I. Agency Organization

Transcription

1 Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs ( DCRA ) FY15-16 Performance Oversight Hearing Questions Committee on Business, Consumer, and Regulatory Affairs Vincent B. Orange, Chairperson I. Agency Organization 1. Have there been any organizational changes within the Department since last year s performance review? If so, please provide a complete, up-to-date organizational chart for each division within the agency including, either attached or separately, an explanation of the roles and responsibilities for each division and subdivision. Please include a list of the employees (name and title) for each subdivision and the number of vacant positions. Please provide a narrative explanation of any organizational changes made during the previous year. In May of 2015, Mayor Bowser appointed then-interim Director Melinda Bolling as Acting Director for DCRA. On July 14, 2015 the Council confirmed Ms. Bolling as Director of DCRA. In September of 2015, DCRA hired Lori Parris as the Deputy Director. In addition to acting in the stead of Director Bolling, Ms. Parris focuses are Third Party Compliance, Policies and Procedures, Contract Administration compliance, Communications, and Abatement & Enforcement. At the close of FY15, DCRA had 30 vacancies. Currently, the agency has 21 unfilled positions. Of those, all but five are in an active stage of the recruitment process (posted, interviewing, etc). DCRA is preparing to move the remaining five into active recruitment in the near future. The agency has reassigned the supervision of the Housing Inspections program from the Inspections and Compliance Administration to the Enforcement Administration of the agency. This move better focuses the efforts of Housing Inspections, which operates as an enforcement function. This reassignment will give the agency the opportunity to streamline the Notice of Violation and Notice of Infraction process now that they will be housed in one division. For FY16, the agency reassigned the Third Party Inspections program from the Inspections and Compliance Administration to the Office of the Deputy Director, focusing on compliance for Third Party companies. Since the reassignment, the Deputy Director has hired a manager for the unit; revised and issued the Third Party Compliance Manual; established a 1

2 training curriculum and schedule; and realigned policies and procedures for better effectiveness. See Attachment 1 (Organizational Chart) II. Personnel 2. Please provide a complete, up-to-date position listing for your agency, which includes the following information (list the information by program and activity): Title of position Name of employee or statement that the position is vacant, unfunded, or proposed. Date employee began in position Salary and fringe, including the specific grade, series, step of position, and funding source (local or federal) Job status (continuing/term/temporary/contract) See Attachment 2 (Position Listing) 3. Please provide the number of FY16 full-time equivalents (FTEs) for the agency, broken down by program and activity. Please also note the number of vacancies at the close of FY15, by program and activity, and current vacancy information this far into FY16. For each vacant position, please note how long the position has been vacant and whether or not the position has been filled. At the close of FY15, DCRA had 30 vacancies. Currently, the agency has 21 unfilled positions. Of those, all but five are in an active stage of the recruitment process (posted, interviewing, etc). DCRA is preparing to move the remaining five into active recruitment in the near future. See Attachment 2 (Position Listing) and Attachment 3 (Vacancies) 4. Has there been any change in the agency s employee performance evaluation process since last year? If so, please explain. There have been no changes to the performance evaluation process. The Director has, however, included specific goals for measurement in the performance plans for all managers and staff who have oversight of contracts for the agency. 2

3 5. Please list all employees detailed to or from your agency, if any. Please provide the reason for the detail, the detailed employee s date of assignment, and the detailed employee s projected date of return. Erin Horne McKinney, from DCRA to DMPED Sharona Morgan, from DCRA to OCA Patrice Lancaster, from EOM to DCRA Wilfred Lashley, from DCRA to Clean City (detail will end June 2016) All details are indefinite at this time, except as noted. 6. Please provide the Committee with: A list of all employees who receive cell phones, personal digital assistants, or similar communications devices at agency expense. A list of all vehicles owned, leased, or otherwise used by the agency and to whom the vehicle is assigned. A list of employee bonuses granted in FY15 and FY16, to date, if any A list of travel expenses for FY15 and FY16, to date. A list of the total overtime and workman s compensation payments paid in FY15 and FY16, to date. For personal devices, see Attachment 4 (Agency Personal Devices) For vehicles, see Attachment 5 (Agency Vehicle Listing) For travel expenses, see Attachment 6 (Travel Expenditures) No employee bonuses were paid in FY15 and FY16. Ten employees were paid a combined total of $203, in workman s compensation. III. Budget 7. Please provide a chart showing your agency s approved budget and actual spending, by program, for FY15 and FY16, to date. In addition, please describe any variance between fiscal year appropriations and actual expenditures for FY15 and FY16, to date. See Attachment 7 (Agency Budget) 3

4 8. Please list any reprogramming, in or out, which occurred in FY15 and FY16, to date. For each reprogramming, please list the total amount of the reprogramming, the original purposes for which the funds were dedicated, and the reprogrammed use of funds. Transferred From: FY 2015 Transferred To: Amount Reason DB0 DCRA $500,000 EOM DCRA $585,000 DCRA DCRA $495,000 FY 2016 To transfer budget authority from DHCD to DCRA for the Green Building Program. Funding to support the Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration. To procure Information Technology equipment for agency staff (reprogramming within agency). Transferred From: Transferred To: Amount Reason n/a n/a $0 n/a 9. Please provide a complete accounting for all intra-district transfers received by or transferred from the agency during FY15 and FY16, to date. See Attachment 8 (Intra-District Transfers) 10. Please identify any special purpose revenue accounts maintained by, used by, or available for use by your agency during FY15 and FY16, to date. For each account, please list the following: The revenue source name and code The source of funding A description of the program that generates the funds. The amount of funds generated by each source or program in FY15 and FY16, to date Expenditures of funds, including the purpose of each expenditure, for FY15 and FY16, to date 4

