June On The Level

ON THE

LEVEL

Central Minnesota Builders Association

CMBA is Zooming in!

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June 2020

MEMBER

SPOTLIGHT 1950 Perham Telephone Company One of the Largest Independent Telecommunications and Broadband Providers in the US, #4 in Minnesota Own and Operate 14 LEC/ILEC Territories in MN Our Network is Physically Diverse and Completely

Unique from CenturyLink - Ability to Bypass 511 95% of Network is Arvig Owned 900 Employees; 550 Fleet Vehicles

Types of Construction

10,000+ Route Mile Fiber Network in Minnesota

Directional Drill (95%)

100+ NNI’s / 50+ in MN

Vacuum Excavation Machine (High Pressure Air or Water)

ESOP Company

Locating Receiver for Boring Machine Drill (Revolutionized the Industry)

Since 2002 – 40% Employee Owned

Aerial vs Underground - Right of Way Building Entries (Existing is Better) Private Utilities Locating - Gopher State One Call Public, Not Private 48 Hours / Good for 14 Days Maintenance Winter vs Summer Construction Construction Hurdles Locate Delays / Unlocatables Railroad Crossings Required within 25’ DNR - Depends on District Army Corps / Navigable Waterways - Min 180 Days Building Access Agreement (BAA) CMBAonline.org

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CMBA Golf Outing The Golf committee is currently working to plan another fantastic golf outing event for the CMBA 2020 calendar. They have been waiting to see how we can structure the event given the limits placed on the popular sport. Different courses are being considered to select the perfect site. A committee meeting is scheduled for June 4 th, and registrations should go out shortly after that. Thank you past participants for your patience and support! And if you want to join in on the planning, give CMBA a call—we are always looking for more committee members.

Who will be the recipient of this coveted treasure?

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JUNE 2020

Home Show Meeting 7:30 CMBA Office

Board Meeting 9:00 Zoom

Tour Committee Meeting 12:00 CMBA Office

Tools for Schools Meeting 10:00 Zoom

Early Bird Deadline for Fall Tour of Homes!

JULY 2020

CMBA Office closed in observance of Independence Day

CMBA Board Meeting 9:00

Home Show Committee Mtg (tentative) 7:30 FINAL DEADLINE for FALL TOUR OF HOMES REGISTRATIONS!

CMBAonline.org

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Tools for Schools Meeting (tentative) 10:00

View the full CMBA Event Calendar HERE

Golf Meeting 10:00 Zoom

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ON THE

LEVEL

Three in one membership

June 2020

Central Minnesota Builders Association

Advertisers in this Issue Page Number 5 Focal Point Flooring 7

Thermo-Tech Windows

9

BAM Member Advantage

17

Tri-County Abstract and Title Guaranty

21

Rinke-Noonan

22

Xcel Energy

Contact Us Give CMBA a call for more information regarding member services and a free list of member professionals.

CMBA 1124 W St. Germain Street, Saint Cloud, MN 56301 (320) 251-4382 CMBA STAFF emails Bonnie Moeller bonnie@cmbaonline.org Executive Director

Jessica Olson-Beatrez Jessica@cmbaonline.org Communications | Exec Asst

Jenny McDermond office@cmbaonline.org Administrative Assistant

News from the NAHB and BAM NAHB Now: Broad Declines for Home Construction in April BAM: Announced 2020 Health Plan Options. See Page 9 for details

Government Affairs Consultant Steve Gottwalt Steve@cmbaonline.org

Visit us online www.cmbaonline.org On The Level magazine is the official publication for the Central Minnesota Builders Association. Add me to the list of subscribers.

ON THE LEVEL has 10 issues per year sent electronically to members and others associated with the building industry.

Neither the advertisers, nor CMBA will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc. herein contained. For advertising rates or address change information contact CMBA. Suggestions and ideas are welcome.

One Advertising Price Full page ad—$150 Click to Advertise

About the Cover: GA Affairs Committee Zoom Meeting

CMBAonline.org

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7

Greetings Fellow CMBA members, Well Summer is officially here, so they say. I do not want to focus on all the negativity and controversy surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic that has consumed all of our lives in so many different ways.

Alternatively, I would like to take this opportunity to advocate for the CMBA and all that they do for our members that some may not know about.

