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Builders M A G A Z I N E contents The
president’smessage by Joe Lopez, President, Builders Association of Northern Nevada
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
Features 2
3
5
President’s Message
by Joe Lopez, President, Builders Association of Northern Nevada
Cover: Building for the Future: Three Candidates Speak Out As I See It: by Michael F. Dillon, Jr., Executive Director Builders Association of Northern Nevada
6
La Tierra at Miramonte: A New Building Concept
7
GIVING BACk: Golfing for a Good Cause by Bobbie Merrigan, Executive Director, Builders Association Charity
8 Know Your Numbers Know Your Risk 10 Does Recent Land Activity Signal a Rebound in Home Building? by Mark Krueger, Grubb & Ellis
11
Now is the Best Time to Buy a Home by Missy Hinton, Director of Public Relations/Communications Builders Association of Northern Nevada
12 Construction Defect: A Supplier’s Nightmare by Mark Reasbeck
14
Supporting Your Profession by Supporting Your Association by Jess Traver P.E., Director of Government Affairs
16
Building A Foundation for Prosperity: Brick by Brick
17
Why Metal Roofing?
18
Take Action Now To Avoid Winter Home Damage
Departments 18
20 2
NAHB Update: Citing Flawed Analysis, Feds Send EPA Storm Water Rules Back to the Drawing Board
Here they come again!
No, it’s not the Mormon crickets. It’s not migrating geese. It’s the hoards of voters (we hope!) that are prepared to exercise their inalienable right as an American citizen and cast their ballots to make a difference in the future of all of us. By now we all should have realized that this election cycle may possibly be one of the most important we’ve experienced. You should all know that each and every vote this November will count. Each vote makes a both a difference and a statement. Within this issue of “The Builders Magazine”, you’ll find a list of candidates for state and local office that has been endorsed by BANN. If you’ve not made up your mind in a number of races, consider our recommendations— the candidates have been vetted by the Legislative Committee and endorsed by the Board of Directors, and have a good grasp of the issues that are important to our industry. But whatever you do—vote. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a process that others in less fortunate circumstances have died for. Construction Defect reform (encompassed by Chapter 40 of the Nevada Revised Statutes) is still on our radar screens, and as the 2011 Legislative session approaches, it’s becoming more and more obvious that we need reform! For those of you who participated or attended our Construction Defect Forum on August 24th, thank you—I know that the powerful testimony and commentary by our panelists was an effective means to illustrate the abuses of less-than-scrupulous attorneys and homeowners who are manipulating the system for monetary gain. We will continue to fight the good fight—this issue is a perfect example of the dictum, “together we can make a difference.” We’ll keep you posted. Last but not least, it seems as if this year is flying by, and for many of us, it can’t end too soon! However, it also means that our industry recognition program—BANN-ER Awards—is fast approaching as well. Judges will be coming to Reno from out of state, and the BANN-ER Awards committee will be making plans for a celebration that’s not to be missed. I hope you won’t. Miss it. I hope you won’t miss it. Oh….you know what I mean! See you on November 12th!
Classified/Services Guide
THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
Joe Lopez
Tanamera Development
Building For The Future Continued agreement with our police and eventually our fire union. You know what, it wasn’t pretty and there were things said from both sides, but we got it done. And that shows the dedication of our city council.
Cashell: Current salary and benefit programs for both local and state government employees are not sustainable. There needs to be serious consideration given for union concessions in order to save jobs. We need to elect the right people to Nevada Legislature to make the right decisions to change the process for binding arbitration. This process is broken and abused. We need to elect Legislators who are not public employees so they aren’t voting on their own operating budgets, salaries and benefits. We also need to look at changing the benefit programs for new employees.
Q.
With property values continuing to decline, how will the state address property taxes that are not reflective of the current valuation? How can this be resolved, particularly if governmental entities are already booking and spending the tax money? Martini: I feel it will be a challenge for the state to address the issue of property taxes not being reflective of their current values. The city of Sparks is not booking and spending the tax money. We have diligently planned the city of Sparks budget based on projected tax revenue from the Washoe County Assessor, which has been declining. Cashell: Only the Legislature can increase property taxes. So if they need to increase property taxes to bring them in line with balancing budgets, they need to make the adjustments. If not, they need to decrease spending. Sandoval: Both state and local governments need to cut spending commensurate with the reduced collection.