5 See Attachment 9 (Special Purpose Revenue) 11. Please provide a list of all projects for which your agency currently has capital funds available. Please include in this list a description of each project, the amount of capital funds available for each project, a status report on each project, and planned remaining spending on the project. Project Name Description Funds Available IT Systems Modernization DC Business Portal This project funds the continued, multi-year implementation of a variety of mission-critical information technology systems involving District licensing, permitting and inspection functions. DC Business Portal Project Status $57, Capital funding will allow for the integration of these systems with other District government IT systems to share data on a real-time basis. $0.00 The DC Business Portal will launch in FY16. Spending Plan Remaining funds will be used to support the CPMS (Comprehensive Property Management System) project. No funding remaining. 12. Please provide a complete accounting of all federal stimulus funds received and/or carried over for FY15 and FY16, to date. 5

6 The agency has not received any federal stimulus funds nor carried any over from previous years for FY15 and FY Has the agency taken additional steps since last year to reduce the following during FY15 and FY16, to date? Space utilization Communications costs Energy use Space utilization: The Deputy Mayor for Public Economic Development recently relocated their employees who occupied office space within DCRA, leaving the agency with the ability to physically realign departments to utilize space more efficiently and achieve better functionality with the programs. 14. Please list and describe all fines and fees that the agency collects. Include FY15 and FY16, to date, totals collected for each. Also indicate the last time that these fees/fines have been adjusted or increased. FY15 FY16 Category Description Amount Amount Last Increase Collected Collected Permits Fees collected for all building permit applications. $40,832,802 $15,166,918 10% technology surcharge added in FY11 BSA Corporations Civil Infractions Wharves & Markets Re-inspection Fees All corporate registration filing fees collected. Fines issued for building license and building code violations. Fees assessed for registering weighing devices within the District. Fees collected when inspectors have to inspect $15,170,401 $2,733,117 10% technology surcharge added in FY11 BSA $758,482 $75,654 n/a $447,180 $99,267 10% technology surcharge added in FY11 BSA $4,889 $1,739 FY10 BSA 6

7 Rental Accommodations Proactive Inspections Vacant Property Special Assessment Basic Business License Occupational and Professional properties to determine if building code violations have been abated. Rental accommodation fees are paid for each rental unit ($43 biennially) in the District. Fees charged for every multi-unit rental property with 3 or more units. Fee collected for registration of vacant property within the District. Owners of properties, known as nuisance properties, that are in violation of DCRA codes or regulations, are assessed a fee for cost incurred by the District in cleaning up the property. The application fee and the renewal fee for Basic Business Licenses are collected into this account. Various professions must $2,831,153 $1,469,170 FY09 BSA $367,921 $918,942 FY10 BSA $142,000 $76,000 FY11 BSA $913,358 $273,509 n/a $11,453,932 $5,729,272 10% technology surcharge added in FY2011 BSA $2,755,785 $1,224,197 FY09 7

8 Licensing Illegal Construction Green Building Fee Enhanced Surveyor Fee Corporate Recordation Fund pay license fees to do business in DC. Funds obtained from the penalties and fines assessed for illegal construction are deposited into the general fund. Funds obtained from a percentage of building structure permit fees set aside for green building are deposited into this fund. Fees charged for consultation with Office of Surveyor staff and expedited services. Filing and enforcement fees for Limited Cooperative Assoc, Trusts, expedited services fees. $452,888 $68,595 n/a $1,917,286 $711,972 10% technology surcharge added in FY11 BSA $971,990 $266,264 10% technology surcharge added in FY11 BSA $3,004,833 $574,420 n/a 15. Please identify all legislative requirements that the agency lacks sufficient resources to properly implement. The DC Code requires that [a]ll pending applications for building permits and authorized building permits, including the permit file shall be made available to the public without the need for a written request on the agency s website. (DC Code 2-536) 8