In recent months I had the opportunity to be a part of what our local and state associations really mean to our industry. I spent the day at the capital with fellow members from our local and state associations fighting for our industry in areas such as allowing our youth to be able to work on our building sites to help build the future of the industry.

When the pandemic hit our nation and state, Governor Tim Walz issued his first emergency order, CMBA President Tony Steinemann, the CMBA staff and along with BAM leaders took ADS Designs LLC immediate action on behalf of our industry, advocating with state officials and clarifying for all of us what businesses were “essential,” who could continue working and under what conditions. I am particularly proud of our advocacy with the Walz administration and our clarifications early on that builders, remodelers, landscapers, and many others could continue working. We also immediately connected with all our local communities and building officials to inform CMBA members about how plan submissions, permitting and inspections would proceed. In some cases, we were the ones who informed the city that our builders could continue, and to work with us on how that would proceed.

CMBA 2020 Board of Directors

1st VP Nate Moeller Paramount Construction

Associate VP Jeremy Salzbrun H&S Heating & A/C, Residential & Service LLC

2nd VP/Treas.

Jack Brandes

Secretary Robin Gohman

Lumber One Avon

Liberty Bank MN

Past President Ron Euteneuer

Restore 24 LLC

Jim Alvord

Great Northern Environmental Solutions

We have also created a weekly “Cities Update” documenting and providing links to our local city councils and county board activities impacting our industry. If you would like to be added to this email please reach out to Steve, Bonnie or myself.

Like so many things, of which I am also guilty, members might take for granted the work the CMBA does and the value that the association brings to our industry. To some, membership dues might just be another business expense, but imagine working on your own to track all the policy and regulatory actions of our local, state and federal government, or advocating for builders and highlighting the importance of our industry to our communities. Members have commented how valuable that has been in these recent months; worth at least the price of the membership. And that’s a great way to “sell” the CMBA to prospective members and maybe even a few that have lapsed.

When I look at what the CMBA does for us, and how it brings its members together to strengthen our industry, I know we are getting more than our money’s worth. The only way we keep the CMBA strong is by telling our story, reminding people of the value and inviting them to join.

We all tend to get extremely busy during this time of the year, but this is the perfect opportunity to ask our subcontractors, colleagues, and associates to support our mission and industry just as we have supported them. If they are already a member, thank them and encourage them to continue on with their memberships. If they are not, kindly ask them to join so they too can take full advantage of the benefits the CMBA offers.

This is a time for our members to stand up and work together to get through these challenging times. We have made it through tough times before and we will make it through these. Please support your fellow members and do business within, supporting the small guy up to the larger companies will keep our community strong.

It is significant what our association can accomplish when we all work together on common goals. The CMBA continues to improve the central MN building industry by advocating for the industry, educating our members and strengthening the public’s confidence.

Rachel Gruber Dale Gruber Construction

John Muller SB Restoration Services

Marty Czech

Alex Mastellar

Premier Real Estate Services

Rinke-Noonan

Stuart Swenson

David Werschay

SUNCOM Development, Constr., Management

Werschay Homes Inc.

NAHB DIRECTORS 2020 Jack Brandes, Lumber One Avon Nate Moeller, Paramount Construction Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs

BAM DIRECTORS 2020 Steve Noble, Noble Custom Homes Tony Steinemann, ADS Designs

Until next time,

Ron Euteneuer, Great Northern Environmental Solutions LLC David Werschay, Werschay Homes Mike Gohman, W. Gohman Construction Company

Tony Steinemann, President Central Minnesota Builders Association

CMBAonline.org

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We are so honored to be able to offer this brand new Member Benefit. This is a great opportunity to shop around if you are not satisfied with your current plan or if you are not currently offering plans, please take a few minutes to reach out to Chat to learn more about this brand new option through BAM and Kunkel & Associates. Below is more information, along with Chad’s contact information. He is happy to answer any questions you may have.

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On behalf of St. Cloud Area School District 742, we thank the Central Minnesota Builder’s Association’s (CMBA) Tools for Schools program for their outpouring of support for our Career and Technical Education departments! Over the last 19 years, CMBA has generously provided approximately $170,000 to requesting Skilled Trades teachers, which has directly impacted student exposure and experience in construction skills.