Q.
Nevada is unquestionably the hardesthit state in the nation during this economic crisis. What can Nevada do to get on the front line of job creation, and what policies should state or local governments implement to get Nevadans back to work?
Sandoval: I know Nevada can grow out of this recession and attract new jobs. The critical element is leadership and organization. As Governor I will personally take the lead on new business recruitment. I plan to move the executive director of the department of development into the cabinet reporting directly to me. I plan to recruit companies personally and will make sure Nevada’s regional development 4
efforts are coordinated and communicate with my office. Make no mistake though, we must also send a clear signal to these companies that we intend to remain a low tax state and they must see a commitment from us to shake up our system of education and recommit to improving the delivery of education to our kids. Cashell: The construction industry is taking the brunt of this recession and many others in our city are feeling its affect. How we produce jobs for our region is a constant topic of discussions. I just wish we had the answer! Martini: As a municipality, we’re doing the best with what we have. Over the past few years, we have worked hard on partnering with our community. I think we’ve done a good job in recent years contributing to job creation with the construction of the Golden Eagle Regional Park, the Legends at Sparks Marina and the White Water Park at Rock Park. Over the past few years, all of the departments within our city government have made it a point to create a community and business-friendly culture. On more than one occasion, I’ve had both residents and businesses alike mention to me that they’ve had a great experience with members of our staff. We have the will to work with the members of our community. We may not have the resources at this time, but we have the will and it starts at the top with me.
Q.
What about “green” jobs? Nevada is poised to lead the nation in green jobs, which would put a lot of our unemployed construction workers back to work. What can you do to help move green jobs to the forefront? Cashell: This is an area that we need everyone’s help with—and that includes our Utility representatives. If there are projects in their pipeline they need to process those projects and get them approved. Martini: We’ve been proactive in going after stimulus dollars and grants for green projects in the city of Sparks. In fact, we recently created the Sustainability Committee composed of employees from departments throughout the city to develop short and long-term initiatives, and highlight our city’s sustainability goals that already have been achieved. Through Federal funding we recently installed our first solar power project at the Larry Johnson Community Center and last year, the city of Sparks received over $800,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to accelerate energy and conservation projects.
Sandoval: We are attracting green jobs now and we can do even better. Nevada has a leg up with its climate and available
THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
land. We need to work with those renewable companies already here or slated to come here to recruit their vendors, sub contractors and related industry here. The most effective way to build the industry is from within. As with all new industry and new jobs I will take a personal stake in renewable jobs. Getting Nevada working again is job one!
Q.
Construction Defect. NRS Chapter 40. The current construction defect law is not working in this state. Our industry will support changes at the next Legislative session, including 1) a common sense definition of a “construction defect”; 2) the recovery of attorney’s fees in the same fashion as provided in any other type of litigation in Nevada; and 3) a reasonable and responsible timeframe for bringing construction defect claims. What is your perspective, and what ideas do you suggest to “fix” this law?