9 The requirement dates back to 2001, but the cost of implementing it has not been incorporated into any budget during the past six years. DCRA is unaware of whether and how the requirement was funded at the time the bill was enacted. At present, however, the agency does not have the resources to offer electronic copies of all permits to the public, without a request. DCRA is exploring options to meet the requirement in future fiscal years. IV. Agency Programs and Policies 16. Please list each policy initiative of your agency during FY15 and FY16, to date. For each initiative please provide: A detailed description of the program The name of the employee who is responsible for the program The total number of FTE s assigned to the program The amount of funding budgeted to the program INITIATIVE 3.2 Enforce Octane Quality Testing Program. In FY15, the Gasoline and Fuel Pump Octane Measurement Amendment Act of 2012 will be thoroughly enforced by the Office of Weights and Measures. This will include verifying that octane levels are maintained as required, regulating the business community to ensure that all requirements are met, and setting the standard of excellence as set forth by the District of Columbia. In addition the OWM will pursue all merchants found in non-compliance of D.C. Official Code , this enforcement will include citations and stop sale orders. Completion Date: September 30, Employee responsible: Ron Johnson FTEs Assigned: 8 INITIATIVE 3.1: Revise and implement a comprehensive quality assurance program for Third Party inspections. Develop a system for maintaining minimum quality levels of service. The program will include a list of work quality standards, methods for conducting inspections through a collection of self-imposed standards through activities such as internal quality audits, procedures for document creation and control, and procedures for management reviews. Completion Date: September 30, 2015 Employee Assigned: Delaine Englebert FTEs Assigned: 4 For additional items, please see Attachment 14 (Performance Accountability Report) 17. Please describe any initiatives your agency implemented within FY15 and FY16, to date, to improve the internal operation of the agency or the interaction of the agency with outside parties. Please describe the results, or expected results, of each initiative. 9

10 The agency established a Customer Service Unit in April of The Unit was created to address complaints of non-responsiveness and unsatisfactory customer service to the constituents. At inception, one of the Customer Service Unit s goals was to ensure a dropped call rate of 8% or less for each division and the agency. Since the Customer Service Unit s establishment, the agency has reduced dropped calls to 6% or less. The Agency has also initiated a business process review for each division. The purpose of the review is to have a detailed understanding of the critical and core functions of each division; determine if there are any services or duties that overlap; perform a detailed review of the workforce and performance of staff; and to ensure that duties performed by contract staff are closely tied to agency needs. This review will allow the Director to make the most strategic decisions possible about the allocation of human capital and other resources. 18. If applicable, please explain the impact on your agency of any legislation passed at the federal level during FY15 and FY16, to date. N/A. 19. Please list all regulations issued for FY15 and FY16, to date. See Attachment 11 (Rulemakings). 20. Did the agency meet the objectives set forth in the performance plan for FY15? Please provide a narrative description of what actions the agency undertook to meet the key performance indicators or any reasons why such indicators were not met. Please provide a copy of the performance plan for FY16. In FY15, DCRA fully achieved the majority of its initiatives and half of its rated key performance measures. Table 1 provides a breakdown of the total number of performance metrics DCRA uses, including key performance indicators and workload measures, initiatives and whether those items were achieved, partially achieved, or not yet achieved. Chart 1 displays the overall progress being made on achieving DCRA objectives, as measured by their rated key performance indicators. Please note that Chart 2 contains only rated performance measures, which excludes items where data is not available, workload measures, and baseline measures. Chart 2 displays the overall progress DCRA made on completing its initiatives, by level of achievement. See Attachment 14 (Performance Accountability Report) 21. Please list and describe any ongoing investigations, studies, audits, or reports on your agency or any employee of your agency, or any investigations, studies, audits, or reports 10

11 on your agency or any employee of your agency that were completed during FY15 and FY16, to date. The Office of the Inspector General is performing some type of review of the agency, but it has declined to comment on the nature of that review. 22. The Business Regulatory Reform Task Force issued a report in 2014 making numerous recommendations to improve DCRA processes and procedures. Has DCRA implemented or begun planning to implement any of those recommendations in FY15 or FY16, to date? If so, please explain which recommendations are going to be acted upon and which have been rejected and why. DCRA has implemented or is in the process of implementing recommendations: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13. To date, no recommendations have been rejected. 23. The agency has worked with a number of stakeholder communities as a means of increasing public transparency and communication, including partnerships in the building industry, non-profit housing advocates, community associations, and ANCs. Describe how the agency built on those efforts to bridge new partnerships and, if so, what feedback have these partners given regarding the agency s efforts; as well as, the agency s opinion regarding what might be done to improve upon them. Also, what has the agency done in the past year to make the activities of the agency more transparent to the public? DCRA has increased outreach and communication with stakeholders through established partnership meetings with the building industry, non-profit housing advocates, community associations, local universities, and others. In addition, the agency director and senior staff regularly attend ANC and community association meetings. DCRA continues to look at new ways to offer information to the customers online, including increasing our social media presence and adding new information to our website, such as an agency news page to highlight new agency activities in one central place. The agency expanded its trainings for industry stakeholders to ensure that regulatory changes could be implemented without unnecessary disruption to the business community. For example, the Office of the Zoning Administrator (OZA) conducted several training sessions on challenging zoning topics of particular public interest. These trainings aimed to inform the public, including developers, architects, and attorneys, on the processing and interpretation of inclusionary zoning (IZ) regulations and the new R-4 ( pop-up ) rules. DCRA s Permit 11

