Upcoming Community Events

Two Community Events to show support for in the local Frederick Area.

BUILDER BULLETINSpring 2019

Issue 2

Frederick County Building Industry Association

TAKE A LOOK

INSIDEP4

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President’s Note

Land Use Council President’s Note

SMC - Awards of Excellence

State/Local Legislation Update & More!

Thoughts on the “Rain Delay” and the County’s Implementation Program

RSVP NOW for the Awards of Excellence - May 15!

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Denise Jacoby, Executive Officer Dbradyjacoby@frederickbuilders.org Donna Kraft, Executive Administrator Donna@frederickbuilders.org Sarah Harne, Marketing & Communications Sarah@frederickbuilders.org

FREDERICK COUNTY BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION 186 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 204 Frederick Maryland 21702 Phone: 301-663-3599

44TH Annual Home Show & Builder Olympics 2-Day Event Deemed a Success - Puts a Spotlight on Trades.

It was a festive home show weekend at the Frederick Fairground March 16th & 17th

where the community could “See Green, Save Green, and Go Green” thanks to our over 160 exhibitors. The sold-out show featured demonstrations, radio remotes, an appearance by Redskins Hall of Famer John Riggins, an outdoor exhibit of a modular home, and much more! The crowds did not disappoint and the unpredictable March weather stayed temperate.

Elected officials and invited guests once again helped to open the 44th Annual

Home Show & Builder Olympics with the traditional ribbon cutting. The Frederick Catoctones returned and serenaded everyone with a few songs including the National Anthem and of course, the traditional Happy Birthday to our very own Bo Carlisle, former FCBIA President and Home Show committee member.

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Several Elected Officials and Community Guests joined FCBIA leadership in the annual ribbon cutting during the show’s opening ceremony.

Bo Carlisle, long time Home Show Supporter pic-tured with Miss Teen Frederick & Miss Frederick.

Builder Olympics UpdateThe Builder Olympics, a skills competition sponsored by FCBIA for the FCPS’s Career Technology Center (CTC) - Construction Technology Department, successfully constructed two 8x12 foot shed that sold by the time of the show’s completion.

Students from the Career and Technology Center’s Construction Trades participating in the Builder Olympics competition and demonstrations.

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The nearly 30 students competed in teams (or crews) during the two days. All CTC trades were represented in each crew; carpentry, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and landscaping. The completed sheds were judged for quality and completeness by several FCBIA members and local tradesman.

All the proceeds from the sale of the sheds go to the CTC Student Construction Trades Foundation in order to support the students through scholarship and construction re-lated opportunities.

Much gratitude for the numerous vendors, suppliers, contractors, and volunteers who have donated valuable time and materials to support this great cause. A special thank you to Lancaster Craftsmen Builders, All Around Plumbing, TriState Home Services, Hawkins Landscaping, and Guyton Electric for their participation in making the Builder Olympics a success and a huge thank you to this year’s Premier Builder Olympic Spon-sor, Landscape Concepts Inc.

FCBIA extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude to the following companies and organizations. It is with the help of those listed below that both the Home Show and Builder Olympics remain the success that they are:

Little Sparkie Electric LLC

Builder Olympic Premier Sponsor

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andscapeonceptsnc.

Premier Access Sponsor

44TH ANNUAL

2019

P A R T N E R S

B & R Design GroupEAI - Environmental Alternatives, Inc.Frederick County Career & Technology CenterThe Frederick FairgroundsThe Frederick News-PostRentals Unlimited

Signs By TomorrowThompson GasWDVM - I-270 NewsWFRE / WFMDWetchCo Signs Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ

44TH Annual Home Show Best Display Winners!BEST IN SHOW: Constructive MasonryBEST LANDSCAPE: Landscape Concepts Inc.BUILDING 9: Talon Construction BUILDING 12: Best TileBEST OUTDOOR: Corey’s ConstructionBUILDING 13: Antietam BuildersBUILDING 14 & KID’S CHOICE AWARD: Town of ThurmontBUILDING 14A: J & D Kitchens

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A NOTE FROM YOUR FCBIA PRESIDENTTracie Clabaugh

The Frederick County Building Industry Association and our Members have had a busy few months.

