Chalk Line Magazine January/February 2017

Chalk Line January/February 2017

The Future of Exempt Wells in Washington State

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

AWARD WINNERS GOPHER LITIGATION

MAGAZINE

2017 LEADERSHIP

Member Rebate Program

A Free Member Benefit of your State and Local HBA

Associate Members

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Receive a Rebate Check

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Call us Toll Free:

866-849-8400 Visit your State Website:

www.BIAWrebates.com 2 • Chalk Line



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Participating Manufacturers

CONTENT FEATURES

Page 4

MESSAGE FROM THE 2017 OMB PRESIDENT Page 5

OMB AT A GLANCE PAGE 8-9 Learn more about the Hirst Decision and the future of exempt wells in Washington State.

COVER PHOTO 2016 OMB Christmas Party, Awards Ceremony and 2017 Officer Installation.

Page 7

11

GOPHER LITIGATION

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER Page 10

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS HIGHLIGHTS Page 13

2017 ELECTED OFFICERS Page 14 -15

NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS

12

2016 AWARD WINNERS

Interested in sharing your expertise, opinions or comments with Chalk Line readers?

Please contact Angela White at angela@omb.org or (360) 754-0912 to discuss the opportunity to write content for Chalk Line.

Chalk Line January/February 2017

Looking Ahead-Meetings and Events January 18 at 6:00 pm Lewis County Chapter meeting Legends Sports Bar & Grill

February 14 at 4:30 pm - Board of Directors Meeting Olympia Master Builders Office

January 19 at 11:30 am Membership Luncheon Ricardo's Kitchen and Bar Event Space

February 15 at 6:00 pm Lewis County Chapter meeting Legends Sports Bar & Grill

January 25 at 12:00 pm Quarterly Building Officials meeting Olympia Master Builders Office

February 16 at 11:30 am Membership Luncheon Ricardo's Kitchen and Bar Event Space

January 26 at 4:00 pm Government Affairs Committee meeting Olympia Master Builders Office

February 21 at 4:00 pm - Associates Council Olympia Master Builders

January 30 at 4:00 pm Membership Committee meeting NW Beerwerks, Olympia

February 23 at 4:00 pm Government Affairs Committee meeting Olympia Master Builders Office

February 9 at 4:00 pm - Beer With a Builder TBA

February 27 at 11:00 am - ROII-THE ABC's OF Claim Management Class Olympia Master Builders Office

February 14 at 4:00 pm Executive Committee meeting Olympia Master Builders Office

February 27-March 1- BIAW Board Meetings Red Lion Hotel, Olympia WA

March 3 at 8:00 am - First Aid/CPR Olympia Master Builders Office March 9 at 4:00 pm Remodelers Council meeting TBA March 14 at 4:00 pm Executive Committee meeting Olympia Master Builders Office March 14 at 4:30 pm - Board of Directors Meeting Olympia Master Builders Office March 15 at 6:00 pm Lewis County Chapter meeting Legends Sports Bar & Grill March 16 at 11:30 am - Membership Luncheon Ricardo's Kitchen and Bar Event Space Meetings and Events are subject to change.

For more details on these upcoming OMB events, go to www.omb.org.

Chalk Line • 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Let's Get Back to Basics!

Association. I will focus on three areas that I feel will have the most impact: membership growth, membership retention, and growing future leaders.

Ron Deering PRESIDENT

I

am honored to be writing this as your 2017 OMB President, a role I take seriously. I have been a duespaying member of Olympia Master Builders (OMB) since 1991. In the beginning I wasn’t active, I paid dues, read the information coming through to keep informed, but I was running a business, raising a family. I was busy! I thought I didn’t need to get involved; someone else was doing it…until I ran into problems with one of our local jurisdictions. At that point OMB became instrumental for me, coming in and helping myself and several other developers deal with a major issue affecting the industry.

At this point I had to get active.

I realized exactly what OMB was doing for the building industry, and I couldn’t continue to let participation be someone else’s duty. I talked with my family, and decided to commit to getting involved. I ended up on the Board of Directors and I was your President in 2010. I have continued to stay active and here we are today.

I have an over arching goal for my 2017 Presidency, and that is to continue to work on the health and vitality of the 4 • Chalk Line

This is even true of long term members. Some of you are probably a lot like I was in the beginning. I encourage you to call one of the OMB Board members (listed on page 5), or the OMB office, and ask for a benefits overview. I also encourage you to read Chalk Talk and Chalk Line to keep informed. You may surprise yourself and find something else you’d like to participate in.

