CATT-A-LOG December 2015

Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe

DECEMBER 2015

CATT-A-LOG

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THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF CATT

Unlicensed Contractor Must Return $5 Million

CATT Renewal Incentive Program WIN A 50” FLAT-SCREEN TV!

by CATT Founding Member Jim Porter with Porter Simon, P.C.

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alifornia courts have consistently denied unlicensed contractors the right to sue for their unpaid labor and materials. But that’s not all. It gets worse, much worse.

What most contractors don’t realize is that it is easy to inadvertently become unlicensed, so this special column to CATT members could apply to you.

Please look for your membership renewal notice in your mailbox shortly.

All renewing members who pay in full by January 31 will be entered into a drawing to win a Flat-Screen TV, compliments of your Membership Committee.

CONTRACTOR COMPLETES PROJECT Jeff Tracy, inc. d.b.a. land Forms Construction held a Class A contractor’s license. It bid a public works project with the City of Pico Rivera for the renovation of a park known as Rivera Park. A valid Class A license was required.

Pico Rivera paid land Forms $5,487,370.05 for renovating the Park. A dispute arose and land Forms sued Pico Rivera for a little over a half million dollars.

During that litigation, Pico Rivera did its homework—looking into the status of land Forms’ contractor’s license.

SHAM CORPORATE RME Every construction corporation must have a licensed responsible managing employee (RME) or responsible managing offi cer (RMO) listed with the Contractor’s State license Board. When land Forms made application for a license with the State License Board, it represented that James Nale, who held a Class A license, was acting as the RME for land Forms.

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~ Members Helping Members ~ Chairman Michael Ellis (Reno Truss), Vice Chair Ryan Swenson (Simpson StrongTie), Gary Crosswhite (Meridian Concrete), John Manocchio (Waddell & Reed), Elise Fett (Elise Fett & Associates), Audrey Smith (True Green Roofing Solutions), Brian Watkins (Truckee Paint Mart), Hillary Talbot (Architect Mason Kirby), Jeff Freeman, (Jeff Freeman Photography), Jeff Miller (ADC Construction), Susan Driscoll (Aegis Insurance Markets), Jerry Forsch (Reno Buick GMC Cadillac Isuzu)

Eat at the Seniors Breakfast Sunday, December 6

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how your support for the Sierra Senior Services by coming to their monthly public fundraiser breakfast on Sunday, December 6, from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. The breakfast is held at the Truckee Senior Center, 10400 Estates Drive, off Brockway Road by the Rodeo Grounds. look for the Pancake Breakfast sign and CATT banner near the corner of Estates Drive and Brockway Rd. Cost per adult is $7.00 and cost per child is $3.00. The seniors collect the fee at the door and use the money to support the “Meals on Wheels” program.

Twelve organizations provide the kitchen crew for the 12 breakfasts of the year. in addition, the 12 organizations also encourage their members to eat breakfast at the Senior Center on their designated Sunday.

CATT members—it’s your turn—come eat breakfast on Sunday, December 6! You will be served by your fellow CATT members who are also cooking and cleaning behind the scenes. The record to beat is 200+ breakfasts prepared by Truckee noon Rotary Club in January 2014.

Contact CATT Seniors Breakfast Chairman Dirk Foster at 775-298-2358/mlctahoe@gmail.com or CATT Executive Director Pat Davison at 530-550-9999/pat@ca-tt.com if you have any questions about the December 6 breakfast. This is another way you can give back to the community and promote a positive image of the building industry.

IN THIS ISSUE...

Unlicensed Contractor Must Return $5M

Cover

Training/Education

5

Seniors Breakfast

Cover

Notice of Annual Meeting

5

A Note from the President

3

Truckee Notice of Board Vacancy

5

Executive Director Column

3

C.A.T.T. Community Project

6

CATT Calendar

3

Truckee Building & Safety Division News

6

Membership News

3

Member News

7

local Government Aff airs Committee

4

Welcome New Members

8

Classifi ed Ads

4

CATT Stats/CATT Jobs to Bid & Permit #s

8

2016 Guide Ad Flyer 2015 C.A.T.T. Community Project Accomplishments SEE INSIDE

FOR LEASE 11183 Trails End, Truckee

z Over 5,000 SF of high-end office & industrial warehouse. z Two buildings with a total of five rollup doors & shop areas. z Built in 2008 with a high efficiency design & low operational costs! z Residential two bedroom/two bath apartment upstairs (can be leased separately).

