Chalk Line-November December 2013

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

OMB Reaches Settlement with City of Olympia

From the President..................... 2 From the EO............................... 3 Sustainable Thurston Plan............ 5 Membership Report.................... 8

In August, attorneys for the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) filed a Petition for Review to the Growth Management Hearings Board for Western Washington asking the Board to review the City of Olympia’s decision to defund 11 existing park projects in order to purchase properties located at 505 and 529 Fourth Ave. W. in Olympia for the future Isthmus Park.

The Petition for Review challenged the City’s action as a de facto amendment to the adopted comprehensive plan by decimating existing parks projects to pay for the isthmus properties without the public participation required under the Growth Management Act.

Award Winners See page 7

Five Counties Strong

Serving

Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Pacific & Mason Counties

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES ONE HOME AT A TIME. 1211 State Avenue NE Olympia, WA 98506 360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org

Under the terms of the settlement negotiated between attorneys for OMB and the City of Olympia, the City has agreed to provide OMB

and members of the public with clear information regarding the specific funds diverted from other parks projects for the Isthmus Park through revisions to the City’s proposed Capital Facilities Plan currently under consideration.

In addition, City staff will meet with OMB members to answer questions regarding the property acquisition and solicit feedback regarding the City’s parks priorities and will provide OMB with additional information regarding the sources of SEPA mitigation fees used for the property’s acquisition.

OMB President John McKinlay commented, “OMB and its Board of Directors believe this

See “Petition”

page 14

OMB Celebrates the “12 Days of Christmas” The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) annual Christmas party, awards program and installation of officers will take place on Friday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club. This year’s program will also incorporate an auction!

Throughout the evening, guests will have the chance to bid on twelve live auction items.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the OMB Scholarship program and general fund.

Each year, OMB members coming to the party generously donate to a charitable organization.

2013 OMB President John McKinlay has requested that non-perishable food donations be collected to benefit the Thurston County Food Bank, and any cash donations will help

See “Celebration”

page 9

From the President

Thanks for a Great 2013

By John McKinlay President

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as President of the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) this year. In fact, I’ve had such a great time I agreed to stay on for a second year! Thanks for electing me to serve as your 2014 OMB President.

Prior to this year I was a very active OMB member. I was on OMB’s Board of Directors, had chaired several committees and was active on several other committees. But, until I became your 2013 President, I did not completely appreciate, nor understand the magnitude of this great organization. I continue to be impressed with everything that OMB does.

Of course, all of the great things that OMB does don’t just happen. It takes the collective efforts of many members and OMB staff to ensure success.

As I reflect back on 2013, I would like to highlight some of these efforts that stand out in my mind.

OMB’s Board of Directors We have a great group of members who serve as OMB’s Board of Directors. The past few years have been a challenge, given the housing crisis and the Great Recession, but OMB’s Board has hung in there and been willing to make tough decisions to ensure the strong future of OMB. I thought it made sense to start 2013 off with a board strategic planning session. I felt it was time to take a new look at OMB’s goals and priorities, given the challenges of the past

Chapter Presidents I’d like to also thank OMB’s Chapter Presidents – Erik Jensen, Lewis County Chapter; Harv Lillegard, Grays Harbor County Chapter; Aaron Nester, Mason County Chapter; and Raymon Bonney, South Pacific County Chapter. These fine gentlemen meet the needs of the members in OMB’s four chapters through regular dinner meetings, issues advocacy and events. Thanks for all your good work.

few years. I want to formally say “thanks” to OMB’s board members for taking a day out of their busy schedules to develop a new strategic plan for OMB. Committee Chairs I want to also say “thanks” to OMB’s committee chairs for then taking that strategic plan and turning it into specific action items for their individual committees.

Part of my motivation for agreeing to serve a second year as your president was to actively participate in the implementation of this newly created strategic plan.

Participate in 2014 As we head into 2014 I encourage all OMB members to get involved in this great organization – attend MA_4.25X5.5Ads_2011:Layout 1

I appreciate all the time and effort the committee chairs gave to OMB this year. Each one is dedicated to OMB and our mission. Here’s a few examples:

some general membership dinner meetings, attend some chapter meetings, take part in our events, enroll in some education classes, check out our money savings programs, volunteer to attend city and county council meetings to represent our industry.

With everyone’s participation we can continue to grow into an even greater organization that can continue to strengthen the home building industry in our five-county region.

See you in 2014!

3/21/11

2:45 PM

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National Association of Home Builders

Under Ross Irwin’s leadership, the Home Show Committee planned a very successful Big Home & Garden Show. The show was held in April, instead of September this year and vendors and the general public showed their support of that date change.

Put your membership to work now.

Money-saving discounts that benefit your business, your employees, and your family Visit

www.nahb.org/ma

With Kim Asay’s enthusiastic leadership of our Golf Committee, our golf tournament rocked! We increased attendance and sponsorships.

We had great weather and I believe everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves!

for these and other participating companies.

Your First Vice President Scott Nolan’s chaired the Government Affairs Committee and they took on several challenging issues this year.

Karen McClennen, the chair of the Tour of Homes™, worked diligently with her committee to ensure a successful Tour of Homes™.

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November/ December 2013

From the Executive Officer

Looking Back, Moving Forward

By Laura Worf Executive Officer

As 2013 draws to a close, here at the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) office we are already well into 2014 in our planning. By now all OMB members should have received information about participating in the 2014 “Everything for the Home” Buyer’s Guide and information about the three home shows OMB will be producing in 2014.

There are several big issues on the horizon as we move into 2014.

The Sustainable Thurston project, Creating Places, Preserving Spaces, is currently on the radar of all the local jurisdictions. (See the article on page five for more details.) Expect all of the jurisdictions to be looking for ways to incorporate many of the recommendations of this document in the coming year.

