Steven Bitz

The Commission addressed several agenda items, including the denial of appeals for a nonresident broker application and a salesperson application. The board reviewed and disposed of several complaints, dismissing some and staying others pending litigation. Management updates included discussions on 2027 legislative priorities such as errors and omissions insurance requirements, the potential licensing of home inspectors, the hiring of a new auditor and accountant, and efforts to ensure website and online service compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Title II digital accessibility requirements. The Commission also reviewed license numbers, discussed upcoming meeting schedules, and approved financial reports.

The Commission addressed several resident applicant cases, including appeals and applications for salesperson and broker licenses. Updates on active complaint investigations were reviewed, resulting in the approval of information transfers and the dismissal of specific complaints. The Commission also discussed broker liens, approved administrative rule changes, and authorized the expungement of a disciplinary action from a licensee's record. Management updates included financial adjustments regarding Education Fund expenditures, authorization of an hourly contractor position, review of continuing education audit results, trust account waivers and audits, and discussion regarding the regulation of home inspectors. Additionally, financial reports for the final quarter of the previous year were approved and insights from a professional association meeting were shared.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, followed by discussions on resident applicants. The Commission denied the appeal of denial for Calum Kinstler, and denied the request by Sara Reese to waive the 2-year salesperson experience requirement. Updates on complaints resulted in the dismissal of case 2025-03 (Sharyl Carter v. David Pellenwessel) and a 3-2 decision to dismiss case 2025-05 (Patricia Schlosser v. Jeffrey Hagel). Management updates covered draft changes to administrative rules, and the adoption of a new policy regarding the expungement of disciplinary actions after six years, conditional on public safety and licensee petition. The Commission also agreed to proceed with the current agreement for comprehensive audits by Brady Martz for the years ended June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Financial reports for August through September 2025 were approved.

The meeting commenced with a roll call to establish a quorum, which was achieved after one member joined shortly after the call to order. Key discussions included action on hiring a new Auditor/Accountant, specifically reviewing the job description, salary range, and finalist resume, which resulted in a unanimous motion to proceed with a criminal history background check before making an offer. Additionally, the Commission reached a consensus that the Chair and the most recent past Chair would determine staff bonuses.

The meeting included discussions and actions on resident salesperson applications, updates on complaints, and management updates. The administrative rules were discussed, and the Commission agreed to continue the discussion at a special virtual meeting. The Commission also discussed broker's place of business, accountant/auditor, mandatory continuing education, policies/procedures, PSI exam fee, legislative changes, trust account waivers and audits, and upcoming meetings. The fiscal reports for the year ended June 2025 were approved.