Examples of recent District 742 Tools for Schools purchases include: McKinley Area Learning Center has used funds to purchase a Saw Stop, materials for student construction projects, scroll saw with stand, oscillating edge sander North Jr. High has used Tools for Schools funds Kreg Jig, roofing nails, circular saws, tool chests Apollo High School has purchased a router, box jigs, wood, building consumables, True Flex feather boards and other miter items.

Tech High School has used Tools for Schools fund Saw Stop and shed building tools and supplies In the process of moving into a new Tech High School, we were able to bring every piece of equipment that was purchased with Tools for Schools funds! Teachers from across our district benefited from the new high school build because they were able to sort through all of Tech High School’s accumulation of hand tools, tables, stools, etc. in an effort to upgrade or fulfill their classroom needs. Items that were auctioned were not up to industry-standards or they were in need of costly repair, which, in turn, made the purchase of a new item more financially responsible. Tech High School’s Tech Ed department educated many, many students in the last 100 years, and we plan to continue to do so for another 100!

“In the process of moving into a new Tech High School, we were able to bring every piece of equipment that was purchased with Tools for Schools funds! “

Thank you for your continued involvement! We are grateful to be part of a community who supports our schools!

Leah Sams Director of Secondary Curriculum and Career and Technical Education Programming Lori Posch Executive Director of Learning and Teaching Laurie Putnam Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools

CMBA Partners with Zimmerman High School Construction Class to Build Sheds In February of this year, Jon Ostercamp, an industrial technology education teacher for Zimmerman High School, and member of the construction advisory committee, contacted CMBA. They indicated they were finally able to run a construction class with 18 students.

They advertised that the construction students would be building sheds at cost, but only got one customer. The district's policy is the shed materials must be purchased by a customer and the students build the shed. Jon asked if CMBA would be willing to donate the material for a 10x12 (@$2,700) or 8x10 (@$2,300) addition shed so he could break the group into two crews. Through the CMBA Tools For Schools program, CMBA was able to grant the request, and Simonson Lumber agreed to match CMBA’s donation of $2,000 in materials so they could build two sheds. Simonson Lumber also delivered the materials to them, otherwise it was up to the owner purchasing the shed to pick up the materials and bring to the school. Simonson’s will continue to partner with them in the future and they can use the profits to purchase next year’s sheds - and if they come up short, Simonson will cover the cost.

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The Greater MN Economy Amid COVID-19

The Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank presented findings from a survey of over 1,100 businesses in the 9th District which consists of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and the Upper

Peninsula of Michigan. True to Minnesota form, approximately 700 of the 1,100 responses came from Minnesota, with 400 from Greater Minnesota and 300 from the Twin Cities. Some key takeaways from the presentation include: 

Over 40% of Greater Minnesota responses indicated they saw revenue decreases of 75% or greater.



Largest hit sectors, in order include 1) Entertainment, Food, Retail 2) Healthcare 3) Construction 4)

Professional/Technical 5) Manufacturing and 6) Bank/Finance



Generally, the larger the firm, the less of an impact COVID-19 had. Small firms and independent con-

tractors have been hit the hardest. 

Approximately 40% of Greater Minnesota businesses have less than three months of solven-

cy and approximately 60% have six months or less of solvency.

Over 50% of Greater Minnesota Firms have received emergency financial aid.

The 9th District Federal Reserve has created a dashboard of key economic indicators and metrics related to COVID-19. To view the dashboard, click HERE.

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IRS NEWS FOR BUSINESS ►UPCOMING WEBINARS Please check Webinars for Small Businesses for updates. ►SCAM ALERT 

Watch out for scams related to Economic Impact Payments

The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. To use the new app or get information, taxpayers should visit IRS.gov. People should watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information. ►FILING AND PAYMENT DEADLINE Schedule and electronically pay federal taxes due by July 15 

Filing and paying federal taxes due July 15



Scheduling or rescheduling a payment



Need more time to file?



Estimated tax payments

►COVID-RELATED NEWS BUSINESSES: Notice 2020-32 

This notice provides guidance regarding the deductibility for Federal income tax purposes of certain otherwise deductible expenses incurred in a taxpayer’s trade or business when the taxpayer receives a loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program.