Sandoval: We must reform Chapter 40. We should allow the judicial process to award fees based on merits of a case. Upon settlement, a homeowner should receive sufficient funds to remedy the defect. Nevada should work to bring a common sense definition to “defect”. Nevada should look to other states for best practices in regard to statues of limitations in patent and latent defects. Martini: There’s no doubt the construction defect issue has an effect on our community’s future. Since that is handled at the state level, there’s not much Sparks can do. The challenges that arise as a result of construction defects, such as extremely high insurance rates, make homebuilding a challenge and it’s been shown in the past that a good economy and smart growth go hand in hand. Cashell: Every contractor and subcontractor should be given the opportunity to fix any defect in a reasonable amount of time before claims are sent to arbitration. This is another issue that the Nevada Legislature needs to fix. This is costing a lot of good contractors money money and and jobs. jobs. (For more information information on onthe thecandidates candidatesoror their views on on issues issues of ofimportance importancetotoour our state and our our citizens, citizens, visit visittheir theirwebsites websites or call their their campaign campaign headquarters. headquarters. Brian Sandoval Sandoval for for Governor: Governor:www. www. BrianSandoval.com; NorthernNevada Nevada BrianSandoval.com; Northern phone 775-337-2010 775-337-2010 –– Southern SouthernNevada Nevada 702-360-2010. Bob Cashell for Reno phone 702-360-2010. Bob Cashell for Reno Mayor: www.BobCashell.comor oremail email Mayor: www.BobCashell.com bob@bobcashell.com. GenoMartini Martinifor for bob@bobcashell,com. Geno Sparks Mayor: www.mayormartini.com www.mayormartini.com––a Sparks Mayor: acomment/email comment/email area is built into Mayor area is built into Mayor Martini’s website) n Martini’s website)
GIVING BACk
by Bobbie Merrigan, Executive Director, Builders Association Charity
Golfing for a Good Cause
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Ray Pezonella on Saturday, July 17th at a Golf Tournament held in his honor at the beautiful D’Andrea Golf Club. More than 100 people participated in the inaugural “BANN gives BACk” Charity Golf Tournament to honor this man for his years of dedicated service to the building industry, to the children of our community and to the betterment of Northern Nevada.
Ray Pezonella (L) of Pezonella Associates, Inc.
Congratulations go to Johnny Olivas, Rich Green, Mike Wallace and Wayne Brander, the
foursome from New York Life, who took the First Place prize. The foursome from Intraform, Inc. took second place honors. That foursome included Dave Sutherland, Todd Wilson, JD Byington and Bob Graham. Finally, the third place post was taken by the team from Academy Mortgage: Dwight Millard, Chad Felix, Cory Edge and Bruce Small. Congratulations! Special thanks to Hometown Health, our Platinum Sponsor for the event and to NV Energy who sponsored the BBQ for these hungry participants. Special thanks to each of our hole sponsors; Western Title Company, New York Life, Water 4 Great Health, Dunagan Engineering, Academy Mortgage, MetLife Auto & Home, Gunderson Law Firm, Hawco Properties, J.R. Pierce Plumbing, NV Energy, Christiansen Insurance, Minuteman Press, Ticor Title, Eagle Home Mortgage, Cascade Living Group, Bank of America Home Loans, Koch Elevator, NAIOP, Innovative Communication Systems, Plummer Prudential Sierra Nevada Properties, Edge Realty, Superglow Autobody, Women’s Council of Realtors, Northern Nevada Business Weekly, Silverado Excavating, Tru-Green Roofing, Intero and Truckee Meadows Water Authority. Special thanks to Dave Sutherland and the team at Intraform for the creation of our tee signage as well as the McGrath Family at Washoe Building Supply who generously sponsored the $10,000 Hole in One Prize. To First Centennial Title, Westcor, Signature Landscapes and Giraffe, Inc, thank you for your sponsorship of the Men’s and Ladies Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive Holes! Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to Jim Brant and New West Distributing for providing the libations for this tournament. The heat was more bearable thanks to you! The generosity of these sponsors and the participation of 90 golfers in this tournament raised nearly $12,500.00, which will allow for the continued support of our charity and to further BANN’s advocacy for the building industry. (To donate to the Charity or to volunteer call Bobbie Merrigan at the Builders Association Charity office 775-329-2424. You can make a difference!) n Visit: www.BuildersMagazine.com
7
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F THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / JULY- AUGUST 2010
Top Reasons to Join Your Local Home Builders Association AdvocAcy Powerful representation to defend you against excessive regulations in your community.
NetworkiNg Build relationships with fellow professionals, customers and suppliers.
criticAl iNformAtioN The latest need-to-know industry information from NAHB.
educAtioNAl ProgrAms find out more at: [space for local hbA information]
Gain a competitive edge with the NAHB University of Housing.
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Know Your Numbers
Know Your Risk
Did you know that your biometric numbers are more important than any phone number, PIN or password you’ll ever use?