My concern – we can bring a group of people from the community together to plan for the future, but unless we allow for personal decisions and market forces to play out, the planning will not be productive.

A good example – the challenge the Briggs Village development is having with the commercial component of their master planned development.

It was planned back in the 90’s, but it hasn’t translated to the reality of today’s market and what commercial businesses want. So now a lot of effort is being spent to revise the requirements of how this property can be used which will result in driving up the cost of building anything on that property, which will eventually be reflected in the purchase price or the lease rates, which could result in

November / December 2013

the end product not being able to compete with other properties in the community, so the space could end up sitting vacant. So much for planning.

2014 too. Thanks John. It’s been a pleasure working with you in 2013.

Here’s to a great 2014!

OMB Board of Directors – Did you know that OMB’s Board of Directors features quite a cast of characters? One of them was in a professional county western band for over 30 years in the Midwest, two of them are theologians, one of them worked on an underground newspaper in college, one of them used to build custom motorcycles, one of them is a local actor, one of them used to be a DEA agent doing drug busts, and many of them serve on other non-profit boards in this area.

Another issue to keep an eye on as we go into 2014 is the endangered and threatened species in Thurston County and the regulations the County is putting into place to deal with these listings. See OMB’s Government Affairs Director Adam Frank’s column on page five talking about how the focus is more on the soil types and how Thurston County plans to regulate this issue.

If you’ve watched any TV over the last month or read a newspaper, you haven’t been able to avoid seeing that the Affordable Health Care Act has had some challenges in its implementation.

We’ve highlighted some of the facts you’ll need to know about the new requirements that take effect on January 1, 2014 on page 11. Watch future issues of this magazine as well as OMB’s weekly electronic newsletter, Chalk Talk, to keep informed of changes that might affect you.

2013. With their capable efforts, OMB actively advocated for OMB members in our five-county area, produced three home shows, one Tour of Homes™, a Housing Summit, Rex Awards Program, monthly dinner meetings in all five counties, several Coffee Connections, Annual Christmas Party with Installation and Awards Program, and ran a successful education program.

All of them have a passion for what they do to create homes in this community and every month I am amazed and impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication to the home building industry and OMB. Thanks OMB Board members; you are the best!

Stacey Genzlinger, OMB’s Director of Member Services and Sally Darrow, OMB’s Bookkeeper and Education Program Coordinator, both celebrated 12 years of employment with OMB this year. Angela White, OMB’s Government Affairs Director delivered a healthy baby girl in July and returned from maternity leave in her new capacity as OMB’s Membership & Communications Director.

Adam Frank joined our staff team in September as Government Affairs Director. I have just completed my seventh year as your Executive Officer.

OMB Staff – Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the OMB staff for all their hard work in

We’ve successfully completed 2013, now let’s move forward into an even more successful 2014.

As I reflect back on 2013 I want to offer my thanks to the following: OMB President John McKinlay – If you haven’t already told John McKinlay thanks for being President of OMB in 2013, please do so soon.

John has taken very seriously his job as OMB President this year and has been a strong leader. I don’t think many of OMB’s members realize the time and effort John has donated to OMB this year and his willingness to lead by example. On top of all that, John has agreed to serve a second year, so you will be seeing him in 3

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Government Affairs Report - The Latest Highlights Olympia Master Builders (OMB) is currently working on and/or monitoring many issues related to the building industry. Visit www.omb.org to see a list of issues. Below are a few recent highlights which include links to futher information. To easily access these links go to the online version of Chalk Line at www.omb.org/news.

Thurston County

City of Lacey

Sustainable Thurston – The Sustainable Thurston Task Force presented the final draft of its plan, Creating Places – Preserving Spaces: A Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region, to the Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) in early November. TRPC is expected to adopt the plan on December 6. After that, TRPC will urge Thurston County cities and towns to adopt joint resolutions that commit to integrating the plan into their planning efforts.

Comprehensive Plan – Lacey is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. The City held a public open house in October, and a public hearing schedule will soon be determined. Watch the weekly Chalk Talk emails for updates on the public hearing schedule.

Habitat Conservation – Thurston County is working with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife to create a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to protect a number of prairie species, including the Mazama Pocket Gopher. In the meantime, the County is working to create an interim permitting strategy that would allow permitting to continue while the HCP is developed.

Shoreline Master Program Update – The Lewis County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update has hit a snag. The county’s commissioners, among others, were very concerned about the use of the 2010 FEMA flood maps in the SMP’s shoreline inventory. The County is currently looking at alternatives to using those disputed maps.

Lewis County

Mazama Pocket Gopher – Public comment on the proposed Mazama pocket gopher listing closed on October 18, and the final listing decision could come any time between now and March 31, 2014. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a rule in December 2012 to list the gopher as a threatened species.

City of Olympia School Impact Fees – The Olympia School District has requested a significant increase in its School Impact Fees, beginning January 1, 2014. Fees for a single family home would increase, from $5,179 to $5,895; fees for multi-family would move from $0 to $1,749. The fee increases are part of the update to the Olympia School District’s Capital Facilities Plan, which cites a finding of a significant increase in the rate at which single- and multi-family housing development has generated new students.

Urban Forestry Management – Thurston County held a public hearing on November 7 over a draft Urban Forestry Management Plan. The County hired a consultant to draft the plan, which will cover the Urban Growth Areas of Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey. The Board of County Commissioners plans to act on the plan in the spring.

Comprehensive Plan – Olympia is updating its Comprehensive Plan and held a series of four public information forums from mid-October to early November. The City will hold public hearings in January or February of 2014. The plan would consolidate some zoning designations which could be more easily adjusted as circumstances change, and emphasize greater density in three areas along the urban corridor.

Buildable Lands Report – The Thurston Regional Planning Council will complete its buildable lands report in the coming weeks and then present it to the Forecast Advisory Committee. OMB has a seat on that committee.

The Buildable Lands Report acts as a measurement device—to measure whether urban growth is occurring as planned, and to determine how much land is available for the accommodation of future population growth.

Shoreline Master Program Update – The City Council voted on October 1 to approve the SMP update and submit it to the Department of Ecology for approval. Ecology will review the plan for the next 12 to 18 months and will either approve the update or return it to the City for additional revision.

Thurston Thrives – OMB was invited to participate on the Housing Action Team of the Thurston Thrives initiative. The team aims to help improve public health by coming up with ways to provide safe and affordable housing options to everyone in Thurston County. The team will wrap up its work in early December.

Department of Commerce Affordable Housing Study - OMB donated $1,500 to help fund an Affordable Housing Needs study that aims to find out current demographics and affordable housing supply, as well as forecast affordable housing needs over the next five years. OMB is coordinating with the Master Builders Association of Pierce County to stay informed about the study and to provide any input for the study as appropriate.

Mason County Shoreline Master Program Update – OMB sponsored a Mason County Shoreline Master Program Update information forum in late October.

Kelly Wood and Mick Phillips from Phillips Wesch Burgess, PLLC were the presenters. The Planning Advisory Commission continues to work on the SMP update, and hopes to complete and submit it to the Department of Ecology by early next summer.

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OMB is currently working on and or monitoring several issues related to the building industry. For more information about any of these issues, contact OMB’s Government Affairs Director, Adam Frank, at 360-754-0912 or email adam@omb.org.

November/ December 2013

It’s Not Just the Gopher as long as the builder purchased other prairie habitat elsewhere (a credit)—provided that the quality of the habitat the builder wants to take is not high enough for the plan to prohibit the use of it altogether.

Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, the streaked horned lark, the Oregon spotted frog, or any other of a number of prairie plants or animals.

By Adam Frank Government Affairs Director

The butterfly and the lark are already listed, and the gopher could be listed any time between now and the end of next March. What we need to do, he said, is protect the habitat.

I am new to Thurston County. One of the first things I heard about when I got here was the Mazama pocket gopher. I learned that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service wanted to list it on the Endangered Species List as a Threatened Species, and that it would make development much harder and more expensive in areas containing gopher habitat.

All of that is correct. However, it’s not just about the gopher.

The point is that a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is already in the works to protect all of this prairie habitat, and Olympia Master Builders (OMB) has to continue to be engaged in that process. The HCP, though, can be a two-edged sword: Incidental takings of protected species or habitat are not allowed without them, but they can open landowners up to costly mitigation measures.

Not long after I started here, I met with Scott Clark, Planning Director for Thurston County. Our conversation was much less about gophers than it was about the prairie habitat.

He told me that if it wasn’t about the gophers, it would be about the

For example, at a recent Board of County Commissioners work session, Scott Clark and his team described for the commissioners a credit/debit methodology that would allow building on some otherwise protected habitat (a debit)

One commissioner expressed doubts that a one-to-one ratio of credits to debits would not be sufficient, because, as she put it, the nonet-loss strategy has proven ineffective at bringing species and habitat back from the brink. In that light, it is likely that the credit-to-debit ratio would be more like two- or three-toone, meaning for every one piece of habitat taken, a builder will have to purchase two or three untouched pieces of habitat. Gulp.

According to the County, those who own “credit” lands can realize the value of their property by selling credits to those who need them to mitigate their debits of prairie habitat. Everybody wins, right? Sadly, no mention was made of the increased cost of building to the credit purchaser, nor of what happens when purchasable credit lands run out.

This credit/debit methodology, you

see, is just a way for the government to prevent private land use without having to justly compensate the owner as required by the Fifth Amendment.

This is not to say that we should not be fighting the gopher listing battle. However, if we’re aiming at the county, we’re off the mark, because the listing is not really up to them. The federal government decides what species are listed, and there’s not a lot the county can do about that. (Well, they could fight harder against the listing based on best available science and current protections in place, but I digress.)

I still believe that the gopher listing is premature, if not completely unwarranted, and that its acceleration due to settlement agreements with a few environmental groups violates principles of due process and public participation. We’re not giving up that fight. But OMB needs to stay plugged in on the creation of the HCP, and on the interim permitting process that will allow building to continue in Thurston County while the HCP is drawn up.

TRPC to Adopt Sustainable Thurston Urge Local Implementation The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) is expected to adopt a regional plan for sustainable development in December. The 189-page plan, Creating Places – Preserving Spaces: A Sustainable Development Plan for the Thurston Region, and its 70 pages of Action Tables, is the result of the work of various panels made up of citizens and leaders from around Thurston

November / December 2013

County, and of the Sustainable Thurston Task Force, over the last two years. OMB staff sat on both the Housing Panel and the Health & Human Services Panel, and has seen the plan through its edits and final submission to the TRPC by the Sustainable Thurston Task Force.

a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development to create a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development. Only 44 other communities across the country received such a grant. Citizens attending the Task Force meetings expressed concerns of “strings attached” to such federal grants.

In October 2010, the Thurston Regional Planning Council received

At its core, the plan emphasizes the 5

creation of walkable communities by creating denser urban areas and leaving rural areas, including farmland, largely untouched by major development. The plan aims to steer 95 percent of population growth between now and 2035 into “areas designated for urban growth.” That

See “TRPC”

page 6

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

TRPC

leaves only 5 percent of new growth heading into rural areas, a figure one panel member described as “pulled out of the air.”

Proponents of the plan insist that the end of the plan’s creation process is just the beginning, as implementation now rests with local decision makers. However, implementation of the plan, along with its goals and actions, is not mandatory and no jurisdiction within Thurston County will be forced to adopt it.

