Volume 21 November/December 2007 Issue 6

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The last speaker of the day at NAHB’s 75th annualConstruction Forecast Conference, Mark Obrinskyof the National Multi Housing Council ended hispresentation by recalling the message he found inhis fortune cookie at dinner the night before: Yoursuccess in the past will bring you success in thefuture. After a full day of somber news about thecurrent state of the housing industry, Obrinsky wasintent to leave the audience with a few words ofencouragement.

So was Dave Seiders, NAHB’s chief economist, wholead off the conference. Dave’s glimmer of hopecame in his prediction that housing starts will bottomout in the second quarter of 2008 at 1.150 million andslowly begin climbing back up in the third quarter ofnext year. Seiders said builders were already makingsome headway in reducing the inventory of newhomes, a good sign in itself, since right now there isa record 12-month supply. He was also optimisticabout the national economy in contrast to the twospeakers who followed him on the morning sessionand were openly concerned about a decline inconsumer spending and the possibility of a nationalrecession in the next few months.

With the conference taking place 40 miles south ofFrederick at the National Housing Center inWashington, D.C., a group of FCBA membersconveniently gathered in a classroom here inFrederick at the community college to watch theproceedings live by way of a webcast sponsored by

Countrywide Home Loans. The webcast, similar toa live TV broadcast, was a first for FCBA.

In past years, FCBA members who wanted to attendone of NAHB’s semiannual forecast conferences hadno choice but to find their way to D.C. with all theaggravation that goes with it. Compared to the $350on-site registration fee and $20 or so for parking, the$45 fee for local webcast participants, free parking andlunch included, was a real bargain. Registrants alsoreceived an access code they can use to reviewportions or the entire conference on their office or homecomputer. The access code can also be shared withtheir employees who might be interested in what wassaid at the conference. In addition, registrants weregiven a certificate from FCC for continuing educationcredits for takingthe “course.”

Based on thef a v o r a b l eresponse fromFCBA membersin attendance,plans are alreadyin the works tohold webcast #2for the nextNAHB forecastc o n f e r e n c e ,scheduled forApril 24, 2008.

FORECASTERS LOOK AHEAD TO 2008-09 FOR HOUSING TURNAROUND

Ed Wormald from Wormald Companies dis-cusses the forecast with Peg Nara fromwebcast sponsor Countrywide Home Loans.

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 2

FREDERICK COUNTY

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2007

RICHARD M. JOHNSONPresident

NAHB Director

ROBERT WORMALDFirst Vice President

NAHB Director

MIKE BODNARSecond Vice President

HUGH GORDONTreasurer

ANNE-HERBERT ROLLINSSecretary

TERRE RHODERICKImmediate Past President

RICH CORTESE

SALVATORE FIORENTINO

THOMAS LINTON

STEVE McDONALD

RICHARD RATLIFF

GREGORY SELDON

JENNY SHAW

ED SMARIGADirectors

JERRY CONNELLYPresident

Land Use Council

LAWRENCE C. SCHAFFERT, CGRPresident

Professional Remodelors Org.

J. MAURICE CARLISLE

ROBERT HILTON

JIM MACGILLIVRAY

FRED W. RUDY

DAVID C. SMITH

DOLORES WILSONFCBA Life Directors

HARRY T. deMOLLBoard Attorney

HARRY T. deMOLL

LAWRENCE C. SCHAFFERT, CGRState Directors

DICK JOHNSONFREDERICK COUNTY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

October 11, 2007

We have good news and we have bad news.The bad news is that the housing slump isnot over and the predictions are that it willnot bottom out till sometime in 2008 with arebound in 2009. Sen. Charles Schumer notedthat the National Association of Realtorsrevised their forecast for existing home salesdownward from 8.6% to 10.1%. On the brightside of things, the NAHB has been workingwith the Federal Government to ease the creditcrunch and put measures into place that willforestall many of the foreclosures.

The House has approved two bills – FHAreform & mortgage debt forgiveness. OtherLegislation is pending in Congress to giveFannie Mae & Freddie Mac greater flexibilityto help credit worthy subprime borrowersto refinance out of their ARM Loans.

On October 4th the House approvedLegislation that would eliminate any taxeshomeowner’s might face when banksrenegotiate the terms of a home loan andforgive a portion of the outstandingmortgage debt.

On October 11th Senator Schumer (D-NY)announced that he plans to unveillegislation shortly that would allow FannieMae & Freddie Mac to expand theirmortgage portfolios by 10% for 6 months.The portfolio increase would amount toabout $150 billion.

To learn more about what NAHB is doingand what additional steps the FederalGovernment is taking to ease the currentsituation go to NAHB.org.

NAHB’s Fall Construction ForecastConference is scheduled for October 24th andwill be web cast. Thanksto Countrywide HomeLoans attendees will beable to participate by ahigh definition wallscreen broadcast atFCC.

On the home front, ourRoof Raising at 18 W. 7th

St. has been postponedfor a few weeks. Theunit next door collapsedand the repairs are

going thru HPC and permitting. We will keepyou apprised of our revised schedule.

The Re-Use Center which moved to EastPatrick Street next to the CITGO is in theprocess of merging with Habitat andprobably will become a Re-Store Center.Please keep this in mind for all yourdonations of left over building materials.

Before my term expires, I would like to infusenew life into the Sales and MarketingCouncil and start a Commercial BuildersCouncil. We need someone to step up tothe plate for the SMC to spearhead thiseffort. As far as the Commercial BuildersCouncil is concerned, we need 5 or 6members who are willing to become chartermembers and get this off the ground. Pleaselet the FCBA Office know if you can help ineither of these endeavors.