Past EventsThe FCBIA 44th Annual Home Show, including the Builder Olympics, was held on March 16th and 17th at The Great Frederick Fair. We are very proud of the continued success of this annual event. I would like to thank the Members and sponsors that continue to support this annual community event.

The FCBIA General Membership Meeting was held on March 12th. Eric Soter, President of Land Use Council, presented Frederick’s Pipeline – Full or Faux. Eric provided attendees at the General Membership Meeting with facts associated with and synonymous to the current and future housing pipeline for Frederick County and how the housing pipeline ultimately affects the County’s growth and viability. Thank you, Eric, for the informative presentation.

Upcoming Events:I would like to thank Brendan Madden, one of our Board Members, for his work in organizing and coordinating Career Signing Day for the Career Technology Center, to be held on May 2nd. The purpose of the Career Signing Day is to recognize the achievements, accomplishments and future employment of the Career Technology Students with employers in the local building industry. Thank you, Brendan, for your continued support with the Career Technology Center.

State Legislative Session 2019:The Maryland Building Industry Association Legislative Committee reviewed 282 bills, tracked 179 total bills, and took a neutral position on 103 bills during the 2019 Legislative Session. The Maryland Building Industry Association recorded 119 positions, attended 138 hearings in which testimony was submitted, and sent 2 action alerts to its Members.

Some of the bills which were defeated are as follows: (i) SB203/HB120 Natural Resources – No Net Loss of Forest – Definition – would have changed the “tree canopy” definition to a “No net loss of forest” which means 40% of all land in Maryland would need to be covered by forest land; (ii) SB353 – On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems -the construction and inspection licenses would have required those constructing or installing an on-site sewage disposal system to hold a license from MDE; (iii) HB792 – Maryland Electricians Act – Revision – would have changed the State Board of Master Electricians, including the name, composition, powers and duties, and would have established statewide education requirements and qualifications for a state apprentice license; and (iv) HB1230 – Transportation – Commercial Signs – Penalty – would have increased the fine from $25 to $1,000, the maximum civil penalty for placing or maintaining a commercial sign in the right of way of a state highway.

Some of the bills which passed are as follows: (i) SB305 – Real Property – Homeowners Association – Number of Declarant Votes – provides that a declarant is entitled to one vote per lot that has been subdivided and recorded and has not been sold to members of the public when voting on a homeowners association matter on or after the date on which all lots that may be part of the development have been subdivided and recorded in the land records of the county in which the homeowners association is located; (ii) SB515/HB115 – Community Colleges – Workforce Readiness Grant Program – Establishes a Workforce Readiness Grant Program, and authorizes each community college campus to accept certain donations; and (iii) Amended and Passed SB917/HB1045 – Land Use – Comprehensive Plans – Housing Elements – requires the planning commissions for certain jurisdictions to include a housing element in the comprehensive plan.For more information pertaining to the 2019 Legislative Session, please visit: www.marylandbuilders.org

FCBIA’s 2019 Awards of Excellence Gala will be held on May 15th at Dutch’s Daughter. This annual event celebrates Frederick’s winners in the following categories: Building, Development, Environmental Design, Architecture, Interior Design, and Marketing and Sales. We look forward to celebrating with everyone at the Awards of Excellence Gala on May 15th.

THE FIRST 3 SECONDS - How to win the Website Elimination Game

Marketing Solutions. Sales Results.