Ultimately, the market has to be able to bear implementation of the plan so OMB is encouraged by the fact that local jurisdictions can take a hard look at the plan and use the good and leave out the bad.

language in the plan that would have changed the tone of the document from that of mere guidance and suggestion, to something more forceful. The more directive tone was supported by several members of the Task Force.

A debate on how forceful a tone the plan should take highlighted the issue of local control over land use planning.

In a letter to the TRPC, Mayor Ron Harding of Yelm said that his city could not accept the amended language, and that additional language should be added that “makes it perfectly clear that the plan is to be

The City of Yelm expressed concerns with a proposed amendment to the

Continued from page 5

used as each jurisdiction deems appropriate for its local conditions.”

Once the TRPC adopts the plan, they will urge each jurisdiction within the county to pass resolutions that adopt the plan and incorporate the plan’s “vision” into all of their decision making.

OMB will be working closely with local jurisdictions to educate them on the ramifications of adopting this plan on local economies, particularly the home building industry.

Sustainable Thurston Vision Statement:

In one generation — through innovation and leadership — the Thurston Region will become a model for sustainability and livability. We will consume less energy, water, and land, produce less waste, and achieve carbon neutrality. We will lead in doing more while consuming less. Through efficiency, coupled with strategic investments, we will support a robust economy. Our actions will enhance an excellent education system, cultivate a healthy environment, and foster an inclusive and equitable social environment that remains affordable and livable. We will view every decision at the local and regional level through the sustainability lens. We will think in generations, not years. The region will work together toward common goals, putting people in the center of our thinking, and inspire individual responsibility and leadership in our residents.

Priority Goal Create vibrant centers, corridors, and neighborhoods while accommodating growth.

Target

Priority Goal

By 2035, 72 percent of all (new and existing) households in our cities, towns, and unincorporated growth areas will be within a half-mile (comparable to a 20-minute walk) of an urban center, corridor, or neighborhood center with access to goods and services to meet some of their daily needs.

Preserve environmentally sensitive lands, farmlands, forest lands, prairies, and rural lands and develop compact urban areas.

Between 2010 and 2035, no more than 5 percent of new housing will locate in the rural areas, and 95 percent will be within cities, towns, unincorporated growth areas, and tribal reservations.

Rural areas are defined as outside of the cities, towns, unincorporated urban growth areas and tribal reservations.

Create a robust economy through sustainable practices.

The Economic Development Council will develop a Sustainable Economy Index.

The “Index” will identify what to measure in order to track progress toward a robust sustainable economy. A target can be developed from the index after it is monitored for several years.

Protect and improve water quality, including groundwater, rivers, streams, lakes, and Puget Sound.

Protect small stream basins that are currently ranked as “Intact” or “Sensitive”. Improve and restore as many as possible “Impacted” stream basins.

Plan and act toward zero waste in the region.

Reduce per capita landfill waste by 32 percent by 2035 to achieve no net increase in landfill waste compared to 2010 in Thurston County.

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Target

Ensure that residents have the resources to meet their daily needs.

By 2035, less than 10 percent of total households in Thurston County will be cost-burdened; less than 5 percent will be severely cost-burdened.

Support a local food system to increase community resilience, health, and economic prosperity.

To be determined after development of a local food systems plan.

Ensure that the region’s water supply sustains people in perpetuity while protecting the environment.

Reduce per capita water use by 33 percent by 2035 to achieve no net increase in water use in Thurston County.

Move toward a carbon-neutral community.

Become a carbon-neutral community by 2050. Supporting target: Achieve a 25 percent reduction of 1990 greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

Maintain air quality standards.

Continue to meet state and federal air quality standards. • PM10: 150 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/ m3), 24-hour average [state and federal primary/secondary standards]; • PM2.5: 12 μg/m3, annual average [federal primary/secondary standards]; • Ozone: 0.075 parts per million (ppm), 8-hour average [federal primary/secondary standards].

Provide opportunities for everyone in the Thurston Region to learn about and practice sustainability.

Integrate education on sustainability and sustainable practices into K-12 curricula, as well as planner’s short courses, workshops, professional training, and other educational opportunities.

Make strategic decisions and investments to advance sustainability regionally.

Create and adopt sustainability checklists for use in all local decision making processes by 2016.

November/ December 2013

2013 Tour of Homes™ Awards Presented The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) hosted the OMB Tours of Homes™ award ceremony at the October 1 general membership dinner meeting, which was held at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.

The Judges’ Choice Award winners:

The Tour included twelve projects, represented by eleven builders.

There were seven new homes, three whole-house remodel projects, and two educational stops.

Best Kitchen John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.

Builders for this year’s Tour included: Adair Homes; The Artisans Group; DeTray’s, LLC; Dickey’s Remodel & Repair / Accessible Living Concepts; Hansen Construction Group; Horizon Homebuilders, LLC; John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.; Olympia Construction, Inc.; Rob Rice Homes (2 homes); Schneider Homes, Inc.; and Scott Homes, Inc. The public at large voted on homes for the People’s Choice Awards. A team of industry experts, from outside the Thurston County area comprised the panel of judges, to select the Judges’ Awards. Judges looked at overall first impressions, attention to detail, balance and function, relationship of design to site, special features and more in deciding who should get top honors.

The People’s Choice Award winners: Best Curb Appeal Hansen Construction Group Best Kitchen Olympia Construction, Inc. Best Master Suite John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. Best Floor Plan Hansen Construction Group Best Remodel Horizon Homebuilders, LLC Best of Show John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.

November / December 2013

Best Curb Appeal Horizon Homebuilders, LLC

Best Master Suite Rob Rice Homes – Evergreen Heights Best Floor Plan Rob Rice Homes - Kensington 2013 Tour of Homes Award winners proudly display their awards with Tour of Homes Committee Chair, Karen McClennen (left) and Tour of Homes Awards Program MC, Casey Cochrane (right).