Membership Growth The recession hit our industry hard and the Association’s membership numbers are a direct reflection. Things are getting better everyday and I truly believe that if we go back to the basics of recruiting, we will see a significant Growing Future Leaders increase in membership. And by the It is vital to the health of any basics I mean just asking people to Association to recruit and maintain join. Tell them why you’re a member, a pool of future leaders. This helps and find out which benefits would balance be good for their knowledge and business. We’re all out doing business At this point I had to get active, I realized history with in our communities exactly what OMB was doing for the new and fresh so this is a fairly building industry, and I couldn’t continue ideas. Not that easy thing to do. I to let participation be someone else’s duty. veteran Board members, myself know quite a few included, aren’t people that have fresh, we just been thinking need to move on to other stages in about joining, and just being asked our careers. We can become mentors was the final push to get them to move and resources to new leaders. If OMB is forward. After you’ve made initial going to continue doing the great work contact, give their name and contact that it does on behalf of the industry information to Amanda Cassman, we MUST grow new leaders. So all you OMB’s Membership Coordinator, members who have not been as active, amanda@omb.org and she can close we’re looking to you and we will be the deal. reaching out, even if we have to do it

by Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.

Membership Retention OMB’s leadership has done a great I also encourage you to contact me, job over the last few years of laying my fellow board members, or the staff out a great set of benefits, including at OMB if you’ve had any thoughts meeting speakers and fun activities. about getting involved on a leadership It’s now our job as the 2017 Board of level. We can work together to find your Directors to encourage even greater perfect path, just like I did just a few participation. Direct participation short years ago. leads to greater retention. People are busy and we all have to prioritize our This is going to take some work, but lives. It’s our job as the Board to help with the dedication of the OMB Board members find, and take advantage of Directors, and the hard working OMB of, benefits that fit and a level of staff -- we’ve got this. And we’re going participation that works. to have fun doing it! I look forward to serving you in 2017!

“ ”

Chalk Line

Official Publication of the Olympia Master Builders 1211 State Avenue NE, Olympia WA 98506 Phone: (360) 754-0912 www.omb.org The Olympia Master Builders is a professional trade association representing 450 member companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties. Our members come from all sectors of the building trades and are committed to “building strong communities, one home at a time.”

OMB At a Glance!

2017 OMB BUYER'S GUIDE/ MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY AVAILABLE! The 2017 Buyer's Guide is now available! If you are interested in handing them out to the public at your business, contact the office at (360) 754-0912 or email angela@omb.org.

Executive Committee

President Ron Deering, Northwest Family Homes First Vice President Karen McClennen Treasurer Erik Jensen Associate Vice President Debbi Boyd, Naberly, Inc. Second Assoc. Vice President Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC Secretary Jon Jones, Washington Business Bank Immediate Past President Mike Auderer, Olympia Construction, Inc. Builder at Large John McKinlay, Olympia Overhead Doors

Builder Directors

Scott Bergford, Scott Homes, Inc., John Erwin, John Erwin Remodeling, Inc., Janine Ezzell, Chicago Title Insurance Co., Andy Gruhn, Gruhn Homes, Inc., John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes, LLC, Jennifer McDonald, Lifespan Construction

Associate Directors

Holly Constantine, Puget Sound Window & Door, Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC, Rusty Ruiz, Hung Right Doors

Legal Counsel

Jay Goldstein, Goldstein Law Offices, PLLC

National Directors

Ron Deering, Northwest Family Homes, Inc., Karen McClennen, Bob Kagy, Print NW

State Directors

Tina Allen, Great Floors, Kim Asay, Umpqua Bank, Debbi Boyd, Naberly, Inc., Ron Deering, Northwest Family Homes, Inc., Stuart Drebick, Adroit Contractors, Inc., Janine Ezzell, Chicago Title Insurance Co., Karen McClennen, John McKinlay, Olympia Overhead Doors, Inc., Bob Kagy, Print NW, Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC

Grays Harbor Chapter

President Harv Lillegard, Lillegard Construction Associate Vice President Bob Smith, Chimney Techniques, Inc. Secretary Rusty Ruiz, Hung Right Doors

Lewis County Chapter

President John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes Vice President Becky Rieger, Environmental Design Associate Vice President Rick Borovec, TwinStar Credit Union Secretary Patrick Toby, Toby’s Electric Builder Director Toby Krause, Double Duty Land Management

SAVE-THE-DATE FOR AN ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION! OMB will be hosting an Elected Officials Reception on Thursday, March 23. Please put the date on your calendar and plan on attending. This will be a great event to get to know your elected officials.

