Pipemaster, Medford, $8,000 for performing plumbing and other work while not registered and for hiring an unregistered subcontractor. Bryan Gregory of Precision Mobile Service Co., White City, $6,600 for advertising mobile home setup and installation as well as doing contracting work while not registered. Billy Wayne Woodard of No. 1 Experienced Handyman, Talent, $5,200 for engaging in dishonest conduct. The board found that Woodard accepted $1,960 in advance from a Central Point woman to make roof and drywall repairs in March 1996. The ruling contends Woodard did not perform the work or refund the advance. He entered a settlement agreement with the board in January but has violated the terms of that agreement, according to enforcement officer Caroline Ford. Frones Premier Interiors Inc., Central Point, $5,000 for installing carpet while not registered. John W. Thomas of Medford, $2,500 for installing a roof, repairing brick work and painting while not registered. Bernie Swartz of Grants Pass, $5,200 for building a pole barn while not registered. Karl PJ Volosin of Medford, $5,000 for performing exhaust fan service and repair while not registered. Gregory C. Lowe of White City, $1,000 for performing plumbing while not registered. Roy L. Swan of Eagle Point, $1,000 for dishonest conduct. The board found that Swan accepted $5,056.53 in advance in March 1995 from a Clackamas man to frame a house and didn't do the work or return the money. William Keith Wright of Medford, $1,000 for hiring an employee while registered exempt. Darrell J. Plaunty of Diamond Builders, Grants Pass, $1,000 for not conforming with information on the registration application. Peter Brad DeBear of Quartz Hill, Calif., $1,000 for installing cabinets and countertops in Rogue River while not registered. Anthony M. Diterlizzi of Kodiak Roofing, Rogue River, $1,000 for performing drywall installation while not registered. Jim Harris of Arbor Man Tree Care, Grants Pass, $1,000 for performing tree pruning while not registered. The state landscape contractors board also announced penalties it has handed down from April to October. Five Rogue Valley landscapers were fined -- all for doing work without being licensed. The three landscapers fined $1,000 or more were: Douglas Smith of R&W Landscape Maintenance, Medford, $2,000; Gary L. Ray of New World Landscaping, Central Point, $1,000; and Gregory P. Barker of Applegate Landscape & Design, Grants Pass, $1,000. The landscaping fines also can be appealed. Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA