NYSBA and REF Weekly Newsletter
June 12, 2009 

 

 

Legislative Update

 

 

Skelos Becomes Majority Leader as State Senate Closes Down

 

 Dean Skelos (R-Long Island) became the new Majority Leader of the New York State Senate on Tuesday and Pedro Espada (D-Bronx) become President pro tem  in a dramatic turn of events at the State Capitol.  Skelos will lead a "bi-partisan coalition" as the new Senate Majority, which will consist of Republicans and Democrats.  Two Democratic Senators (Espada and Hiram Monserrate) chose to conference with the Senate Republicans (but remain Democrats), thus giving the Republicans the necessary 32 votes to nominate Skelos as the new Majority Leader. It is reported that this deal has been in the works for some time.

Monday’s events have put everything in Albany on hold at the moment as the Democratic Minority immediately locked the doors of the Senate Chambers for two days and there was a brief session on Thursday (though nobody from the Minority attended).  It is assumed that session will resume in one form or another next week.

 

We are pretty confident that the "citizen suit" bill is dead, and that our permit extension bill will still be introduced, but everything else is up in the air.  At the time of the "coup", Phil was actually on his way to meet with the Senate Majority Counsel to get the New York State Home Buyer Tax Credit bill placed on the Senate Finance agenda this week.  Needless to say, that meeting was canceled.

NYSBA is confident that we can work with whoever is in charge of the State Senate, and now is best time to have experienced lobbyists like Phil and Bill Crowell working for you. 

We will keep everyone updated as things move forward.

 

 

 

There was action on one bill of interest to NYSBA members this week:

 

 A.3353 (Bradley): The Vested Right bill passed out of the Codes committee on Tuesday and now goes to the Rules Committee (the final step before going on to the Assembly Calendar).  This bill protects and promotes legitimate development while providing certainty for investment.  This legislation would establish that municipal action including planning and zoning which applies to a particular parcel of land as of the date of filing of a development plan shall remain applicable to the proposed project for not less than 6 years after filing.  NYSBA supports this bill.

 

 

 

All NYSBA Legislative Memos Now Available on Website

 

Every memo for all of the bills on NYSBA’s Legislative Agenda is now available at our newly redesigned website. Go to the Government and Regulatory Affairs section to get up-to-date status on each bill and download any memo by clicking on the bill title.

 

 

Update on Land Master v. Town of Montgomery

 

On January 25, 2009, The Town of Montgomery issued a check for $561,798.98 for legal fees in the Land Master zoning case.  NYSBA believes that this is a landmark precedent that will impact how other towns plan for affordable housing.  We also believe that this is a strong warning to all local governments’ intent on stonewalling builders and the multifamily and affordable housing market. If they are insistent upon going forward with these zoning laws, they do so at their own peril.

 

NYSBA will have a legal briefing available to all members on our website next week.  If you have any questions please contact Lew Dubuque 

 

 

 

Stormwater Permits Review

 

NYSBA has been invited to review the draft revised Stormwater Design Manual chapters and Construction Stormwater and MS4 permits.  The documents are available for download here.

 

These rough drafts are the starting points for revisions that will be made available for public review in the next five months. 

 

If you plan to submit written comments on any of the documents, we ask that they are sent to Lew Dubuque by:

 

• June 26 for the Construction Stormwater Permit
• July 17 for the MS4 permits.

 

 

 

 

Builder Survey Sent on Thursday

 

NYSBA is collaborating with the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the New York State Department of State (NYDOS) to conduct a brief statewide survey of our builders and developers. The purpose of the survey is to collect information on specific impediments and challenges that developers and builders experience when engaging in their professional work across the state. 

 

This is a chance for our members to tell New York State the challenges and barriers that exist that inhibit or prevent implementation of successful or innovative models and strategies related to housing, planning, and zoning.

 

Survey findings will be used by an Advisory Committee that is being established under a new statewide Housing, Planning, and Zoning Initiative.  The Advisory Committee's responsibility is to develop recommendations that will facilitate the development, building, planning, and zoning process. 

 

If you did not receive the survey through your email, please contact Lew Dubuque 

 

 

NAHB is looking for members to serve

on Committees and Councils for 2010

 

Interested?

 

Contact Phil LaRocque

 

Deadline is October 11, 2009

 

 

 

 

Online Stormwater Training Now Available

 

 

NYSBA Stormwater Training Website

 

The New York State Builders Association’s online Stormwater Training is now available. We offer fee-based video training that brings participants into compliance with the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES), Construction Activity General Permit #GP-0-08-001.

 

NYSBA’s online Stormwater Training is taught by John E. Folchetti, CEO, P.E., of J. Robert Folchetti and Associates, Stormwater Trainer SWT #0045-T. This online course provides NYSDEC 4-hour training in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control (ESC) and satisfies the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES), Construction Activity General Permit #GP-0-08-001.

 

NYSBA members can begin registering for the online course now for $199, the rate for non-members is $299.  For more information contact Lew Dubuque at lewisd@nysba.com or (518) 465-2492.   [click here to register]

 

Two NYSBA members have already taken the course and received their Stormwater Training ID numbers.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

… a unified voice …

 

Your Home Builder Association Memberships provides you with a unified voice to promote and protect the industry.