cabinetry • wood working • unique wood products

TRUCKEE RIVER

Associates

530.583.7300 1750 river road tahoe city, ca 96145

finishingtouchcarpentry.com laketahoerenobarnwood.com info@finishingtouchcarpentry.com

TOM WATSON

Tom Watson 530.587.7633 office 12313 Soaring Way Suite 2B Truckee CA 96161

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT

530.587.7633 ph SALES | LEASING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 530.587.5730 fax 12313 Soaring Way Suite 2B Truckee CA 96161 tom@truckeeriverassociates.com COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE | DEVELOPMENT SALES | LEASING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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DECEMBER 2015 | Page 2

A NOTE FROM THE

President

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et me off er you my sincere gratitude for the privilege of serving this organization as President. Never have I been involved with so many diff erent businesses, hardworking people, and volunteers until this opportunity. The many diff erent facets of CATT all working together toward our mission is to modestly say, “A big deal for our businesses and their success!”

Did you read “What CATT did this year”? This was another record-setting year in numerous ways. Being in the mix, I got to see how this was done—members supporting members.

Just a hint for the coming year, get involved and see what happens for your business! Invite your associates to become members and build the strength of your own organization.

Thank you again for everyone’s support. Let’s celebrate the end of 2015 at the CATT Christmas holiday Party. And, I’m looking forward to a happy and productive new year in 2016!

December CATT Calendar All activities are at the CATT office unless otherwise noted.

December 1 – Christmas Holiday Party Committee Meeting December 2 – Membership Committee Meeting December 6 – Sierra Senior Services Breakfast at the Truckee Senior Center December 7 – CATT Board Meeting December 8 – Christmas Holiday Party Committee Meeting December 11 – Christmas Holiday Party at the Hyatt in Incline Village December 21 – local Government Aff airs Committee Meeting December 24/25 – CATT offi ce closed for Christmas holiday

C.A.T.T. Community Project Chairman Dave Rhoden (L) and CP Secretary Colette Fonseca (center) being interviewed by Lake Tahoe TV host Mike Peron (R)

Joshua Root

Executive Director COLUMN

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just have a quick update for you about our “Job Pool.” We will be testing some new procedures to notify you when a job opening/help wanted ad or résumé has been posted to the “Jobs” page on the CATT website.

When you need a position fi lled, we can inform your fellow members by email and help spread the word. The CATT 2016 Member Renewal questionnaire will have an “opt-in” section so you can sign up to get these emails direct from Amanda after she posts the job opening or résumé. This is a trial program and came about because members were experiencing a shortage of skilled labor.

CATT’s mission is to “Promote a positive business environment for the building and housing industry and enhance opportunities for its members and the community.” Let’s see if this trial program improves the work world for all of you.

Happy holidays to you and your family. Please do not hesitate to contact me (530-550-9999 or pat@ca-tt. com) if you have any questions about CATT activities or programs.

Special Membership Deal!

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EW members that pre-pay their 2016 dues in December 2015 will receive the last month of 2015 free. What a great deal! Get 13 months of membership for the price of 12! This means the new member will get all the CATT benefi ts now instead of waiting for January 1, 2016. These benefi ts include: Company name displayed in two listings on the CATT website, exclusive Job-to-Bid notices, CATT monthly newsletters and emails, plus many more awesome benefi ts and services (display business cards in the offi ce, use the conference room, discounts, etc.).

Notify all your business associates who are not CATT members yet—this is the time to save some money and join the only organization representing the interests of the construction industry in the Truckee Tahoe area.

Contact Membership and Event Coordinator, Peg Friesen, at the CATT offi ce for more information or to obtain a membership application for this special deal, 530-550-9999 or memberinfo@ca-tt.com.

Last Month of 2015 Free!

