Erie trades board reinstates lapsed journeyman license, debates back fees and escrow policy

The City of Erie Trades Licensing Board voted to reinstate the journeyman license of Louis Baraniye and later approved a separate reinstatement conditioned on payment of back fees.

Baraniye, who identified himself at the public podium as living at 16313 Kosawaga Road and said he had worked out of town for eight to 10 years, asked the board to reinstate a previously held journeyman license so he could work locally. Christie, the licensing officer, confirmed Baraniye last held a license in 2017 and that Arrow Electric had employed him on a recent Erie Insurance job. "I was seeing if I can get my license reinstated because I've been working out of town for the last 8, 10 years," Baraniye said during public comment.

Board members discussed the record-keeping options applicants have when leaving the jurisdiction — notably placing credentials in escrow/retired status — and the consequences of not doing so. Christie told the board that once a license is lapsed for more than one year without notification, staff cannot offer renewal and that escrow/retirement would have been the correct administrative path. One board member summarized the board's longstanding approach: "Generally, this board does not just absolve everyone from all their back fees. That's just not how we have ever done" (board member, public meeting remark).

The board debated how to calculate the applicant's back fees. Staff explained that escrow/retirement fees changed over time (about $50 in 2017 and $100 in later years for some trades) and that the office was requesting $1,200 in back fees for the period at issue. A board member proposed a friendly amendment to charge a reduced amount tied to historical escrow rates; that amendment failed for lack of a second. After discussion, the board approved reinstatement for the full amount the office requested. The motion passed on a voice vote; the board did not record an individual roll-call tally in the minutes for that motion.

Separately, the board considered a reinstatement for another licensee who had been on medical leave. A board member moved to reinstate that person conditioned on payment of $800 in back fees; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote. Board members said the office should advise applicants to use escrow/retirement status if they are leaving the jurisdiction or will be inactive for an extended period.

Members also flagged a housekeeping problem in licensing administration: Christie said the department's current software does not generate automated alerts about lapsed licenses or missed renewals, and she must manually check records when applicants contact the office. The licensing officer said a new software system was expected by the end of the year.

Board members emphasized consistency in applying fees and reinstatement policy. Several members noted past practice of requiring back fees for those who let licenses lapse and that, except in cases where applicants had formally placed credentials in retired status, reinstatement commonly required payment of arrears. The board approved the reinstatements and moved on to other agenda items.

The board's actions affect contractors, employers and customers in Erie who rely on locally licensed tradespeople to ensure work meets municipal standards. The licensing office said it will provide clearer instruction on escrow/retired status going forward.