CHALK LINE
January/February 2018
MAGAZINE
YEAR IN REVIEW
affordable housing for ALL economic segments of society
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: MEMBERSHIP AWARDS
SHARED WORK PROGRAM
2018 BUYERS GUIDE
Chalk Line November/December 2017
Table of Contents Page 4 MESSAGE FROM THE 2018 OMB PRESIDENT
Page 6 2017 MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS
Page 7 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Page 8-11 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS YEAR IN REVIEW
Page 12
GUEST COLUMN: SHARED WORK PROGRAM
Page 14 NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS
LOOKING AHEAD - meetings & events JANUARY 3rd- 5:30pm Grays Harbor Chapter Tinderbox Coffee Roasters JANUARY 9th- 4:30pm Exec/Board Meeting OMB Office JANUARY 17th- 4:00pm Remodeler’s Council OMB Office
JANUARY 19th- TBD Spike Party TBD JANUARY 24th- 12:30pm Auction Committee OMB Office upstairs JANUARY 24th- 12:00pm Quarterly Building Officials Meeting OMB Office JANUARY 17th- 6:00pm JANUARY 25th- 4:00pm Lewis County Chapter Government Affairs Moose Lodge OMB Office JANUARY 18th- 11:30am-1:00pm JANUARY 29th- 4:00pm General Membership Meeting Membership Committee Meetings and Events are subject to change. For more Indian Summer Golf & Country Club OMB Office details on these upcoming OMB events, go to www.omb.org.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Focusing on making 2018 a year of success Today, my focus has shifted to making sure members are receiving the best value from their membership, advocating our mission of affordable housing for all economic segments of society and how we communicate internally and within the communities we serve.
PRESIDENT,
Karen McClennen
I
have often been asked why I am so involved in Olympia Master Builders. The answer has changed over the years. Early on, my focus was on networking with builders and education. Maybe not the education that typically comes to mind. But more of a hands-on education, the opportunity to learn from my peers has been invaluable. I have learned so much from the OMB membership brain trust - from how to network, business plans, running effective meetings, growing in leadership roles, and the list goes on. Although my focus has evolved over the years, I still benefit directly from the relationships I’ve formed here – and continue to learn from my peers daily.
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Our strength as an organization comes from our combined focus and voice; when our membership numbers grow so does our voice, on issues that matter to us. The pocket gopher issue is a perfect example of our organization being heard. Another example - when the City of Lacey reviewed their permit fee structure earlier this year - both the city and the OMB members worked together, focusing on housing affordability. In the end, we have something both groups can feel good about. The Statesman of the Year Award, presented to the City of Lacey at the 2017 OMB Membership Awards, is well deserved! Recently, a member shared with me that they were concerned about getting more involved because they didn’t feel their political views aligned with OMB's views. I thank them for sharing that concern with me. It helped me realize that we need to focus on educating and sharing with our members, that the function of both the Government Affairs Program and The Afforable Housing Council (TAHC)
is issue based advocacy - as it pertains to our mission of affordable housing for all economic segments of society! And that’s the important part of this message, so I will repeat – as it pertains to our mission of affordable housing! I am sure that there are several topics that many of us have differing views on and that’s important – it allows us to grow and learn from each other. Which is why part of the Government Affairs Program and TAHC’s focus in 2018 will be reaching out and engaging more members. In 2018, we are also going to focus on recruiting new members, engaging existing members and having some fun in the process! Our monthly General Membership meeting format and location will have a few pleasant surprises, so please checkout Chalk Talk and Chalk Line for updates. You might have noticed a common theme throughout – “focus”. We have all the tools we need as an Association. We have a phenomenal, dedicated staff. We have a Board of Directors who are all solid business and community leaders. And we have the strength of you in our combined voice and the shared belief in affordable housing for ALL economic segments of society. Please join me in focusing on making 2018 a year of success for Olympia Master Builders!
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Official Publication of the Olympia Master Builders 1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia WA 98506 Phone: (360) 754-0912 • www.omb.org The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 450 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.” EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President - Karen McClennen, Karen Jerome McClennen First Vice President - Erik Jensen Second Vice President - Jennie McDonald, Lifespan Construction Treasurer - Jon Jones, Washington Business Bank Associate Vice President - Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC Second Assoc. Vice Pres. - Rusty Ruiz, Hung Right Doors Secretary - Janine Ezzell, Chicago Title Insurance Co.