Pat Davison

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DECEMBER 2015

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Local Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) CATT Local Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) Meeting Dates and Speakers: Dec. 21

Jan. 11

Town of Truckee Chief Building Offi cial Johnny Goetz and Dennis Anderson, Director, Truckee Sanitary District Board of Directors Placer County Chief Building Offi cial Tim Wegner and Dale Cox, Chairman, Squaw Valley Public Service District Board of Directors

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he next lGAC meeting is Monday, December 21, 4:00 p.m., here at the CATT offi ce. First speaker is Truckee CBO Johnny Goetz with an update on current issues. The second speaker is newly appointed Director for the Truckee Sanitary District Denny Anderson.

This is a casual, get acquainted session with Denny so he can meet CATT members and they can meet him.

Advance notice—CATT lGAC meetings in 2016 will continue to be held on the third Monday of the month EXCEPT for January and February when federal holidays prompt a change to the schedule. The January lGAC meeting will be Monday, January 11 and the February lGAC meeting will be Monday, February 8.

Any CATT member is welcome to attend LGAC meetings. Please contact CATT Executive Director Pat Davison 530-550-9999 or pat@catt.com for more information about LGAC issues or activities.

TTUSD Mitigation Fees

All new construction within the boundaries of the Tahoe Truckee Unifi ed School District (TTUSD) pay mitigation or impact fees to be used for the construction/reconstruction of educational facilities. The intent of mitigation fees is that new growth and development pays its way and the increase in population does not degrade the existing level of service.

Some new construction is subject to private contracts with TTUSD setting a certain impact fee per square foot to be paid at time of construction. These contracts are called Mutual Benefi t Agreements and the subdivisions covered by MBAs include Cambridge Estates, Big Springs at Northstar, Lahontan, and several others.

Development not covered by MBAs is covered by mitigation fees allowed under CA law. TTUSD’s current mitigation fee amounts are: $2.63 per square foot for new residential construction; $0.42 per square foot for new commercial/industrial construction; and $0.21 per square foot for new rental self-storage construction. The fees have not been adjusted since 2006.

During this past summer, the District updated its Fee Study and need for the fees and determined that it could justifi ably assess an increase of $0.73 per square foot from $2.63 to $3.36 for residential construction. Enrollment projections for the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Placer County, and Eldorado County within the boundary of TTUSD totaled 2,610 new students, resulting in a shortage or defi cit capacity for 1,259 of those new students. CATT submitted a proposal for a three year phase in of the increase. TTUSD countered with a two year plan. CATT’s local Government Aff airs Committee accepted the two year plan as a compromise position.

At its november 18 board meeting, the TTUSD Board of Trustees heard testimony from CATT Executive Director Pat Davison on the proposed increase and worst case scenario/excess capacity issue.

Pat also reiterated CATT’s general statement that fee studies need to be done every fi ve years to avoid a huge increase in the future and small adjustments should be made on a regular basis to keep pace with infl ation. Trustees asked questions about the study and fee program and agreed with Pat that MBA fees need to be increased commensurate with the mitigation fees, so those fees will be reviewed

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE 1,320 linear feet of brand new, never been used Trex Select planks in Saddle. 66 planks, each plank measures 2”x6”x20’. Planks are on two pallets in shrink wrap. Retail price is $5,148 for the lot before tax. Asking $4,000. Available Friday, December 11, in Truckee. Contact: John at 775-6246333; johncunha@me.com.

FOR SALE Various appliances: GE Profi le Performance Double Oven $800; GE Profi le Performance TriClean Wash System-Quiet Power iii Dishwasher $200; GE Profi le Performance 5 Burner Gas Range $450; GE Monogram Microwave $75; GE Profi le Performance French Door Stainless Side by Side Refrigerator $350; GE Profi le Top load Washer/Dryer (gas) $450 for pair (sold as set only). Contact: Emily at 530-587-4000; design@ marktannerconstruction.com.

FOR SALE 58 sheets of 12x12 mesh Ann Sacks Santos Mosaic TilE 1” x 1” straight stacked brown onyx. Asking $30/sf or $1600 for the lot - originally paid $43.97/sf. Contact: Emily at 530-587-4000; design@ marktannerconstruction.com.

WANTED looking for a 30–68 pre-hung exterior door, 8 or 10 lite, right hand hinge. It can be wood, preferred, or painted. Contact: Alisa at Galletto Construction 530-412-3070; alisa@tahoedreamteam.com.

FOR SALE #1 5/8” x 24” all heart Redwood taper-sawn shakes. Random width. 5 BnD = SQ@10” exp. 239 BnD available. $43.34 cost per BnD + tax.