We have a Construction WatchdogCommittee which has been meeting andreviewing the IRC and is compiling a list ofrecommendations for changes for adoptionsby the City and County. Once completed,we will make the final report available to allmembers upon request.

In the past we have not taken as much anactive role in the workings of our delegationin Annapolis. We hope to change that thisyear. In order to accomplish this, we haverequested our delegation to meet with usprior to session this year. This Luncheonmeeting was scheduled at CeresvilleMansion for November 15, 2007. Due to theSpecial Session we will have to reschedule.We will keep you informed.

NAHB Remodelers celebrate their 25th

Anniversary this month. �

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 3

JERRY CONNELLYLAND USE COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Frank Roscoe, P.E.Office ManagerFrederick8445 Progress Drive, Suite BBFrederick, MD 21701(301) 662-1799 • (301) 662-8004 FAX

Martin HackettPresident Westminster439 East Main StreetWestminster, MD 21157(410) 848-1790 • (410) 848-1791 FAX

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Wow! What a year. In January 2007 weall worried about the next proposedregulation change or fee increase. Now, ashort eleven months later with thesimultaneous implosion of the mortgageand housing industries, our greatesthurdle is to identify when the bottom ofthis housing cycle will be reached and toassess the effects it will have on our longterm business practices and prosperity.

As always there’s a lesson to be learnedfrom all of this. For those veterans, youalready know the lesson, but somehowalways manage to forget or believe it willsomehow be different this cycle. For thosenew to the business in the last seven oreight years - pay attention.

The housing industry is and forever willbe a cyclical industry. I know, it seemsobvious right now, but was it in 2005?That said what should you be doing nowin order to prepare for the future?

Start by setting realistic expectations. Themarket couldn’t go up, up, up forever.Therefore, we can’t continue to offer“whatever it takes” in order to get the nextproject approved. Many of thoseapproved in recent years are nowunbuildable in today’s market and willprobably remain that way until theirconditions of approval are renegotiatedor plans expire and the project reworked.This isn’t good for our industry or themunicipalities we work in.

Most importantly, get and stay involved.Many of our elected leaders don’t yetrealize the severity of this marketcorrection and the financial impact it willhave on their budgets for years to come.They still are trying to figure out how toexact more from the proverbial goldengoose.

With your continued help and dedication,our elected leaders can come to appreciatethat like water; impact fees, excise taxes,proffers for new schools, etc. are limitedresources. Take too much from any onesource and everyone suffers. Housing is

an important component of the overalleconomy which when healthy provideseconomic opportunities not just forbuilders and developers, but for manybusinesses. All while providing shelter, abasic necessity needed by everyone.

Regional issues such as traffic congestionare real concerns; however infrastructurerequirements in this country haven’t beenadequately addressed since the interstatehighways were authorized. Is it realisticto expect a few new homes to solve thetransportation woes we face? Untileveryone, not just those few who elect tobuy a new home pay for the neededimprovements will real progress be made.

As this is my last article of the year, Iwould like to express my thanks to theFCBA staff and the Land Use CouncilBoard of Directors for all their support andguidance over the past year. I lookforward to many more years of workingwith this fine organization. See you all atour next meeting and may the approachingholiday season be a joyful one for youand your family.

Call forNominations

The Frederick County BuildersAssociation is seeking nominations formembers to serve on the FCBA boardof directors for 2008. Don’t hesitate tonominate yourself!

For further information or to make anomination, please call or e-mail BryanPatchan at (301) 663-3599 ext.103 orbpatchan@frederickbuilders.org.

PRO President Larry Schaffert,CGR (left) thanksAlan Hanbury, CGR, CAPS for sharing his busi-ness experience in the ‘Planning & Pricing forProfit’ seminar PRO organized as part of its edu-cational ‘Success Series’. Doug Kelly (at right) rep-resents seminar sponsor T.W. Perry.

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 4

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 5

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Don’t Go Deer Hunting With Your Vehicle

Approximately 200 people die each yearfrom collisions with deer.

Keep the following in mind to help pre-vent a vehicle collision with a deer:�Slow down and prepare to stop as soonas you see a deer.�When you spot a deer, watch for more.Deer frequently travel in groups.�Assume that the deer WILL cross yourpath. Be prepared to stop.�Deer are nocturnal. Many deer/vehicleaccidents occur between 6pm and 12am.�Do not swerve into another lane to avoidstriking a deer - you could enter into thepath of another vehicle.�If you hit a deer, call 911 to report it.

In 2005 there were 275,000 motor vehiclecrashes that involved some type of animal.

“No Smoking” in MarylandUpcoming Changes in Compliance

If you haven’t already consideredthrowing away the cigarettes, maybeyou should start now . . .

Beginning February 2008, smoking willbe prohibited in a company vehicle evenif it is occupied by only one individual.

Smoking is also prohibited in all en-closed workplaces. The definition of anenclosed workplace on a constructionjobsite is a building that has a four walls,a floor deck and roof deck installed. Re-member that even though windows maynot be installed in the wall openings, itis still considered to be an enclosedworkplace and smoking is prohibited.

“No Smoking” signs must be posted ateach entrance to the building to informemployees that smoking is prohibited.

What kind of penalty could you face forsmoking in an enclosed workplace? Upto $7,000 for serious violations as deter-mined by MOSH (Maryland Occupa-tional Safety & Health).