OMB At A Glance Watch for the 2018 Buyer's Guide hitting shelves January 1st!
Our Buyers Guide is one of the most sought-after magazines for members of our community, as well as businesses that service the construction industry. Over 10,000 copies are printed and distributed throughout all five counties. Stop by OMB and grab a stack and hand out to your clients!
BUILDER DIRECTORS
Mike Auderer, Olympia Construction, Inc. Scott Bergford, Scott Homes, Inc. John Erwin, John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. Andy Gruhn, Gruhn Homes, Inc. John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes, LLC Amy Winters, CW Construction, Inc.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS
Matt Jones, Sunset Air, Inc. Tommy Lowe, Greene Reality Scottiejo McNulty, Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. Barb Whitlow, Olympia Federal Savings
NATIONAL DIRECTORS
Debbi Boyd, Naberly Solutions, Inc. Ron Deering, Northwest Family Homes, Inc. Karen McClennen, Karen Jerome McClennen
Cheers to Rob Rice Homes!
Rob Rice Homes and realtors from Epic Realtors set the “Ring Day” record on December 1st to raise money for The Salvation Army at the local Cabela’s in Lacey, WA. In total, all participating real estate companies brought in $16,775 for the local Salvation Army, a record amount in the four years the Association has organized the day.
STATE DIRECTORS
Tina Allen, Great Floors Kim Asay, Umpqua Bank Mike Auderer, Olympia Construction, Inc. Debbi Boyd, Naberly Solutions, Inc. Ron Deering, Northwest Family Homes, Inc. Bob Kagy, Print NW Karen McClennen, Karen Jerome McClennen John McKinlay, Olympia Overhead Doors, Inc. Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC
BUILDER AT LARGE
John Erwin, John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Ron Deering, Northwest Family Homes
GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Harv Lillegard, Lillegard Construction Vice President – Rusty Ruiz, Hung Right Doors Associate Vice President – Ryann Blake, Chimney Techniques, Inc.
OMB Delivers Holiday Cheer to the Union Gospel Mission
On December 20th, OMB President Ron Deering, and his family, wife Sharon, their granddaughter Sydney Gruhn, son Nate Deering and Jill Smith of Olympia Federal Savings - presented the Olympia Union Gospel Mission's Director Skip Steffen a $750 check and donation items collected at the OMB Christmas Party on December 8th.
LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes Vice President – Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC Associate Vice President – Rick Borovec, TwinStar Credit Union Secretary – Patrick Toby, Toby’s Electric Builder Director – Toby Krause, Double Duty Land Management
MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC Associate Vice Pres. – Julie Nichols, Whitehouse & Nichols Attorneys at Law Treasurer – Patty Tupper, Tupper’s Floor Covering & Interiors, Inc.
PACIFIC COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Steve Waltemate, SAW Construction Co., Inc.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Jay Goldstein, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC
ASSOCIATION STAFF
Executive Officer - Angela White Communications Specialist - Jill Williams Member Services Coordinator - Jenni Hatfield Events Director - Brianna Bedell Government Affairs Director - Open Position
Chalk Line • 5
2017
MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS THE GOLDEN HAMMER AWARD | John Johnson of Johnson Custom Homes, LLC THE NORM PAULSEN MEMORIAL AWARD | Erik Jensen STATESMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD | City of Lacey PRESIDENT’S AWARD | Karen McClennen PRESIDENT’S AWARD | Troy Nichols THE REMODELER OF THE YEAR AWARD | Tim Dickey of Dickey’s Remodel & Repair RECRUITER OF THE YEAR AWARD | Debbi Boyd of Naberly Solutions THE ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD | Barb Whitlow of Olympia Federal Savings BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD | Ron Deering of Northwest Family Homes, Inc. LIFE DIRECTOR AWARD | Holly Constantine of Puget Sound Window & Door
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EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MESSAGE
Focusing on making 2018 a year of success
Angela White EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Welcome to 2018! As 2017 wrapped up, I found myself, not only looking forward to the new year, but reflecting back on the last 12 months. OMB has had a busy and successful year thanks to the wonderful leadership of 2017 President Ron Deering, the OMB Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and members, and staff. We celebrate that OMB’s membership numbers are on the rise, and in fact, as of mid-December we were 39 members higher than the same time in 2016, and the retention rate is steadily climbing.