Presented by Brian Flook, MIRM, ICP of

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | 8:00 am Dutch’s Daughter | Member Price: $20 | Non-Member Price: $30

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RSVP at www.frederickbuilders.org/events by 6/7 For More Info: Sarah@frederickbuilders.org | 301-663-3599 x102

Frederick County News:On the County level, FCBIA and Land Use Council Board Members continue to monitor County legislation that will affect the building industry. Recently our Board Members met with every County Council Member and others in the community and testified at public hearings regarding proposed legislation that will not only have an impact on the building industry, but also on affordable housing. The issue of overcrowding in the public schools of Frederick County has been at the political forefront, yet again. There are many variables that impact public school capacity, such as: (i) out of district transfers and out of County transfers; (ii) effects of state rated capacity changes; (iii) enrollment trends; and (iv) demographic shifts. Other than continually raising fees on new homeowners and making housing less affordable in Frederick County, I encourage our elected officials to support reasonable redistricting options and an increase in the allocation of Recordation Tax proceeds for public schools.

I read an article by Scott Brown, published on April 22, 2019, on wusa9.com, that details an ordinance in Montgomery County, Maryland that linked school overcrowding to restrictions on residential development. The

article stated that “…a majority of the new students at the impacted high schools are not coming from new construction, according to an analysis from the Montgomery County Planning Department. The analysis found that between 2011 and 2015 less than 5% of new students at overcrowded high schools are coming from newly developed housing…Most students are coming from established housing in neighborhoods where there is a generational turnover as young families move in as older residents retire and move out.” This analysis of generational turnover makes sense and is occurring all over the country, including locally in Frederick County. This is also an important factor to take into consideration when increasing fees on new homeowners and the building industry. Just like in Montgomery County, increasing fees on new housing does not solve the school capacity issue. The article further stated that Montgomery County is reviewing whether it

should re-open a school that had been closed in 1987, and whether the County should redistrict. Public schools do need to be a priority in all jurisdictions. However, the issue with school capacity is one which will be solved by honestly examining all the variables that cause school overcrowding, and not just new housing. It will certainly not be solved by solely increasing fees on new housing and making housing less affordable for Frederick County residents.

The City of Frederick News:The City’s strategic plan is underway and Mayor O’Connor released a draft vision statement as part of the strategic planning process. Our Board Members have been actively participating in this process, as well as the MPDU and APFO review hearings taking place at the City. Any changes to the City’s MPDU or APFO ordinances will undoubtedly impact the local building industry. Stay tuned for more information pertaining to these items.

Feel free to contact me directly with general questions or questions regarding the State and local legislative arena. I look forward to seeing each of you at future FCBIA events. Thank you for your continued support.

“Most students are coming from established housing in neighborhoods where there is a generational turnover as young families move in as older residents retire and move out.”

according to an analysis from the Montgomery County Planning Department.

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STUCK IN A RAIN DELAY... and the baseball analogy continues

In my last column I touched on the ‘development pipeline’ and how it gets batted around frequently as a looming dark rainy cloud of uncertainty and, therefore, a reason to stop approving future homes and communities.

My presentation to the FCBIA at our General Membership Meeting in March dispelled those myths to show the dwindling supply of housing in Frederick County is coming. Livable Frederick and the next iteration of corridor and community planning efforts in Frederick County are supposed to address this. However, we seem to be stuck in a rain delay as the budget season is upon us, and the annual rite of increased taxes, fees, and regulations takes effect July 1. That will be followed by the heat of the summer slowing down council work which will likely limit the County Council from completing their review and approval until sometime this Fall. Then the “Implementation Program” that the County Staff (via the County Executive office) has presented may get started. It is a positive step forward to present a multi-year planning program, however it will still be subject to those shifting political winds that affect decision making in the County and cause fits and starts for projects trying to round the bases, and make it home.

The initial “Implementation Program” https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9653, included a six-year workprogram with the typical functional plans and mandated elements and three new plans that would commence following the adoption of Livable Frederick. The first is the Planning Staff’s long-awaited South Frederick (MD 85/MD355) Corridor (which is nearly a decade beyond its original target); a Sugarloaf Mountain Treasured Landscapes Plan; and an Ag-Infrastructure Plan. You’ll have to read the plan for more detail on what each effort hopes to achieve, but suffice to say we are missing a few key players in the lineup.