Notice 2020-35 

Notice 2020-35 postpones deadlines for certain specified time-sensitive actions with respect to certain employment taxes, employee benefit plans, exempt organizations, and Coverdell education savings accounts on account of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

INDIVIDUALS: IRS provides tax relief through increased flexibility for taxpayers in section 125 cafeteria plans 

The IRS released guidance to allow temporary changes to section 125 cafeteria plans. These changes extend the claims period for health flexible spending arrangements (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs and allow taxpayers to make mid-year changes.

►ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS Economic Impact Payments: Partner and Promotional Materials Recent News Releases 

Why the Economic Impact Payment amount could be different than anticipated.



Calculating the Economic Impact Payment



Economic Impact Payments being sent by prepaid debit cards, arrive in plain envelope



Economic Impact Payment FAQs updated on IRS.gov



IRS adds phone operators to answer Economic Impact Payment questions 12



IRS expands partner materials for Economic Impact Payments; continues sweeping effort to share details in multiple languages



Treasury, IRS release latest state-by-state Economic Impact Payment figures for May 22, 2020

EIP RESOURCES 

Economic Impact Payment Information Center (EIP FAQs)



Get My Payment FAQs

TIP: When a question is added or updated, it will say “added May 6”, or “updated May 14”. Use Ctrl F to search for the words “added” or “updated”.

This will help you find new or updated questions.

As we add new questions, sometimes an FAQ gets a new number. Use Ctrl F to find the FAQ using key words for that topic. ►IRS OPERATIONS AND SERVICES IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue This page is updated as IRS operations and services change. Please check back often.

Updated May 19, 2020: 

Telephone Options: Automated phone lines which handle most taxpayer calls - also remain available. Some tax compliance lines also remain available and some IRS phone lines supported by customer service representatives for both taxpayers and tax professionals including the EIP phone line for those who received an EIP letter (Notice 1444) are open with limited staffing at this time, however callers should expect long waits.

To check on regular tax refund status via automated phone, call 800-829-1954. (This line has no information on Economic Impact Payments.)



Taxpayers who mail correspondence to the IRS during this period should expect to wait longer than usual for a response. Once normal operations resume it will take the IRS time to work through any correspondence backlog.

►FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT (FFCRA) New credits fund employers for Coronavirus-related paid leave 

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides tax credits to reimburse employers for the costs of providing paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave to employees unable to work because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These credits are refundable. That means if the amount of the credit exceeds the amount of tax owed, the remainder is refunded to the business or organization.

►EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT New Employee Retention Credit helps employers keep employees on payroll 

Eligible employers can claim this credit for wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021.

►TAX EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS Treasury, IRS issue final regulations providing relief for certain tax-exempt organizations 

The final regulations help tax-exempt organizations generally find the reporting requirements in one place.

►e-NEWS SUBSCRIPTIONS and SOCIAL MEDIA e-News Subscriptions 

The IRS offers several e-News subscriptions on a variety of tax topics. Click above for information about subscribing.

IRS Social Media 

The IRS uses social media tools to share the latest information on tax changes, scam alerts, initiatives, products and services. Connect with the 13 IRS through social media tools.

Government Affairs The Minnesota Legislature closed-out an unprecedented regular session May 18th in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislators left much work undone, including agreement on a state bonding bill. But they are not finished: Because of the pandemic, Governor Tim Walz is expected to call the Legislature into special session June 12th to deal with the state’s swing from a projected $1.5 billion budget surplus to a newly projected $2.5 billion deficit. A bonding bill is expected to be one of the priority items to finish-up. DFL leaders wanted $2 billion; Republicans argued for a smaller bill and want the Governor to end his emergency powers.

The CMBA Government Affairs Committee hosted a virtual “Session Wrap-Up” May 26th, featuring all our area legislators discussing with CMBA members the results of the regular session for development, building and related issues. Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) Government Affairs Director, Brian Halloran, shared BAM perspectives on the session. Of course, the session was dominated by COVID-19 responses. Perhaps the biggest “win” for our industry was success in getting Governor Walz and the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to designate construction, remodeling and related services as “essential” under his stay-at-home orders. Failure to pass a state bonding bill and inability to gain traction toward allowing 16-17 year olds on construction job sites were some of the key Steve Gottwalt, Government Affairs “losses”. We succeeded in keeping mandatory residential sprinklering and solar raiding of the ContracConsultant tor Recovery Fund off the boards. CMBA members also expressed concerns about potential jumps in local development and building-related taxes and fees as cities compensate for lost revenues from COVID-19 impacts.