2018
Elected Officers
PRESIDENT, Karen McClennen Karen Jerome McClennen
I am looking forward to a new year under the thoughtful leadership of your 2018 President Karen McClennen. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read Karen’s column on page 4 about her plans to encourage increased participation within the Government Affairs program and the Affordable Housing Council (TAHC). I recently attended the 2017 Regional Economic Forecast & Expo, hosted by the Thurston County Economic Development Council. Throughout the day, housing availability and affordability was a major focus and topic of discussion. As the regional home building advocate, OMB is actively working on local issues that directly impact the building industry AND affordable housing. We are currently partnering, and willing to partner, with anyone regardless of political leanings - who is focused and willing to work on issues pertaining to housing affordability. Please take a look at the 2017 Government Affairs Year in Review on pages 8-11. OMB has had an eventful year, and while we didn’t win every battle, we did have many successes. For example, City of Olympia’s passage of protections for Great Blue Heron Rookeries would have been even more challenging if it hadn’t been for OMB's advocacy. (See page 8 for more information.) We will continue to work on issues that move our mission forward, and make the business climate better for the housing industry. With our new leadership in 2018, we also have a few new events on the calendar and a few changes to current events! Make sure to pay close attention to Chalk Talk, OMB’s email newsletter, for event information. The 2018 line-up includes a fun Casino Night and a Contractors Roundup--a mini tradeshow providing contractors a great venue to check out the latest products on the market and meet the associate members ready to show them off! It’s a great time to be an OMB member! Stay tuned for more information!
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT, Erik Jensen
SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT, Jennie McDonald Lifespan Construction
TREASURER, Jon Jones Washington Business Bank
ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, Becky Rieger Environmental Design, LLC
SECOND ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, Rusty Ruiz Hung Right Doors
SECRETARY, Janine Ezzell Chicago Title Insurance Co.
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GOVERNEMENT AFFAIRS 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW
The OMB Government Affairs program creates a single, united voice for the home building industry in this region. As an advocate for an entire industry, our government affairs team has the ability to deliver a message backed by a knowledge base and a credibility on building issues, that rightfully carries a greater weight than the opinions of any one individual. If you have interest in making your voice heard, please consider attending our next Government Affairs meeting on January 25th.
Olympia Critical Areas OrdinanceGreat Blue Heron Since January 2017, OMB has been deeply involved in Olympia Planning Commission and City Council discussions over a proposal to place added protections on Great Blue Heron Rookeries within the city limits. On December 12th, 2017, the City Council voted unanimously in favor of the proposed ordinance, which OMB opposed.
The Critical Areas Ordinance amendment will establish a 200 foot year round buffer around established heron rookeries and an additional 300 foot buffer during the nesting season (February 1 – August 31). Two rookeries currently exist within the city limits. Development within the year-round buffer will require mitigation and noise levels, within both buffers, to be restricted during the nesting season. An abandoned rookery will be protected for 6 years before restrictions will be lifted. The passage of this ordinance is a loss for OMB and for affordable housing, but it is clear from the beginning, that regardless of the information provided, a majority on the City Council wanted to see this pass. The major evidence presented pointed to the cause of heron population decline in the area to be a result of eagle predation and not development. Comparison CAO’s studied during the process in Redmond and Seattle suggest that loud noises, such as sounds coming from a building site, have had little impact on other heron populations. Unfortunately, these arguments did not sway a number of determined planning commissioners and elected officials from passing this ordinance, but it did soften some of the original language included in the ordinance. OMB testified several times on this issue and provided written comment as well. OMB input led directly to the reduction of protections for abandoned heron rookeries from 10 to 6 years. It also led to 8 • Chalk Line
affordable housing for ALL economic segments of society
clarification on noise restrictions. This includes the additional option to waive noise restrictions during a breeding season if a certified biologist can verify the heron will not return to the rookery, once the breeding season has started. While this wasn’t the victory we would have liked, the changes made due to our advocacy will limit some of the harm caused by this unfortunate case of government overregulation.