12 Operations Division (POD) also conducted code trainings for design and construction professionals. Hundreds of individuals attended the trainings offered by OZA and POD. In FY15, DCRA continued its partnerships with the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs and the Office of African Affairs to ensure that information about the agency s new synthetic drug regulations reached store owners and operators, irrespective of any potential language barriers. The agency published a new online newsletter A Regulatory Affair to highlight agency efforts and activities and provide notification of upcoming meetings and events. The newsletter targets ANC, Council Members, industry stakeholders, and those who conduct business with DCRA. The Occupational and Professional Licensing Division maintains its endeavor to provide each of the Boards and Commissions with updated websites, access to online licensing systems, and all required forms. See response to question 115 for additional details. 24. Please identify any statutory or regulatory impediments to your agency s operations. There are no statutory or regulatory impediments to DCRA s agency operations. 25. Please identify all recommendations identified by the Office of the Inspector General or the D.C. Auditor during the past year. Please note what actions have been taken to address these recommendations. We have not received any recommendations from the Inspector General or the DC Auditor during that time period. V. Boards and Commissions For each Board/Commission within the agency s purview, please answer the following. 26. Please provide a list of the Board s/commission s current members. For each member, please provide the following: The member s name The Ward, agency or organization the member represents Who appointed the member When the member s term expires Attendance record 12

13 BOARD/COMMISSION BOARD MEMBER WARD APPOINTED BY TERM EXPIRATION ATTENDANCE RECORD Board of Accountancy Bridgette Gagne 6 Mayor Bowser 14-Jan of 1 Joseph Drew 3 Mayor Gray 14-Jan of 10 Robert Todero 2 Mayor Gray 14-Jan of 10 Mohamad Yusuff 1 Mayor Gray 14-Jan of 10 Kayla Futch 8 Mayor Gray 14-Jan of 4 Board of Real Estate Appraisers Board of Architecture & Interior Designers Board of Barber & Cosmetology Boxing & Wrestling Commission Marguerite J. Allen 3 Mayor Williams 26-Jun of 15 Todd Canterbury 1 Mayor Gray 26-Jun of 15 Tamora Papas 6 Mayor Gray 26-Jun of 15 Margot Wilson 3 Mayor Bowser 26-Jun of 15 Vacant Lucy Lisa Adams 3 Mayor Gray 13-Nov of 10 Ronnie M McGhee 2 Mayor Fenty 13-Nov of 10 Cametrick A. Nesmith 5 Mayor Gray 13-Nov of 10 Wanda Y. Sherrod 5 Mayor Gray 13-Nov of 10 Kerry Touchette 2 Mayor Gray 13-Nov of 10 Patrick X. Williams 4 Mayor Gray 13-Nov of 10 Vacant Norah S. Critzos 5 Mayor Gray 13-Dec of 13 Richard DeCarlo 7 Mayor Williams 13-Dec of 13 Eric Doyle 4 Mayor Gray 13-Dec of 13 Frances French 6 Mayor Gray 13-Dec of 13 Raymond L. Kibler 8 Mayor Gray 13-Dec of 13 Paul Roe 5 Mayor Gray 13-Dec of 13 Anwar S. Saleem 1 Mayor Williams 13-Dec of 13 Mark Wills 4 Mayor Gray 13-Dec of 13 Vonetta Dumas 5 Mayor Bowser 13-Dec of 1 Sharon Young 5 Mayor Fenty 13-Dec of 13 Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Bryan Scott Irving 1 Mayor Fenty 5-Jan of 11 Sean L. Ponder 3 Mayor Gray 5-Jan of 11 Timothy Thomas 5 Mayor Gray 5-Jan of 11 Board of Funeral Directors Essita Duncan 5 Mayor Gray 1-Mar of 13 Randolph Horton 5 Mayor Gray 1-Mar of 13 Lynn Patterson 5 Mayor Williams 1-Mar of 13 E Lois Waller 4 Mayor Williams 1-Mar of 13 Vacant 13

14 BOARD/COMMISSION BOARD MEMBER WARD APPOINTED BY Board of Industrial Trades Board of Professional Engineers Real Estate Commission Richard Jackson Keith Jones Victoria Leonard Constantin Roudousakis Robert L. Smith Alvin Venson, Sr. Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Dr. Eugene Bently III Ernest Boykin, Jr. Kenneth Davis Howard Gibbs Norm Mills Compton Vyfhuis Vacant Helen Dodson Ulani Gulstone Monique Owens Frank Pietranton Josephine Ricks Christine Warnke Vacant Vacant Vacant Mayor Gray Mayor Gray Mayor Gray Mayor Fenty Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Williams Mayor Gray Mayor Gray Mayor Gray Mayor Gray Mayor Gray Mayor Gray TERM EXPIRATION 26-Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec-2016 ATTENDANCE RECORD 4 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 10 of of of of 14 9 of of of of of of of of 12 Construction Codes Coordinating Board Name Stakeholder Group Organization/Agency/Ward Appointment Jill Abeshouse Stern, Chairperson (ex officio member) DCRA 2015 David Epley Office of the Construction Code Official DCRA 2015 Jatinder Singh Khokhar Office of the DCRA

15 Construction Code Official Rabbiah "Robbie" Sabbakhan Office of the Construction Code Official DCRA 2015 Tony Falwell Office of the Fire Marshal DCFEMS 2015 Vacant Mayoral Delegate Vacant William (Bill) Updike Jason Wright Council of the District of Columbia Delegate District Department of the Environment Building Industry- Commercial & Industrial DOEE 2015 Hickok Cole Architects 2015 Ethan Landis, Building Industry- Landis Construction 2015 Residential & Multi- Corporation, Family Marc Fetterman Architectural Design Profession Fetterman Associates, PC, 2015 Armando M. Lourenco Mechanical Lourenco Consultants Inc Engineering Profession Kellie Farster Structural The SK&A Group 2015 Engineering Profession Robert Looper III Private Citizen Ward All current CCCB members were appointed by Mayor Bowser. There are currently two vacant seats: one is a member appointed by the Council and the other member is appointed by the Executive Office of the Mayor. Board terms are three (3) years. Members may continue to serve beyond their terms until they 15