Watch Chalk Talk for further details!

LOOKING FOR STORY IDEAS FOR THE 2017 REMODEL NOW MAGAZINE Remodelers! If you have any projects, article ideas, or photographs you would like considered for publication in the 2017/18 Remodel Now magazine, please contact Angela at angela@omb.org or (360) 754-0912.

Remodel Now 2016/2017

Bright New Tips and Trends for Your Remodel South Sound experts have the latests ideas

Remodeling Your Home for Accessibility Gone are the days when retrofitting your home for accessibility meant foregoing aesthetics.

Outdoor Living Spring 2016’s Hottest Trends

a special supplement of The Olympian

RELAX AND LEAVE THE ADVERTISING TO OMB! lved in g invo ponsor in t t e G ent s s an ev mote OMB a t way to pro st a ho e is a gr mpany! We ands o s c r you e thou at hav ndance, h t s t atte even ple in ee and of peo more that s n ing e and ev the advertis r a . e h igns campa

OMB als members o offers se of advertis veral ways in website a g such as d enhanced vertising, list website, B ings on the Chalk Line uyer’s Guide, M our electr agazine, and onic newsl Chalk Talk etter .

Mason County Chapter

President Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC Associate Vice President Julie Nichols, Whitehouse & Nichols Attorneys at Law Treasurer Patty Tupper, Tupper’s Floor Covering & Interiors, Inc.

South Pacific County Chapter

President Steve Waltemate, SAW Construction Co., Inc.

Association Staff

Executive Officer Troy Nichols Communications DIrector Angela White Membership Marketing Coordinator Amanda Cassman Events Director Brianna Bedell Government Affairs Director Joel Baxter

Using OMB to promote your business is a great way to reach out to other OMB members, as well as the local community!

Contact Amanda at amanda@omb.org or (360) 754-0912 today to find your perfect advertising solution!

Chalk Line • 5

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NAHB MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM THESE SPECIAL OFFERS. Members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) can now enjoy a private offer1 of up to $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of most new Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. Choose an eligible vehicle at your local dealer and present your NAHB proof of membership. You can add on incentives from the National Fleet Purchase Program2 and Business Choice3 to get the best value on vehicles that run your business. For private offer details, visit nahb.org/gm.

Example offer for NAHB members who are business owners purchasing a 2017 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van. Up to

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1 Private offer amount varies by model. Up to $500 offer for retail deliveries and up to $1,000 offer for fleet deliveries. Valid toward the purchase or lease of eligible new 2016 and 2017 model year vehicles. Customer must take delivery by 1/2/18. Not compatible with other private offers. Not valid on prior purchases. Compatible with many current incentives. Incentives are subject to change without notice. Offer excludes Chevrolet Bolt, Camaro, Chevy SS, Corvette, Sonic, Spark, Trax, Volt, Buick Cascada, Lacrosse, Regal, Verano and all Cadillac vehicles. Additional GM models may be excluded from time to time at GM’s sole discretion. See dealer for details. 2Offer available to qualified fleet customers. Not compatible with some other offers. Take delivery by 12/31/17. See dealer for details. 3To qualify, vehicle must be used in the day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for personal/non-business-related transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. For complete program requirements, including information regarding offers, vehicles, equipment, options, warranties, and ordering, consult your dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com. Take delivery by 1/2/18.

4 Not eligible on associated accessories from third-party independent suppliers. Not available with some other offers. Take delivery by 1/2/18. See dealer for details. ©2017 General Motors, LLC. All rights reserved. The marks appearing in this ad are the trademarks or service marks of GM, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

Chalk Line

6• 10652766A__192929A02.indd 1

11/10/16 4:25 AM

EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S MESSAGE

2016 Was a Banner Year for OMB, and 2017 Looks Even Better!

Troy Nichols EXECUTIVE OFFICER

A

nother year for OMB is now in the books, and I must say, you all have very much to be proud of when it comes to what your association has accomplished over the last twelve months!

Our annual Housing Summit, where we bring together industry experts and local elected officials, was, as always, very informative and well attended.

Instead of continuing with this event on an annual basis, we will now be holding it every other year. This will keep things fresh and help maximize attendance and participation in the future.

So, this year, in lieu of the Housing Summit, we will be holding an “Elected Officials Reception” on March 23rd. This will be an opportunity for OMB members to interact directly with their local elected officials in a casual and relaxed atmosphere, as well as thank their city and county officials for all they do to help their communities. Stay tuned for details on this fantastic event!