Olympia Missing Middle
Missing Middle Housing refers to a range of housing types that can provide more than one housing unit per lot in a way that is compatible in scale with single-family homes. Over the last year, OMB president Ron Deering has been involved in a stakeholder group to develop the “Missing Middle” housing recommendation to present to the City Council in early 2018. City staff also attended the OMB government affairs meeting in November to discuss the proposal and receive feedback from members. The proposal is meant to improve housing affordability by reducing regulatory restrictions and improving zoning regulations. This is to encourage density and the diversification of housing stock within Olympia’s city limits, without added fees. The proposal includes funding for a study to look into the reduction of impact fees and general facilities charges for these housing types, which include ADUs, Cottage Housing, Du- Tri- and Quadplexes, Town Houses, Courtyard Apartments and Tiny Homes. This proposal, if passed, will provide more housing for more economic segments of the community. Aside from providing input to help develop this proposal, Olympia Master Builders has collaborated with Olympians for People Oriented Places and members of the non-profit community to assemble a diverse coalition of supporters to advocate for this recommendation in its entirety. In the past, housing advocates have found themselves outnumbered in the participation process, and the subsequent policy adopted has reflected that. By working together with like-minded stakeholders on this issue, we are hopeful about the City Council adopting this comprehensive approach to increasing supply and slow the tide of rising housing costs in Olympia. The Olympia Planning Commission public hearing is tentatively scheduled for February 26, 6:30pm at City Hall.
Thurston County – SE Thurston Fire Authority Fire Impact Fees
In August of 2016, the City of Yelm, City of Rainier and Thurston County were set to approve a $0.36 impact fee on new construction to fund capital expenditures related to growth for the SE Thurston Fire Authority (SETFA). OMB members had not had a chance to properly review the proposal, so OMB staff intervened, and has spent the last 16 months arguing against this fee. Members and staff have testified over a dozen times, and expended all arguments in an attempt to see the impact fee defeated. OMB has argued that the collection of the proposed .36 per sq/ft impact fee on all new development, places the burden of maintaining the fire authority’s effectiveness on the backs of the small segment of society moving into new homes. Impact fees are fundamentally inequitable and will create another barrier to fixing Thurston County’s affordable housing crisis. Fire protection is a basic public safety service that benefits all residents equally, which is why we believe that property tax revenue is the best method to fund these capital expansion projects. Although they are the author of and would be the recipient of this fee, the SE Thurston Fire Authority has patiently acted and thoughtfully negotiated on terms with OMB over the duration of this fee’s consideration. During this time, it became clear the SETFA was in need of funding. They are, by far, the most poorly funded fire jurisdiction on a per emergency call basis in the region. They have a poor property tax base. The only other funding method outside of an impact fee would be a bond, and Yelm, which comprises the largest contingent of SETFA’s jurisdiction has yet to successfully pass one. These realities have made the fee very popular with elected officials in all three jurisdictions, so it hasn’t been easy to overcome its wide-ranging support. OMB has advocated effectively, however, reducing a number of issues with the fee, including: • Impact Fee deferral until project completion • Exemption from fee of ag-exempt structures up to 775 square feet • Exemption of remodeling activities to current structures which is less than 500 square feet
Lastly, the SETFA has properly demonstrated the extent one should be required to go through in order for a fee like this to even warrant consideration. If impact fees are adopted, it must be proven first that all other options are expended. We hope this will not only create skepticism for these fees amongst elected officials in neighboring jurisdictions, but that it has also set the tone for the time they will need to expend and hurdles they will need to clear if they would like to propose impact fees in the future. On December 5th, the Thurston County Board of Commissioners held a final public hearing, and it appears as though this ordinance will pass with the concessions listed above and fee collection will go into effect on March 1st. So, if you have been waiting to file for any permits to build in the SETFAs jurisdiction, plan to do so before then.