Contact: Maurio at Washoe Building Supply 775-691-9633; maurio_mattice@ sbcglobal.net.

FOR RENT Gradall. 45 FT reach with truss boom and 1 yard bucket. Great for backfi ll. Contact: Jude at 530-567-5150.

FOR SALE Reclaimed Barnwood in stock. White Oak and Doug Fir all shapes and sizes. Circular sawn and hand hewn. Full service millwork shop can transform to cabinetry, doors, fl ooring, wall paneling. Starting @ $5 bd/ft.

Located in Tahoe City. Contact: Alex at Finishing Touch Carpentry 530-3626700.

FOR RENT Storage yard, ideal for landscapers and excavators, near Tahoe Donner. $600 /month. Contact: Eric at 530-412-2100; breamer@ sbcglobal.net.

WANTED Reclaimed full light French doors 5’ or 6.’ Prefer security hinges with exterior swing. Contact: Julie at 775-833-3388; julie@elisefett.com.

FOR SALE Three section brand new Jeld-Wen sliding glass door. Door opens from right to left from the outside. Installed but never used because opened in wrong direction for house. $1,800 OBO (retails for $5,000).

Contact: Julie at 775-833-3388; julie@elisefett.com.

FOR SALE Full 1”, VG, D/F, clear, reclaimed bleacher seating, beautiful stock. Approximately 6,000 sq ft., 14’ to 16’ lengths. Contact: 530-587-3700.

FOR SALE land in Verdi (CA). Five Buildable lots ranging from 1.49 to 4.8 acres. All with utilities including water. level building pads at entrance to Toiyabe national Forest. From $110,000 to $240,000. Owner fi nancing available OAC. Contact: Mitch at 530-308-9124 (call or text); Mitch@ MitchClarin.com.

FOR SALE Rough Sawn Doug Fir Arched Glu-lams: 3 @ 5-1/8”x12”x10’ RS (10’4” radius), retail value $1,236 each; 4 @ 5-1/8”x12”x12’ RS (7’ radius), retail value $1,436 each; 1 @ 5-1/8”x 9”x12’ RS (10’9” radius), retail value $755.

Contact: Jim at 530-587-4000; Jim@marktannerconstruction.com.

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS Do you have left-over construction materials taking up space at your shop, offi ce, job site, or personal garage?

We can help by picking up your surplus of usable materials for free, so you don’t have to pay to dump it all! Items could be, but are not limited to: lumber, hardware, tile/stone, plumbing & electrical supplies, furniture, working appliances, and more (but, please no junk). Email DLP Construction & Painting, inc. at dp@dlptahoe.com with a list of items and their pick-up location. $ MONEY TO LEND Great rates, small amounts available for your clients’ remodels or additions, bridge loans, your autos, tools, etc. Contact: Mitch at 530-308-9124; Mitch@MitchClarin.com.

HELP WANTED Rapidly growing window company seeks multi-talented person to handle offi ce manager/customer service/bookkeeper duties and related responsibilities. Qualifi ed candidates should email a cover letter and résumé to Peter Knight at peters@accentwindow.com.

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DECEMBER 2015 | Page 4

TRAINING/ EDUCATION

LGAC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

in 2016. By a 3–1 vote (with one absence), the Trustees adopted the two year plan to increase fees for new residential construction. Here is what the phase in looks like: Residential–Year One increase by $0.34 per SF from $2.63 to $2.97 Increase becomes effective Jan. 17, 2016

How to Keep and Retain Valued Employees

Wednesday, December 9, 12:00–1:00 p.m.

Q & A afterwards. Lunch provided.

CATT Office: 12313 Soaring Wy., Ste. 1G, Truckee This class is presented by new CATT Member Afl ac and will cover: 1) The strong infl uence of benefi ts; 2) The high price of health care illiteracy; and 3) What is voluntary insurance, and why do employees need it? Free to CATT Members/$10 charge for Non-Members.

Register: CATT Offi ce Manager Amanda Bullard 530-5509999; info@ca-tt.com.

CalOSHA Reminders

Thursday, December 17, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

CATT Office: 12313 Soaring Wy., Ste. 1G, Truckee This class is presented by Gary Mciver, CalOShA Senior Safety Engineer. Gary will cover the following topics: • Why would CalOShA show up and how do i prepare?