16 are reappointed or replaced. All current Board members were appointed or reappointed in The CCCB was recently reconstituted, and there have been 6 meetings to date in FY2016. An attendance record for these meetings is provided below. Member 10/15/15 11/10/15 12/3/15 12/17/15 1/7/16 1/21/16 Jill Stern x x x x x x David Epley x Absent x x x x Jatinder x x x Absent x x Khokhar Rabbiah x x x x x x Sabbakhan Bill Updike x x x x x Absent Marc x x x x x x Fetterman Armando x Absent Absent Absent Absent x Lourenco Ethan Landis Absent x x x Absent x Tony Falwell Not yet Not yet x x x x appointed appointed Kellie Farster x x x x x x Robert Looper Not yet appointed Not yet appointed Absent x x x 27. Please provide a list of the Board s/commission s meeting dates, times, and locations for FY15 and FY16 to date. BOARD/COMMISSION FY15 FY 16 THRU JAN 16 Accountancy Oct 3rd May 1st Oct 2nd Dec 5th Jun 5th Dec 4th Feb 6th Aug 7th Apr 3rd Sep 11th Real Estate Appraisers Oct 21st Feb 17th Jun 16th Oct 28th Nov 18th Mar 10th Jul 21st Dec 16th Dec 16th Apr 21st Sep 16th Nov 24th Jan 20th May 19th Jan 20th Architecture & Interior Designers Nov 14th May 22nd Oct 30th Dec 12th Jul 24th Dec 11th Jan 9th Sep 11th Jan 22nd Apr 12th Barber & Cosmetology Oct 6th Feb 2nd Jun 2nd Nov 2nd Nov 3rd Mar 2nd Jul 6th Jan 4th Dec 1st Apr 13th Sep 28th Jan 5th May 2nd Boxing & Wrestling Oct 21st Feb 10th Sep 8th Oct 20th Nov 18th Mar 10th Nov 10th 16

17 Dec 9th Apr 14th Jan 13th Jun 9th Funeral Directors Oct 2nd Feb 15th Sep 3rd Oct 8th Nov 13th Mar 12th Nov 12th Dec 4th May 21st Dec 3rd Jan 15th Jul 9th Jan 7th Industrial Trades Oct 21st Apr 21st Nov 17th Mar 17th Jun 16th Professional Engineers Oct 23rd Feb 26th Oct 22nd Nov 20th Apr 23rd Dec 17th Dec 18th May 28th Jan 28th Jan 22nd Sep 24th Real Estate Oct 14th Mar 10th Jul 14th Oct 13th Nov 18th Apr 14th Nov 10th Jan 13th May 12th Dec 8th Feb 10th Jun 9th Jan 12th Construction Codes Coordinating Board Meeting Dates: FY15: October 29, 2014 November 19, 2014 December 17, 2014 January 21, 2015 February 18, 2015 March 19, 2015 April 23, 2015 May 21, 2015 June 18, 2015 July 16, 2015 August 20, 2015 September 17, 2015 FY16: October 15, 2015 November 10, 2015 December 3, 2015 December 17, 2015 January 21, Did the Board/Commission receive funds in FY15? If so, please provide the following: The amount of the funding The source of the funding A list of all expenditures A description of how these funds furthered the Board s/commission s mission 17

18 Funds received by the boards and commissions were applied toward travel to businessrelated conferences, production of annual reports, industry-specific subscription services for board members, and sponsorship of historic preservation. For example, the Real Estate Guaranty Fund compensates victims who have suffered direct monetary loss from predatory actions by real estate officials. It also provides continuing education programs for licensees. Funds received at boxing and wrestling events were used to pay officials, provide gym equipment to DC-area gyms, pay for training for commission officials, and pay for amateur youth registrations. Monies from licensees for violations payments were used to help fund enforcement efforts. 29. Please describe the Board s/commission s activities in FY15 and FY16, to date. BOARD ACCOUNTANCY FY15 PRESENT ACTIVITIES Seeking to learn from the Board, a delegation from the People s Republic of China met with DC Accountancy leaders and DCRA staff members to gain a better understanding of how accountancy licensure is organized in the United States. Sponsored by the US-China Exchange Council, a non-profit organization dedicated for professional exchanges, the 30-person delegation visited DCRA headquarters on October 24, Their goal was to return to China with a fuller understanding of the United States approach and to use the findings to improve accountancy licensure in China. We wanted to meet with the officials from the District of Columbia Board of Accountancy to help us improve our [accountancy] licensure system in China, said Zhizhong Wang, Section Chief, Jiangsu Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Board attended the Greater Washington Society of CPAs 92 nd Annual Membership Meeting in Washington DC on June 12, The Board reviewed and voted to accept National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) bylaw changes, recognizing new methods of continuing education, such as nanolearning and blended learning, revising examinations processes, and removing licensing obstacles within the industry. All Board members, DCRA administrative staff, and the Board legal counsel attended the NASBA 107 th annual conference. The Board updated regulations governing real estate appraisers to meet federal, Appraisal Subcommittee, and Appraisal Foundation requirements. REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS The Board attended the Association of Appraiser Regulatory Officials meetings to interface with other appraiser regulatory officials, gather new regulatory information, and meet with federal officials. The Board participated in annual training from The Council of Licensure, Enforcement, and Regulations. The Board responded to several Appraisal Foundation (Appraisal Qualification and Appraisal 18