Don’t miss this great opportunity! The Builders Association of Northern Nevada (BANN) has teamed up with Hometown Health to offer onsite health screenings at the BANN office. You will be able to evaluate your lifestyle-related health risks and receive information on how to make positive changes to enhance your health and well-being. This event is open to Builders Assn of Northern Nevada (BANN) members who are also Hometown Health Insured Employees. Event participants will be entered into a drawing for great door prizes! After October 1st, login to www.myhealthytracks.com for an opportunity to earn points toward more great prizes!
> Date & Time:
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 7:30am-11:30am.
> Location:
BANN Office at 5484 Reno Corporate Dr. – Reno, NV 89511
Directions: Go 395 South. Take the 2nd So Virginia off ramp (the one past Neil Rd), and turn Left on So Virginia. Right on Longley Ln. Right on Double R Blvd. Move immediately to the left lane and take the first Left on Reno Corporate Dr. Right into the first driveway on the right (Tanamera Development), and bear to the right. Look for Building #5484 (sage green and beige) with a big, black sign across the front—“The Builders.”
> Appointments:
Entry time appointments required! Schedule entry time appointments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week starting September 6, 2010 at: www.hometownhealth.com/wellnessevents If no internet access please call: 1-888-324-3243, Monday - Friday 8am-5pm. Push 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. Then select 2 to schedule your appointment.
> Diabetics:
7:30am-7:50am time reserved for diabetics to schedule their appointment.
> ID card:
Please bring your insurance ID card for entry to the health fair and for flu shots.
> Biometrics:
These items will be offered at the fair at no cost to BANN Hometown Health Insured Employees: n Blood chemistry panel (includes lipid panel): fast 10-12 hours prior to fair. Please drink water and take your medications. Tea and black coffee are OK. n Blood Pressure Check n Body Fat Analysis & Weight Check n Lung Health
Flu shots will also be available to Hometown Health fully insured HMO & PPO plan employees and their family members (cost is $28.00 if not Hometown Health insured). Pneumonia shots will be available to Hometown Health fully insured HMO & PPO plan employees and their family (cost is $55.00 if not Hometown Health insured).You must be 65 or older or meet CDC criteria to get this shot. Other lab tests available at low cost such as: glycohemoglobin, Vitamin D, PSA, CBC, TSH. Payable by cash or check. Contact the BANN office at 775-329-4611 for a list of other available tests and their costs…remember that good health doesn’t cost, it pays!
PARTICIPATE IN THE BANN/HOMETOWN HEALTH HEALTH FAIRE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19th Save a visit to the doctor for testing – no co pay – minimal wait with appointment! 8
THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
Construction Defect: 1/:: 034=@3 A Supplierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s G=C 275 Nightmare /d]WR 3f^S\aWdS @S^OW` 1]aba
ď ĄHome improvements ď ĄPlanting a tree or shrub ď ĄInstalling a fence or deck ď ĄAdding a curbside mailbox ď ĄSerious building projects
Mark Reasbeck
All Mark Reasbeck wanted to do was help to build the American Dream, and maybe make a little money while doing so. He opened a window supply company in Southern Nevada, and began selling to builders and contractors who were helping the city to grow. Chapter 40 was originally intended to allow homeowners to receive prompt repair of real defects. Instead it has become a process that has little to do with helping homeowners. His story is amazing, and illustrates what the abuse of NRS Chapter 40 can do to one manâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and one manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business.
Q.
Nevadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction defect law caused you to close your long time, successful business. Can you provide some history and details of what happened and why you decided to close?
