DCP investigator reports one new file, eight closures and ongoing problems flagging repeat offenders in records system

Supervising Special Investigator Janita Hamel, Department of Consumer Protection, told the occupational licensing board that between Nov. 1 and Dec. 30, 2024, the agency received “one new file” and closed eight files.

Hamel said the board’s report shows older matters that appear open in electronic reports even after staff closed them. “I get a list of ancient files that are showing up in mister Cohen's reports as being still open,” Hamel said, and she described going back through records to close items that had remained marked open in the tracking system.

The problem is agency‑wide, not limited to the occupational unit, Manager John Messner (staff member) told board members. Messner said the department launched a review of agency cases after the current commissioner took office and that some older cases still show as open in the e‑licensing system even though they were previously resolved.

Board members pressed Hamel about repeat offenders and how the office escalates enforcement. Kevin Griffin (board member) asked whether the department watches repeat offenders more closely or handles each complaint on a case‑by‑case basis. Hamel replied, “Sir, every complaint that we receive is is definitely on a case by case situation,” and said investigators are being told to flag priors when assigning new complaints so staff can pay closer attention.

Griffin said his concern is that contractors repeatedly sign assurances of voluntary compliance but do not follow through. “I think my concern is they keep signing these agreements to voluntarily comply, but then they don't. And there's no there's no harm, no foul to them for not complying,” he said. Hamel said the department and its legal office will review repeat cases more closely going forward.

Hamel and other staff described limits on what the board can be told about open cases. “When a file is open, we can't tell the board because there's always the the the possibility that they will be part the subject of a report that's in legal,” Hamel said, adding that staff do note prior complaints to investigators when assigning files.

Board members also asked about case processing delays. Hamel acknowledged she has had to manually close files that appear open in reports going back to 2012–2014. She said the tracking system will mark a matter “unassigned” when complaint intake does not capture the complainant’s license or board identifier, which then requires an inspector to reclassify the matter; in some cases the system will not allow staff to overwrite that field.

Hamel cited statutory enforcement steps and the department's memorandum of understanding as directing escalation when violations recur; she said the statutory framework sets first, second and subsequent offense penalties that guide legal referrals. When a board member asked whether the department could produce a report of repeat offenders spanning 10 years, Hamel said the statutory retention period is seven years and that she would need to consult IT, Director Brown and the legal department about producing historical reports.

A public commenter who identified himself as Wayne told staff that a repeat contractor, Bill Wells, recently sold his business and will operate under the name Summit Fire and Security. Hamel responded the department licenses people, not companies, and that investigators check corporate filings and other public records to identify who is actually running a business.

Why it matters: Board members said the errors and delays complicate oversight and public confidence. Hamel and Messner said the department is undertaking an agency‑wide cleanup of the e‑licensing system and will tighten review of repeat offenders.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the previous meeting’s minutes (motion made and seconded; outcome: approved) and later approved adjournment (motion made and seconded; outcome: approved). The minutes and adjournment motions were procedural and passed by voice vote; mover and seconder were not specified in the transcript.