Hazard Communication

In order to ensure chemical safety in theworkplace, information must be availableabout the identities and hazards of thechemicals on your jobsites. OSHA’s Haz-ard Communication Standard requiresthe development and dissemination ofsuch information. All employers with haz-ardous chemicals in their workplacesmust have MSDSs for their exposed work-ers, and train them to handle the chemi-cals appropriately. MSDSs are requiredto be jobsite specific.

The following are some examples of haz-ardous chemicals found on constructionjobsites: paint, gasoline, concrete mix,brick cleaner, pipe glue, varnishes, dry-wall mud, propane, caulk, grout, spraypaint, WD40.

Employee training must include an ex-planation of how to read an MSDS,proper PPE for handling specific chemi-cals and health effects from the use ofthe chemical. Training may be conductedinformally as a “tool box talk”. A recordof training should be kept on file in theevent of a compliance inspection.

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 6

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BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 7

BY DONNA KRAFT

Musket Ridge Golf Club in Myersville, wasonce again the venue for the Land UseCouncil’s annual October golf outing.Friday, October 5th found LUC members andfriends gathered for a day of fun, laughterand friendly competition. With the latesummer sun warming up the course for thisyear’s day of play, everyone eased their cartsto their appointed first hole and gamesbegan. Great tee shots and long drives wasthe challenge for the day, as was finding theever elusive beer cart.

Team play over, carts parked and golf clubsput away, everyone proceeded to the newlyfinished banquet room (no tent this year!)for dinner and awards. With a beautifulsunset dripping behind South Mountain,the players waited patiently for the day’sscores to be published. With dinnercompleted, this year’s master of ceremony,Jerry Connelly proceeded with the awards.

Starting first with the winners of the specialgames:Longest Drive, Hole #4 – Dale Ausherman

Longest Drive, Hole #10 – Chris CicoliniClosest to the Pin, Hole #8 – Scott StarnesClosest to the Pin, Hole #13 – George Allen

Jerry next announced the tournamentwinners for 2007:

3rd Place – JBG Rosenfeld Retail (JeffTopchik, Bob Schwenger, Jay Klug andGrant Ehat)2nd Place – Catoctin Development (DonOwens, Sam Bollinger, Joe Bollinger and DaleAusherman)1st Place – North Star Foundations (NickCockerham, Harold Blubaugh, Fred Nicholsand Keith Grunow)

A special award went to the twosome fromThompson Gas, Doug MacMaster and JeffKern for being the “Most Honest” with a 76.

But, before everyone left for the evening,there was one final award to be given. Forthe winners of this award, maybe it’s time toplay with bigger balls …

Last Place – Richard M. Johnson andAssociates (Dick Johnson, Ronnie Swift,Tim Strausbaugh and Kent Johnson)

On behalf of the Land Use Council, I wouldlike to take this opportunity to thank thisyear’s tournament sponsors. Beginning withthe Silver sponsors: Criswell CommercialTruck Center, Fox & Associates, Geo-Technology Associates, J. Maurice Carlisle,Inc., JBG Rosenfeld Retail, Lingg PropertyConsulting, Loiederman Soltesz Associates,Mackintosh Realtors, MacRo, LTD, McEvoy& Dean, Mid-Atlantic Builders, Miles &Stockbridge, Pleasants Development, andSpecialized Engineering. Next, the Goldsponsors: ARM Group, Inc., BuckeyeDevelopment, Rodgers Consulting, HarrisSmariga & Associates, Richard M. Johnson& Associates, and Tyler Donegan RealEstate. And Ryan Homes for being this year’sPlatinum sponsor. A special thank you toTim Philips, Ideal Auto Group for being thisyear’s Hole-in-One sponsor and to GregBrown, Waynesboro Construction for beingthis year’s Weather sponsor.

On a personal note, I would like to take thisopportunity to thank Shelly Lambert fromBuckeye Development for her help atMusket Ridge.

The Annual Land Use Council Golf Tournament

After proper verification, Michael Lippe is declaredthe lucky winner of the 50/50 raffle.

The players eagerly await the starting sign.

Richard M. Johnson & Associates’ team is ready totake on a new game.

Jeremy Holder looks on as Jerry Connelly consid-ers riding off into the sunset in the hole-in-oneprize Ideal Buick provided.

The results are in: the North Star Foundations teamwins first place.

What a great day not to be in the office!

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 8

Advisory Plumbing Board – seeking a general public representativeto assist in the drafting and promulgation of the plumbing codeand its enforcement.

Agricultural Reconciliation Committee – seeking a person from acivic/homeowners association, as well as a person to represent theagribusiness community.

Commission For Women - seeking a person who wants to helpmake a difference for women and their families in Frederick County.

Commission on Aging – seeking an interested citizen to help addressand resolve the difficult problems facing the aging population ofFrederick County.

Electrical Board – seeking a general public representative.Interested persons may not be related to, either by blood or marriage,or associated with any person or corporation who is currently doingelectrical work in the county or who has done electrical work in thecounty within the year prior to the member’s date of appointment.