Thurston County Comp Plan Update
The Comprehensive Plan describes the long-term vision for Thurston County, to set direction for the county’s projected growth in the coming decades. It contains common goals that guide development within the county, including the areas of land use, environment, transportation, public health, economic development and resource use. Input from OMB, should hopefully create a comp plan update we can support, that in return would lead to fewer battles to fight in coming years. In October, Thurston County Senior Planner Allison Osterberg met with the Government Affairs Committee at OMB to gather initial input on the portions of the comp plan relevant to the building industry, primarily elements of the land use and environment sections. The County is seeking feedback from a broad range of community groups, both early in the update process and throughout the process, so it is important you make your voices heard. Info including the current version of the Comprehensive Plan can be found on Thurston County's website. This plan will be a guiding document for the county over the next 15-20 years. OMB is monitoring the issue, and is also involved in multiple stakeholder groups, providing input on this update.
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Mineral Resource Lands Stakeholder Group
Mineral Resource Lands are areas where many factors may support the commercial extraction of minerals (mining), including sand, gravel, rock, and metals. OMB has been involved in a stakeholder group with the County to discuss proper zoning and uses and environmental protections needed for these lands located in Thurston County. Land cannot be zoned for both development and commercial mining purposes. OMB is involved in this group because the availability of buildable land and mineral impact the industry.
ADU Focus Group
As part of the Thurston County Comp Plan Update, OMB members and the Government Affairs Director have been asked to serve on a focus group to help amend regulations to allow Accessory Dwelling Units to be built in Thurston County.
Thurston County 2018-2019 Development Code Docket
The Official Docket of Development Code Amendments is a list of proposed changes to Thurston County’s development regulations. OMB was asked by the Thurston County Commissioners and staff to provide input on the changes they would like to propose to these regulation in 2018. Thanks to member input, the Government Affairs Director requested that review of impervious surface limits and standards passed by the previous commission in 2017 be reviewed to allow more flexibility to property owners. OMB also requested the Commissioners consider amendments that would allow final approval of long plats to become an administrative process, as short plats are approved now, which could cut approval times by weeks or even months on larger subdivisions. Both of these requests by OMB were added to the docket for review in 2018. Other relevant docket items being considered include: • Review of Critical Areas Buffer Requirements and Approval Processes and Criteria Under the Critical Areas Ordinance • Nonconforming Structure Replacement (also being addressed in Shoreline Master Plan review) • Review of Administrative Variance Limits in Zoning Ordinances (Title 20, 21, 22, 23) • Critical Areas Ordinance Revisions to Ensure Consistency with the Shoreline Management Program Update • Amend Zoning Ordinances to Add a Site Plan Review Process for Single Family Residential, Other Permits, and Review Vesting for All Other Permits Residents of Thurston County are asked to review the proposals and provide written comments on whether the county should address these issues in 2018-19. Written comments are due by 5 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018. OMB will continue to monitor this issue and review the progress of these items during OMB Government Affairs Committee meetings throughout the year.
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Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan
On December 13th, 2017, Thurston County staff briefed the Board of County Commissioners to request direction on what activities the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) should cover. At the meeting, the County Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment, to interim Resource Stewardship Director Josh Cummings, that the County’s HCP needs to provide full coverage of all activities, and at a price tag the county will be able to afford over the course of the plan's 30 year funding lifespan. OMB has been deeply involved in this issue since the Mazama Pocket Gophers initial endangered species listing in 2014. This year, with the addition of two new OMB supported Thurston County Commissioners joining Bud Blake, the make-up of the commission has improved dramatically, and with that change, so has the outlook for the county developing an HCP that will protect affordable housing efforts and the rights of Thurston County residents. At this point, it looks more and more likely that the County Commission will need to hit the reset button on the HCP process in order to develop a more financially realistic implementation methodology that will allow the County to cover the entire cost of the HCP. This is a big win for OMB, which has continually challenged the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s attempts to coerce and misguide the Commissioners and staff into spending more money and implementing a plan which would cause unnecessary harm to property owners and the homebuilding industry over the next 30 years. Starting the HCP over could delay implementation up to 3 years, but OMB will continue to work with the Commission to make additional improvements to the MPG Interim Permitting Process to ensure those effected can continue to build until a satisfactory HCP can be approved.
