Over the past couple of months I have talked to numerous SCWBA members regarding the new lead paint certification requirements. Members have expressed their frustration with yet another government regulation and the associated costs to not only obtain the license but to implement and follow the regulations. These are true and undeniable costs added to projects pre 1978. The lead certification is not some new idea that was just pushed thru a legislative session that no one knew about. This battle has been going on for 10 years. The WBA has been aggressively fighting this battle. The building community did not want this and did everything in their power to fight this. This simply was a battle that they did not win. As much as we all disagree with this regulation I want to encourage all members to put their frustration aside and get certified. We still have many, many members that need the certification. Be smart. Make good decisions that will steer your company thru this economic downturn. Getting the certification is a sound business decision. Contact the SCWBA office and or website for information regarding the next available class. 

 

 

For anyone that does work in the Historical District in the City of Janesville there are some changes coming to those ordinances within this district. In the past any work within this district was reviewed by the Historic Commission and the City of Janesville for appropriateness to the era, style, etc. The review would state what would be allowed to the subject property. The problem with the past ordinance was that the review requirements expired after 6 months. Essentially if the property owner did not agree with the requirements of the Historic Commission and the City of Janesville all they needed to do was wait 6 months for the enforcement period to expire and do as they wish as long as the changes complied with local and state building codes. The 6 month time period has been deleted form the ordinances. As always, there is a review and appeal process to give the property owner the opportunity to work with the city to resolve any differences. Contact Vicki Miller at the City for more details.   In conclusion, homes with period specific materials and details need to be preserved. They are treasures to our city and to future generations. This is a common sense change and will protect our Historic Homes for the generations to follow. 

 

Finally, it is the election season and things are starting to get interesting. Our country is in one of the worst economic downturns in its history. We Americans are facing unprecedented debt and uncertainty. In these unprecedented times we need unprecedented involvement. We can make a difference but we all have to be engaged. I urge you to take the time to listen to the candidates. Become educated to the issues that face us and participate in the fix. Get involved. It can be as simple as casting your vote on Election Day or as much as getting involved in the campaign for the candidate of your choice. We all matter and we can make a difference. All you need to do is participate!!