COVID-19 creates challenging times for builders – These are tough times for most businesses, including those in the construction industry. Although many report a busy season so far, there are concerns clients planning projects in the near future will pull-back due to sudden lost revenues, financial distress, and other challenges related to COVID-19. Some builders have already reported project cancellations and postponements. As private sector projects dwindle, local builders have noted an increase in bidders on publicly funded projects. There are growing concerns about building supply chain impacts. Realtors face challenges showing and selling homes under stay-at-home and social distancing protocols.

CMBA Government Affairs Committee Meeting April 21st– The committee had a solid turnout for its first “virtual” meeting. The committee elected a new Vice-Chair, Peter Cleuver (Xcel Energy), and discussed numerous impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. BAM Executive Vice President, Grace Keliher, and Government Affairs Director, Brian Halloran, joined the GA Committee meeting and provided state updates: The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has delayed implementing electrical code changes until at least August due to COVID-19, but the proposed code changes are unlikely to change unless we successfully lobby State Electrical Board members. State government appears to be moving from COVID-19 responses to how to reopen Minnesota.

The CMBA “Tools For SchoolS” Committee met recently to discuss ways to get more schools engaged, and to increase fundraising. The committee hopes to raise $35,000 toward Tools For Schools grants to area schools in support of programs introducing young learners to skills and career opportunities in the building trades.

Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (GSDC) Annual Investors Meeting May 28th – CMBA participated in the virtual meeting of more than 100 community leaders. CentraCare CEO, Ken Holman, delivered a sobering report about the latest regional statistics and health care system impacts of COVID-19. Until there is broad vaccination with an effective vaccine (months away), spread of COVID-19 will continue to be a major concern. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Regional Analyst, Luke Greiner, delivered difficult news about the area’s unemployment numbers and unemployment insurance claims. Businesses like restaurants, bars, salons and others kept closed by the stay-at-home orders are struggling the most and seeing the largest layoff impacts. Greiner noted many workers in lower paying sectors are making more money on short-term unemployment relief benefits than if they returned to work, resulting in labor force challenges. GSDC has a number of businessrelated resources regarding COVID-19 at their web site.

CMBA continues monitoring and working with local communities during this COVID-19 crisis. Area communities and counties continue doing plan reviews, issuing permits and conducting inspections, although they have implemented social distancing and other measures in response to COVID-19. Despite some challenges working with local communities, CMBA members report they have been able to continue building, and many report they are very busy. Cities and counties continue holding their Council and Board meetings online and via conference calls during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions or concerns, please contact CMBA Government Affairs Consultant, Steve Gottwalt, steve@cmbaonline.org, M: 952-923-5265.

CMBAonline.org

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Please mark your calendars for these Commercial Builders Council meeting dates:

Oct 1, 2020 Dec 3, 2020 Feb 4, 2021, Apr 1, 2021 Jun 3, 2021 Thank you for your dedication to our current Commercial Builders Council Board members:   

Chair—Dale Gruber, Dale Gruber Construction Vice Chair—Dustin Vaverek, BCI 2nd Vice Chair—Jeff Fuhrman, Tamerack Materials

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Membership—Nathan Hiltner, St. Rosa Lumber



Education— *OPEN POSITION

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Marketing/Sponsorship—Ron Euteneuer, GNES

All members are invited to attend Breakfast with Builder meetings when they start again in the fall.

Contact the CMBA if you are interested in serving on either the Remodelers Council or the Commercial Council Board.

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming Remodelers Council Meeting dates:

Remodelers Council Board Meeting ~ May 2020 via Zoom Not the typical meeting, but the CMBA and the Remodelers Council continues to press forward to plan for the 2020/2021 upcoming Breakfast with Builders!

