Download the HBA Cosmic Bowling Flyer

Honoring Outgoing President David Smith

Incoming President Sam Boak

Friday, January 6, 2012

Leo’s Ristorante 7402 East Market St. Warren, OH 44484

Please show your support and appreciation for these gentlemen by becoming a Presidential Sponsor & Attending

$60 per person or $100 per couple for dinner only 

$150 for 2 Dinner Tickets plus Presidential Sponsorship

$525 for a Table of 8 plus Presidential Sponsorship

$100 for Presidential Sponsorship with no dinner

Doors open at 6:00pm ; Dinner at 6:45pm

The dinner price includes appetizers, open bar, dinner & dessert

To order your tickets & to become a Presidential Sponsor please RSVP by December 29 and Contact Becki Chaffee at 330-965-9779 or FAX this form to 330-965-9770 or email becki@hbamv.org

Attend the "Jim Grantz" HBA FunFest Event on November 11

Click here for more details on activities and honoring our Veterans!

Learn how to kick OSHA off of your job site!

November 20, The Upstairs Restaurant, $20 a person - lunch is included

11:30am (registration & lunch)

12:00pm - 1:30pm (seminar)

Click to Register

Presented by: Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation OSHA On-Site Program

Sponsored by: HBA Remodelers Committee

October 20 @ Johnny's Restaurant, Boardman

Doors Open at 5:30pm, Dinner at 6:15pm

Featured Speaker: Richard Hahn, Keynote Media Group "Communicating your message during down economic times"

Special Guest: Warren City Mayor Michael O'Brien

Sponsored by: National Healthcare Access, Gem-Young Insurance & Financial Services, L. Calvin Jones

Click Here for the registration flyer

The Language of Remodeling

You’ve bought your first home. Now you want to update the kitchen, expand a bathroom or two or finish the basement. As you interview potential contractors, words like building permits, call-back policy and lien release are used, and you find yourself lost in the jargon.

Here’s a helpful glossary of common terms used by builders and remodelers that will help you understand the language of your remodeling project. Knowing the full meaning of these terms can help you avoid miscommunication with your contractor and ensure a smoother remodeling experience.

Click here to read & print the full article...

Click here to register for HBA Fall Golf

JOIN US ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 8 FOR ONE OF YOUR FINAL ROUNDS OF GOLF FOR THE SEASON!

LAST YEAR, HBA MEMBER GOLFERS ENJOYED DIAMOND BACK GOLF CLUB ON A CRISP MORNING THAT TURNED INTO A GORGEOUS FALL DAY!

AFTER GOLF, WE ENJOYED THE WONDERFUL FOOD PREPARED BY MATT BAIRD AT THE SMOKEHOUSE BBQ!

Join us for the 2011 Fall HBA Golf Outing

Click on any link for that month's issue of the locally written, published and printed "The Courier Magazine"

August & September 2011

June & July 2011

April & May 2011

February & March 2011

December 2010 & January 2011

October & November 2010

August & September 2010

June & July 2010

 Information on Buying New Homes in Todays Market

• Guide to Buying a New Home  (PDF)
  
• Is Buying a Home in Today's Economy A Good Idea? (PDF)
  
• New Homes Strengthen Economy Year-Round (PDF)
  
•  The Top Reasons You Shouldn't Wait to Buy A New Home (PDF)
  

Renovations on homes Pre-1978 must follow the new Federal EPA Lead Law (site updated 9/13/2011)

www.epa.gov/lead

Renovate Right Brochure Revised September 2011

Renovation, Repair, & Painting Sample Checklist

Renovation, Repair, & Paining Frequently Asked Questions

Paint Chip Sample Guide (Updated October 2011)

Steps to Lead Safe Renovation & Repair

Small Business Entity Guide (Updated September 2011)

Requirements & Information

The HBA of Mahoning Valley in conjunction with the Mahoning County Healthy Homes Program are offering EPA Lead Training Certification Classes. If you work on any home that is Pre-1978, you MUST have this certification! No exceptions. It is the Law!

The 2011 HBA Fall Home & Harvest Show Event!

FREE ADMISSION! Click here for a FREE HBA GIFT at the Show!

September 23, 24 & 25 at the Eastwood Expo Center in Niles!