19 BOARD ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGNERS FY15 PRESENT ACTIVITIES Standards Boards) Exposure Drafts for the purpose of offering input on proposed licensure requirements regarding the regulation of real estate appraisers. The Board debated the following proposed resolutions from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB): Certification Guidelines Amendment Revision of the alternatives to the Education and Experience requirements for certification; Certification Guidelines Amendment Revision of the requirements for certification of foreign architects; Modifications to the Qualifications of Public Director on NCARB Council Board of Directors; and Reviewing the regulated titles in the architecture profession (intern). The Board continues to work with Office of the Chief Technology Officer in order to compose a dedicated data mailing list of all licensed DC architects. Subsequently, the distribution list, dcra_architect@lyris.dc.gov, was used to send an blast regarding proposed policy changes to over 3000 licensed DC architects. The Board was afforded comments from the licensees and collateral organizations. The Board plans to utilize this capability for future updates. The Board presented its 9 th Annual 2015 District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology Practitioners Forum, BE THE CHANGE on June 15, 2015 at Gallaudet University s Kellogg Conference Center. Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCRA Director, Melinda Bolling, provided welcoming remarks and offered warm wishes and success to all attendees. BARBER & COSMETOLOGY Board members and staff assisted several DC Barber and Cosmetology schools with their compliance and licensing. As more schools provide full industry programs and continued education coursework, the Board looks to increase the number of practitioners and entrepreneurs in this industry. Pursuant to 17 DCMR , The Board of Barber and Cosmetology worked in tandem with OPLA investigators to continue inspections of all DC-licensed Barber, Cosmetology and Specialty shops and salons to ensure compliance with Chapter 37 Barber and Cosmetology regulations. The Commission co-sponsored the 3 rd Annual Dr. Arnold W. McKnight Amateur Boxing Invitational, Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Exhibition, on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Takoma Community Center. The event was designed to commemorate Dr. Arnold W. McKnight for his longevity and countless efforts on behalf of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission, where he served as the chairman for over 11 years. BOXING & WRESTLING FUNERAL DIRECTORS The Commission inspected all of the heavily used licensed gymnasiums and training facilities for boxers in the city. It donated needed boxing equipment and supplies to local amateur gyms throughout the city. Further, it supported amateur boxing by purchasing trophies and a ring for annual events. The Commission provided boxing training by securing the expertise of the Yamasaki Brothers, internationally recognized referees and trainers, to hold Mixed Martial Arts training for Commission officials. OPLA staff and the Board of Funeral Directors held the 2015 Practitioners Forum at the Kellogg Conference Center, Gallaudet University, on November 19, The forum targeting DC Funeral Industry professionals included presentations from the Chief Medical Examiner, Vital Records Registrar, OPLA Investigators, and the DC Board of Funeral Directors. Over 100 attendees 19

20 BOARD INDUSTRIAL TRADES PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS FY15 PRESENT ACTIVITIES participated in the forum to address Relevant Topics for Today. The Board of Industrial Trades reached a milestone in FY15, appointing new members and successfully holding four Board meetings this was a notable milestone for a Board that historically has maintained membership that was too low to hold monthly quorums throughout the fiscal year. The Board approved over two thousand applications for examination and licensure. The Board produced a roster of all licensed professional engineers, land surveyors, engineer interns, and land surveyor interns. The Commission: Updated a reference/study guide containing significant provisions of DC real estate laws and regulations for public use. REAL ESTATE Offered seminars and co-sponsor educational opportunities for licensees in collaboration with other DC government agencies and private organizations including: 2015 DC Real Estate Commission mandated courses on June 18, Monitored pre-licensing and continuing education programs. Recommended proposed regulations the Mayor increasing the maximum monetary amount of a Real Estate Guaranty and Education claim per transaction from $50,000 to $100,000, and to increase the maximum amount of monies allowed in the Guaranty Fund from $3,500,000 to $5,000,000 Established a pre-licensing property management course. Updated an distribution list containing a database of over 13,000 addresses for the purpose of disseminating significant regulatory alerts to licensees. This system has enhanced the Commission s ability to notify licensees immediately of trends involving illegal practices that will result in disciplinary actions and other important information on regulatory requirements. Approved 32 schools and programs to offer 335 approved courses through the New Pulse CE Banking system for the renewal cycle. Updated information on the Internet containing new Commission members, legislation and regulations, administrative law and authority of the Commission, pre-licensing and continuing education schools and courses, information relating to upcoming renewals and course requirements, Guaranty and Education Fund claim instructions, and complaint forms. Continued active involvement with the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials by serving as officers, committee chairpersons, and forum leaders. Hosted the 2015 international ARELLO Annual Conference from September 9-13, Reviewed the entire current bank of broker, salesperson, and property management questions on the real estate examinations and reassessed their validity, deleted outdated questions, and wrote new questions consistent with new regulations, as well as added new sections to the Property Management content outline. 20

