NORTH TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION
4410 Fairway Boulevard Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Volume 10, No. 3 • March 2017
P: 940.692.2211 F: 940.692.2214
www.nthba.com
From the President 2017 is off to a busy start for the Home Building Industry in Texas! Your membership in the North Texas Home Builders Association, also grants you membership in the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the National Association of Builders (NAHB). The Texas Legislature is in session, and TAB held its Rally Day in Austin February 22nd and their Winter Board Meetings February 23rd and 24th. Steven, Barney, Dianne, Sharon, Jose, Justin and I attended Rally Day and several committee meetings during the 3 days. TAB members showed up in force on Rally Day with over 800 members crowding the hallways and offices of the Capital. We had the opportunity to meet with Senator Craig Estes, Representative James Frank, and Representative Drew Springer. We were able to discuss many issues facing the growing demand for housing in Texas and the need for common sense regulation that keeps Texas housing affordable! TAB’S 2017 Legislative Priorities: • Prohibit fees and taxes that are placed on new construction in order to subsidize housing for the few. • Strengthen Vested Property Rights by reestablishing the commonly held notion that court costs and attorney fees are available to both sides in Vested Rights actions. • Support Legislation that protects Texans from unreasonable regulations and practices that arbitrarily diminish the value of private property by imposing overreaching restrictions or fees on its reasonable use. • Oppose any overhaul of the mechanic’s lien system that will significantly harm the construction and real estate market as a whole. • Oppose changes that would create lengthy requirements and barriers before land owners can be granted releases from Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCNs) • Oppose measures that will have the unintended consequence of limiting the ability of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) to cost effectively finance much needed housing infrastructure. Thank you for the continued support to ensure the North Texas Home Builders Association maintains a strong presence at the state association. I hope everyone has a wonderful and productive Month and do not hesitate notify the NTHBA of any regulatory issues that you may be experiencing.
Special Thanks to our 2017 NTHBA Partners: Diamond Atmos Energy Platinum Union Square Credit Union Gold First National Bank of Wichita Falls
What’s
INSIDE • Are You Making the Most of Your NTHBA Membership? • NAHB Victories Value of Membership • Young Professionals Clay Shoot Announcement • NTHB Luncheon Article
March Birthdays
Nathan Moore.............................................................................7 Lane Landes..............................................................................7 Donnie Park...............................................................................15 Wayne Pharries..........................................................................15 Teri Gibson...................................................................................15 Jose Garcia................................................................................19 Tim Sawyer...................................................................................22 David Litteken.............................................................................27 Kelly Coats...................................................................................30
Welcome New Members Advanced Aerobic & Septic System........Gary Drummond Efficient Home Concepts ........................... Barry Stone Welcome!
2017 Calendar of Events March 2nd...............................................General Membership Meeting 11:30AM
March 7th........................Scholarship Committee Meeting 3:30 PM March 8th.............Parade of Homes Committee Meeting 11AM March 15th...............................Budget Committee Meeting 10:15 AM March 15th................................Board of Directors Meeting 11AM 2
Steven Hinson.............................................................................31 Happy Birthday!
WOTUS: What’s Next Now that President Trump has ordered an extensive review of the “waters of the United States (WOTUS)� definitions in the Clean Water Act, many NAHB members have questions about how this executive order changes the storm water and wetlands permitting processes they have been following all along – and what the next steps are. Let’s go to our resident WOTUS specialist: NAHB Environmental Policy Program Manager Owen McDonough, PhD. Owen, what are the rules now – what has changed? For builders, not much. First, the new WOTUS rule never really had an opportunity to actually take hold. It was suspended by a federal court ruling just weeks after being finalized in 2015. What this new executive order means is that EPA and the Corps must take a giant step back and thoroughly review the flawed rule. The current rule is not very clear, doesn’t take into account the need for economic growth and oversteps the rights of states to make decisions within their own borders. It fundamentally attempts to expand Clean Water Act requirements beyond what Congress originally intended while at the same time ignoring Supreme Court decisions. So until EPA and the Corps finish their task of fixing or replacing the WOTUS rule, it’s business as usual. The Clean Water Act and all its requirements remain in place. Builders and developers must get permits just as they always have. Is WOTUS going away? No, the President does not have that authority to erase the WOTUS rule. He’s telling the agencies he wants a comprehensive review and a revised rule that makes sense for everyone. And he wants it quickly. He doesn’t want to leave the regulated community – especially home builders – in limbo. Our industry is arguably the most heavily regulated under the Clean Water Act, and we need a rule that provides clarity and does not overreach. Continues on page 12
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940-766-3418 2012 Kell Blvd.