Mazama Pocket Gopher Interim Permitting Process
Until the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Mazama Pocket Gopher is adopted, Thurston County residents and builders will still need to rely on Thurston County’s Interim Permitting Process. Fortunately, due to the hard work of OMB and Thurston County Commissioners, the process has improved significantly, with more opportunities to make changes before the 2018 gopher review season. OMB members and staff met with county staff and officials on this issue multiple times this year. Before the beginning of the 2017 Gopher season, OMB scored a major victory when the Thurston County Commission voted to reduce the number of “gopher walk” site visits from 3 to 2, a policy OMB has advocated for repeatedly, and dramatically increased the number of gopher review applications which can be processed by the county within a season. The commissioners also chose to hire additional staff and allow more flexibility regarding the time of the season the site visits must be completed, which OMB advocated for. These changes also improved permit processing times. This year the county processed a record high 315 gopher reviews, and clearing their entire site visit backlog, including all remaining XD applications.
missioners also approved $600,000 in funding to complete a water availability study.
Mason County Hirst Update
In November, it became apparent that the Squaxin Island Tribe will likely appeal Mason County’s Comp Plan recommendation, arguing that it fails to comply with the Hirst Supreme Court Decision regarding exempt wells. Mason County officials reached out to OMB and asked that members attend the hearing and provide input for the County’s current draft of the plan. OMB is now pushing for the county to allow a private biologist to be hired by customers to conduct gopher reviews and to reduce the number of required site visits to be reduced from 2 visits to 1 next year. We will also continue to push for minor projects which have little impact on gopher soil to be exempted from the Interim Permitting Process, or be provided a less costly path for permit approval. This would also make a dramatic improvement to permit processing time, getting shovels in the ground faster than they would have last year. OMB will continue to pursue these changes and to update the Government Affairs Committee as additional information becomes available.
Hirst Decision on Exempt Wells
A year after the supreme court ruling requiring local governments to make their own determination of water availability before issuing building permits, the Hirst Decision still looms large and unresolved at the state level. With the 2018 Legislative Session set to begin on January 9, 2018, OMB will continue to monitor the progress of efforts, led by the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW), to find a statewide solution to Hirst that will protect the rights of property owners and the future of the rural homebuilding industry. On December 12th, House Democrats presented a proposal that would do the following to satisfy the requirements of the Hirst Decision: • Previous exempt well withdrawal limit of 5,000 gallons a day would be limited to 350 gallons a day • Add $1,500 fee on new wells to fund $200 million over 10 years for Salmon Recovery • Add water meters to wells These provisions would prove detrimental to rural development, and BIAW will continue to work with Senate and Hirst Republicans to develop a better solution.
Thurston County Hirst Update
On September 11th, OMB staff, along with members and staff of the Thurston County Realtors Association, met with Commissioner Bud Blake to voice concerns about the Hirst exempt well decision and its impact on the building and real estate industry. Commissioner Blake assured the group that for now, permits will continue to be issued “business as usual.” The county’s hydrogeologist will be updating the commission every 90 days as he conducts research in an attempt to find a solution that protects the county and its citizens from the negative impacts of this ruling. Thurston County Com-
On December 5th, 2017, The Mason County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 in favor of approving their Comprehensive Plan, including language changes intended to address Hirst. While both the Olympia Master Builders and Squaxin Island Tribe requested further time to review the language added to the County's water adequacy regulations as part of the update, the Commission decided to move forward and pass the plan. At this time, we do not believe the amendments passed will adequately address Hirst and the impact to rural development is unknown. OMB has asked for immediate clarification, and have been told County staff will reach out to provide information on the implementation of these changes and the effect it could have on development. We have not heard yet about when that meeting will be held, but members will be notified when a meeting is scheduled.
Lacey Fee Adjustment
Examples of recent advocacy success included a series of government affairs meetings where OMB members and staff sat down with Lacey city staff and elected officials to discuss their first comprehensive fee adjustment in 25 years for their building and planning departments. OMB members provided feedback and concerns to city staff, and over multiple revisions, they accepted revisions requested by our members and provided explanations for their adjustments. A thoughtful, comprehensive discussion like this between builders and the city would not have been possible without the assistance of the Government Affairs Committee and the City's culture of working closely with stakeholders that are affected by their policies.