Friday: Noon - 8pm ; Saturday: 10am - 8pm ; Sunday: 10am - 5pm

List of Companies attending (current as of 9/19/2011)

A to Z Plumbing & Drain Service

Alvaro Contracting

ARA Home Remodeling

Baird Brothers Sawmill

Basinger Auction Services

Bath Fitter

BC Contracting

Beth's Baubles

BMC Carpentry & Remodeling

Candy by Nicole

Cookie Lee Jewelry

Cortland Hardwood Products

Custom Design Windows

CVS Windows & Siding

D&R Garage Doors Plus

GCG Construction

Green Building Pros

Guardian Home Protection Services

House Doctors Window & Door

House Medic Handyman Service

Ink1 (Toner Refill)

Integrity Remodelers

Invisible Fence of Eastern Ohio

JM Clemente Co.

Joe Koch Construction

Just Sayin'

Kitchen Kraft

Leaf Filter North

Lilac Garden Gifts

Lou Carbone Plumbing

M&J Construction

Mid-Ohio Basement Systems

MVP Home Improvements

Ohio State Waterproofing

Power On Generators

Princess House Products

Rada Cutlery

Rumpus Sports by Gasser Chair

Sam Pitzulo Homes

Seal Master Paving Products

Select Home Solutions

Scentsy Wickless Candles

Smith Family Builders

Sudon Bros.

The Healthy Gourmet

Thirty-One Gifts (Vonda Schaal)

Thompson Heating & Cooling

Youngstown Cornhole

Weathertite Windows

Wheeler's Fireplace & Grill

Window World

Honor our history by attending this great dinner. March 29 Holiday Inn Boardman Reserve your dinner today!

2011 Honorees

• Jim Stewart
  
• Jerry Carleton
  
• Gary Esasky
  
• Guy Damore
  
• Frank Pasquale
  
• Robert "Bob" Lidle
  

The 60th annual HBA Home and Garden is February 25, 26 & 27.  

FREE ADMISSION

Friday: Noon – 8pm

Saturday: 10am – 8pm

Sunday: 10am – 6pm

May 27 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Ice House Inn, Route 46 in Austintown

FREE to attend! 

Free Beer, Free Hamburgers, Free Hot Dogs, Free Pop, Free Water, Free Beer, FREE, FREE, FREE

Thank you to our sponsors: 

Basinger Auction Services

Boak & Sons Roofing & Insulation

Bodine, Perry LLC

D&R Garage Doors Plus

C. Ross Builders

Cure All Professionals

A comprehensive package of reforms intended to bring balance and fairness to Ohio’s civil justice system has been introduced by Ohio Senator Steve Stivers (R-Columbus). Senate Bill 80 was announced with support from Governor Taft; Senate President Doug White and key Senate leaders; representatives of Ohio’s small and large businesses; and a standing-room-only crowd of supporters at a news conference on May 1. Hearings began in the Senate the week of May 5.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor this important legislation,” said Senator Stivers. “Accomplishing these reforms will benefit Ohio consumers, employers and our economy as a whole by making reasonable, common-sense changes to the state’s civil justice system.”

Senator Stivers said the legislation strikes the right balance by protecting the rights of Ohioans who have been harmed by the negligence of others to be compensated for their losses fairly and reasonably, while also protecting the rights of those defendants unfairly targeted in a lawsuit.

Senate Bill 80 contains provisions that accomplish the following:

-Establishing a cap for non-economic damages in all tort actions. Current law provides a two-tier system for medical malpractice claims. For non-catastrophic injuries there is a cap of $350,000 per plaintiff or $500,000 per occurrence. For catastrophic injuries, such as loss of limb, the cap is $500,000 per plaintiff or $1 million per occurrence. The proposed legislation extends this cap to all tort actions.

-Placing limits on punitive damages in all tort actions. Current law provides no limitation on the amount of punitive damages recovered by a plaintiff, nor does it distinguish between small and large businesses. The proposed legislation would limit the punitive damages recoverable to the amount of economic damages or $100,000, whichever is greater for a large business, and no more than economic damages or $100,000, whichever is lesser for a small business. A small business is defined as having 500 or fewer employees.

-Eliminating the "collateral source" rule. Existing law allows plaintiffs to receive full compensation for the same economic loss from multiple sources such as medical insurance and workers' compensation -- but prohibits defendants from informing the jury of these "collateral sources." The proposed legislation would allow evidence of "collateral source" payments to be admitted at trial and considered by the jury in determining damage awards.