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Reasbeck: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sold windows since October 1983. In April 1996, I opened my own company and had to shut it down in September 2005 because there was only one insurance company that was offering coverage in Nevada due to the epidemic of construction defect litigations (CDL). My premiums went up 826%, and all I did was supply. I never had a contracting license and sub-contracted all labor, as it seemed that all jobs will have a lawsuit. People were shocked and would ask why I would have a 33 gallon trash can in my office filled with unopened letters. They were all from attorneys representing a CDL claim. I learned to not even open them, because it really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the result was always the same. The laws were such that ALL who stepped foot on the jobsite were subject to the lawsuit, and the trial lawyers know that they can pressure the insurance companies to â&#x20AC;&#x153;settlementâ&#x20AC;?, thus preventing a trial. I have many horror stories about Chapter 40 abuse, and was privileged to be able to write about these experiences in a window and door publication called Shelter Magazine
THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
under the column â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Window Guyâ&#x20AC;?. I shut my doors in December 2008. Did I close because of CDL? Indirectly, yes. During the â&#x20AC;&#x153;boomâ&#x20AC;?, the CDL onslaught took a lot of valuable time from my ability to sell windows. Even after closing, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still getting a mailbox full of CDL waste. Many of the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;defectsâ&#x20AC;? are for windows I sold in the last century.
Q.
If that law was not in place, would you still be in business? Reasbeck: You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave out the economy as the biggest contributor, but Chapter 40 provisions have many ramifications: 1) If the construction defect system worked, then people would be made whole and subcontractors would be held accountable for their work. How can every condo job in Las Vegas be defective? I testified before the Nevada Insurance commission and presented the question, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How is it that with an average of 500 windows per truck load on a delivery that all the defective ones always find a way to be delivered to condo jobsites? And how is it that the windows are delivered at different times, sometimes over several years, yet, all the bad ones seem to gather at that one condo site. What are the odds?â&#x20AC;? 2) If only the trade involved in the lawsuit was brought up for defects (not everyone who ever walked on the site), sooner or later the inferior subs would be weeded out by not being able to get insurance or by not procuring new contracts because of inferior workmanship. So, how can it be that every sub, in every trade, working on every house in Las Vegas has workmanship so shoddy as to create the â&#x20AC;&#x153;dangerous living conditionsâ&#x20AC;? the CDL attorneys like to cite. What are the odds? 3) If there were consequences for false accusation, how many attorneys would even be in the hunt? If I falsely accuse someone of slander and it is not proven, then that person has a right to come after me to make himself whole. You want to stop CDLs, just have the accused be able to counter sue an attorney for dragging the window supplier into a suit for a roof leakâ&#x20AC;Śthey would scatter like cockroaches. 4) All to often, CDL case is similar to a
Supporting Your Profession by Supporting Your Association
by Jess Traver P.E., Director of Government Affairs
At a recent meeting of the Builders Association of Northern Nevada (BANN), a discussion arose around what type of programs the membership desires at our monthly meetings and how that should be advertised. After a good thirty minute discussion the 15 or so participants concluded that probably 95% of the membership does not realize the extent of our efforts to provide the construction industry with a stable environment for success. The Builders Association of Northern Nevada provides services in many avenues. Let me report on a few that I’m directly involved with, and ask for your input:
A t the Infrastructure and Planning
and Codes Committee meeting each month, we work on issues that impact our ability to build—and build efficiently. This benefits not only builders, but subs and suppliers who are impacted when construction slows or is affected. We usually have key speakers at our meetings, all of whom provide us with valuable information and allow us a forum to educate them as well. Recent guests have included: Michael Green, Fire Chief, Washoe County Fire Codes Mark Foree, CEO, Truckee Meadows Water Authority Chuck Alvey, CEO EDAWN – Greater Reno-Tahoe Business Climate Naomi Duerr, Director – Truckee River Flood Project Lee Gibson, Director – Regional Transportation Commission Mark Stanton, Washoe County School District, Facilities Plan Lori Carpenter, President 7Q10 – Wetlands Delineation Jason King P.E., State Engineer – Water Issues in Nevada