Eric Soter, 2019 Land Use Council President

For starters, the County needs to present a more aggressive rotation. The data shows Frederick County is out of lots within a decade. Therefore, priority should be to begin back-filling that pipeline. While the Sugarloaf Mountain is important, the private restrictive use-easement is good

“This type of a plan, a comprehensive rezoning effort, on a predictable cycle, regardless of political affiliation should be figured out and figured into the lineup now. There are many properties throughout the county that are struggling to find appropriate uses or the uses being proposed do not fit the current regulations”

for another 25 years, well beyond when we have already depleted our lot inventory and lot prices skyrocket due to restricted demand combined with increased taxes and fees. In addition, this line-up of plans needs a good utility player. A utility player in the form of an all-around approach to evaluate and implement a variety of land use and zoning changes on a broader scale (i.e. Countywide). This effort would not be tied to a particular corridor and would be routine and predictable in its timing. The Livable Frederick Plan talks about a “Land Use Maintenance Plan” but does not consider it during the next six-years. This plan is effectively on the bench.

It’s time to take advantage of this rain delay, and rethink the lineup. This type of a plan, a comprehensive rezoning effort, on a predictable cycle, regardless of political affiliation should be figured out and figured into the lineup now. There are many properties throughout the county that are struggling to find appropriate uses or the uses being proposed do not fit the current regulations. With the pace of how our economy changes, a routine check-in would be a tremendous help to improving our economic outlook and remaining competitive within the region.

Stay tuned for next month’s column where I will lay out in more detail how a Comprehensive Rezoning effort would work, and why now is the best time to implement it as certain stars align.

◀ Image from Frederick County Planning Commission Draft Release for second public review and comment period December 19, 2018

2 Community Events in Early May You Won’t Want to Miss!

2MAY

Thursday, May 2, 20198:30 a.m.Frederick Community College JBK Theater7932 Opossumtown Pike

Please join us at our first-ever Career Signing Day. Working in a high-skill career is as important as other pursuits after graduation! Students will be recognized for going directly to the workforce using employable skills gained from the Career Technology Center or a Youth Apprentice. Career Day.

RSVP to Julie Carter at 301-644-5188 or julie.carter@fcps.org

Lisa Sturtevant, PhD, is President and founder of LSA. Dr. Sturtevant has been involved in research and analysis on local economic, demographic and housing market conditions and local housing solutions for more than 15 years. As president of LSA, she leads housing studies and planning projects for local communities through the country. In addition, she conducts empirical research on housing, demographic and economic development-related topics. She is a nationally-recognized expert on local housing issues, and speaks frequently to housing and other groups throughout the country.

9MAY Thursday, May 9, 2019

7:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 6:30)Frederick Community College Conference Center - Rm E126 ABC

7932 Opossumtown Pike

A PANEL DISCUSSION with local affordable housing stakeholders and Lisa will take place after Lisa’s featured presentation to discuss challenges and opportunities for affordable housing in the Frederick Area.

“Opportunities for Affordable Housing”Featured Speaker: Lisa Sturtevant, PhD

Co-hosted by Envision Frederick County and the Affordable Housing Council. P7

TOP KITCHEN & BATH FEATURES Home Buyers Want.

Today’s savvy home buyers are paying more attention to kitchen and bathroom features, and new homes are reflecting their preferences. A kitchen is not only a cooking area – it is a space where people gather to create and share meals. Similarly, function and design are characteristics home buyers are looking for in bathrooms. With a variety of finishes and amenities in kitchens and bathrooms available, which features stand out for home buyers?

Dana Schrivner, 2019 Sales & Marketing Council President

Building | Development | Environmental Design

Architecture | Interior Design | Marketing | Sales

GALA TICKETS ON SALE!Join Us!

A recent study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders reveals what kitchen and bath features are among the most wanted this year. The survey asked first-time buyers and existing home owners to rank several kitchen and bath features based on how essential they are to make a home-purchasing decision.

When asked about kitchens, more than half of home buyers ranked walk-in pantry as the top desirable feature in the kitchen. The second most wanted kitchen feature was a double sink, followed by a table

space for eating, central island and granite/natural stone countertop.