Best Remodel Horizon Homebuilders, LLC Best of Show Horizon Homebuilders, LLC Judges’ Honorable Mention for Best New Construction Project Rob Rice Homes – Evergreen Heights Chair Karen McClennen of The Olympian thanked her Committee Members: Tim Dickey, Dickey’s Inc.; Brenda Fritsch, The Artisans Group; Matt Jones, Sunset Air; Julie Manker, The Olympian; Terry Maurer, Accessible Living Concepts; Eileen Ryan, Scott Homes; and Greg Stevens of Mixx 96.1 FM KXXO.

Greg and Denise Amendala of Horizon Homebuilders, LLC proudly display his Judge’s Choice Best in Show award, joined

by Tour of Homes Committee Chair, Karen McClennen (left) and Tour of Homes Awards Program MC, Casey Cochrane (right).

To see photos of all the homes, go to www.omb.org. Look under the “Current Events” tab to find a link to the 2013 Tour of Homes™.

Thank you to returning Silver Sponsor, Olympia Federal Savings, and Bronze Co-Sponsors, Sunset Air and Carrier and to returning Media Sponsors, The Olympian and Mixx 96.1 FM KXXO. Thank you to the evening’s Program Sponsor, Casey Cochrane of SCJ Alliance.

John Erwin of John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. proudly displays his People’s Choice Best in Show award, joined by Tour of Homes Committee Chair, Karen McClennen (right) and Tour of Homes Awards Program MC, Casey Cochrane (left).

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Membership Report

Recruiting Raises Your Visibility Within OMB

By Angela White Membership & Communications Director

As many of you are aware I have recently moved back to be Olympia Master Buidlers (OMB) Director of Membership & Communications, the position I was originally hired for several years ago. I have spent the last couple of years as the Director of Government Affairs so I am now reintroducing myself to ALL the other benefits OMB offers, to members and to all the great membership recruiters.

As the past Government Affair Director I must say the biggest, most important, most awesome benefit that OMB offers to members is a prominent voice on behalf of the industry. Being a part of the organization that support the whole home building industry, gives you power you don’t have as an individual.

As OMB’s Government Affairs Director, I was always proud to stand in front of a city council or county commission on behalf of the organization and say “My Name is Angela White and I am here today representing the members of Olym-

pia Master Builders on (insert issue affecting the building industry).�

• And even Community Service Opportunities.

OMB is a powerful voice and it is important that you are a member, if for no other reason than your membership dollars support OMB’s efforts to keep housing affordable.

But, with that said, OMB offers SO MUCH more.

And on top of all this, these benefits are times three because when you join you are also joining your State and National Association.

I have been refreshing my memory on the other benefits OMB offers. I am, once again, in awe of all this Association offers. Benefits such as: • Networking through meetings, Coffee Connections and committees and councils. • Substantial money saving programs (Return on Industrial Insurance, Health Insurance, Verizon etc.).

Mark your calendar for OMB’s morning networking event

COFFEE

• Education, not only through the Education Program, but through committees and councils.

CONNECTION!

• Marketing and Advertising Opportunities to the consumer through the online and printed Buyer’s Guide, Home Shows and the Tour of Homes™; and to other members through Chalk Line and Chalk Talk.

Thursday, November 14 8:00 am Hosted by

It’s nice to see some of the same faces still recruiting because they believe in the organization and it’s been great getting acquainted with the new recruiters who are actively involved.

Recruiters go above and beyond what is expected on behalf of the organization but they also have so much to gain through their time commitment. As a recruiter and/or new member mentor you are gaining visibility and name recognition through OMB, making important business connections and having fun at the same time! Who can beat that!

Have you thought about getting involved in membership with OMB? Now’s a great time. Give me a call or send me an email (360-754-0912 or angela@omb.org) and we can get you plugged in!

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2610 Harrison Ave NW Olympia, WA

Enjoy coffee and pastries and get ready to network!

No reservations necessary. For more information call

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the OMB office at 360-754-0912.

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November/ December 2013

All Aboard for OMB Recruiters!

“Celebration”

continued from page 1

to increase the OMB Scholarship Fund. Guests who donate food or cash will receive raffle tickets for a great prize.

or southwest ravioli (a vegetarian choice) with black bean and roasted corn ravioli and a béchamel sauce.

Thank you to event sponsors Olympia Overhead Doors, J.A. Goldstein L a w Office, Meal choices include herb crusted P L L C , top sirloin topped with a red wine Jessica Jensen reduction, chicken picatta sautéed L a w P S a n d 3.5x2.FS.ad.pdf 1 3/11/13 12:14 PM with shallots in a lemon caper sauce ABC Printing.

Please RSVP to the OMB office at 360-754-0912 or angela@omb.org.

You may also register to attend at www.omb.org. Cost to attend is $50/person and includes a fabulous dinner.

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Come see us at our new location.

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Olympia Master Builders membership recruiters earned a fun afternoon and early evening out. The event started with mingling at The Shire with delicious hors d’oeuvres in Chehalis and ended with a good old fashioned murder mystery dinner aboard a steam train traveling through the countryside outside of Chehalis, WA. Two tables full of OMB members solved the mystery and earned tickets to a theater performance.

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November / December 2013

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Ho, hum...it’s January, Christmas is over, it’s cold outside and there’s nothing to look forward to...

BIAW is proud to announce its newest member benefit—the

Building Industry Insurance Program (BiiP) BIAW members now have the opportunity to purchase insurance products through BIAW member insurance agents at competitive rates.

For more information, click on Building Industry Insurance under the BIAW Programs tab at BIAW.com.

Products Available

z

Builder’s z

General

Risk Liability

Offered by:

z

Builders Warranty

Offered by:

Insurance Specialty Group

Professional Warranty Service Corporation

Beat the doldrums by earning the

Portland Escape!