• injury and illness Prevention Program • Fall Protection Requirements—Construction • lesson learned!

• Questions and Answers Free to CATT Members/$10 charge for Non-Members.

Register: CATT Offi ce Manager Amanda Bullard 530-5509999; info@ca-tt.com.

Bodie Ghost Town Siding - An Affordable alternative to Barnwood Siding

Tuesday, January 19, 2016, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Snacks and drinks provided.

CATT Office: 12313 Soaring Wy., Ste. 1G, Truckee This product demonstration is presented by CATT Member PacWood. Get the latest on a new exterior siding product made from Cedar which is aged to replicate the “Barnwood Look.” This presentation will discuss the strengths and benefi ts of using cedar as it relates to durability, sourcing, installation/labor costs, waste, and interior application.

Achieve this much sought-after look with a much better price point for your client’s benefi t. Free to CATT Members/$10 charge for Non-Members.

Register: CATT Offi ce Manager Amanda Bullard 530-5509999; info@ca-tt.com.

Incorporating your Business

Thursday, February 11, 1:00–2:00 p.m. Q & A afterwards.

CATT Office: 12313 Soaring Wy., Ste. 1G, Truckee This class is presented by CATT member Mann, Urrutia, Nelson, CPAs & Associates, LLP. Learn about the tax benefi ts and pitfalls of diff erent business structures. Find out what is best about partnerships, LLC, Sole proprietors, S corporations, C corporations. Free to CATT Members/$10 charge for Non-Members.

Register: CATT Offi ce Manager Amanda Bullard 530-5509999; info@ca-tt.com.

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Residential–Year Two increase by $0.39 per SF from $2.97 to $3.36 PlUS infl ationary increase to match the State Allocation Board increase to be adopted in January 2016 (amount currently unknown, could be 0, last increase was 5%).

Increase becomes effective Feb. 16, 2017

The new fee structure for commercial construction looks like this (fee amount per SF): $0.01 – Rental Self-Storage $0.26 – lodging $0.38 – industrial Parks $0.40 – Community Shopping Centers $0.54 – Banks & Restaurants $0.54 – Commercial Offi ces/Corporate Offi ces/Medical Offi ces $0.54 – neighborhood Shopping Centers/Industrial Business Parks/ Scientifi c R&D If you have any questions about the TTUSD mitigation fee increase, please contact CATT Executive Director Pat Davison at 530-550-9999 or pat@ca-tt. com.

NOTICE of ANNUAL MEETING Monday, February 1, 2016 | 5:00 p.m.

CATT office (12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G, Truckee) CATT Bylaws require that a meeting of the general membership shall be held each year (Article 5, Section 1). This is called the ANNUAL MEETING. At the Annual Meeting, each Committee Chair will give a report on his/ her committee’s activities for the past year and goals for the coming year.

Members are welcome to attend this meeting. Please call the CATT office 530-550-9999 for more details.

TRUCKEE NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCY The Town of Truckee is seeking a Volunteer to sit on the Building Appeals Board The Buildings Appeals Board considers appeals of certain decisions of the Building Offi cial. This seven member board consists of an engineer, architect, general contractor, electrical contractor, mechanical contractor, plumbing contractor and a disabled access expert. The Board holds a semi-annual meeting and additional meetings as necessary to hear appeals.

If you would like to serve your community and provide valuable oversight for the Town of Truckee’s Building Division please follow this link and complete the application at: http://www.townoftruckee.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=7081.

This term of this vacated position is from seating through 2020.

QUALIFICATIONS: One (1) Architect, one (1) Mechanical Contractor, and one (1) Electrical Contractor.

Applications may be picked up from the Town Clerk’s Offi ce, Town hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee, CA 96161 or from the Town website at:

http://www.townoftruckee.com/Home/ShowDocument?id=7081.

Closing for application submittal is 3:00 p.m.., December 18, 2015.

Thank you,

Judy Price, TOWn ClERK, TOWn OF TRUCKEE |

DECEMBER 2015

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he fall has been quite active for C.A.T.T. Community Project (CP).

The Kids Truckee River Railroad Snow Shed Project for the Truckee Donner Railroad Society has been moving forward, through Paul Zarubin with CATT member Mt. Lincoln Construction. Paul has donated countless hours and resources to the construction at Truckee River Regional Park.

