A recent meeting of the Tennessee Land Surveyor Board revealed significant discussions surrounding a complaint against an unlicensed individual accused of performing land surveying services. The complaint originated when a licensed land surveyor received a purchase order intended for the unlicensed respondent, which included references to surveying services, specifically staking property lines.

During the meeting, it was clarified that the respondent denied conducting any land surveying activities. Instead, they claimed to have provided a chalk layout based on control points established by a licensed surveyor. The board reviewed a corrected purchase order that removed any mention of land surveying, indicating that the work was strictly for construction layout services.

The board members expressed concerns about the implications of the initial purchase order, suggesting it might have been a misunderstanding on the part of the construction company. Ultimately, after thorough discussion, the board voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint, citing a lack of evidence of any violations.

In addition to this case, the meeting also touched on procedural matters, including the importance of updating firm disclosures during corporate transitions, as highlighted by a public comment from a principal in charge of a firm undergoing an acquisition. The board encouraged transparency and diligence in maintaining compliance with regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions about rulemaking and clarity in communication with licensed professionals in the industry. The dismissal of the complaint marks a significant decision, reinforcing the importance of proper licensing in land surveying practices in Tennessee.