-Establishing a "statute of repose" for products and construction. Current law allows liability lawsuits to be filed against manufacturers for products that are outdated or that may have been misused or improperly maintained over an indefinite period of time. The proposed legislation establishes a ten-year time period within which product liability and construction-related lawsuits may be filed.

-Creating an attorney fee provision in all tort actions. Existing law requires plaintiff’s attorney fees to be submitted to probate court for approval when those fees exceed the non-economic damage caps in medical malpractice cases. The proposed legislation establishes a sliding scale for contingency fees.

-Establishing more stringent standards to regulate frivolous conduct. Under current law, an award by the court may be made only upon the motion of a party to the civil action or appeal. The proposed legislation permits judges to impose penalties for frivolous conduct on their own initiative.

In addition, Senate Bill 80 contains several asbestos-related provisions to help ensure that those plaintiffs who are currently ill from alleged asbestos exposure have access to the courts and are compensated fairly for their harm.

OHBA supports this bill and will continue to work with the Ohio Alliance for Civil Justice (OACJ), a broad-based, non-partisan coalition of small and large businesses, manufacturers, trade and professional associations, farmers, health care professionals, non-profit organizations and local government associations who have joined forces to support meaningful, progressive reforms to Ohio’s civil justice system.

As I was preparing for the HBA April Courier, it occurred to me that with HBA's many new members they might like to read some of our previous articles.

     With that thought in mind I found the March article from 2001 that addresses land use issues. A subject that is now in vogue again.

In this article I speak of Urban Boundaries, you ask, "what are Urban Boundaries?"

     It is a method to prevent building or developing outside of a defined urban area until there are not any more lands left to build on within that urban area, which thus reduces choices of life style. In 2001 urban boundaries were non-existent - now there are several within the state.

     The Mahoning Valley Home Builders/Remodelers researched this issue, borrowed ideas from Summit County Bldg Association after an enlightened field trip and found a method to still provide choices for our 3-county citizens. It is called "Sustainable Development".

     If the officials within our three county association area decide to encourage "Progressive Planning", such as Urban Boundaries our organization will be prepared.

     I thought that January in the year 2001 would be a good time for thinking. Wrong!!! James Thurbur was right when he said, "sixty minutes of thinking of any kind is bound to lead to confusion and unhappiness".

     My thoughts turned to the articles that have passed my desk on Urban Sprawl and how the developments have been defamed for spoiling the green open spaces.

     Then, I thought about the article on "migration to the cities to cause major headaches". This article put my older mind to a test. I remembered that in the late 60's, 1968 to be exact, the Federal Government encouraged development out of the urban areas because of the pressure on the cities infrastructure. It is 33 years later and there are still problems with those same infrastructures. I also remember a 60's or 70's program that would address "redistribution of population". "Build it and they will come", theory. That is precisely how the Atlanta Airport developed and the Saturn Plant in Tennessee, only to name two of many examples.

     The government guided our choices on where to live in the 60's and 70's. If various groups continue with their planning ideas we will be guided again through what is called "Urban Boundaries".

     Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, "The function of government must be to favor no small group at the expense of its duty to protect the rights of personal freedom and of private property for all its citizens."

     Last year, Mahoning County contracted with Youngstown State Urban Studies Dept. for a survey that indicates the desire of the citizens of the unincorporated areas of Mahoning County. The survey has been completed and is in the process of being compiled. But looking through the rough results, it is clear that people want lifestyle choices. Will urban boundaries give them those choices?

     We can still have well planned quality of life, but it is going to take communication and cooperation. All parties involved in land use decisions need to not only talk, but to listen.

     "A problem well stated is a problem half solved", said Charles F. Kettering.

As I stated in the beginning of this article, thinking can be depressing. We have passed through Farm Land Preservation and Urban Sprawl. I now predict the next issue will be to take steps toward the elimination of townships. It has already started in Illinois. Maybe that is why some bureaucrats want urban boundaries since they do not have to deal with township entities. To the voting public who live in townships, the township is their neighborhood.

     "Our differences are politics, our agreements, principle", as once said by President William McKinley.

Q: I've been reading and hearing about annexation lately. What is it, exactly?