CATT member Caseywood has donated materials and C.A.T.T. Community Project is donating the special timber trusses that are due from Fraserwood in Canada this month. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of this great project.

C.A.T.T. CP and Caseywood have also combined efforts to complete another phase at the Truckee Bike Park, where more fences were erected in key areas of the park.

C.A.T.T. CP teamed up with CATT member Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Co. and Nevada County Plumbing Supply by donating $3,000 toward a bathroom remodel that was auctioned off recently through the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce.

C.A.T.T. CP continues to work on renovations at the Truckee Family Resource Center, as well as at the Senior Center in Truckee. Thanks to donations from Ferguson Enterprises, Red Horse Fenestration, and Sierra Millworks, the Truckee FRC is making great progress!

CP Secretary Colette Fonseca and I were interviewed on LAKE TAHOE TV in early November. The interview was a brief overview of the work that C.A.T.T. CP does to benefit the community. Check it out on your local LTTV channel or watch the interview posted on the CP page of the CATT website (www.ca-tt.com)!

Please note also the C.A.T.T. CP Annual Softball Tournament is now booked at the Truckee River Regional Park for Saturday, May 21, 2016. This tournament was a BLAST earlier this year and we look forward to an even bigger success in 2016! Register your team today!

Thanks as always to the work being done by our CP board members. The community benefits every month from the brilliant ideas and volunteer time put in by our board members. Thanks Gang!

CATT says “Thank You to our Christmas Holiday Sponsors!”

Title Sponsors:

Other Sponsors:

Dave Rhoden

(CASEywood) Chairman—C.A.T.T. Community Project

Truckee Building & Safety Division News Foundation Inspection Reminders 1. Obtain a driveway sub-grade inspection approval through the Engineering Division.

2. Complete installation of the temporary erosion control measures in accordance with the approved erosion prevention plan.

3. Provide concrete cover for steel reinforcement as specified on the approved plans, typically three inches for concrete cast against and permanently exposed to the earth and 1½ inches to forms.

4. Provide footing depths as shown on the approved plans, typically 18 inches below 7,000 foot elevation, 24 inches above 7,000 foot elevation and 12 inches for interior footings and foundations.

5. Pier details require vertical steel. Install vertical bars and ties as shown/specified on the approved plan.

6. Hold-down hardware or bolts are not in place or improperly placed. They must be secured in place at the time of foundation inspection.

7. Foundation hardware for post connection not correct or not on site. Have hardware available or in place for inspection.

8. Provide a UFER ground, either #4 AWG solid copper or #4 steel reinforcement encased with a minimum of two inches of concrete located within or near the bottom of a concrete foundation not less than 20 feet long.

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9. Stem walls and piers must extend a minimum of six inches and eight inches respectively above grade.

10. Ground is frozen. Thaw out the ground and protect excavated footings to prevent freezing concrete and cover with industry approved blankets for a period of not less than 72 hours after the pour. Blankets to be onsite.

Should you have any questions please feel free to stop by my office or send me an email.

Finally, December 1, 2015 is approaching and our voicemail system will be shut down and you will be unable to request inspections through the voicemail (there will be a small grace period). Please sign up on Esuite and create an account that will allow you to request inspections, see results of inspections, request permits, and pay for permits online. We are available to assist you with the account set-up should you need assistance.

Happy Holidays,

DECEMBER 2015

Johnny Goetz, Chief Building Official

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UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR MUST RETURN $5M CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

in fact, Mr. nale was never an employee of land Forms. he had “loaned” his license to land Forms and was paid $1,000 a month. he never received a 1099 or a W-2, nor did he have a land Forms’ offi ce or business card. He’d never seen the Rivera Park plans, and most importantly, nale never supervised the project. Bottom line, land Forms was an unlicensed contractor under California law.

THE “SHIELD” Civil Code Section 7031 requires all contractors to be licensed “at all times during the performance of the contract.” Section 7031(e) precludes an unlicensed contractor from suing for work provided, even if the work was perfect. That is the “shield” protecting property owners from being sued by unlicensed contractors. land Forms could not sue for the unpaid $500,000. That is the (relatively) good news!