Shelton Fee Adjustment
September 5, 2017 – The Shelton City Commission voted to increase permitting fees by 20% to prevent permitting delays due to two large scale public projects set to break ground in 2017. In 2016 The Shelton City Commission voted to cut fees by 50% to spark development. The cuts led to an exponential increase in building permits filed over the last year, and OMB warned that the 20% increase could slow the current rate of permitting for the city. This fee increase is a disappointment, but it still keeps the majority of the 2016 50% percent building fee reduction intact, which allowed new SFR permitting to skyrocket in the last year. The city also agreed to continue to collect data on new housing starts and review this fee adjustment in a year to consider the possibility of reducing the rates again if building permit numbers decrease, as we believe they will. Chalk Line • 11
Shared Work:
A smart financial alternative to layoffs Rafael Colón, Guest Columnist Shared Work Marketing Manager Employment Security Department It can happen to any business. Demand for your product or service slips. Perhaps a market shift causes you to consider employee layoffs. Something as simple as road construction blocking access, or your business might be affected by the state capital budget, which has not passed the Legislature yet. All you know is your business is in a fix and you’ve got some hard decisions to make. It can happen to any business. You don’t want to lay off your skilled employees, but what else can you do to cut payroll costs? The answer is simple: Employment Security’s Shared Work Program.
Why Shared Work?
Consider it a triple win: Shared Work helps employers, employees, and the local economy. The program allows employers to reduce the work hours of their permanent employees by up to 50 percent. You save payroll expenses and keep your skilled workforce in place. Employees make up for some of their lost wages by collecting unemployment benefits — WITHOUT a work search requirement. And the local economy keeps its thriving businesses and low unemployment rate.
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Here is how it works
Instead of cutting jobs, you cut hours. Employees collect partial unemployment benefits for the hours they’ve lost. Employers save payroll costs and hang onto their skilled and talented workforce. The program is flexible in that you can change the level of your participation, from the number of employees to the number of reduced hours, from week to week. It is all up to you.
Protecting your business
In Washington’s bustling economy, Shared Work continues to help over 110 eligible employers’ weather economic downturns in the building industry. Whether or not you need Shared Worked right now, you can benefit by enrolling. Think of it as employment insurance that protects your business! Create your contingency plan for a faster recovery today by applying for Shared Work.
You may review the guideline requirements and apply now by using the online Shared Work Employer Application or call Shared Work. Shared Work wants all eligible employers to enroll. 96% of employers surveyed would consider applying for the program again.
Contact us
To learn more, contact your local WorkSource Business Services office or the Shared Work Program at 800-752-2500, and visit us at www.esd.wa.gov/shared-work. Call Shared Work today! We are here to serve you at 1-800-752-2500, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Chalk Line • 13
Welcome to Our New Members!
Thank You Renewing Members!
Joined in October and November 2017
AAA Kartak Glass & Closet Corp. 3060 96th St S Tacoma, WA 98499 (253) 238-0440 ashleighc@aaakartak.com Sponsor: Michael Geisen
Adaptive Living, LLC
805 Carlyon Ave SE Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 209-4199 jenhopps.al@gmail.com Sponsor: Tim Dickey, CAPS, CGR, CGP American Workforce Group, Inc. 4250 Martin Way E, STE 103 Olympia, WA 98516 (360) 338-6900 deandra@americanworkforcegroup.com Sponsor: Jennie McDonald
Barbo’s Plumbing, LLC
406 89th Ave SW Olympia, WA 98512 (360) 584-9290 thebarbos@gmail.com Sponsor: Tim Dickey, CAPS, CGR, CGP
Curb Master, Inc.