2801 Kell East
Phone (940) 692-5734
Wichita Falls
Fax (940) 692-0391
Texas 76308
4
Lane Landes, Owner
tco@wf.net
Commercial Services
3301 Kell Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308
John Thompson Mike Sharp Robert Masters 940-447-9050
Are you making the most of your NAHB Membership? NAHB works constantly to keep members informed about important policy developments as well as the many products and services available to members. It’s a challenging task in today’s world of competing messages and relentless competition for members’ attention. For those who want to stay abreast of important news from NAHB, we offer several electronic message vehicles that members can turn to for updates and information: The NAHBNow news blog chronicles NAHB actions in the legislative, regulatory and legal arenas, and provides periodic updates on services for members.
Eye on Housing is a blog featuring the latest economic and housing policy news, analysis and studies.
The Monday Morning Briefing electronic newsletter is sent to all members and provides a weekly summary of key news events affecting the home building industry.
Several other newsletters focus on the activities of NAHB's special interest councils. A complete listing of NAHB electronic newsletters is available at nahb.org, along with information about subscribing. You can also search for educational opportunities as well as find a list of participating businesses in the Member Advantage Program where you could be saving enough to more than pay for your annual dues. If you have not set up an account on the NAHB.org website and would like to take advantage of this information and programs please contact Teri at the NTHBA office and she will help you get set up.
Kathy Gregory 940.249.5293
Jerry Phillips 940.249.5288
Nicki Bomer 940.249.5291
Karen Anderson 940.249.5292
4245 KEMP BLVD., STE. 420 • WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS 76308
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Victories NAHB Achieves Outstanding Successes for Members
WINDOWS, DOORS AND MORE!
522 Beverly Drive Wichita Falls, Texas 76309
723-1436
Always Remember to do Business with Association Members! BRYAN WAGGONER 3907 Kell BoulevarE t WJDIJUB 'BMMT t Texas 76308
Providing value to members is NAHB's primary mission as an association. NAHB's advocacy efforts throughout 2016, along with a group of select other member benefits, will provide members with a value of $7.38 billion or $5,950 per housing start in 2017. In 2016, the advocacy team leveraged the association’s power to get pro-housing measures passed in Congress, challenge regulations that do more harm than good, and level the playing field against powerful interests that could do lasting damage to the housing industry. The association also provided numerous other benefits to members, including discounts on brand products and services. Following is a summary of these achievements and benefits. NAHB's Achievements in 2016 and the Value They Will Provide to Members in 2017* Estimated Value Per Housing Unit Started in 2017
NTHBA Member since 1972
Helping Build Our Community Since 1907
Enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act will allow builders to once again use healthcare reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) $ 900 Court enacts stay of expansive Waters of the U.S. rule 50 NAHB lobbying results in lower earnings threshold in the Department of Labor's revised Overtime Rule and delay in implementation. 100 Costly provisions kept out of model building codes.
500
Onerous silica rule delayed for at least part of the year. 1,500 Higher GSE and FHA loan limits mean more new home sales.
1,000
OSHA settlement clarifies that confined space rule rarely applies to home building. 200
$5,950 - per start * Detail may not add to total due to rounding.
6
1,200
NAHB designations substantially boost members' revenue. 400
NAHB Council members earn more revenue.