OMB’s signature event, the BIG Home & Garden Show, was by any statistical measure a tremendous success. We had record attendance from the public, and we also set a record for the number of vendors participating in the show. Fan favorites like the Kids’ Lego Competition,

live musical entertainment, and a wide variety of food vendors made their usual appearances.

cess more fair and easier to navigate for Thurston County families and property owners.

This year we’re looking to expand our outdoor vendor experience, as well as increase the number and diversity of businesses participating in the Show.

The BIG Home & Garden Show is a personal favorite of mine, because it really increases the profile of our Association in the community, and it showcases the very best our members and our industry have to offer!

We also turn our focus to the County’s adoption of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), a document that will govern land use decisions in critical areas of Thurston County for the next 30 years. The HCP needs to be funded in a way where all residents participate, not just one particular industry or activity. It also needs to comply with the current Critical Areas Ordinance, and it must use best available science to protect the environment and actually help recover threatened or endangered species.

No victory was quite as sweet last year as the favorable ruling we, along with Hinkle Homes, Inc. and the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, received from the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board in May, when they declared that Thurston County’s Interim Permitting Process in Mazama Pocket Gopher soil did not comply with the state’s Growth Management Act.

Speaking of the new Thurston County Commission, I couldn’t be happier with the run of success The Affordable Housing Council (TAHC), OMB’s political action committee, has had this year. Through your hard work we were able to elect builder-friendly county commissioners in Mason (Kevin Shutty), Grays Harbor Our litigation forced the County to (Randy Ross), and Thurston Counties bring their interim process into com(John Hutchings and Gary Edwards). In pliance with state and local law, and Thurston County in particular, we now the resulting changes provided OMB have a 3-0 independent majority on members and the entire community with the commission, with commissioners more certainty and who believe fairness moving forthat we can Our litigation forced the ward. (See the guest have a clean column in this issue County to bring their interim environfrom our attorney process into compliance with ment AND Heather Burgess a healthy state and local law, and the outlining our victory building inresulting changes provided on page 11) dustry at the OMB members and the entire same time!

Now our attention

“

community with more certainty

”

shifts to the interim One new and fairness moving forward. permitting proelement for cess for 2017 and 2017 is the beyond. While our litigation resulted in creation of the Olympia Master Builders many positive changes, the current proEducation Foundation. Everyone knows cess isn’t perfect, and we look forward to how difficult it is to find good labor in working with the new Thurston County Commission to make the interim pro-

Continue on page 13

Chalk Line • 7

THE HIRST DECISION

The Future of Exempt Wells in Washington State Joel Baxter GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR

O

n October 6th, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in Whatcom County v. Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board, better known as the Hirst Decision, that county governments are now required to determine the legal water availability of an undeveloped lot, before a building permit can be issued.

Prior to the Hirst ruling, wells for regular domestic use (under 5000 gallons a day) were exempt from instream flow rules. The new ruling places an unfunded

mandate on counties. It requires them to establish a process to determine if a proposed well will have a negative impact on instream flow or a pre-existing water right before issuing a permit.

If the county determines there would be a negative impact, a building permit will not be granted. If a proposed well wouldn’t draw water from a closed basin, permit issuance is less likely to be effected by this ruling, but the many possible interpretations of this ruling are broad and much is uncertain. The ruling places the future of rural development in a precarious position.

There are questions coming from all sides of this issue. Rural land owners worry about their ability to build on undeveloped property, and what this will do to property values. Counties are concerned about the added workload on already shorthanded staff and the loss in revenue that comes with a depressed housing market. And of course, the building community around the state is worried about all the above and what it could mean for

Key Terms Instream Flow – water levels in rivers and streams, determined by Ecology to be optimal for fish habitation.

Physical Availability – The actual presence of water in a quantity that meets the needs of the proposed use.

Legal Availability – a new water use will not impair an established water use.

Closed Basin – A basin determined not to have enough water available for new wells.

8 • Chalk Line

their way of life. Unfortunately, a lot of research, discussion and decision making must take place before we will know the answer to these questions.

These concerns are all justified, but it is important to note there are many ways this ruling could be interpreted and implemented. This should give stakeholders some reason to be optimistic.

A few counties have imposed restrictions on drilling, but most counties are choosing to conduct research before making any changes to how permits are issued. In Whatcom county, a temporary moratorium has been placed on well drilling while the county develops a process for determining legal water availability. Spokane County has placed a moratorium on drilling in a portion of the county. Pierce County has adopted a requirement that a hydrogeological study must be conducted to prove the new well will not affect instream flow or other senior water rights before a permit can be issued.