Historic Preservation Commission – seeking a general publicrepresentative. Interested persons must have a demonstratedspecial interest, specific knowledge, or professional or academictraining in fields such as, but not limited to, the following: history,architectural history, archeology, curation, landscape architecture,urban design, architecture, planning, anthropology, conservation,historic preservation or related fields. Formal training in one ormore of the above-named fields may satisfy “demonstrated specialinterest.” “Specific knowledge” may be satisfied by formal post-secondary education, employment, or practical experience in oneor more of the above-named fields. “Professional or academictraining” may be satisfied by a minimum of two years experience asa professional or a bachelor’s degree in one or more of the above-named fields. Preference will be given to applicants who meet theminimum professional or academic training requirements in one ofthe above-listed fields in accordance with the United StatesSecretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in36 CFR, Part 61. A copy of the Standards is available for inspectionin the Frederick County Planning Division, Second Floor, 12 EastChurch Street, Frederick. Also available on the Internet atwww.cr.nps.gov/local-law/gis/html/table_of_contents.html

Human Relations Commission - seeking committed citizens with apassion for cultural diversity and the mediation or resolution ofhuman rights issues and concerns.

Mental Health Advisory Committee –seeking a general publicrepresentative and a primary consumer to serve as an advocate fora comprehensive mental health system for persons of all ages inFrederick County.

Public Library Board – The Frederick County Public Library Boardof Trustees has an opening for a new member. The Board iscomposed of seven members, each serving a five-year term. This isa state mandated board, which has responsibility for fiscal andpolicy decisions. Additionally, the Board has responsibility forhiring and evaluating the director of the library system. The Boardmeets the first Wednesday of every month, except for December,July and August. These meetings are open to the public. TheBoard is looking for a person who is interested in the libraries inFrederick County and is willing to make a commitment to help guidethe growth and development of the library system as the countycontinues to grow. This is a working board dedicated to makingthe community aware of the strengths of the library system.

Social Services Board - seeking business community individuals,service providers, and those wishing to make things better forchildren and families in Frederick County.

Solid Waste Advisory Committee – seeking a business / industrialrepresentative and a business / high-tech / financial representative.

Substance Abuse Council – seeking an individual who is a recipientof addictions treatments services; one substance abuse providerwho has experience with services to individuals with co-occurringsubstance abuse and mental health disorders; one individual whois knowledgeable and active on substance abuse issues that affectthe county; and one other individual who is knowledgeable abouttreatment of substance abuse in the county, including members ofcivic organizations, the chamber of commerce, health careprofessional organizations, or the clergy.

Technology Council of Frederick County – seeking a general publicrepresentative.

Workforce Development Board – seeking members of the businesscommunity, and a member of organized labor.

The Board of County Commissioners is soliciting applications from Frederick County citizens to serve on the boards/commissionsoutlined below. Citizens having a desire to serve in this capacity must be Frederick County residents and registered voters.

Individuals interested in applying are to submit a letter of interest and a resume. All correspondence is to be sent by regular mail or by e-mail to the attention of: Mrs. Joyce M. Grossnickle, Administrative Officer, Office of the County Manager, Winchester Hall - 12 East ChurchStreet, Frederick, Maryland 21701 (jgrossnickle@fredco-md.net) and must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2007. After thisdate, please contact Mrs. Grosnickle to see if positions are still vacant. Please note that the Office of the County Manager no longer acceptfacsimiles of interest/resumes. Questions? Contact Mrs. Grossnickle at 301-600-1102 or jgrossnickle@fredco-md.net.

Frederick County Government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employmentor the provision of services.

FREDERICK COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

VACANCIES

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 9

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Greetings to all. It seems that fall is uponus, the time of year when constructionactivities begin to slow down somewhat. Inthe remodeling business, homeowners tendto refocus from the decks, patios and otheroutside projects to the inside projects tothe interior remodeling projects such askitchens, baths and basements. One of thechallenges for those who may not be familiarwith those types of projects is how to put aprice on the work. One of the most importantroles for the NAHB Remodelers local andnational remodelers councils is to provideeducational opportunities for our members.Nationally, we have the Remodeling Showeach fall and there are seminars for thoseattending the International Builders Showin the winter.

We recently had a workshop presented byAlan Hanbury, CGR, CAPS, who talkedabout pricing for profit in your business.The focus for this workshop was onknowing your numbers, and the importanceof financial planning in your business toachieve the primary purpose of all

LARRY SCHAFFERTPROFESSIONAL REMODELORS ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT

businesses……. Profit. For those whoattended, Alan provided three spreadsheetsthat will allow you to calculate labor burdenin remodeling, a sample business planspreadsheet and a sample budgetspreadsheet. These are documentsdeveloped by Alan over the years and usedin his business (which is a profitablebusiness). These three spreadsheets aloneare worth the price of the seminar.

For our next educational monthly dinnermeeting we will be hearing from BillO’Donnell whose company RemodelMASpublishes a nationally used unit costestimating manual. Bill will be talking to usabout three different approaches toestimating, with a focus on the unit costapproach to arrive at the estimated cost of aproject before markup. Whether you are anexperienced contractor, a novice or justlooking to expand your knowledge base, thiswould be a great opportunity for you toattend our next PRO meeting November 13.See the newsletter flyer for reservationdetails. We hope to see you there!

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 10

Special reviews from

Strategic Marketing Group

newsletters

Area Building

Table 1. MPDU Maximum Allowable Base Prices

Source. Frederick County website http://www.co.frederick.md.us/index.asp?NID=418)

What is a MPDU? The BOCC ordinance of November 2002 created

the MPDU program. Table 1 (Section 2) comes from the

May 25, 2005 resolution (05-27) passed by the Board of

County Commissioners on May 24, 2005 and signed by

Commissioner Lennie Thompson, who was then Board

President.

which held a lottery for prospective residents earlier this

year. Accordining to a discussion with Margie Lance the

MPDU Coordinator, Frederick County Housing and Com-

munity Development, Citizens Services Division; this is

the base unit prices, including the lot). Price adjustments

are outlined in section 3; other costs would be reviewed

with Ms. Lance before permit application.

Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Review

MPDUs

Frederick News-Post, October 11, 2006According to an MPDU ordinance

passed by county commissioners in 2002, residential developments of at least 25 homes in unincorporated areas must offer at least 12.5% of their homes to lower-income buyers.

There are eight MPDU houses in Whispering Creek. Ground has been broken for the development, which upon completion will have 58 houses. Single family houses are priced in the high $500,000 and $600,000 range. Townhouses start around $380,000, according to Pulte Homes.

The program regulations were updated

by a resolution signed by former President

of the BOCC on May 24, 2005.

A MPDU is a dwelling unit for which

the sales price or rental fee is capped and

the unit is targeted to a household earning a

moderate income. Renters, Frederick County has no

rental units and is not taking any applications for rentals.

Buyers. The next development with MPDUs is not anticipated until 2009. The next orientation sessions (a requirement) and application period will open near that time. The Buyer’s Process provides a step by step over-view for buyer applicants.

Developers and Builders. MPDUs required in any residential develop-ment of 25 units or more on public water & sewer in the unincorporated jurisdictions of Frederick County.

Eligibility

Some basic eligibility requirements for

buyers are: Live or work full-time in Frederick

County. Not owned residential property in the

last three years. (Some exceptions may be allowed.)

The household income is within the income limits (set by ordinance).

In 2006 there were 15 planned subdivi-

sions with the required 12.5% MPDU new

homes. Under the MPDU ordinance there is

a total of 1,486 MPDU units to be built in

these subdivisions: Whispering Creek (58 units)

— Eight MPDUs. Completed. Linton Farm, Sec I & II (763 units)

— 103 MPDUs. Next. Woodbourne Manor (181 units)

— 24 MPDUs. Monrovia PUD (1,508 units) — 201

MPDUs. Green Valley/Monocacy Ventures

PUD (1,133 units) — 149 MP-DUs.

Heritage Ridge/Eaglehead (1,200 units) — 150 MPDUs.

Eaglehead on the Lakes PUD (pending units) — 464 MPDUs.

Main’s Heights (59 units) — Eight MPDUs.

Geisbert Property (297 units) — 45 MPDUs.

Urbana Town Center (500 units) — 63 MPDUs.

Jefferson Tech Park (825 units) — 103 MPDUs.

Harvest Ridge (103 units) — 13 MPDUs.

Preston, Sec II (86 units) — 11 MPDUs.

Ballenger Run (970 units) — 122 MPDUs.

Younkins PUD (237 units) — 30 MPDUs.

Section 3 — Price Adjustments

from Base Unit Standards

For units differing in size (sf area) from

the basic unit, the structure cost will be

increased or decreased at 50% of the unit

sf cost. The construction loan interest will

be adjusted to the prime interest rate that

exists at the time of the offering plus two

percentage points.

In addition to the construction loan costs,

the following (more could be developed as

the program is implemented) will be included

in the allowable sales price, as a percentage

increase in the total price: Construction loan placement

— 1.5%. Legal and closing costs — 3.5%. Marketing expenses and sales

commissions — 4.5%. Builders’ overhead expenses

— 8%.

Type BR Size (sf) Base Price SP/sf

SFD 2 or 3 1,200 125,895$ 104.91$

SFD 4 1,200 131,853$ 109.88$

SFD 5 1,300 139,925$ 107.63$

DU 2 or 3 1,200 112,213$ 93.51$

TH/4 2 or 3 1,200 99,200$ 82.67$

TH/4 4 1,200 104,000$ 86.67$

TH/BB/2 2 or 3 1,200 80,311$ 66.93$

TH/BB/3 3 or 4 1,400 89,999$ 64.29$

TH/PB 2 or 3 1,120 80,311$ 71.71$

CO/NE 2 or 3 850 62,875$ 73.97$

Villa 1 to 3 1,120 114,400$ 102.14$

Villa 4 1,200 120,000$ 100.00$

CO (2 over 2) 1 to 3 1,120 83,800$ 74.82$

CO (2 over 2) 4 1,200 88,000$ 73.33$Legend. BR = Bedrooms, DU = Duplex (semi-detached), TH/BB (townhousefour-plex), TH/PB (piggy-back), CO/NE (condominum -no elevator).

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 11

Pre-Development expenses and contingencies — 5%.

Other Items Included in MPDU

Price

This is included in the ordinance: Water and sewer connection fees. Development Impact fees. Fire sprinkler system installation. Other items must be approved by the

Coordinator of the Frederick County MPDU program.

POC for Information

The important POC is Margie Lance,

MPDU Coordinator [mlance@fredco-

md.net] at 301-600-6647. She is quite helpful

in answering questions about the ordinance

and reports to Jennifer Short, Director of

Housing & Community Development.

What MPDU Buyers Say

Rent is my families # 1 expense and our new mortgage should be ap-proximately 20% less then my current rent allowing us to use those additional funds each month to pay down a large amount of credit card debt that has been incurred during our many years of renting.

As a single mother, the MPDU program has enabled me to provide a new home for my children in a great neighborhood. Without it I would have to move to another county to buy an affordable home or continue to rent in Frederick County. In either case, the homes may need a lot of work and/or the neighborhood may not be the best. God has blessed me more than I deserve and I’m very thankful for this opportunity.

