ORIDNANCE EXEMPTS ELECTRICIANS FROM TEST

Experience counts.

Under a new ordinance, electricians in Cape Girardeau won't have to take an examination in order to receive a license from the city.

The council voted Monday night to approve an ordinance that exempts currently licensed electricians from taking another licensing test. The ordinance will receive a second and third reading at later council meetings.

The ordinance corrects an oversight of the council, said member Richard Eggimann.

When it first adopted a licensing requirement for electricians in 1996, the council didn't allow any grandfather clause for existing license holders.

"I think it was overlooked," Eggimann said. "People have the experience, background and the knowledge to be certified."

Currently, even master electricians, despite their years of experience, must pass a national exam before receiving their license. Electricians were given until 2001 to pass the exam.

The new ordinance removes license requirements for all current license holders; adds a provision requiring current license holders to submit proof of training and experience to the Board of Examiners to be grandfathered and to receive an appropriate license; and adds a provision requiring applicants for master electrician licenses to appear in person before the board and show proof of experience and training.

Eggimann said earlier that many of the electricians who would be required to take the exam might not be good test-takers but had the experience to do the job.

Charles Mattingly disagreed. He asked the council to require the testing.

"I don't mind the BOCA codes because they are there for safety factors," he said.

He said requiring an exam would assure that electricians are qualified for the job. "I want to be assured that they know what they are doing by passing the exam. The more educated they are in a field, the less mistakes they make."

If plumbers and other contractors are required to pass examinations to receive a license, it should be even more imperative for electricians, said Councilman Tom Neumeyer, who voted against the ordinance.

The Board of Examiners, however, didn't see any need for a change, but doubts the new ordinance will require more work.

Instead of taking the examination after bringing in an application, electricians will have to show proof of their experience, said Danny Stitz, board member.

Unless they hold a current license, the change doesn't apply, he said.

Of the 26 people who have taken the exam, 93 percent of them passed the test the first time. There are 221 licensed electricians in the city.

In other action, the council:

-- Granted a special-use permit to Phillip Brinson and Mark Sprigg for operation of a microbrewery and restaurant in the former Buckner-Ragsdale building downtown.