PO BOX 8180 Lacey, WA 98509 (360) 491-5022 steve@curbmaster.com Sponsor: Curt Vaniman
First American Title
3905 Martin Way E #A Olympia, WA 98506 (360) 350-6760 tcomas@firstam.com Sponsor: Ron Deering
Mark's Gutter Service & Repair 8202 177th Ln SW Rochester, WA 98579 (360) 273-5654 marksgutter@comcast.net Sponsor: John Johnson
Pacific Northwest Painting of Olympia PO BOX 205 Olympia, WA 98507 (360) 239-7047 Osp7@comcast.net Sponsor: Ron Deering
Budd Bay Promotions & Apparel
Premier Stone & Quartz
C & E Developments
Sawyer Concrete Pumping
6715 Martin Way E Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 709-0483 kristin@buddbay.com Sponsor: Amy Winters
PO BOX 2983 Yelm, WA 98597 (360) 400-0432 cedevelopment05@gmail.com Sponsor: Ron Deering
Certified Indoor Air
PO BOX 12615 Olympia, WA 98508 (360) 754-6087 randyg@certifiedindoor.com Sponsor: Stuart Drebick
Commercial Property Services, LLC 5020 Joppa Street SW Tumwater, WA 98512 (360) 915-6056 jlynn771@yahoo.com Sponsor: Heather Burgess
Renewed in October and November 2017
15786 104th Ave Yelm, WA 98597 (360) 999-6605 hawkfanjz@gmail.com Sponsor: Ron Deering
1313 Wildwood Ave NE Chehalis, WA 98532 (360) 304-3222 tara_736@hotmail.com Sponsor: John Johnson
South Sound Bank
PO Box 12720 Olympia, WA 98508 (360) 705-4200 wyndied@southsoundbank.com Sponsor: Ron Deering
Skookum Construction
101 SE T-Peeksin Ln Shelton, WA 98584 (360) 490-8601 jeremie@skookumconstruction.com Sponsor: Linda Mosier-Vaudt, CAPS, CGA, CGP
One Year Tanglewilde Lumber, Inc. Big Rock Construction, Inc. Chehalis Rentals Gorman Roofing Services, Inc. American Pump and Electric PIONEER Technologies Corporation CCI Solutions Lifetime Granite Prime Building & Development, LLC Black Hills Excavating, Inc.
2 – 4 Years Edward Jones Investments Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. Premier Power Electric, LLC Valley Supply Co. Shield of Armor Safety Mountain Lumber Copper Plumbing, LLC FGM Construction & Development M & C Drywall, Inc. Pacific Coast Energy SCJ Alliance Double Duty Land Management Olympia Bookkeeping Services, Inc.
5 – 9 Years Erik Jensen Lenkerbrook Stoneworks, LLC A-1 Roofing, Inc. Olympic Door & Trim Always Safe & Lock, Inc. Windermere Real Estate/Puyallup, Inc. Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Lossing Construction Bliss & Skeen CPA's Yelm Plumbing & Pumps Better Homes Home Improvements, Inc. Pacific Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
10-14 Years Hung Right Doors, LLC Washington Federal Goebel Septic Tank Service, Inc. Allied Electric Service, Inc. Turner Insulation, Inc. A Glass Enterprise, Inc.
15-19 Years Lacey Door & Millwork Andrew Spear Construction, LLC Weatherguard Roofing, Inc. Dan Sallee Construction, LLC Harrington Construction & Development, Inc Town & Country Roofing, Inc. Sierra Pacific Windows
20-25 Years Rainier Valley Construction, Inc. 96.9 KAYO & 95.3 KGY Holroyd Company, Inc. Desco Audio & Video Lindstrom & Son Construction, Inc. Scott Homes, Inc.
25+ Years Kell-Chuck Glass Doors Unlimited, Inc. Kaufman Construction & Development, Inc.
MEMBERS SUPPORTING MEMBERS
GREAT RELATIONSHIPS COME WITH GREAT BENEFITS.
BENEFITS EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND EMPLOYEES.
500
$
NAHB MEMBER
ALLOWANCE +
UP $ TO
1,000
ON THE JOB & MOST NATIONAL AND LOCAL INCENTIVES
= BIG VALUES
RAM CHASSIS CAB. THE ULTIMATE HOME BUILDING TOOL. ®
The best capabilities in the trade. Best-in-Class 37,500 lb GCWR1 Available Proven 6.7L Cummins® Turbo Diesel Engine Standard 6.4L HEMI® Engine with MDS Fuel Saver Technology
2
VISIT NAHB.ORG/FCA TO GET STARTED
FCA US LLC IS A PROUD AFFINITY PROGRAM PROVIDER OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS.
1 Based on 3–5 pickup-based conventional cab chassis over 10,000 GCWR. 2 Family members must reside in the same household as member. Not available on SRT models. On The Job (OTJ) incentives vary depending on model chosen. See dealer for NAHB allowance and OTJ incentive details and eligibility requirements. ©2016 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins Inc.
Chalk Line • 15
1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506 $1.25 per copy 360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org