Thank you for your dedication to our current Remodelers Council Board members:

      

Chair—Jason Dale, J Dale Builders ‘Vice Chair—Andrew Burrows, Beacon Building Products 2nd Vice Chair—Jeff Schneider, SB Restoration Services, Inc. Member at Large—Adam Sunder, Thomas Tool & Supply, Inc Member at Large—Jason White, Jason White Const., Inc. Member at Large—Rachel Templin, Finken Water Treatment Past Chair—Bruce Bonebright, Quad City Contracting, LLC 15

Sep 3, 2020 Nov 5, 2020 Jan 7, 2021 Mar 4, 2021 May 6, 2021

Building Permit Report Jurisdiction

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Cold Spring

5

4

7

6

3

Apr-19 2

Apr-20 1

Foley

1

1

1

4

0

0

0

St. Augusta

4

7

4

5

5

4

1

St. Cloud

36

21

22

20

22

9

5

St. Cloud

St. Joseph

2 17

Sartell

6 21

0 21

6 11

4 10

3 3

Jurisdiction

2015 10

2016 14

2017 24

2018 28

2019 15

6 13 100

6 21 113

7 16 109

9 14 86

6 14 92

0

St. Joseph

7

18

12

19

11

6

Sartell

61

81

52

61

54

45

29

31

28

Cold Spring Foley St. Augusta

Sauk Rapids

16

14

5

6

3

2

2

Sauk Rapids

33

Waite Park

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

Waite Park

2

7

2

5

13

Rice

1

1

1

3

5

4

2

Rice

2

3

8

10

22

Rockville

5

7

3

0

1

1

0

Rockville

7

11

3

6

4

total

87

83

64

61

53

28

17

total

241

319

262

269

259

Building Permit Report comparing Jan.—April

CMBAonline.org

Five year building permit report Jan.—Dec.

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17

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Significant changes in the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code The 2020 Minnesota Residential Code is effective March 31, 2020. The 2020 Minnesota Residential Code adopts the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC), with amendments. The IRC governs new construction of one- and two-family homes and buildings with three or more townhouses, provided the structure is not more than three stories above grade.

The following IRC provisions are changed by Minnesota amendments: Administration and Definitions 

Adds a definition of transient and directs code users to the IBC for requirements for dwellings intended for transient use

Sections R 310.1 and R310.6 provisions for emergency escape and rescue openings for new and existing basements 

Emergency escape and rescue openings are required in new basements and bedrooms created in existing basements unless the entire basement area, all portions of the means of egress to the level of exit discharge, and all areas on the level of exit discharge are protected with an automatic sprinkler system

Sections R314 and R315 Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Existing homes are permitted to be equipped with battery-powered smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that are not interconnected unless alterations or repairs result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes



Hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms are not required in existing homes where the basement or attic provides access to the hardwiring



New homes continue to be required to have hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms

Table R402.2 Minimum specified compressive strength of concrete 

Clarifies that 5,000 psi concrete is not required for post footings decks or porches, wood foundations, slab-on-grade foundation walls and footings for floating slabs

Section 404 Foundation and Retaining Walls 

Table R404.1(1) includes prescriptive requirements for foundation walls up to 10 feet in height

The 2020 Minnesota Residential Code also includes these significant changes from the 2018 IRC: 

Section R301.2.1 Wind design criteria require dwellings to be constructed using ultimate design wind speed (Vult) instead of basic wind speed (Vasd). Table R301.2.1.3 provides conversions from Vult to Vasd. The actual design wind loads will be equal or slightly less

using ultimate wind design speed instead of basic wind speed. 

Section R324 Solar Energy Systems adds new provisions solar energy systems. Roof-mounted solar PV systems must allow for roof access, including access pathways from the lowest roof edge to the ridge and setbacks at the ridge.

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Section R507 Exterior Decks reorganizes and clarifies requirements for decks, including requirements for materials and fastener and fastener connections.

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Appendix Q addresses tiny houses by providing certain allowances for homes less than 400 square feet in size.