The MPDU program has impacted

our family in many ways. It has given us the opportunity to own a beautiful home of our own, that we most likely would not own for a very long, long time. It has given my children a chance to feel a sense of ownership, too. MPDU program has given us hope of being a part of a beautiful community of homeowners. MPDU has treated us like we matter and Homeownership can be for us. We have worked and worked and sometimes we felt, Why? Why do we work so hard just to send it to someone that owns our house, not us? Now I go to work and say, WOW! I’m going to be a homeowner. Thank you so much for this opportunity and a chance of a lifetime. I thank you

for our family and everyone that could have this chance.

The MPDU Program gave me the opportunity to provide a secure nurtur-ing environment for my family. A dream come true!

More Information

with Moderately Priced Dwelling Units,

Whispering Creek, has eight townhouse

MPDUs completed, sold and occupied this

summer (the picture below shows four of

the eight units).

The MPDUs are all mixed into groups of

townhouses with market rate units and have

walk-out basements. The slides come from

the MPDU Coordinator and tell a better story

second the Density Bonus, and below base

sales additions to MPDU sales price.

For more information, please call me

at 301-831-6536 for a presentation to your

staff. Pulte has done an excellent job to make

the MPDU program work.

Whispering Creek MPDUs completed

by Pulte Homes

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 12

Frederick County Builders AssociationMeetings & EventsMeetings & EventsMeetings & EventsMeetings & EventsMeetings & Events

FCBA= Frederick County Builders Association GMM = General Membership Meeting BoD = Board of Directors

PRO = Professional Remodelors™

Organization SMC = Sales & Marketing Council LUC = Land Use Council

November 2007November 2007November 2007November 2007November 2007

Mon. 11-5 8:00 a.m. FCBA “Train the Trainer” Course – FCC – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thu. 11-8 8:00 a.m. LUC Public Works Committee Meeting – FCBA OfficeTue. 11-13 7:30 a.m. LUC General Membership Meeting – Breakfast, Dutch’s DaughterTue. 11-13 8:30 a.m. Membership Committee Meeting – FCBA OfficeTue. 11-13 3:30 p.m. PRO Board of Directors – East Side RestaurantTue. 11-13 5:30 p.m. PRO General Membership Meeting – East Side RestaurantThu. 11-15 10:00 a.m. FCBA Board of Directors – Ceresville MansionThu. 11-15 11:30 a.m. FCBA General Membership Meeting – Lunch, Ceresville MansionFri. 11-16 9:00 a.m. Education Committee Meeting - FCBA OfficeThu. 11-22 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – FCBA OFFICE CLOSEDFri. 11-23 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – FCBA OFFICE CLOSEDTue. 11-27 7:30 a.m. LUC Board of Directors Meeting – FCBA Office

December 2007December 2007December 2007December 2007December 2007

Mon. 12-3 5:30 p.m. FCBA & Councils, Installation of Officers – Dinner, Ceresville MansionTue. 12-11 8:30 a.m. Membership Committee Meeting – FCBA OfficeMon. 12-24 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY – FCBA OFFICE CLOSEDTue. 12-25 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY – FCBA OFFICE CLOSEDMon. 12-31 NEW YEAR’S EVE – FCBA OFFICE CLOSED

January 2008January 2008January 2008January 2008January 2008

Tue. 1-1 NEW YEAR’S DAY – FCBA OFFICE CLOSEDTue. 1-8 8:30 a.m. Membership Committee Meeting – FCBA OfficeTue. 1-8 3:30 p.m. PRO Board of Directors – TBDTue. 1-8 5:30 p.m. PRO General Membership Meeting – TBDThu. 1-10 8:00 a.m. LUC Public Works Committee Meeting – FCBA OfficeThu. 1-17 10:00 a.m. FCBA Board of Directors Meeting – Dutch’s DaughterThu. 1-17 11:30 a.m. FCBA/PRO General Membership Meeting –Lunch, Dutch’s DaughterFri. 1-18 9:00 a.m. Education Committee Meeting - FCBA OfficeTue. 1-29 7:30 a.m. LUC Board of Directors Meeting – FCBA Office

All meetings and events that include meals REQUIRE advance reservations. Please contact FCBA atleast 5 working days prior to the event at 301-663-3599 x-101, or e-mail Donna Kraft atdonna@frederickbuilders.org to make reservations. Payment for all meetings and events may bemade in advance, at the door, or we will gladly invoice members. FCBA accepts Visa and MasterCard.

RRRRRESERVATIONSESERVATIONSESERVATIONSESERVATIONSESERVATIONS NOTNOTNOTNOTNOT CANCELLEDCANCELLEDCANCELLEDCANCELLEDCANCELLED 48 48 48 48 48 HOURSHOURSHOURSHOURSHOURS INININININ ADVANCEADVANCEADVANCEADVANCEADVANCE OFOFOFOFOF ANYANYANYANYANY EVENTEVENTEVENTEVENTEVENT WILLWILLWILLWILLWILL BEBEBEBEBE BILLEDBILLEDBILLEDBILLEDBILLED!!!!!

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 13

UPCLOSE is a newcolumn beginningthis month. Onemember will beselected at randomfrom those inattendance at themonthly general

membership meetings to be profiled in asubsequent issue of Builder Bulletin.Larry Schaffert was the lucky winner ofthe first draw held during FCBA’sOctober meeting. Show up for a chanceto be featured in UPCLOSE.