However, in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties, the counties have all stated that they are choosing to continue issuing permits as usual until more research can be conducted to determine how to proceed.

Currently, OMB is working with elected officials to develop a solution that ensures well permits continue to be issued.

OMB staff have been working closely with the five counties to remain up-todate on new developments. OMB has also provided a list of best practices to

counties for how to satisfy the requirements of the Hirst ruling in a way that will not affect rural development permitting until more research is conducted.

OMB Best Practices Recommendation to Counties: 1. Determine which properties and projects within the County are directly impacted by the Hirst decision; 2. Complete a County-funded, County-led water study to determine the extent of the problem of groundwater availability associated with the use of exempt wells; 3. Develop strategies to address problems and incorporate revisions to County plans and development regulations based upon study results.

At the state level, OMB is urging counties to join BIAW in working with legislators to address the ruling during the upcoming 2017 legislative session to provide a long-term statewide solution that will allow counties to issue permits

without dramatic increases in permitting and building costs.

business as usual and will continue to issue permits.

The counties are still gathering information on how to deal with the Hirst ruling. If they choose to establish a process for determining negative effects to instream flow and senior water rights, we don't yet know what that would look like, or even necessarily what that will mean for wells. We also don’t know what a legislative solution at the state level will look like. It could mean mandatory hydrogeological studies, it could mean metered wells or deciding wells do not impact instream flow, etc.

Due to the enormity of the potential implications of this case, the best course of action would be to adopt a legislative solution during the upcoming 2017 legislative session. We ask you to contact your state legislators and urge them to push for a legislative fix that will protect our states’ building industry and rural property owners.

It is hard to tell what kind of long term impact Hirst will have on new development in rural parts of this state, but there are some things we do know. If you or your clients are waiting for the right time to file for a building permit, the information we have gathered indicates that you should proceed with your project as planned. The planning departments in the five counties OMB represents have all indicated they are proceeding with

We will continue to update you with the latest information, so stay tuned for more updates from OMB’s Government Affairs team, and please contact OMB Government Affairs Director Joel Baxter, joel@omb.org, if you have any questions or would be willing to testify on this issue at a future public hearing.

Visit www.app.leg.wa.gov/ DistrictFinder to find contact information for your legislators.

Chalk Line • 9

Government Affairs

HIGHLIGHTS

Olympia Master Builders (OMB) is currently working on and/or monitoring many issues related to the building industry.

To get more involved in the OMB Government Affairs Program, contact Joel Baxter at joel@omb.org or (360) 754-0912.

City of Lacey Building Fees Adjustment Proposal The City of Lacey is planning to adjust their building fees for the first time since 1992. Due to the amount of inflation which has occurred in the past 25 years, many building fees can be expected to increase. Technological advancement during that time could also allow the city of Lacey to reduce or eliminate certain fees.

Lacey Planning staff met with the OMB Government Affairs Committee at their December 1st meeting to discuss the proposed changes. They will be returning with an amended proposal, based on comments from that meeting, to further discuss on February 23rd at 4pm at OMB. Please join us if you would like to provide your input!

Lewis County

Washington State Hirst Decision makes future of Well Permitting Process in Limbo On October 6th, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that county governments are now required to determine the legal water availability of an undeveloped lot, before a permit to drill a well can be issued.

For the time being, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Mason and Lewis counties are continuing to issue permits as usual while more information is gathered. BIAW and the Association of Counties are urging state lawmakers to come up with a legislative fix that will protect property owners and alleviate the administrative burden this ruling places on county governments.

Want to Learn More about the Hirst Decision?

Flip to page 8-9 for an analysis from our Government Affairs Director.

Helping You to Protect What’s Important Since 1945

Now Accepting Credit Cards On December 5, 2016, the Lewis County Permitting Center began accepting credit cards as a method of payment. The Lewis County Community Development, Environmental Services and Public Works departments will allow permit applicants to pay for building permits using major credit cards, but a 2.5% convenience fee will apply.

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10 • Chalk Line

Gopher Litigation Restores Due Process for Thurston County Residents

in implementing the ISP. The Board’s decision focused on “Step 4b” of the process, which was used if gopher habitat was identified during the County site visit and screening process.