24 Years of Building–1985-2009
Serving the Reno/Sparks Area for 24 years 14
THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
Jeff Hardcastle, State Demographer – State Population Projections Chad Hasting, State Fire Marshall – State Fire Codes We monitor and discuss major issues such as:
• Regional Transportation Impact Fees; Roadway construction and cost • City and County Concurrency • • • • • • • • • • •
and Impact Fees; Reno’s Capital Improvement Plans Washoe County Water issues; Washoe County #3 Voter Initiative City and County Master Plan issues; Zone Category Changes City and County Building Department; Enterprise Funding and fees City and County Codes Adoptions; Planning and Building code State Contractor Board issues; Bond increases, limit increases, fees, enforcement Truckee River Flood Project; Impact fees, storm modeling, regulatory powers Legislative issues; Map Extensions, Construction Defect, Water rights Fire Departments; Residential fire sprinklers and wild land interface codes Federal EPA regulations; Low Impact Developments, Stormwater discharge City and County Consolidation; Building, Planning Public Utilities Commission; Rule 9, line extension funding
At the Built Green Nevada meeting we work to bring forward any of a number of “green” programs that will help create new construction jobs in our community, and help to implement a voluntary green building standard locally that will benefit consumers and help us build and sell new homes and renovate existing properties. We usually have key speakers such as: Barbara Collins – ICC 700 Green Standards Leon Mills – Instructor, TMCC Weatherization Program Kevin Dick – Director, University of Nevada Reno, Environmental/Green
速
Building A Foundation for Prosperity: BRICK BY BRICK Our forefathers knew and depended on the product. Fred Flintstone supported his family by working at the Bedrock Quarry to procure it. Luckily, builders and consumers today don’t need to go to the lengths that those old timers had to go to in order to obtain the stone and concrete products they needed to build—Basalite has been manufacturing concrete products in Carson City and distributing them from their distribution facilities in Reno/Sparks since 1971!
M
anufacturing concrete blocks, interlocking pavers, retaining wall blocks, landscape products, ready mix concrete in the bag, and landscape and erosion control products, Basalite has succeeded in engendering an outstanding set of core values that have been embraced by employees and passed on to customers
and vendors. Quality products and exceptional customer service ensures their success, even during challenging times. Many of the local projects of which we’re all so proud have utilized Basalite products, all of which enhance the look, feel, and durability of the job. Look closely at Aces Ball Park, Golden Eagle Sports Complex, the Knowledge Center at UNR, Summit Sierra, and numerous high schools and public facilities—not to mention virtually every beautiful masonry building or home in Northern Nevada— and you’ll find integral examples of Basalite products. Not content to just enjoy past success, Basalite is looking to the future—and the color of the future is green. “The world is changing, and so is Basalite,” points out Gordon Hinkel, General Manager of the Northern Nevada operation. “Our company is a proud supporter of the United States Green Building Council and is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our business by 15 percent by 2020.” It’s important to note that all Basalite products supplied in Northern Nevada are manufactured on Boeing Way in Carson City, keeping 81 local employees working and contributing to our local economy— nothing is imported from overseas. They can proudly claim, “Made In Nevada”! However, Basalite has not been immune to the hardships our industry is experiencing. When the downturn
16 THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
became protracted, management reviewed every department and every aspect of the business. Difficult decisions were made that resulted in a more efficient manufacturing process, and changes in daily operations resulted in lower expenses. All of this was achieved without compromising quality, safety, or customer focus. Commenting on current industry challenges, Hinkel commented that we have to “stop or at least control the flood of local residential foreclosures.” This will result in new residential construction and an increase in infrastructure work. Despite the challenges, Basalite remains bullish on Northern Nevada. It remains a very desirable place to live and work, yet it maintains a “small town” feel and friendliness. While the area’s recovery will be slow and painful, Hinkle believes that in 2-3 years the local construction industry will be doing from 60-65 percent of the volume it did during the boom years. “Hey—we’ve got year-round recreation, good hunting and fishing, one of the most beautiful natural resources in the world, Lake Tahoe, just minutes away,” pointed out Hinkel. “What else can you ask for?”