The preferred finishes for cabinets varied. More than a third of home buyers preferred a white kitchen cabinet color followed closely by medium and dark brown. Home buyers were also decisive when it came to kitchen countertop material. A majority say granite or other natural stone is their favorite.

When it comes to the bathroom, home buyers say having a linen closet in the master bath is the most desired feature. The second most wanted feature was having both a shower stall and tub in the master bath. Other top preferences include a double vanity and private toilet compartment in the master bath. Home buyers increasingly say they want a white toilet, tub and sink.

Unlike kitchens, there were stark contrasts in bathroom feature preferences among different generations. More than a third of older home buyers age 65 or older do not want a

Kitchen From Member HURD BuildersOwner’s Bath from Member JR Capital Build

whirlpool tub in the master bath, compared to only eight percent of buyers under 45. Similarly, a third of older home buyers do not want a skylight in the master bath, compared to 14 percent of buyers under age 45.

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DATESave the

May - 2019 June - 2019

July - 201915

General Membership Breakfast Meeting 11

Annual Crab FeastBuckeystown Pub10

HARRIS, SMARIGA & ASSOCIATES, INC.

www.harrissmariga.com125 S Carroll Street, Suite 100Frederick, Maryland 21701(301) 662-4488

PLANNERS | ENGINEERS | SURVEYORS

Since 1978, Harris Smariga has provided civil engineering, land planning, project management and surveying services for all phases of land development and construction.

LOVE WHERE

YOU LIVE

Unique signature designs and a passion for details since 1964

WORMALD.COM

DUTCH’S DAUGHTER DOORS OPEN - 6:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15TH 2019

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE GALA

August - 2019FCBIA Golf ClassicMaryland National Golf Club9

➢ Visit FrederickBuilders.org/events for full calendar.

MARCH & APRIL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

◀ Executive Officer Denise Jacoby and LUC President Eric Soter at the March General Membership Meeting - Minds were blown!

FCBIA Home Show Crew & Staff!

◀ Our April Happy Hour at Brewer’s Ally, sponsored by Sandy Spring Bank and Landscape Concepts Inc.

Home Show 2019

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!April 2019GroomLawn Inc.

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ELMSTREETDEV.COM

WE CREATE COMMUNITIESWHERE PEOPLE WANT TO LIVE. THRIVE. GROW. PLAY. CONNECT.

March 2019BAT Onsite, LLCJMJ Land Management Services

Staged Above

February 2019Barrick & Sons LLC

Do you have a new employee? Are you celebrating your company’s anniversary? Would you like to give recognition to employees who have earned a promotion or are celebrating an anniversary?

Lets us know. It would be our pleasure to share the news here.

For more information please contact the FCBIA office. Brian Morris

Matan Companies, LLLP

MEMBER NEWS

Noel Manalo Miles & Stockbridge

Associate Member of the Year 2018 Builder Member of the Year 2018

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

186 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 204Frederick, Maryland 21702(301)663-3599

BRONZE MEMBERSAll Around Plumbing

Buckeye Development

Builders First Source - Atlantic Group

Clagett Enterprises

First United Bank & Trust

Fox & Associates

Frederick County Bank

Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

Frederick County Office of Economic Development

Frederick Magazine

Green-Living Homes

Macris, Hendricks & Glascock, PA

Matan Companies

Miller & Smith

North Star Foundation

Sandy Spring Bank

Wells Fargo

W.F. Delauter & Son

Woodsboro Bank

Zavos Architecture & Design, LLC

GOLD MEMBERSDan Ryan BuildersDewberryElm Street DevelopmentHarris, Smariga & AssociatesNatelli CommunitiesRodgers ConsultingThe Frederick News-PostThe Wormald CompaniesTriple Crown Construction

SILVER MEMBERSCharles P. Johnson & Associates, Inc.Drees HomesECS - Mid-Atlantic Lancaster Craftsmen BuildersLinowes and BlocherMiles & StockbridgeMitchell & Best HomesOffit Kurman, P.A.Toll Brothers

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