UPCLOSE - FCBA MEMBER PROFILE

LARRY SCHAFFERT, CGRSCHAFFERT CONSTRUCTION

(301) 293-8958

BB: Where are you from originally?LS: I was born in Kingston, NY, and thenlived in New Paltz until my family moved toFrederick when I was 14. I’ve been heresince then.BB: How did you get started inconstruction?LS: I can’t remember how old I was, but Ibegan as a helper for my grandfather in NewYork. The summer after I graduated fromhigh school, I got my first real job with theYouth Conservation Corps, and then washired as a laborer on a warehouse job thatleft me with a strong and lasting dislike of

mud. My first job as a carpenter was withBrosius Homesworking in Lake Linganore.From there I worked my way up in carpentryin a succession of jobs including a stint ona framing crew with Wormald Builders inLoch Haven. The last job I held before Istarted my company was with MackintoshDevelopment Corporation as asuperintendent and project manager.BB: When did Schaffert Constructioncome into the picture?LS: 1989. By then I had a good grasp of allphases of construction and decided it wastime to go out on my own.BB: Why did you pick remodeling insteadof building homes?LS: Mainly it was because of my financialsituation at the time. Establishing aremodeling business doesn’t require nearlyas much capital as starting a homebuildingfirm. I also thought it was a better matchfor the wide range of skills I had acquiredin my previous jobs.BB: What does the CGR after your namestand for?LS: Certified Graduate Remodeler, whichis a professional credentials programoffered by the National Association ofHome Builders/Remodelers.BB: You told me you joined FCBA not longafter starting your business. Why?LS: I got my first look at trade associationsworking for Mackintosh Development.

They encouraged me to attend associationmeetings as a way to broaden myknowledge. It gave me a strongappreciation of the value of participatingin the industry and learning from businesscolleagues.BB: You served as FCBA president twice,in 1996 and 2003; and as president of theProfessional Remodelers Organizationseveral times, including again next year;state president in 2000 and state directorseveral years running. How do you findtime to get involved in otherorganizations?LS: It can be difficult at times, but I feel it’sreally important to give back to yourindustry and community in return for whatthey contribute to your business andpersonal life. I served two 3-year terms onmy church council and have been a denleader and cub master for the Cub ScoutsPack 1051 in Myersville. Also, I’m goingon my 11th year as a board member ofCommunity Living and served as itspresident for three years.BB: Who would you name as a person youmost admire?LS: My Dad.BB: Tell us about your family.LS: My wife, Pam, and I have been marriedfor 31 years and live in Myersville. Wehave twin daughters, Lisa and Krista, 27, ason Matt, 20, and a dog named Julius.

It didn’t take long after Governor O’Malleyopened the Special Session of the Md.General Assembly for the bills to cometumbling out of the hopper. Virtually all ofthem about the money; that is, the $1.7 billionstate deficit. It also didn’t long for the Md.State Builders Association to spring intoaction by calling on FCBA and the four otherlocal associations to convene theirlegislative committees and get ready to readthe flow of bills that were steadily streamingvia e-mail into members’ in-boxes.

Maryland Green Fund a.k.a. ImperviousSurface Tax – It’s back; just like everyoneexpected. But this year’s version is scaledway down revenue-wise. Instead of $1.00fee for each square foot of impervioussurface on commercial and industrial parcels,this time around the fee is one cent persquare foot. Even more surprising,

everyone pays, homeowners included, notjust builders and developers like in theformer bill that went down in flames lastApril. Homeowner contributions are slatedto range from $5 to $40/year depending onthe square footage of enclosed area on theirlot; i.e., interior living space. In a completeturnaround from last session when the greenfund bill was the target of heavy lobbying,MSBA will testify in support of the bill as a“broad-based approach necessary to fundBay clean-up efforts,” MSBA points outthat without addressing nutrient-loading asone of the most expensive aspects of bayclean-up, “loading caps could restrict anyadditional land-use in affected areas.”

Katie Maloney, MSBA lobbyist, reports itappears very likely that the controllinginterest component of the Tax Reform Actwill move forward. MSBA continues to

oppose the measure but at this stage, theassociation has offered an amendment inthe Senate Budget and Tax committee to tryto minimize impact on our industry. Theamendment exempts unimproved land fromthe controlling interest provision.

Based on input from the five localassociations, MSBA also plans to supportthe Transportation Investment Act (gas taxand related motor vehicle fees) and the salestax component of the Tax bill (increase to sixcents). With respect to the Tax bill’sexpansion of sales tax on a series of formerlyexempt services including surveyors,engineering firms, property managementcompanies, and barbers; MSBA will testifyin opposition.

Only one week into the special session,the battle of the budget has barely begun.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY - WHERE DID IT GO AND HOW CAN WE GET MORE?

BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 14

Spotlight on Members

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

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Baldy Mtn. Enterprises, LLCJim MacGillivray7420 Hayward Rd