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CMBAonline.org

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Strength in Numbers Renewals Thank you to the following member who have renewed their membership in March & April 40-49 YEARS Brock White Co -------------------------------------- 1971 Schoenberg Construction, Inc-------------------- 1974 Mid-State tile company, Inc ----------------------- 1978 30-39 YEARS Torborg Builders ------------------------------------- 1981 Heartland glass Co., Inc --------------------------- 1982 Stearns Electric Association. --------------------- 1985 Thomas Tool & Supply, Inc.. --------------------- 1985 Molitor Excavating, Inc. ---------------------------- 1985 25-29 YEARS Central Minnesota Electric, Inc. ------------------ 1991 Bob Bach Construction, LLC --------------------- 1992 Goodin Company------------------------------------ 1993 Foley Lumber Co./ Milaca Bldg Ctr ------------- 1994 Stearns County Abstract Y Tile ------------------ 1995 20-24 YEARS Lumber One, Avon Inc. ---------------------------- 1998 St. Cloud Acoustic, Inc. ---------------------------- 1998 Krippner Trucking & Excavating, Inc. ----------- 2000 15-19 YEARS All Surface Professionals, Inc. ------------------- 2001 St. Cloud Financial Credit Union ---------------- 2001 Hennen Lumber Co., Inc.-------------------------- 2003 Minnewest Bank ------------------------------------- 2003 Falcon National Bank ------------------------------ 2004 Bravo Homes by Dean Croat Cons., Inc., ---- 2004 Birchwood Electric Inc. ----------------------------- 2005 Kerzman Extreriors --------------------------------- 2005 Design Tile & Flooring, Inc. ---------------------- 2005 UBS Financial Services Inc..Matt Nikodym --- 2005 10-14 YEARS Creative Custom Builders LLC ------------------- 2006 Land Concepts Inc. --------------------------------- 2006 Mechanical Brothers LLC ------------------------- 2007 SB Restoration Services, Inc. -------------------- 2008 Cold Spring Carpet, Inc. --------------------------- 2008 Rajkowski Hansmeier LTD ------------------------ 2009 Summit Stone Interiors ---------------------------- 2009 Hansen Tomlinson Homes, Inc. ----------------- 2010 McPherson Products ------------------------------- 2010 Restore Tech ----------------------------------------- 2010 Floor to Ceiling --------------------------------------- 2010 5-9 YEARS Bedliners by Line-X --------------------------------- 2011 Metro Home Insulation & Waterproofing ------ 2012 Schmidt Industries, Inc. ---------------------------- 2012 Scotty’s Exteriors LLC ----------------------------- 2012 H&S Heating & A/C Residential Services ----- 2013

Mahowald Insurance Agency LLC --------------- 2013 American National Bank of MN ------------------- 2014 Tri-CountyFoam Insulation, LLC ----------------- 2014 Zablocki Roofing ------------------------------------- 2015 2-4 YEARS Minnesota Rusco ------------------------------------- 2016 Window Concepts of Minnesota ------------------ 2016 Renters Warehouse --------------------------------- 2017 Federated Mutual Insurance ---------------------- 2018 FIRST YEAR Wensmann Contractors LLC ........................... 2019

Member Changes Name Change Supreme Lending Formerly AMEC Home Loans Main Contact Maselter Cabinets, Inc. Mark Notch Scotty’s Exteriors John Muller john@sbrestoration.com Stearns Electric Association John Pantzke jpantzke@stearnselectric.org (320) 433-4893 New Address Builders Club 401 N. 3rd St. Ste.160 Minneapolis, MN 55401 No Longer Members AHO Northwest, LLC Ament Spas & Pools Custom Builders, Inc. Jet-Black LLC Modern Barnyard PEI Properties LLC Royal Treatment Landscapes LLC

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What Have We Done For You Lately?

2020 Building Code: 



Public Relations:

Working with the DLI on offering a virtual class on the highlights of the new Residential Building Code changes. The DLI hopes to have a 1.5 hour presentation available this week, which will be emailed to all licensed contractors. CMBA is also working with the department to create a format for members to submit questions they may have after watching the online presentation. The department released their fact sheet on Asphalt Shingles are it pertains to the 2020 Code. https://www.dli.mn.gov/our-areasservice/construction-codes-and-licensing-division/code-factsheets-reports-publications Purchased the new 2020 Minnesota Building Code book for the CMBA library

  

Sent out a Local Economic Impact press release on how the building industry fuels the local economy Fielding consumer calls regarding builder issues, and inquires Contacted CMBA Builders on how their company is surviving, and what CMBA can do to help them with their business. Majority are satisfied with CMBA’s services.

Building Future Workforce: 

Sent out emails /letters to 19 area high school building technology instructors informing them of the Tools For Schools program and inviting them to submit requests for funding their programs

Education: 

Provided Webinars free to CMBA members:  Guide to Estate Planning by Rinke Noonan  Employment & Loans for help with Questions on COVID-19 by Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.

2020 Fall Tour of Homes:  

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Contacted the builders in previous tours to learn their plans on participating in the tour, anticipate 22 homes in the Fall Tour.