Member FDIC
Member Advantage at a Glance
www.nahb.org/ma
Houzz – Join over 25,000 NAHB member companies and get free access to Houzz Concierge Service, special discounts on local advertising programs, and up to 10% off Houzz Shop products. Learn more at www.houzz.com/NAHBmembers or call 800-640-8061. FCA US LLC - A $500 cash allowance for members, employees and household family members. This offer is good toward many new models in the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram or FIAT® vehicle lineup and is stackable with most current local or national incentives. Visit www.nahb.org/fca to learn more. Lowe’s - Visit www.LowesForPros.com/NAHB or call 877-435-2440 and register to save 2% on your Lowe’s Accounts Receivable (LAR) or Lowe’s Business Accounts (LBA) purchases and free delivery on purchases over $500. Save an additional 5% every day at the store when you mention the 5% at time of purchase and when using your LAR or LBA. General Motors – Enjoy a Private Offer of $250, $500 or $1,000 on many Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. Other offers may be available for even more savings. Visit www.nahb.org/gm to learn more. UPS Savings Program & YRC Freight - UPS discounts of up to 36% on a broad portfolio of shipping services. Savings of at least 70% on less-than-truckload shipments 150 lbs. or more with UPS Freight and YRC Freight. Visit www.1800members.com/NAHB or call 1-800-MEMBERS (800-636-2377) for more information. GEICO - Exclusive NAHB discounts for members on auto insurance. Visit www.geico.com/disc/nahb or call 800-368-2734. Mention NAHB for auto, homeowners, and commercial auto quotes. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty - Visit www.2-10.com/NAHB or call 855-280-1328 to receive exclusive access to discounts on select products, including the Builder Backed Service Program and the systems and appliances warranty. TSYS (formerly TransFirst) - Payment solutions with average savings of 16% per year. Web/mobile tools, credit card and eCheck processing and more. Free "Savings Analysis" call 800-613-0148 or visit www.tsysassociation.com/NAHB. Dell - Up to 30% off on all Dell computers. Call 800-757-8442 and Mention NAHB or visit www.dell.com/nahb. Associated Petroleum Products (APP) - Earn $0.015 for EVERY gallon purchased using the APP Fuel Card program. Visit www.associatedpetroleum.com/nahb to enroll or call 800-929-5243, Option 6 and mention NAHB. Hertz - Up to 20% off on rental cars and FREE Gold Plus Rewards membership. Visit www.hertz.com/nahb, or call 800-654-2200 and use CDP# 51046. Avis - Up to 25% off car rental base rates and FREE Avis Preferred Service membership at www.avis.com/nahb, or call 800-331-1212 and use AWD code G572900. Budget - Up to 25% off car rental base rates and FREE Budget Fastbreak at www.budget.com/nahb, or call 800-283-4387 and use BCD code Z536900. Office Depot - 10% off all delivery orders. Free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Call 800-274-2753 and mention NAHB. G&K Services - Enjoy up to 20% guaranteed savings off standard pricing on uniforms, facility services, and direct purchase customized apparel. Visit www.eMemberBenefits.com/NAHB or call Your National Account Specialist at 713-967-6214 to request quote or free site assessment. Omaha Steaks - Save 10%, in addition to any online specials. www.OSincentives.com/promo/nahb Endless Vacation Rentals - 25% discount on over 200,000 vacation rentals worldwide. Call 877-367-6433 and mention NAHB at time of reservation or go to www.endlessvacationrentals.com/nahb. Wyndham Hotel Group - 15% off at over 7,400 hotels. Call 877-670-7088 and mention ID 8000002688. Go to www.nahb.org/ma and click on the Wyndham logo to find out more. FTD - 20% off floral arrangements and gifts at www.ftd.com/nahb or call 800-SEND-FTD use code 17421. Version 2.14.17
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Join us for the:
Annual Sporting Clay Shoot When: Saturday, April 22nd Where:
Texas Field & Stream, 4472 Old Friberg Rd
Time:
8:30 AM Registration
9:30 AM Safety Meeting with Shoot immediately following
Cost:
Shooters $100.00 - Station Sponsors $250.00
Cash prizes paid out for: Top 2 - Male and Female Shooters Lunch sponsored by:
Lunch will be served between 12:30 & 1:30. Door prize drawings, shotgun drawing & award ceremony will begin as soon as all shooters are finished and score cards are turned in.
Squares can be purchased for a chance to win a 12 gauge shot gun at $15.00 each. Mulligans can be purchased for $10.00. Proceeds benefit the NTHBA Young Professionals Council to allow the continued representation at the state level in order to advocate for the home building industry and networking events to encourage NTHBA membership.
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NTHBA Learns Recreational Opportunities and Economic Impact of Lake Arrowhead State Park
The park doesn’t only have things for the public to do on their own but offers other programs and games such as: Geocaching – a modern day scavenger hunt that uses a smartphone GPS app. Caches have ratings of size, difficulty and terrain. This allows the player to have the interaction with their devices while searching for treasure and competing with others. Since fishing equipment can be expensive to buy, the state park is fortunate to have a loaner program where they allow you to check out equipment at no charge if returned. A nonprofit group called Friends of Lake Arrowhead, volunteer their time to help coordinate events such as the Annual Mark Howell Memorial Fishing Rodeo, Kids fish and Adult Rough Fish contest which is usually scheduled the first Saturday of June.