LOCAL LOGO GOES HERE

Recruit 3 new members between October 1 and December 31, 2013 and earn a night away with a guest at the

Questions?

Contact BIAW Special Projects Coordinator Karen Hall at 800-228-4229, ext. 137.

River’s Edge Hotel & Spa in Portland, OR Saturday, January 25

BIAW is not a licensed insurance broker or agent. In referring the user to an insurance company or licensed agent, BIAW is not selling insurance or providing coverage advice or counsel relative to coverage. BIAW does not solicit, take, or process insurance applications, nor does it negotiate or execute insurance contracts. For policy questions, or to obtain insurance, please contact a licensed member agent or broker. BIAW is paid an advertising fee by the participating insurers.

Includes a delicious celebration dinner with other OMB Recruiters.

HOODSPORT

SHELTON

OLYMPIA

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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November/ December 2013

National and State Update From the

Construction Spending: Continued Improvement in August Data

Total private residential construction spending increased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $340.2 billion in August 2013 according to Census estimates.

tifamily 146.6%, and improvementrelated spending 30.7%. Spending continues to improve for all categories, but remains well below their respective peaks.

The current reading is a 1.2% increase from the prior month and 18.7% higher than a year ago. After a tepid July, the pace of growth in construction spending improved in August.

Single-family spending registered an increase of 1.6% for the month, while the multifamily category saw a healthy increase of 3.2%. The home improvement category remained relatively flat with an increase of just 0.2% for the month.

Total private residential construction spending is at its highest level since August 2008. Since market low points, total private residential construction spending is up 48.9%, single-family 88.5%, mul-

From the

8.4% for the year-to-date. Singlefamily spending has increased by 12.9% and multifamily spending has increased 15.8%.

on the same date – December 2.

This release should provide us with a better picture of construction spending moving forward.

The data show improvements in construction for all categories. However, the government shutdown had yet to occur and is not reflected in the August data.

The September and October data are scheduled for release

For August, on a 3-month moving average basis, all categories continued to experience significant improvements over the course of 2013.

Remodeling related spending is up

BIAW Health Insurance Update What the Affordable Care Act means to you

The Affordable Care Act, which was passed in 2010, is bringing about significant changes to the way we all purchase and use health insurance. The BIAW Health Insurance Program is here to help guide you through these often confusing, new regulations. Below are some important highlights to help you prepare for what is to come: • Out of Pocket Maximum Limits Starting in 2014, no health insurance plan can have an out of pocket maximum greater than $6,350 for an individual or $12,700 for a family. This includes co-pays, deductible, coinsurance, etc.

November / December 2013

• W-2 Reporting Requirements This requirement is currently optional for companies who issue less than 250 W-2s in the prior year.

Employers who issued more than 250 W-2s must begin to report the aggregate cost of health insurance coverage for each employee.

• Wellness Wellness program incentives will be enhanced in 2014, increasing from 20 to 30 percent of coverage cost.

• Incentives for Smokers Employees can be incentivized, up to 50 percent, for tobacco cessation programs.

• SBCs Major medical plans should provide a new standardized document known as the “Summary of Benefits & Coverage” to employees at important dates during the year.

• Probationary Periods For plan years starting in 2014, group health plan waiting periods cannot exceed 90 days for employees who qualify for employersponsored benefits.

• Understand the Exchange The enrollment period for the new state-based exchanges began October 1, 2013. Coverage is available for individuals.

• Extended Dependent Coverage Plans that provide coverage for dependents are required to extend the

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coverage of dependents (adult children) to age 26.

• Check for Dependents Employers must offer the opportunity for dependents (children only, not spouses) to enroll on the company plan. However, an employer is not obligated to pay for any portion of the dependent coverage.

As the landscape of healthcare continues to change, the BIAW Health Insurance Program remains vigilant in keeping you up-to-date with the latest information and providing your company with excellent health insurance benefits.

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

Chapter Reports Mason County

Lewis County

Mason County Chapter members and guests listen to Kelly Wood of Phillips Wesch Burgess, PLLC speak about the Shoreline Master Program.

Kyle Heaton, Executive Director of the Port of Centralia presenting an update about the Port’s activities.

The Mason County Realtors and the Economic Development Council of Mason County joined with Olympia Master Builders (OMB) to sponsor a Shoreline Master Program update information forum in late October in Shelton.

The Lewis County Chapter will be meeting on Wednesday, November 20 at Ramblin Jacks Rib Eye in Napavine. The program will be a Veteran’s Day Tribute with Bob Wheeler, Napavine City Councilman sharing highlights from his family’s experience in Los Banos Prison Camp in the Philippines. All Veteran’s in attendance will receive a complimentary hammer flag pin.

Special thanks to Kelly Wood and Mick Phillips from Phillips Wesch Burgess, PLLC for their presentation.

The Mason County Chapter heard from Garrett Kinsley of Capital Benefit Services on the details of the Affordable Care Act at its November meeting.

Stay tuned to the weekly Chalk Talk emails for details about this year’s Mason County Chapter Christmas Party.

At the October 16 dinner meeting, Alicia Bull, Executive Director of the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of

Commerce and Kyle Heaton, Executive Director of the Port of Centralia gave presentations about their respective organizations.

Heaton gave a brief overview of the Centralia Station Project, which is a multi-use development that will include retail and office space, medical facilities, restaurants, sports fields, and educational facilities in partnership with Centralia College.

Information packets will be available at the November 20 meeting.

Grays Harbor County The next Grays Harbor Chapter meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4 at Gepetto’s, 126 Pioneer Avenue in Montesano, WA .

The guest speaker will be Will Compton from EPK Benefits. He will be speaking on the new health

“Home Shows” and all shows, as booth prices vary between shows and also booth location.

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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All vendor packets for previous 2013 show vendors have already gone out, offering first right of refusal.