THE (DEADLY) SWORD if you thought that was harsh, consider Section 7031(b), which allows anyone who “utilizes the services of an unlicensed contractor [to sue] to recover all compensation paid to the unlicensed contractor.” Subsection (b) is the owner’s “sword.” land Forms can’t recover $500,000 and must return the $5,487,370.05 paid by the City of Pico Rivera. A draconian penalty.

CONTRACTORS LOSE Other cases we have written about in the Pultzer Prize-winning (or not) Law Review prevent an unlicensed contractor from recovering for work properly performed because he was merely licensed most of the time, not during the entire contract. Build without a license—even for a day— at your peril. Amazingly, the fact that the owner knows the contractor is unlicensed does not matter.

PORTER’S ADVICE My advice is straight forward. You absolutely must always be licensed— with the correct license classifi cation. Most “unlicensed” issues, by the way, arise due to inadvertent failure to timely renew your license, failure to maintain your bond, not having the correct license classifi cation, forming a new business without a new license, disassociation of an RMO or RME, or changing a sole proprietorship to a corporate license (or vice versa) without notifying the contractor’s board. Inattention can cause you to accidentally be unlicensed and vulnerable.

HERE’S TO ALL CATT MEMBERS: MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES HAVE A JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON. Jim Porter is an attorney with Porter Simon, licensed in California and nevada, with offi ces in Truckee and Tahoe City, CA, and Reno, nV. Jim’s practice areas include: real estate, development, construction, business, hOA’s, contracts, personal injury, mediation and other transactional matters. he may be reached at porter@portersimon.com or www. portersimon.com. like us on Facebook.

Member News

T

he Heller Construction family grew by one on September 16 when Wyatt James Heller was born to Cody and Carolyn Heller.

This is the fi rst grandchild for proud grandparents Bob and Patty Heller. Congrats to all the Hellers!

Appliances, TVs, Vacuums, Mattresses, Snowblowers and much more!

Installation & Delivery Available OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 530-550-0110 M–F 9–6:30 | SAT 9–6 | SUN 11–4 12047 Donner Pass Rd., W. Truckee Tri Counties Bank Plaza

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DECEMBER 2015

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Page 7

STANDARD US POSTAGE

Address Correction Requested

PAID

PERMIT# 15 TRUCKEE, CA 12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G, Truckee, CA 96161 (Located across the street from Truckee Town Hall) Ph: 530-550-9999 | Fx: 530-550-9998 info@ca-tt.com | www.ca-tt.com

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Joshua Root, President Root of Design Electric Mitch Clarin, Vice-President Mitchell T. Clarin Mike Nethersole, Secretary M.D. Construction & Consulting Paul Griggs, Treasurer Griggs Custom Homes Gary Crosswhite, Past President Meridian Concrete, Inc. DIRECTORS Andrew Cross, Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Co. Scott Eckard, Eckard Roofi ng Michael Forshee, Forshee Construction Ken Foster, K.B Foster Civil Engineering Doug Gadow, Linchpin Structural Engineering Greg Haupert, Sierra Integrated Systems Rich Loverde, Loverde Builders Jeff Miller, Advance Design & Construction Ted Reviglio, Western Nevada Supply Ryan Swenson, Simpson Strong-Tie

STAFF

Pat Davison, Executive Director Peg Friesen, Membership & Event Coordinator Amanda Bullard, Offi ce Manager Kim Cross, Bookkeeper Newsletter design: justimaginemktg.com

CATT’s MISSION: To promote a positive business environment for the building and housing industry and enhance opportunities for its members and the community

Welcome New Members

CATT Stats

Saturno Home Inspection – Steve Saturno Umpqua Bank home lending – Perry Faigin AEP SPAN – Doug Mead SAFE/Safety Assistance For Employers – larry Markham John Cunha, CPA – John Cunha F.W. Carson Co. – Troy Carson

General Contractors

83

Sub-Contractors

92

Associates/Suppliers

72

Professionals

110

Organizations

7

Retired

1

Total

CATT Jobs to Bid & Permit #s

365

CATT Jobs to Bid Sent Out in October/YTD Total: Private

5/136

Public Works

0/22

Building Permits Issued in October/YTD Total: Truckee new Single Family Residential Eastern Placer County new Single Family Residential

10/78 22/126