 

“The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people.”     - Abraham Lincoln

 

Membership makes your voice a powerful instrument of change at the local, state and national levels.

 

As "the voice of the housing industry," the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) and your local Home Builders Association fight for your interests. Your associations have strength in numbers to defeat excessive regulations and needless red tape and defend affordable housing initiatives – on Capitol Hill, in Albany and in your communities where you do business.

 

Your associations (NAHB, NYSBA and HBA) bring a broad range of experiences, relations, technical knowledge and common sense to this crucial effort.

 

The Associations’ lobbyists, economists, public affairs professional, land use experts, attorneys, and construction and code specialists work together to promote a pro-housing agenda before the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and building code organizations.

 

Many issues affecting the industry are decided in courtrooms in Washington and around New York State. One of the most important advocacy tools for members is BUILD-PAC. Among the largest and most respected political action committees in Washington and Albany, it provides financial backing to candidates for the United States House of Representatives and Senate who support the housing Industry.

 

 

ENDORSED PROGRAMS

 

 

Featured NYSBA Endorsed Program of the Week

 

Long Term Care

We understand that financial security is a priority for you and your family. Your medical and disability insurance are excellent examples of ways to protect your family today and into the future as well. However, these types of insurance do not cover the cost of Long Term Care services. Without Long-Term Care Insurance, your current savings and retirement plan could be at risk. As a NYSBA member, you are eligible for a Multi-Life discount on Long-Term Care Insurance. Economic Planning Group and its team is ready to help you today!

 

Health Insurance

NYSBA offers its members a variety of health plan coverage, including HMO and PPO. NYSBA’s insurance plans, managed by Economic Planning Group, offer you your choice of coverage along with unique tax saving and added health related financial management services. Economic Planning Group gives our members one-on-one attention as their team strategically designs plans to meet your needs.

 

 

Please email LBrown@nysba.com with completed checklist along with your phone number for a follow-up call.

 

 For questions on NYSBA Endorsed Programs, please call Leigh Brown at 518-465-2492, ext 121.

 

Long Term Care

Health Insurance

Workers’ Comp Safety Group

Home Buyer Warranty

Remodeler Warranty

Builders Risk

Payroll

            NYSBA Member Rebate: Builder, Remodeler and Associate Rebates

 

 

  

 

Safety First

 

 

The NYSBA Workers Comp Safety Group’s Safety and Loss Control Committee has the following announcements:

 

RMPG is currently calling and scheduling safety group member companies to schedule site visits to check for any safety issues to help our member companies have safe work sites for their employees. If RMPG calls you, please be sure to get back to RMPG promptly to schedule your site visit.

 

All questions and comments can be sent to Leigh Brown at LBrown@nysba.com.

 

 

 

NYSBA REF

Regional Education Conferences

 

 

Call for sponsorships and product Demonstrations

 

Lead the way to success - support the regional education conferences

• Sponsorships starting at $400 are now available. 
• Your support will underwrite quality education programming and demonstrate a commitment to education excellence. 
• Program Book Advertising is an affordable way to keep your company’s message in the forefront.
• We’ll work with you to give your company the highest visibility.

 

 

Interested in demonstrating your product?

Product demonstrations are being scheduled to showcase the industry’s newest products.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your product to this exclusive audience.

 

Go to www.nysba.com, click on the REF Ed Conf tab to check out all the available opportunities in the Conference Marketing Kit.

 

Questions?  Contact Mike Cocca at (518) 465-2492 x126 or via email at mikec@nysba.com.

 

Dates and Locations:

 

• Tuesday, October 27 – Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Holiday Inn Liverpool

 

• Tuesday, November 10 – Wednesday, November 11, 2009

DoubleTree Hotel Tarrytown

 

Conference Sponsors

LIPA-Gold Level Sponsor (Tarrytown)

Benchmark Title Agency LLC-Meeting Refreshments (Tarrytown)

2-10 Home Buyer Warranty-Conference Badges (Tarrytown)

 

 

 

“Ask the Experts” Program

 

 

NYSBA is again partnering with the Consumer Protection Board on an “Ask the Experts” program for their website.  NYSBA is looking for “experts” in all areas of construction and the home building and remodeling industry to create a panel for this program.  This is a great way to enhance the image of our association and provides an excellent service to the general public.  You can view the website at http://www.nysconsumer.gov/ask_the_expert.htm.  Thank you to all current volunteers!  Contact Kelly Post at kpost@nysba.com if you would like to volunteer.

 

 

 

 

NYSBA REF Education and Training

 

 

NAHB and AIA Partnership on Continuing Education*

NAHB is a Registered Provider for the American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES).  Green Building for Building Professionals and Business Management for Building Professionals have been approved for continuing education for AIA members. 

 

·         Green Building for Building Professionals has been approved for 12 course credits in the Sustainable Design (SD) and Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) categories. 

 

·         Business Management for Building Professionals has been approved for 6 Course Credits.