The North Texas Home Builders Association enjoyed the opportunity to learn from, Lake Arrowhead State Park Superintendent Keith Gauthier, what the state park has to offer residents of Wichita Falls as well as visitors from all over. They also were educated on what the economic impact is from the Park. The mission of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Continues on Page 10 Division is: To manage and conserve the ACME BRICK COMPANY natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and (940) 691-9679 office (940) 691-2560 office Harold Newton 6701 Seymour Hwy. enjoyment of present and future generations. (940) 691-9678 fax Branch Manager Wichita Falls, TX 76310 hnewton@acmebrick.com Keith began with the history of the land being impounded in 1966 and consisted of roughly 17k surface acres. It was acquired through the State Park Bond Acquisition 1970 at Always Remember to do Program Businessin with Association Members! which time it was opened to the public. BRYAN WAGGONER The park consist of 90 campsites that include some with water and electricity, primitive and 3907 Kell BoulevarG ‡ WLFKLWD )DOOV ‡ Texas 76308 equestrian, 40 day use picnic sites, 9 boat (940) 691-3641 ramps and an 18 lane boat slip. There are 2 )D[ ‡ fishing piers and 6 miles of trail ranging from E-Mail bryanl@waggonercarpetone.com easy to arduous. The park has a swim beach along with an active prairie dog town. The Texas Parks and Wildlife continue to find ways to offer the best fishing opportunities by putting artificial structures in the lake for fish inhabitance. These artificial structures are better for the environment while allowing the fisherman more time to enjoy their fishing experiences without spending a lot of time trying to get untangled. The new structures are designed so it is easier for the hooks to slide over without hanging up. The park is also an official fish weigh station.
9
Continued from Page 9
The first Saturday of June is the state of Texas fishing without a license day. This is not the reason for the event to be scheduled on that day because you are not required to have a fishing license to fish in a state park The Friends of Lake Arrowhead also coordinate the Ranger Programs. Ranger Programs are educational programs available at the park that include Hunter Education, Fishing Education Programs, Project Learning Tree, Project Wild, Aquatic Wild, Texas Rare and Wild, Adopt a Wetland, and Buffalo Soldiers community education outreach programs. Teachers can obtain continuing education credits for attending many of these programs. All educational programs must be scheduled through the park headquarters and require a minimum of 10 participants in order to conduct the training. The Lake Arrowhead State Park also offers a Waterfowl Workshop where individuals can learn the Ins and Outs of hunting Waterfowl at Lake Arrowhead State Park. This workshop includes the following: Waterfowl Identification - Knowing the shapes, sounds, regions, and general information over the waterfowl commonly found in Texas Waterfowl Game Law - Information from Local Game warden Eddie Hood about the laws surrounding hunting waterfowl Hunting with Retrievers - Learn the ins and outs of using hunting and retrieving dogs, demonstrated by Cowtown Hunting Retrievers. Taxidermy Information - How to properly prepare and preserve waterfowl for taxidermy from the master taxidermist, Ron Kennedy. Introduction to Shotguns - Information on various shotguns, proper and safe handling of shotguns, and then some practice shooting to get you ready for hunting waterfowl. Hunting Techniques and Strategies - Learn from Muddy Water Outfitters, the people whom have made a living off of hunting. Lunch is provided by the Lake Arrowhead Friends Group and there is no cost for the workshop however, it fills up a year in advance. They are currently taking reservations for 2018. The state park has an 18 hole disc golf that 10
has become very popular and they host an annual tournament the second Saturday of September. The state park offers many recreational opportunities but from those opportunities creates an economic impact for Wichita Falls. John L. Crompton of the Texas A & M University Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences contributed these economic facts: In 2014: Total output was $703,729, 5.9 jobs were created and the sales tax generated was $8,482. Visitation has increased 300% creating 3 more full time jobs, revenue and sales tax. Arrowhead State National Park is known nationally from hosting famous people such as Al Rocker who was welcomed by over 650 people and Josh Hamilton who attended one of the hunter education classes. When you get ready for some family time and want have fun enjoying the outdoors, stay local and visit Arrowhead State Park at 229 Park Rd 63, Wichita Falls, TX 76310. You can call ahead to make reservations (940) 528-2211 or visit their website at http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-arrowhead
They have a wide variety of things to do.
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Continued from page 3
So what happens next? Well, the law requires certain steps before any substantive change happens. The most likely path forward would be for EPA and the Corps to issue a proposed rule to rescind or revise WOTUS. It will appear in the Federal Register and be available for comment, and after taking the comments into account, the agencies will issue their final rule. If the final role says that WOTUS should be revised, you can expect a flurry of lawsuits from interest groups who are afraid that any new rule will not do a good enough job protecting the nation’s waters – even if they don’t know what it’s going to look like yet. After that, the agencies will propose a new rule. How will NAHB be involved in the process? We already have requested a meeting with the new EPA Administrator to discuss the problems with WOTUS and all the other issues facing our industry. Our views must be heard, and we know that the administration wants us to engage. President Trump wants us at the table.
NAHB will work to ensure that any new WOTUS rule doesn’t expand federal jurisdiction and clearly defines the limits of jurisdiction. We are on the ground, and we can provide valuable insight.
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