Working to find a replacement app for the Parade Craze App – Parade Craze recently went out of business due to the Parades across the country canceling due to COVID-19 and restrictions with open houses.

The Fall Tour of Homes is scheduled for September 18-20, & 2527.

Other Events: 

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Working with the Golf committee on finding a new venue for the Golf outing, and working through restrictions that are in place resulting from COVID – 19 Postponed the Casino Night into the fall, due to COVID-19 restrictions The Remodelers Council meeting at Gilliland Chevrolet was canceled due to the virus restrictions.

The CMBA Picnic that is normally in conjunction with SummerTime

By George has been canceled due to Summer Time By George canceling this summer’s events due to COVID – 19 The 2021 Home & Lifestyle show is planned for March 12-14, 2021 at the River’s Edge Convention Center.

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BAM: 

Meeting bi-weekly via Zoom with BAM and local Executive Officers  State budget forecast 2.49 Billion in dept in the last three months  Bonding bill remains a source of contention, as leverage, there will be no bonding bill without restrictions being lifted  Session concludes May 18, but talk of special session in mid June.  The Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry, Nancy Lipink, is up for a vote to determine if she will be al lowed to continue in her appointed position.  Working with the Federal Reserve Bank to gather information for a short survey  BAM’s By-laws require three board meetings per year, so they are planning a virtual meeting in the near future.  Cash flow issues for local associations is a common thread.

Members in The News Richard Hobbs, Simonson Lumber 2020 St. Cloud Area Entrepreneurial Success Award ST. CLOUD TIMES Writes: Richard Hobbs has done every job at Simonson’s Lumber. He’s been the janitor, bill collector, hauler and lumberyard manager. Today he’s the company’s president, sharing ownership with his two brothers who are not active in the business.

Simonson’s Lumber has been in Hobbs’ family since 1913 when it was founded by his grandfather. Hobbs took over leadership in the late 1980’s after his parents became ill. At that time, the company owned multiple lumberyards, with about 45 employees and revenue around $7 million. The company enjoyed steady growth, and by the time the Great Recession hit, their sales were more than $60 million.

In 2019, following the death of Loran Hall, Simonson’s Lumber purchased Mathew Hall Lumber from the Hall family. The purchase increased Simonson’s business by one-third.

Today, Simonson’s employs almost 200 people with annual sales of about $75 million.

CMBA PRESS RELEASE More Single-family homes, fewer apartments constructed in St. Cloud Area in 2019.

ST. CLOUD — Last year saw fewer apartments and more single-family homes constructed in the St. Cloud area, according to a press releasefrom the Central Minnesota Builders Association.

Overall, the 902 units of new housing was down slightly in 2019 compared to 2018, in which 1,067 new housing units were constructed, the release shows. Residential construction added a similar number of new jobs — nearly 2,000. Construction generated more than $78 million in taxes and fees.

In the 10-city and four-township area included in the report, new single-family homes were the biggest contributor to the overall total, with 508, an increase of 23 homes from 2018. Apartment units were down by 188 compared to 2018, the press release said.

In St. Cloud, 305 total units of new housing were constructed.

CMBA Executive Director Bonnie Moeller said last week new housing started off slow in 2019 because summer came late. That was not the case for 2020, which has already seen more construction beginning after a mild winter than at the same time last year, Moeller said.

But a good start to the year preceded a slowdown attributed to the novel coronavirus, declared a pandemic in mid-March. While Moeller is hearing from building companies that commercial construction is still strong, residential work has slowed.

"People are putting things on hold," she said.

However, interest rates on loans are "just amazing" right now, Moeller said, and this is attractive for those looking to build a home.

Moeller expects the impact of the pandemic on the pace of housing construction to start showing in April's numbers. She also expects construction will then see an uptick because weather offers a small window for builders to do their work.

"We're expecting it to turn back on fast when it hits," Moeller said.

Housing construction produces jobs in other industries, including transportation, engineering, lumber and more, Moeller said. The trickle-down economic impact is big.

"There is no question housing construction and related services are a huge boost for our local economy," said CMBA President Tony Steinemann of ADS Services in Sauk Rapids in press release. "The local home building industry is ready to lead our economic recovery as we emerge from this devastating pandemic."

Moeller said construction work will take longer, as smaller crews space themselves out on a job site.

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WINNER DRAWN OCTOBER 14, 2020

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