 

These courses are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

Green Building for Building Professionals

            -June 22 & 23; Buffalo

            -September 14 & 15; Queens

            -October 20 & 21; Hudson Valley

 

Business Management for Building Professionals

            -July 9; Binghamton

            -September 17; Queensbury

            -November 10; Tarrytown

 

*This information was incorrect in last week’s newsletter.  Please contact Kelly Post at

518-465-2492*110 if you have any questions. 

 

 

Registration deadlines are fast approaching for the following classes: 

Green Building for Building Professionals in Buffalo – Deadline:  June 15

 

Green Building for Building Professionals

Learn how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value. This 2-day course for building professionals discusses strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction. You will learn how green homes provide buyers lower maintenance, better indoor air quality, and better long-term value. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.

 

June 22 & 23 – Buffalo                     Register here

September 14 & 15 – Queens*                   Register here   

October 20 & 21 – New Windsor*   Register here

 

*Just Announced!  Be the first person to register for September 14 & 15 or October 20 & 21 (by completing the registration form and sending it to NYSBA REF with payment) and receive free attendance to Business Management for Building Professionals on November 10 in Tarrytown, NY to complete your CGP designation!

 

Register Today!  Seats fill quickly.  For more information on any of these classes, contact Kelly Post at 518-465-2492*110 or kpost@nysba.com. 

 

 

energy star® Partners receive discount!

NYSERDA offers partial tuition incentives to students who complete Green Building for Building Professionals.  In order for the student to receive this reimbursement, they must complete the program and be:  Energy Star® builders, Home Performance Contractors or HERS Raters. 

 

Students will receive and complete the incentive form at the end of class; tuition will be reimbursed through NYSERDA when all appropriate paperwork is received and processed.  Call NYSBA REF at 518-465-2492*110 for more information.

 

 

Business Management for Building Professionals*

July 9, 2009

Binghamton, NY

 

Do you need to complete your CAPS or CGP designation?

Are you working towards your CGB or CGR?

Business Management is the class you need!

 

Course Location:      Broome-Tioga BOCES, 435 Glenwood Rd, Binghamton, NY  13905

Time:                            Registration:  8:30 AM; Session: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Registration Fees:  $240 Member; $300 Non-member

Registration fee includes materials and lunch.

 

To Register:  Click on the following link and fax a registration form to 518-465-0635.

http://www.nysba.comBusinessManagement.pdf
Call NYSBA REF at 518-465-2492*110 for more information.

 

Deadline:  July 2

 

 

Business Management

 

Learn the management skills that give industry leaders the edge.  This course will give you a solid foundation in those best business practices so valuable to smaller businesses:  planning, organizing, staffing/directing and controlling.  By using case studies and sample forms, your instructors give you practical and applicable tools for management success. 

 

*ENERGY STAR program partners receive discount:  Get a 50% tuition reimbursement, (up to $120) if you are an Energy Star builder, Home Performance contractor or HERS rater. 

 

 

2009 NYSBA REF Education Schedule

Thanks to all partnering local HBAs!

           

 

For more information on any of these classes, contact Kelly Post at 518-465-2492*110 or kpost@nysba.com. 

 

 

 

 

BECOME AN ENERGY STAR!!

 

 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn about the

New York ENERGY STAR^® Homes Program or the

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® Program

 

 

WHAT:         Become an Energy Star!!

 

WHEN:         July 15, 2009

                        2:00pm – 5:00pm

 

WHERE:       Mullins Catering

                   1180 US Highway 11

Gouverneur, NY 13642

 

Hosted by NYSBA Research & Education Foundation

 

Become an Energy Star!! presentation features knowledgeable professionals meeting with local builders to discuss:

 

Ø   How to become an ENERGY STAR^® Builder

Ø   Simple ways to earn incentives

Ø   The future of the building industry

Ø   The advantages of building ENERGY STAR^® Homes

 

For more information or to download a registration form,

visit Become an Energy Star!!

 

 

 

BUILDING TRADE PROFESSIONALS:

Grow your business by learning to

DO ENERGY AUDITS!

 

FREE NYSERDA

INFORMATION WORKSHOP

 

Tuesday, June 23^rd, 2009 

6:30-8:30pm

Greenburgh Public Library

300 Tarrytown Rd, Elmsford, NY 10523

 

 

-Learn about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, sponsored by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), and the specific skills you will acquire as a Home Performance Contractor certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI).

 

-You will build your business through new customer referrals and through NYSERDA, by providing customers with access to low cost financing and rebates up to 25%. 

 

-Find out how to adapt your business to tap the growing market for energy-efficiency services and significantly reduce your customers’ energy costs.

 

Presentation followed by Q&A session with:

-Matt Slattery, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor (BPI     accredited)

-Elyssa Rothe, NYSERDA Outreach Coordinator

-Mark Wyman, Association for Energy Affordability (BPI Affiliated, Energy Management Training Center)

 

Register with Deann Cartwright at 914-993-1649 or conservationoutreach@greenburghny.com by June 16^th for this FREE, one-time event.

 

Light & local refreshments will be available!