A: Property owners often seek the services that a city or village can provide, such as water and sewer service, full-time police and fire protection, and more favorable zoning or development practices.

Q: How can an individual property owner seek annexation?

A: The property owner should contact the city or village to find out if the city or village is interested in annexing the property. If the city or village is not interested, the property will not be annexed. If there is interest, the property owner should call an attorney who has experience in handling annexations.

Q: If any owner or owners of property are interested in annexing their property to a nearby village, how might they go about doing this?

A: Recently, the annexation laws were overhauled, and the laws now provide several methods by which property can be annexed to a city or village. The law provides three different ways to annex the property of one owner, or the collective properties of more than one owner, so long as all (100%) of those owners agree to be annexed.

Q: What are the ways by which collectively owned property could be annexed, assuming all property owners agree?

A: The three methods follow. All require, among other things, that the property to be annexed is contiguous to the city or village.

       1) All the owners of the property that is to be annexed file a petition with the Board of county commissioners of the county in which the property is located. The property owners also must work with both the governing body of the township where the property is located and the governing body of the city or village to which the property will be annexed. The township and the city or village must agree, in writing, to annex the specific property. This agreement may establish the terms of the annexation, spell out what services will be provided and by whom (the township or the city/village), identify what payments the city or village may make to the township (or vice versa), and may include any agreements with owners or developers, etc.

     2) Property owners with 500 acres or less of property may file a petition to annex to a neighboring city or village, providing the total amount of property to be annexed is not more than 500 acres, and that at least five percent of the property's perimeter is contiguous to the city or village - and there is no "island" of property left unannexed. In addition to the annexation law's other requirements, the city or village must pass a resolution stating what services it will provide to the territory to be annexed.

      3) Property that is part of economic development project may qualify for annexation. As with the first two methods, the property owner or owners file a petition seeking annexation. In order to qualify the project must involve more than a $10,000,000 total private investment, including improvements to the land, infrastructure, and installation of fixtures and equipment, and it must generate more than $1,000,000 in annual payroll expenses.

Q: If most, but not all of the owners of an unincorporated township want to be annexed to a nearby village, can any of the property be annexed?
A: A "majority owner" provision allows property to be annexed even when only a majority of the property owners agree. Among other annexation law requirements, the property to be annexed must not be "unreasonably" large, and the benefits to the annexed territory and the surrounding area (taken as a whole) will outweigh the negative aspects to the annexed territory and the surrounding area (taken as a whole). (The "surrounding area" includes the territory within the unincorporated area of any township located half a mile or less from any of the property to be annexed.)

       The above information was provided by the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) and the Ohio State Bar Foundation. This article was prepared by Sheila Nolan Gartland, an attorney with the Columbus firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek the advice of a licensed attorney.

Mold has been around for millions of years, and continues to travel in and out of our homes and work places through ventilation systems, doors and windows. Despite the fact that it is ever-present, mold has recently and increasingly become the subject of lawsuits being filed by homeowners against homebuilders, landlords, architects, realtors, building system manufacturers and insurance companies seeking property damage and bodily injury awards. Why this sudden attention to mold? In recent years, we have learned more and more about the health effects of mold, particularly with respect to mold as a cause of allergic reactions and asthma attacks. In addition, lifestyle changes have led to ever-increasing time spent at work and at home indoors in conditioned environments.

Q.: What exactly is mold?
A.: Mold is neither a plant nor an animal, but multicellular organisms known as fungi. They can be found growing almost anywhere on virtually any organic substance where moisture and oxygen are present. Molds grow as filaments (hyphae) similar to plant roots. The hyphae penetrate the surface of porous materials and reproduce by making thousands of spores that can't be seen with the naked eye. These spores are dispersed into the air and can easily enter one's nasal passages.

Q.: Where can mold be found?
A.: Mold can be found almost anywhere. In the home, mold can grow on wood, paper (including wallboard), carpet, foods, insulation, or other organic material with sufficient moisture and air. Whenever excessive moisture accumulates in a home or building, mold growth will often occur.

Q.: What problems do molds cause to homes or buildings?
A.: If left unchecked, molds will digest whatever they are growing on, gradually destroying the material. Molds also create unpleasant odors.

Q.: What health risks do molds present?
A.: Molds can cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Some molds produce toxins that can cause more serious problems.