If gopher habitat was identified, the property owner would receive a letter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – not the County – informing the owner that gopher habitat had been identified and that they could apply for a federal Habitat Conservation Plan or wait until Thurston County’s Habitat Conservation Plan was complete. At that point, Thurston County would simply stop processing the project application altogether.

Ordinance. Our focus was to make sure that the County did the following:

n November 2015, OMB, together with the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and John Hinkle of Hinkle Homes, filed suit against Thurston County over the County’s Mazama Pocket Gopher Interim Screening Process (the “ISP”). The suit had two parts: first, a petition for review to the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board under the state Growth Management Act, and second, a petition for writ of mandamus and other relief filed in Lewis County Superior Court. The intent of both actions was to compel Thurston County to follow its existing Critical Area Ordinance to process project applications with potential impacts to Mazama Pocket Gopher habitat.

In July 2016, in response to the Growth Board’s decision, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to remove “Step 4b” from the ISP and to otherwise process applications with potential impacts to gopher habitat under the existing Critical Area Ordinance. Unfortunately, at least at that point, the County Commissioners made the policy choice to retain the existing time limited, County/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-controlled preliminary “gopher review” process, which the Growth Board had determined was a lawful screening tool under the Critical Area Ordinance and Growth Management Act.

• Publish internal and external materials describing the application review process for projects with potential impacts to gopher habitat in a manner consistent with the Critical Area Ordinance; and

On May 12, 2016, the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board found in favor of OMB and the other petitioners, holding that Thurston County had failed to comply with the Growth Management Act and had engaged in a “de facto” amendment of its Critical Area Ordinance

In the months since the Growth Board decision and the County Commissioners’ action, we have worked on behalf of OMB and the other petitioners with legal counsel for Thurston County to ensure that the County changed its internal processes and published materials for the ISP to process applications as provided for in the Critical Area

Heather Burgess ATTORNEY-PHILLIPS BURGESS, PLLC

I

• Publish and apply consistent exemption criteria for gopher screening, year round; • Issue written decisions to applicants with results of gopher screening, including notice to the applicant of the right to appeal; • Provide that gopher review completed concurrent with a project permit application would be valid for the duration of the underlying permit or approval, rather than simply through the next October;

• Provide all applicants from the 20142016 screening seasons with written decisions.

By mid-October 2016, Thurston County had implemented all of the above steps, and had begun issuing written decisions to applicants consistent with the Critical Area Ordinance for reviews under the ISP dating back to the 2014. Because litigation could not accomplish any more process-based change at an organizational level at that point, we recommended dismissal of the remaining pending suits. OMB, the Thurston County Chamber, and Hinkle Homes agreed, and the suits were dismissed in November 2016.

So, what did OMB achieve? Through the suits, OMB was able to restore the

Continue on page 13 Chalk Line • 11

2016

MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION AWARDS THE GOLDEN HAMMER AWARD | Erik Jensen THE NORM PAULSEN MEMORIAL AWARD | John Erwin, John Erwin Remodeling, Inc. THE HALL OF FAME AWARD | Paul Muldoon STATESMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD | Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake OUTSTANDING GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER MEMBER | Randy Ross, Bank of the Pacific PRESIDENT’S AWARD | Becky Rieger, Environmental Design, LLC PRESIDENT’S AWARD | Stuart Drebick, Adroit Contractors, Inc. THE REMODELER OF THE YEAR AWARD | Jennie McDonald, Lifespan Construction RECRUITER OF THE YEAR AWARD | John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes, LLC RECRUITER OF THE YEAR AWARD | Mike Auderer, Olympia Construction, Inc. THE ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR AWARD | Amal Joury, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD | Mike Auderer, Olympia Construction, Inc.

12 • Chalk Line

2017 Elected Officers

President, Ron Deering Northwest Famiy Homes

First Vice-President, Karen McClennen

Executive Officer's Message Continued from page 7 the building industry these days, so this new 501c3 organization will support continuing education efforts in the building industry. In the short term, this means continuing to offer scholarships to local students who choose to enter the building trades. It also means that your contribution to this effort is now fully tax deductible! In the long term, it is my hope that we can expand our existing scholarship efforts, as well as use the Foundation to support future workforce development efforts in our local schools.

I could go on and on: annual events like the OMB Auction, Membership Appreciation Night with the Tacoma Rainiers, the Tour of Homes and the Tour Awards Banquet, the OMB Golf Tournament, and the OMB Christmas Party were all huge successes. The addition of the “Chefs on Tour” element to our Tour of Homes was a big hit with the community, and we’re looking forward to expanding that event this year. Our General Membership Meeting luncheons and our Beer With a Builder events continue to gain speed as well. And finally, for the second year in a row, OMB has finished the year strong financially, with its budget in the black!