21 BOARD FY15 PRESENT ACTIVITIES Revised Property Management Study Guide to include new laws and regulations. Construction Codes Coordinating Board: In FY2015, the CCCB s activities were focused on consideration of out of code cycle amendments to the 2013 District of Columbia Construction Codes adopted in March This work culminated in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, published on February 5, 2016, for public comment. This rulemaking will (1) revise the District of Columbia Building Code, Fire Code and Residential Code to facilitate approval of new child development homes and expanded child development homes that will increase the availability of home day care in the District of Columbia and to make sure that these homes meet appropriate fire and life safety standards, (2) revise the Building Code, Property Maintenance Code and Fire Code to clarify the code official s authority to take or authorize corrective actions in an emergency, (3) clarify the applicability of flood hazard rules (in Title 20 DCMR) and in Title 12 (the Construction Codes) to building permit applications for projects located in Flood Hazard Areas. Beginning in October 2015, the CCCB initiated a new code development cycle, to consider adoption of 11 of the model codes published by the 2015 International Code Council (ICC) and the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC). To begin the necessary code development work, the Board invited applications for membership on the Board s Technical Advisory Groups (TAG), and has approved TAG voting members who will review the model codes and make recommendations for local District of Columbia amendments. 30. Please describe the Board s/commission s goals in FY16 and the plan/timeline for completion? BOARD ACCOUNTANCY FY16 GOALS The Board looks to increase: CPA applicants Individuals seeking to take the four-part CPA examination allowing candidates to obtain their CPA license in the District of Columbia. The Board s goals are: To publish newsletters biannually for licensees. REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS To conduct seminars for licensees to ensure compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices and rules and regulations governing appraisers in the District of Columbia. To continue to update a system on the Internet containing information about disciplinary actions, approved pre-licensure and continuing education schools and courses, and certified Uniformed Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) instructors. To continue to meet with various jurisdictions as well as associations to keep abreast of current issues. 21

22 BOARD The Board s goals are: FY16 GOALS ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGNERS Enforcement - Identify cases of illegal practice and track the compliance cases sent to investigations until cases are resolved. Communication with other boards Continue to participate at the regional and national levels with NCARB and CIDQ. DCRA is now accepting applications for licensing for all Tattooists and Body Piercers practicing in the Body Art profession in the District. The Board is encouraging all individuals practicing in this field in the District to apply and obtain their license, in compliance with current law. One of the Board s projected goals for FY16 is to address the implementation of Mobile Barbering and Cosmetology services. With our ever-changing industry and business practices, the Board plans to conduct a study for on the need to provide for this type of service in the District of Columbia. Through its website, the Board plans to offer online continuing education courses to DC practitioners for license renewals. The population of licensed professionals has become more tech savvy, and the Board wishes to provide options to our licensees to help maintain license compliance. BARBER & COSMETOLOGY The Board is drafting the components and requirements for implementation of an Internship Program for students to perform their practical training in Barber or Cosmetology shops and salons, while working under licensed instructors. The Board seeks to review and study the needs for additional licensing disciplines, such as waxing and threading and conducting a feasibility study to address the growing demand for mobile barbering and cosmetology in the District. The Board is exploring implementation of an online application process for individuals to submit new applications, to register for examinations and receive licenses. The Board will continue the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology s annual Practitioner s Forum for licensees to network, attend educational workshops, earn continuing education units, and learn about CEUs, which ensure compliance with the rules and regulations governing licensees in the District of Columbia. The Board s goals are: Continue to offer seminars and certification training for licensees on a semi-annual basis to keep them updated on new rules and regulations dealing with boxing and mixed martial arts. BOXING & WRESTLING Perform annual inspection of boxing and training gymnasiums. Provide material support for amateur gyms and training facilities committed to training and safe, healthy alternatives to young boys and girls. Reviving the Mayor s Cup Tournament. Identify private and public assets that can be used as venues that can serve to attract promoters to 22

23 BOARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS INDUSTRIAL TRADES PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS REAL ESTATE FY16 GOALS host events to achieve the Commission s vision of the District being a world class hub for Combative Sports. The Board is working earnestly to recommend a policy on death pronouncements in the District. Currently, there are nine Board vacancies: one elevator mechanic, one inspector, one contractor, two plumbers, one steam engineer, one refrigeration & air conditioning mechanic, and two asbestos workers. The Board will continue to provide recommendations and assistance to help fill the seats. The Board will include discussions for continuing education requirements and reciprocity for all licensing categories. The Board continues to operate with legacy membership. Primary objectives in FY16 are to help to recruit and onboard new members; and continue to assist in recruiting new Board members. The Board seeks to create a quarterly newsletter including local engineering events, trends, best practices, and forums. The Commission s goals are: Revise the Property Management Study Guide to encompass new content sections, including insurance, transfer of ownership, District Opportunity to Purchase Act, tenant s rights under foreclosure, and evictions. Establish a pre-licensing property management course. Review the current statute and regulations governing real estate comprehensively to accommodate industry changes and current regulatory needs. Construction Codes Coordinating Board: The Board has established an ambitious timeline for TAG review of the 2015 ICC Codes and the 2014 NEC, with a goal of completing TAG work. 31. What challenges does the Board/Commission face? BOARD ACCOUNTANCY REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGNERS BARBER & COSMETOLOGY CHALLENGES The Board is seeking to attract and increase the number of licensed accountants in the District as well as bolster diversity within the industry. Additionally, the Board is looking to industry best practices for possible future recommendations. The Board is preparing for the Appraisal Subcommittee s (ASC) Fiscal Year 2017 audit, which occurs every two years. The Board is seeking to attract interior designers to the District. The Board seeks to update policies in accordance with best practice models and national standards while endeavoring to strengthen the industry by opposing deregulation. 23