Q.: Is there a "safe level" for mold inside a home or building?
A.: No Although the United States Environmental Protection Agency and a limited number of local health agencies have issued guidance for remediation of mold in buildings, the agencies have not identified a safe level of mold in the air or on building surfaces.

Q.: Do modern building techniques promote mold growth?
A.: Some do. Making homes and buildings air tight to save energy costs reduces the number of air exchanges that occur in heating and air conditioning ventilation systems ("HVAC"). This helps to trap moisture, allowing molds to grow. Changes in HVAC systems to draw in outdoor air are under development.

Q.: What other conditions can lead to mold growth in homes?
A.: Any source of water entering or collecting within the interior of a home or building can lead to mold problems. Blocked gutters, leaking plumbing, defective roofs, flooding rain soaked construction sites, absence of drains or proper landscaping to carry rainwater away from foundations, and infiltration of water along the tops of walls or ceiling caused by ice dams are among the most common causes of mold damage.

Q.: How can I prevent mold growth?
A.: The key is moisture control. Repair moist areas and plumbing leaks quickly. Keep heating, ventilation, and dehumidifier drip pans and collection troughs clean. Vent dryers to the outside. Maintain drainage away from foundations through proper sloping, clean gutter and open drainpipes.

Q.: What steps should I take if I find a mold problem?
A.: First, identify and fix the source of the moisture that is supporting the mold growth. Further cleanup will vary with the nature of the damage, from damp cleansing of non-porous surfaces to complete removal and replacement of materials with mold growth.

Q.: Are there companies that specialize in identification and repair of mold damage?
A.: Yes. However, most states have yet to adopt licensing requirements for these businesses. Firms experienced in industrial hygiene and surface and air sampling techniques are a good starting point. Such firms are skilled in removing harmful or toxic substances and use appropriate protective equipment during the removal process.

Q.: Should I have the air tested for mold in a home I am considering for purchase?
A.: Mold is everywhere, so it is likely that any sampling will detect some mold. Also, there is no standard for comparison. A thorough visual inspection of the home for leaks or water damage may be the better course of action.

Q.: Does my homeowner's insurance policy cover mold damage?
A.: Maybe. Recently, some insurance companies have begun to revise homeowners' policies to exclude coverage for property damage or personal injury claims attributed to mold. Other companies have chosen to contest coverage in court, while others have granted coverage. Meet with your agent and your lawyer about your policy to review your policy and determine whether mold damage is covered, especially when purchasing a home.

      Law You Can Use is a weekly consumer legal information column provided to this newspaper as a public service of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Foundation. This article was prepared by Robert J. Styduhar, an attorney with the Columbus firm of Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease LLP. Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek the advice of a licensed attorney.

Bylaws and constitution as a downloadable pdf.

LIST OF HBA EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING PROGRAMS

Please contact HBA Main Office for Information on These Resources

1. OSHA/Safety Training (multiple topics)
2. General Safety Training Video of Employees
3. Hazard Communication Training Video for Employees
4. Fall Protection Training Video for Employees
5. Lien Law Updates
6. Legal Topics
7. Marketing Ideas
8. OSHA Updates
9. Qualifying Customers
10. Insurance Updates
11. Pension and Retirement Plan
12. Health Insurance Plans
13. Workers Compensation Information
14. Blueprint Reading
15. Operating a Small Business
16. Technical Training (Multiple Topics)
17. Certified Graduate Remodeler
18. Graduate Builders Institute
19. Model Energy Code Seminars
20. Public Speaking
21. Preparing Presentations for Public Hearings
22. Dealing with Public Opposition
23. Fair Housing
24. Employment Rules
25. American with Disabilities Act
26. Determining an Independent Contractor
27. Construction Waste Management Practices
28. Networking Dynamics

Various Information
Written Safety Programs are also available to members
Resumes of Trade School Graduates are on file of hiring purposes

This page contains a PDF file link to the membership application. 

To join the HBA, you must be a business entity for a minimum of 1 year; have a minimum of $500,000 general liability insurance and a Workers Comp Certificate (if you have employees).   

The Board of Directors approves members on a monthly basis.  To finalize the application, a check for dues must be sent with the application. 

Call Josh at 330-965-9779 to register your company for membership. 

Use this form to sign up to volunteer to help out on an HBA committee.