So here’s to a very successful 2016! The staff here at OMB look forward to building in the momentum from last year and making 2017 our best year yet! Thank you for your support.

Gopher Litigation Continued from page 11 Treasurer, Erik Jensen

Second Associate Vice-President, Becky Rieger Environmental Design, LLC

Associate Vice-President, Debbi Boyd Naberly, Inc.

Secretary, Jon Jones Washington Business Bank

See page five for a full list of 2017 OMB Board Members.

certainty, predictability, and due process found in the Critical Area Ordinance that had been entirely lost in the County’s implementation of the ISP following the federal listing of the gopher. Instead of being placed on indefinite hold, project applicants will now receive written decisions, be informed of their right of appeal, and be able to secure County land use approvals, even for projects with impacts to gopher habitat.

Individual project challenges may still arise – but the means to hear those challenges have been made possible because of OMB’s efforts to restore County compliance with the review processes called for in its Critical Area Ordinance.

In the coming months, we look forward to continuing to work with OMB leadership to secure additional policy-based changes to the screening process from the newly elected Board of County Commissioners, as well as development of a fair and reasonable Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan that balances protection of the species with the best interests of Thurston County residents.

Heather L. Burgess, Phillips Burgess PLLC, Legal Counsel to Olympia Master Builders, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, and Hinkle Homes Chalk Line • 13

Welcome to Our New Members!

Joined November-December 2016

DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER TODAY! Baublits Landclearing & Construction Jerry and Karina Baublits 4101 Oyster Bay Rd NW Olympia, W.A. 98502 (360) 701-1566 blc-co@live.com Sponsor: Julie Nichols

Gruhn Homes Andy Gruhn 65th LN NW Olympia, W.A. 98502 (360) 790-3183 andygruhn@gruhnhomes. com Sponsor: Ron Deering

Lincoln Creek Lumber Chuck Hopkins 2421 93rd Avenue SW Tumwater, W.A. 98512 (360) 956-9147 chopkins@lincolncreek lumber.com Sponsor: Mike Auderer

Black Hills Excavating, Inc. Rebecca Hufana 7216 187th Ave SE Rochester, W.A. 98579 (360) 556-7996 rebeccahufana@comcast.net Sponsor: Bill Knight

High-Tech Building & Design, Inc. Steve Bull 625 Acorn Ct SE Olympia, W.A. 98503 (360) 545-3370 Steve@hightechbuilding.net Sponsor: Becky Rieger

Madsen Electric, Inc. John Rearden 3939 S Orchard Tacoma, W.A. 98466 (253) 383-4546 jrearden@madsenelectric.com Sponsor: John Johnson

CCI Solutions Mark Bradley 1342 88th Ave SE Olympia, W.A. 98501 (360) 943-5378 mbradley@ccisolutions.com Sponsor: Becky Rieger Coastal Containment and Welding Chery Thompson 1620 W Wishkah St Aberdeen, W.A. 98520 (360) 532-9051 coastal@ccwsi.net Sponsor: Ron Bruchet Cogent construction Inc Will Johnson PO BOX 675 Union, W.A. 98592 360-427-3162 Sponsor: Julie Nichols Feller Bros Painting, Inc. Teresa Feller PO Box 826 Mckenna, W.A. 98558 (360) 400-0988 fellerbrospaintn@aol.com Sponsor: Ron Bruchet

14 • Chalk Line

Homes By Tooker, Inc. Robert Foor 17017 138th Ave East Puyallup, W.A. 98374 (360) 790-7928 rob.homesbytooker @gmail.com Sponsor: Mike Auderer Insurance Services Group Paul Edwards 4705 Lacey Blvd SE Ste A Lacey, W.A. 98503 (360) 456-6701 info@insuranceservicesgroup. com Sponsor: Kim Asay Integrated NW Construction, LLC Caralyn Valdeman PO Box 1008 Hoodsport, W.A. 98548 (206) 310-4239 caralyn@integratedNW construction.com Sponsor: Mike Auderer Lennar William Salvesen 33455 6th Ave S #1-B Federal Way, W.A. 98003 (253) 219-1355 bill.salvesen@lennar.com Sponsor: Karen McClennen