Beginning in December, registra-

care reform and what it means to employers and employees.

Don’t miss the Grays Harbor Chapter Christmas no host dinner on Thursday, December 5 at Half Moon Bay in Westport. Details will be emailed out soon.

Continued from page 13 tions will open for all shows, and all spaces.

For more details about any of these shows, or how to register to be a vendor, please contact Stacey at the OMB office at 360-754-0912 or stacey@omb.org.

November/ December 2013

Three Home Shows Planned for 2014

Lewis County Home & Remodel Show

By Stacey Genzlinger Director of Member Services

Olympia Master Builders (OMB) is producing three home shows in 2014, and they will all be wrapped up before Memorial Day, leaving your company the rest of the Summer to work on your Home Show leads!

Once again OMB will be partnering with the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds to jointly promote the Lewis County Home & Remodel Show on February 22 and 23 in conjunction with an event they will be offering the same weekend. Plans for promotion of the show include a special section tabloid inserted in

November / December 2013

the printed and online versions of The Chronicle. Vendors who register for this show before January 3 are eligible for a $100 discount off an ad in the show tab, and a free Chalk Talk ad! For more details about this great offer, contact Laura Worf at 360-7540912 or laura@omb.org.

Last year was the first year the OMB Big Home & Garden Show was held in the spring and it was a very strong show. Attendance was over 3,000 people who were seriously looking for home building products and services. The show will be held April 12 and 13. Saturday hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to accommodate plans to produce a special VIP event from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that will attract additional attendees to the show. Please stay tuned for further details.

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Once again OMB will be partnering with the WSU Master Gardeners and their vendors for the Grays Harbor Home & Garden Show. This show will be held May 17 and 18 and is always popular, featuring many vendors to satisfy your home (and yard) needs, inside and out.

Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, February 22 & 23 Chehalis, WA.

As an incentive for vendors to participate in multiple shows, OMB is offering a discount. If a vendor registers for two shows, they will receive 10% off their booth prices for both shows. If a vendor registers for all three shows, they will receive 15% off their booth fees for each show. This percentage discount allows vendors to pick and choose booth size and location for any

Grays Harbor Home & Garden Show

OMB BIG Home & Garden Show Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion April 12 & 13, Lacey, WA

Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds May 17 & 18, Elma, WA

See “Home Shows”

page 12

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

“Petition” continued from page 1

Welcome New Members

settlement is an excellent result both for OMB members and the citizens of Olympia.

Arch-Eco Design Markthor MacFarlane 169 Hyppa Rd East Rochester, WA 360-273-9291 markthor@archecodesign.com Sponsor: Becky Rieger Bay Equity, LLC Matthew Carey 222 162nd St. S Spanaway, WA 888-600-1140 253-302-5597 mcarey@bayeq.com Sponsor: John McKinlay Curtis Lumber Co. Mike Stillings 2326 4th Ave E Olympia, WA 360-357-7742 360-357-7737 mike@curtislumber.net Sponsor: Greg Stevens

duane.bishop@nwlifts.com Sponsor: Tim Dickey

Olympia, WA 360-754-4470 jim@ducoterra.com Sponsor: John McKinlay

Shake and Shingle Sales, Inc. Deanna Jackson P.O. Box 717 Hoquiam, WA 360-532-2630 360-532-5580 shakeandshingle@reachone.com Sponsor: Angel Anderson

Fish Window Cleaning Glenn Dobson 5831 Lacey Blvd. Suite L Lacey, WA 360-878-9555 360-350-0170 gdobson@fishwindowcleaning. com Sponsor: Greg Stevens

Stefanie Brooks Interior Design Stefanie Brooks 2112 N. 30th Ste A Tacoma, WA 253-225-6545 info@sbinteriordesign.com Sponsor: Doug Karman

RK Electric, LLC Richard Knudtson 3974 Cameron Dr NE Lacey, WA 360-704-7680 360-570-1211 rkelectric@comcast.net Sponsor: Carmen Rowe

Viridian Northwest Daimon Doyle PO Box 13049 Olympia, WA (360) 358-9944 (360) 464-4046 ddoyle@hctc.com Sponsor: John McKinlay

Re-Ability Enterprises, LLC Duane Bishop PO BOX 1643 Gig Harbor, WA 253-444-3552 253-514-9722

Ducoterra LLC Jim Beebe 120 State Ave NE #1419

“This case was never about whether or not there should be park on the Isthmus. Instead, what the case was about was the complete lack of transparency and public participation in the City’s decision to divert funds from other parks projects to purchase this property.” McKinlay continued, “OMB and members of the public are entitled to know and have a say in how impact fees, SEPA fees, and utility tax revenues are spent to pay for parks in the City of Olympia. This settlement ensures that the City provides OMB and the public with that information.”

President McKinlay added, “OMB looks forward to continued engagement with the City of Olympia and the community on parks issues as the City continues through the Comprehensive Plan update process.”

Thank You to these renewing members in September and October 2013 25+ B & R Flooring America Kell-Chuck Glass 15-19 Years Doors Unlimited, Inc. Hoel Construction Kaufman Construction & Development, Inc. MC Squared, Inc. Rainier Valley Construction Holroyd Company, Inc. Hudson’s Drywall, Inc. 96.9 KAYO & AM 1240 KGY Rainier General Development Skillings - Connolly, Inc. 10-14 Years Blakely & Hout, Inc. Desco Audio & Video DJ’s Plumbing, LLC Floor Technology, Inc. Olympia Sheet Metal, Inc. Lindstrom & Son Construction Scott Homes, Inc.