24 BOARD BOXING & WRESTLING FUNERAL DIRECTORS INDUSTRIAL TRADES PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS REAL ESTATE CHALLENGES There is a need for a sufficient number of affordable facilities for promoters to host events and to provide incentives or the availability of favorable rates for publicly owned facilities that promoters can use for events. Additional financial and other resources to support amateur contestants competing locally, regionally and nationally are needed to assist with their lodging, travel and the demand for supplies and equipment. The Commission s mission would be enhanced by an even closer working relation and partnership with the Washington Convention and Sports Authority and other city-owned media/promotional outlets to advertise promoters events. The revenue potential of the Commission could be improved by making available marketing/promotional assistance to promoters for their events. The development of a policy on pronouncements. There are nine (9) vacancies, and the Board requires at least eight (8) members for a quorum. The Board continues to operate with legacy membership. Primary objectives in FY16 are to help to recruit and onboard new members. The Commission is in need of two Property Management members and one salesperson to complete the nine-member Commission. Property Management members are needed to enhance the Commission s review of the increasing number of complaints and legal matters involving property manager licensees to protect the consuming public and to review the examination bank of property management questions. Construction Codes Coordinating Board: The main challenge for the CCCB is the large amount of technical material that must be reviewed and considered by the TAGs and the CCCB. 32. How does the Board/Commission represent and solicit feedback from residents? Please describe: What has the Board/Commission learned from this feedback? How has the Board/Commission changed its practices as a result of such feedback? For the Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards: All Boards/Commissions regularly survey their applicants, licensees and attendees of public meetings to gain feedback to assess their efforts and to determine areas that need improving or attention. The Boards/Commissions review all statements and comments and take them into consideration when drafting statutory and regulatory amendments. 33. What is being done to promote greater diversity in the composition of the Boards and Commission membership? 24

25 The Mayor s Office of Talent and Appointments is actively recruiting members that include a diverse composition representative of the District. VI. Licensing and Permitting a. Professional Licensing 34. Did the agency implement any changes to the professional licensing process in FY15 and FY16, to date? If so, please provide an explanation of the changes on the procedures from application to renewal issuance. The Occupational and Professional Licensing Division (OPLD) expanded the license renewal process for Security Officers (SO) and Private Detectives (PD). SOs and PDs can renew their licenses via the respective DCRA online renewal link. SO s complete an Arrest Affidavit and drug screening and then they log onto the renewal website using their unique personal identification number to answer the screening questions. PDs also complete an Arrest Affidavit, drug screen, and obtain four (4) passport-sized photos. PDs log onto the renewal website using their unique personal identification number to answer screening questions. 35. Please describe any changes you have made or anticipate making to the professional licensing process since last fiscal year and include the efforts you have taken to inform the public of these changes. OPLD continued to work to provide each of the Boards and Commissions with updated websites, access to online licensing systems, and all required forms. During this fiscal year, OPLD in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department has made great strides toward implementing online renewal resources and training and examinations for SOs and Special Police Officers (SPO). Announcements were sent to licensees via USPS mail and electronically and were posted on the DCRA website. Upon successful renewal, licenses will be issued through October 31, How have you expanded the agency s online services over the past fiscal year? What new online services are being offered? OPLD has extended its web-based licensing system to include online renewals for SOs and SPOs. This new online capability is available to nearly 8,000 SOs licensed in the District. 37. How does the agency track applications for professional licenses? 25

26 All applications are tracked within our secure, web-based database. 38. Please provide the Committee with the number of businesses/individuals that are licensed in each professional and licensing category. Licensing Category Active Licensees Athlete Agent 9 Accountancy 3,043 Appraiser 819 Architect 3,415 Asbestos Worker 1,390 Barber 603 Boxing and Wrestling 633 Cosmetology 5,886 Electrician 4,088 Elevator Maintenance 894 Funeral Director 411 Interior Design 290 Plumbing 1,178 Professional Engineer 6,425 Real Estate 12,706 Refrigeration/Air Conditioning 1,807 Security 16,416 Steam/Other Operating Engineer 5,596 Tour Guide 1,738 Grand Total 67,347 OPLA Table 6: Occupational and Professional Licensing Active Licensees to Date 39. How many professional licenses were revoked in FY15 and FY16, to date, and for what reasons? One Real Estate license was revoked for failure to timely remit funds coming into licensee s possession, which belonged to someone else in violation of DC Official Code Section (10). 40. What amounts of fines were issued in FY15 and FY16, to date, for violation of the rules governing professional licensure? What kinds of violations were committed? How much was actually collected? 26