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that we don't have any teeth in our ordinances at this time. It seems to be a joke that you can get away with not getting a license in Indian River County, which is why we are hoping this $500 fine will work. Chairman Eggert opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. Steve Hall, representing the northeast chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, wished to thank Roland DeBlois and Attorney O'Brien for allowing them to help in the preparation of the proposed ordinance. This ordinance is needed because this county has a very serious problem with unlicensed contractors. The present system does not work; it has no teeth in it to keep unlicensed contractors from continuing to violate the law, giving them an unfair advantage over the licensed contractors who have proven they are competent to practice their ',-particular trade. The people who hire unlicensed contractors need to be aware that the money they are saving is not worth the safety and liability risks that are created by using someone that has not proven his competency. Mr. Hall stated that their association realizes we can't catch all of the unlicensed contractors, but they feel this will be a start in curtailing the unlicensed, illegal activities that are happening in this county. The northeast chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, represents over 550 contractors and receives daily phone calls complaining about unlicensed activity and the effect that has on the licensed contractor. Mr. Hall emphasized that in order to obtain a license, a contractor must present proof of his Workers' Compensation and liability insurance to the County. The advantages of not obtaining a license is dollars. Their recommendation is that the Board establish a maximum fine of $500, because anything less would be just a slap on the hand in terms of the profits made by unlicensed contractors• Licensed contractors are very frustrated with what is going on out there because they cannot compete with the prices offered by the unlicensed contractors. Commissioner Wheeler felt that Sheriff Deputies would be a great help in .enforcing these violations, especially over the weekend when many unlicensed contractors from out of the county are operating. Administrator Chandler noted that we do have Code Enforcement officers out on the weekend, but not on a regularly scheduled basis. Commissioner Scurlock stressed that we have the option of putting on more code enforcement officers. 17 bonK APR 2 �9�2