Olympic Telephone Mark Berschauer 2803 29th Ave SW Tumwater, W.A. 98512 (360) 357-4179 gmills@olytelephone.com Sponsor: Becky Rieger PIONEER Technologies Corporation Chris Waldron 5205 Corporate Ctr. Ct. SE, Suite A Lacey, W.A. 98512 (360) 570-1700 waldronc@uspioneer.com Sponsor: Kim Asay Prime Building & Development, LLC James Peterson 4802 Thompson Lane SE Olympia, W.A. 98513 (253) 820-5950 primebuildnw@gmail.com Sponsor: Bill Knight Puget Sound Landscaping Kris Knudsen 3323 B South Bay Rd NE Olympia, W.A. 98506 (360) 943-9201 kknudsen@ pugetsoundlandscaping.com Sponsor: John Johnson

RHD Enterprises, Inc. Garman Rozanne 4405 7th Avenue SE #100 Lacey, W.A. 98503 360-705-9459 jrfrailey@hotmail.com Sponsor: John Johnson Ultra Construction Jeremiah Rhodes 3620 Lake Forest Ct. SE Lacey, W.A. 98503 (206) 790-0747 ultrapmds@gmail.com Sponsor: Becky Rieger Vo & Co Company, LLC Alex Vo 3620 Lake Forest Ct. SE Lacey, W.A. 98503 (206) 790-0747 ultrapmds@gmail.com Sponsor: Kellen Mangan W.E. Coates Surveying, LLC. Teri Coates 9825 Glory Dr. SE Olympia, W.A. 98531 (360) 413-0510 coates_teri@comcast.net Sponsor: Mike Auderer Wiseman Utilities, Inc. Kevin Wiseman 417 101st Ave SW Olympia, W.A. 98512 (360) 705-0511 kevin@wisemanutilities.com Sponsor: John Johnson Wolbert’s, Inc. Robyn Wilson 3944 South South Bay Rd NE Olympia, W.A. 98516 (360) 491-7711 robyn@wolberts.com Sponsor: Ron Bruchet

Thank You Renewing Members!

Renewed November-December 2016

DO BUSINESS WITH A MEMBER TODAY!

smile,

25+ Years:

with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty® you can be in good company too.

20-25 Years:

SAVE NOW! DISCOUNTS FOR BEING A MEMBER With The Good Company Program - An Exclusive Benefit for NAHB Members

RAPID RESOLUTION Builder Backed Service Program

HAND US THE PHONE Front Line Warranty Service

Sunset Insurance Agency, LLC

Actionaire, Inc. Acme Fuel Gale Contractor Services 96.9 KAYO & 95.3 KGY Rainier Valley Construction, Inc.

15-19 Years:

Washington Cedar & Supply Co TAGS Awards & Specialties Scott Homes, Inc. Lindstrom & Son Construction, Inc. Hinkle Homes, Inc. Dr. Roof, Inc. Dennis Company Tops Solid Surface Drebick Investments, LLC Northwest Containers, Inc.

10-14 Years:

EXTEND SYSTEM AND APPLIANCE COVERAGE New Construction Home Warranty Service Agreement

LONG LIVE HAPPY HOMES ®

You’ll consider yourself in good company... so will your buyer.

TO ENROLL VISIT 2-10.com/NAHB OR CALL 855.280.1328

P & P Investments Johnston Construction Company, Inc. Coastal Construction Group, Inc. Olympia Supply Co. Washington Federal Allied Electric Service, Inc.

5-9 Years:

Reichert Shake & Fencing, Inc. Bath Fitter Always Safe & Lock, Inc. Lossing Construction Environmental Design, LLC Thurston County Chamber of Commerce T & S Cleaning, Inc. Jensen-Hall Construction, Inc. A Glass Enterprise, Inc. Salter Remodel, LLC Strader Hallett, PS South Sound Solar, Inc.

2-4 Years:

Bank of the Pacific Quinault Logging Corporation Elite Cleaning of Washington, Inc. Edward Jones Toby’s Electric, LLC Lifespan Construction Phillips Burgess, PLLC Greene Realty Group

One Year:

Naberly, Inc. Olympia Bookkeeping Services Inc. Double Duty Land Management

Are you an Olympia Master Builders member who doesn’t qualify for the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) Health Insurance Program? so, If B ce i OM Cho h eet t l a !

He can m eeds rn u yo

For a free quote or plan comparison contact: Olympia Master Builders 360.754.0912

OMB is not a licensed insurance agency and cannot provide benefit details or advice on which health plan will meet our members needs the best. All insurance plans offered through the OMB Health Choice program are provided through a licensed agent.

Chalk Line • 15

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