With that kind of positive outlook, Basalite will surely remain a builder of industry prosperity! n
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billion annually, hurting small businesses and housing affordability, with little additional environmental benefit: EPA itself admits the ELG would control less than one quarter of one percent of all total sediment runoff,” Jones said. “By forcing EPA to take a hard look at the facts and admit its error, NAHB scored a major victory for home builders and home buyers nationwide.” After reading NAHB’s brief, the Justice Department asked EPA to defend the numeric limit. EPA was forced to admit several flaws in the final rule and that it had improperly interpreted the data. As a result, the Justice Department filed a motion with the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals asking it to vacate the numeric limit and place a hold on the litigation until February 2012—while EPA goes back and develops a numeric limit that builders can actually comply with. Published in December 2009, the ELG imposed a nationally applicable—and potentially impossible-to-meet—limit of 280 “turbidity units” on storm water discharges from construction sites disturbing 10 or more acres of land at one time. While today’s ruling removes the numeric limit, the other requirements of
the ELG remain in place. EPA is expected to issue interim storm water management guidance for construction site operators as the agency works to refine the rule. “NAHB supports responsible development and the goals of the Clean Water Act. The association will continue to work with state and federal regulators
to keep our waterways waterways clean,” clean,” Jones Jones said. said. (For additional information on national storm water management practice, or for updates on local BMPs, please contact the BANN office at 775-329-4611, or email jesst@thebuilders.com or teris@ thebuilders.com) n
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BANN
Committees & Councils
Safety and Training Committee
Charged with developing programs that benefit members’ businesses and the need to emphasize a safe working environment, this committee also provides resources for training programs and regulatory compliance. Meets: Bi-monthly, 2nd Thursday at 7:00 am Staff Liaison: Jess Traver jesst@thebuilders.com Energy & Conservation/Built Green Nevada Addresses the growing interest in green building and water conservation. Monitors and reviews other similar programs created and adopted in other states, particularly those with similar climate zones. Meets: 1st Monday of each month at 12 pm Staff Liaison: Jess Traver jesst@thebuilders.com Chair: Robb Wong, Guidenby
Classified Services/Guide BLUEPRINTING
INSURANCE & BONDING
Codes/Infrastructure & Planning Monitors and oversees technical aspects of home construction. Reviews local land use, infrastructure and planning issues impacting development and construction. Monitors all 3 local building jurisdictions in Washoe County, as well as other agencies that impact the industry (TMWA, TRPA, RTC, Health Department). Meets: 2nd Monday of each month at 12 pm Staff Liaison: Jess Traver jesst@thebuilders.com Chair: John Krmpotic, KLS Planning Legislative Committee
Keeps abreast of issues at state and federal levels that affect the construction industry. Reviews and takes action on bill drafts that affect our industry. Interviews candidates for public office at local and state levels. Meets: Tuesdays at 7:30 am or as called by Chair Staff Liaison: Jess Traver jesst@thebuilders.com Chair: Greg Peek, ERGS Planning for Life’s uncertainties
Home Builder’s Program, BANN Health Plan, Business & Personal Insurance Phone 775-853-9424 • Fax 775-852-1616 9424 Double R Blvd. • Reno, NV 89511
Membership Committee
Works to recruit new members, retain current members, and develop member benefit programs. Events include Membership Drive, and General Membership Meetings. Meets: 1st Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm Staff Liaison: Patty Ferguson patty@thebuilders.com Chair: Michael Ellis, Reno Truss Spike Club
INSURANCE & BONDING
Recognizes and rewards association members who recruit new members. Members achieve Spike status by recruiting 6 new members to the association. Spike Club members act as official ambassadors to new association members. Meets: 1st Wednesday of each month at 12:00 pm Staff Liaison: Patty Ferguson patty@thebuilders.com Chair: Ray Pezonella, Pezonella Associates Public Relations/Sales & Marketing Council
Provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and educational opportunities for sales and marketing professionals. Considers public relations campaigns and industry promotional opportunities. Major events include Forecast and Beyond and the annual BANN-ER Awards. Meets: 1st Thursday of each month at 8:00 am Staff Liaison: Missy Hinton missy@thebuilders.com Chair: Rachelle Goodness, The Builders Magazine Remodelers Council
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES:
$60 PER COL. INCH Call 775.355.9288 20 THE BUILDERS MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010
A new addition to the association, the council is an organization of remodelers and industry associates dedicated to the promotion of excellence and professionalism through education, certification and service to the community. Meets: Third Monday of each month at 12 pm Staff liaison: Jess Traver, jesst@thebuilders.com Chair: Tony Abreu, ASA Construction
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Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. 00-62-0111D 06-2009 AR74276