Goebel Septic Tank Service Heritage Restoration, Inc. Olympia Supply Co. Washington Federal Allied Electric Service, Inc. Aaron Carter Construction, Turner Insulation, Inc. Diamond Finish Construction EI. Kristyn & Son Construction Frontstream Payments JNA Networking Services Pete’s Lawn & Garden Maintenance Barckley Construction & Electric Coldwell Banker Lenkerbrook Services Rodda & Sons West, LLC

Aro Glass FASTSIGNS Lacey Door & Millwork Andrew Spear Construction Norm’s Construction, Inc. Dan Sallee Construction, LLC Harrington Construction & Development, Inc. John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. Allied Building Products Abbey Capitol Floors Dennis Company Coastal Construction Group Controlled Rain, LLC P & P Investments Premier Media Group R.G. Forestry Consultants Sierra Pacific Windows Capitol Glass Capitol Lumber, Inc. Sunset Chevrolet

2-4 Years Marcus Real Estate Services Gutter Cover Guy Hardel Builders Center Lossing Construction Maintenance By Hometown

5-9 Years Express Employment Professionals

Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

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T & S Cleaning, Inc. Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Belco Forest Products Environmental Design Envirotech Contractor Services Lowes of Lacey RSVP Olympia 1 Year Bud’s Lumber, Electric & Plumbing Clear View Auto and Window Glass EuroCraft Painting, LLC TNT Electric Trimtek, Inc. Alternate Rain Signdezign Southgate Roofing & Const.

Keller Supply Co Exodus Enginering, Inc. D&R Communications Inc.

November/ December 2013

Education Classes First Aid/CPR. Thursday, November

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION

21 8:00 a.m. to Noon. at the OMB office.

L & I requires that all supervisors be trained in First Aid/CPR. A supervisor is anyone who assigns tasks. Cost is $55 members, $65 non members. To register call the OMB office at 360754-0912. No shows will be invoiced. 48 hour cancellation policy.

Executive Committee

President............................. John McKinlay First Vice Pres.......................... Scott Nolan Treasurer.................................Ron Deering Assoc. Vice Pres.........................Ross Irwin Second Assoc. VP....................... Tina Allen Secretary..................................... Kim Asay Immed. Past Pres....................Janine Ezzell Builder at Large....................Mike Auderer

Business Management for Building Professionals.

Thursday, December 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the OMB office. As a graduate of this course, you will be able to: Discuss common business challenges and learn practical tips and tools to overcome them; explain the three basic functional areas within a company; list the five main tools used to improve a business; apply each of the five p’s to the three functional areas of the business; identify methods of recruiting, interviewing, training and retaining quality personel; apply the key measures of business performance to your own business. Cost is $225 members and $280 non-members. 6 NAHB continuing education credits, 6 American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education Course Credits (AIA/CES). Designation credit: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, CGP, Master CSP, Master CGP. $225 members, $280 non members. To register call the BIAW at 360-352-7800.

48 hour cancellation policy, no shows will be invoiced.

Builder Directors

Scott Bergford Bob Clark Andy Gruhn John Kaufman Adam Kugel

Associate Directors

Jeff Klingberg Heath Howerton

Holly Constantine Rusty Ruiz

Legal Counsel National Directors

Karen McClennen

State Directors

Tina Allen Tim Dickey Erik Jensen Harv Lillegard Karen McClennen Paul Muldoon Scott Nolan Jim Simmons

Ray Bonney Janine Ezzell.

Don Koidahl Bob Love.

John McKinlay.

Aaron Nester.

Carmen Rowe.

Life Directors

Jack Anderson Debbi Boyd William Childress Michael Cornforth Tim Dickey Peter Fluetsch Don Koidahl Mason Manning Linda Mosier-Vaudt Al Mullins Bill Peters Rob Rice Greg Stevens Brad Wilson

Lewis County Master Builders President...................................Erik Jensen First Vice Pres....................... John Johnson Assoc. Vice Pres.................... Becky Rieger Secretary............................... Rick Borovec Immed. Past Pres...................... Scott Nolan Builder Directors.................... Don Koidahl Dave Danton, Dustin Westfall Associate Directors............. Carmen Rowe, Jason Kunz

Mason County Master Builders

Jay Goldstein

Bob Kagy John McKinlay

Life Members

George King Mary Gordon, Honorary Douglas DeForest, Honorary

President.................................Aaron Nester First Vice Pres..................................... TBD Assoc. Vice Pres.......................... Mike Gill Secretary..................................... Bob Love Immed. Past Pres....................Aaron Nester

South Pacific County Master Builders

President.................................. Ray Bonney First Vice Pres.................. Steve Waltemate Immed. Past Pres...................Lori Wirkkala

Grays Harbor Master Builders

Rick Borovec Clark Burkheimer Patrick Connor Merrilee DeForest Stuart Drebick Bob Kagy Bob Love Karen McClennen Paul Muldoon Brian Panush Tommy Poplin Mark Shaffer Andrew Spear

President.............................. Harv Lillegard First Vice Pres..................................... TBD Assoc. Vice Pres........................ Rusty Ruiz Secretary......................... Rhonda Sturgeon Immed. Past Pres................. Harv Lillegard

Association Staff Executive Officer......................Laura Worf Dir. Member Services......Stacey Genzlinger Govt. Affairs Director.................. Adam Frank Bookkeeper............................Sally Darrow Mbrship/Communications....Angela White

Chalk Line is the official publication of the Olympia Master Builders, an affiliate of the Building Industry Association of Washington and the National Association of Home Builders. The Olympia Master Builders can be contacted at 1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia, WA 985064234. Telephone 360-754-0912 or 800-456-6473. Fax 360-754-7448. Visit our web page at www.omb.org.

November / December 2013

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Olympia Master Builders / Chalk Line

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

OLYMPIA, WA PERMIT #159

1211 STATE AVE. NE OLYMPIA, WA 98506 $1.25 per copy 360-754-0912 800-456-6473 www.omb.org

quality you can see. a name you can trust.

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November/ December 2013