Frederick, MD 21702Phone 301-401-2651

jimm@ausherman.comInvestor/Developer

Braddock Air, Inc.Patrick Cooney

6907 Baltimore National PikeFrederick, MD 21702Phone 301-473-8114

Fax 301-473-8445patbraddockair@verizon.net

HVAC

Cercap, Inc. dba C & C PartnersPhilip Capizzi

5257 Buckeystown Pike, #262Frederick, MD 21704Phone 301-662-4269

Fax 301-696-2010philip@cercapinc.comwww.cercapinc.comGeneral Contractor

Gabes Services, Inc.Gabe Lawson

5294 Argo DriveFrederick, MD 21703Phone 301-831-1333

Fax 301-874-3711

gabe@gabesservices.comwww.gabesservices.com

Excavation Work, Utilities, Land Development

Loudoun StairsLarry Fair

341 N. Maple AvenuePurcellville, VA 20132Phone 703-478-8800

Fax 540-338-2644lfair@loudounstairs.comwww.loudounstairs.com

Stairs & Rails

Stonemark TileMark Brandenburg

1301 Rising Ridge Rd, #8Mount Airy, MD 21771

Phone 301-607-9100Fax 301-607-9105

mbrandenburg@stonemarktile.comwww.stonemarktile.com

Ceramic Tile & Stone

Superior Plus, LLCDennis SmithPO Box 692

Frederick, MD 21705Phone 301-698-4030 x17

Fax 301-698-4037dsmith@superiorplusllc.com

www.superiorplusllc.comReady-Mix Concrete Producer

FCBA SPIKE CLUB ROSTER

Robert Hilton 158.00Bev Shelton 122.50Larry Schaffert 114.50James Rudy 109.50Gary Smith 105.00Dolores Wilson 98.00Marvin Ausherman 83.00David C. Smith 74.00Gail Davis 73.00Hugh Gordon 67.00Gary Sanbower 64.50Mark Lancaster 64.00Kent Briddell 63.00Dave Crouse 59.25Steve Oder 57.00Karlys Kline 55.75Stuart Terl 55.00Bo Carlisle 51.00Billy Shreve 50.50Howard Payne 45.00Mike Smith 44.00Jerry Castle 44.00John Johnson 42.00Mark Pelletier 39.25Bob Marsh 38.00Scott Gove 37.50Doug Maddox 37.50Lynn Shanton 36.75John Clarke 35.75Bob Dalrymple 35.00Howard Perlow 34.50Stan Goldberg 33.50Ken Abrecht 31.50Daniel Lavelle 30.50Don Owens 26.50Jim MacGillivray 26.00Doug Ogden 26.00Jack Marshall 25.50Peter McHugh 24.00Hubert Brown 23.50David Lingg 23.00Marilyn Harrington 22.00Steve Omenitsch 21.50Greg Seldon 20.00Gail Sexton 18.50Frank Dertzbaugh 18.00Ed Smariga 18.00John Schilling 15.00Dick Johnson 12.50Andrew Wivell 12.50Stephen Costello 8.50

These are the members who make theFCBA stronger by recruiting new members.Thank you!

Would you like to become a Spike Clubmember? For each new member you signup, you earn one point. Contact theFCBA office for details.

By the end of 2007, TheLumber Yard will open five XL super

yards in Whitehall, Pa., Downingtown, Pa., York,Pa., Hagerstown, Md., and Winchester, Va. The XL

program will offer speed (guaranteed same-day delivery ofin-stock orders received by 11:00 a.m., next morning on all in-

stock orders by 4:00 p.m.), a 100/100 Perfect Service Guarantee(deliveries will be complete, correct and on time, or the customer will

receive a $100 credit), and value-added services like blueprint takeoffs,kitchen design assistance, an on-staff engineered wood products team, and

installed sales of many products.

First Horizon has promoted Mark Ebinger to Branch Manager. Markwill be managing both the Frederick and Hagerstown offices.

Talon Construction, Inc. ranked No. 1004 on Inc. Magazine’s first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the

country, representing the backbone of the U.S. economy.

Drees Homes celebrated the Grand Opening of Linton atBallenger. This community will feature Executive

Single Family Homes and Two-Car GarageTownhomes, as well as a 3,000 sq. ft.

Community Club Center.

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BUILDER BULLETIN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 15

CRiSWELL

Overnight Service for Commercial Trucks–In By 6 pm, out by 6 am!

C O M M E R C I A L T R U C K C E N T E R

www.criswellauto.com

Largest Inventory of Commercial TrucksAlways a large selection of vans, dumps, stakes,

rollbacks, box, utility, landscaper and more!

Dave Tich 301.212.4403

davet@criswellauto.com

Frederick County Builders Association186 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 204Frederick, Maryland 21702

Phone: 301.663.3599Fax: 301.663.1966Web Site: www.frederickbuilders.org

Bryan PatchanExecutive Officerbpatchan@frederickbuilders.org

Donna KraftExecutive Administratordonna@frederickbuilders.org

Clasina Van Velzen-StupMembership Coordinatorclasina@frederickbuilders.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

FIRST CLASS MAIL

U.S. POSTAGE

–PAID–FREDERICK, MD

21702

PERMIT NO. 145

P R E M I E R C L U BHelping to Build A Strong Foundation

In Support of The Building Industry

Platinum Members

Drees Homes

Natelli Communities

Pleasants Development

Ryan Homes

Advantage HomesAusherman Development Company

BB&T Frederick UnderwritersBriddell Builders

Buckeye DevelopmentBuilders First Source

Charles P. Johnson & AssociatesDan Ryan Builders

DewberryH.F. Payne Construction CompanyHomeBuilders Mortgage Company

Hurney Master BuilderLaFarge North America

Lancaster Craftsmen BuildersLand Stewards

Gold Members

Criswell Commercial Truck Center

Elm Street Development

Farmers & Mechanics Bank

Rodgers Consulting

T.W. Perry

The Frederick News-Post

Loiederman Soltesz AssociatesMackintosh RealtorsMiles & StockbridgeNima Custom Homes, Inc.Noland CompanyNorth Star FoundationsPulte HomesReico Kitchen & BathRichard M. Johnson & AssociatesSpicher’s AppliancesThe Contractor YardThe L&L CompanyThe Wormald CompaniesTopper ConstructionTri-State Home ServicesTrimco

Silver Members