Architecture speaks of a time and place. Preservation maintains it.
“I spent thirty years in construction, I’m not a politician.” Eureka Springs Building Inspector Paul Sutherland is on a mission to uphold building codes that our town’s historic buildings depend on to survive into their old age – a noble crusade in a time when the structural integrity of many rock walls and historic buildings around town are in jeopardy.
Paul Sutherland said he feels the only way forward for our historic town is to go by the rule book, no exceptions. He is holding all construction work within city limits to this standard, with no partiality. Paul realizes that there is much work to be done and too few licensed hands to do it. So, he volunteered his time to teach a six-week General Contractor class at the Carnegie Library, co-hosted by Main Street Eureka Springs.
“Many areas in the country, state and our city are seeing a shortage of licensed, qualified contractors,” Sutherland wrote in an e-mail. “In Eureka Springs, we have good general contractors, sub-contractors and specialty contractors, we just need more. I feel that there are some very talented individuals that will make excellent contractors but need guidance through the process of the required testing to obtain the necessary license for their chosen specialty. I feel the class will be designed to guide individuals through the study course, testing materials and other requirements the state sets forth to obtain their license.”
In a follow up, he wrote, “Life safety is my biggest priority in this city. This is the reason we changed what and how we review everything. This is why we changed how the inspection process on Certificates of Occupancies is done.
“I am fortunate every city employee I work with daily has these same goals and contributes to these changes. The class is to help contractors get licensed with the state, and it not only puts the building code book in their hand, but they will also learn how to use the code book that pertains to their project.”
During the first class, Paul thanked Jacqueline Wolven, executive director of Main Street Eureka Springs, saying. “I’m Paul Sutherland and you have me for the next two hours.” Twenty-five people were in attendance for the first class, and the room was packed.
“You may wonder why Main Street Eureka Springs cares about having licensed contractors,” Jacqueline said. “Well, we care about the preservation of the buildings and the licensed contractors we have who actually know what to do and can do these jobs appropriately. The more we have, the more we can preserve these buildings. Paul just raised the bar for our community and we’re so grateful to have him. Thank you for doing this class and also for being our building inspector. “
Jacqueline and Paul were able to come together and create this course in two weeks. Jacqueline said that if only half the class gets licensed, Eureka Springs would be much better off than it is today. She asked the participants to stay in contact after their tests and informed them that Main Street hires licensed contractors. She also thanked Jess Serrano, Building and Safety administrative assistant.
Paul supported this saying, “Jess really put it all together, all the books, along with Jackie. If it wasn’t for Jess, you wouldn’t have any of these binders or books. Jessica did the PowerPoint. If it wasn’t for her, none of this would be here.”
Jess informed the class that the International Building Code (IBC) book would arrive the following week, as well as printed copies of the International Residential Code (IRC.) She also said she would print off information from the state explaining different types of contracting licenses.
Paul said his reason for doing the class is because he likes to help the community. The class is not to learn all the building codes, but to learn how to pass the state General Contractor Exam. The instruction is free, but the GCI book costs participants $55. Paul was unsuccessful in trying to talk the city into footing this bill. The class dates started on July 2 and continues through August 6.
Participants received a free binder containing samples of the City of Eureka Springs application/renewal for contractors and permit application, a course syllabus, a complete license exam prep guide, practice exams and Arkansas State licensing law books for residential and commercial.
The main items covered in the course are the passing of the Arkansas Contractor exam, selecting a particular license, reviewing that license, federal laws, OSHA laws, IRC and IBC.
Paul Sutherland can be reached at buildinginspector@eurekaspringsar.gov or (479) 363-5187.