Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of the Safe Start proclamation until August 6. 

This extension clarifies the interaction between Safe Start and Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman's facial coverings order. It includes: 

• The Yakima County business prohibition is extended statewide: No business may operate, allow a customer to enter a business, or conduct in-person business with a customer in any public setting unless the customer is wearing a face covering (as required, and with the exceptions outlined, in Order of the Secretary of Health 20-03;
• Individuals are prohibited from entering a place of business without wearing a face covering (again, per Order of the Secretary of Health 20-03); and
• Employers must notify the employer’s local health jurisdiction within 24 hours if the employer suspects COVID-19 is spreading in the employer’s workplace, or if the employer is aware of 2 or more employees who develop confirmed or suspected COVID-19 within a 14-day period.

The governor also announced additional clarification today for restaurant and taverns in Phases 2 and 3. This comes as more counties move forward under Washington’s Safe Start recovery plan. 

Under this guidance, bar-style seating and live music are hereby prohibited in Phase 2 and Phase 3. 

Additionally, restaurants and taverns in Phase 2 or beyond are now permitted to resume self-service buffets, salad bars, salsa bars, and other similar communal food sources and drink stations, subject to business adherence to safety standards.

Find the full memo here.

For the latest COVID-19 information and resources visit coronavirus.wa.gov.

On May 31^st, 2020 Governor Inslee signed Proclamation 20-25.4 and outlined his "Safe Start" plan for a county-by-county phased reopening. Under the plan, businesses and activities will reopen in phases with adequate social distancing measures & health standards in place. Businesses may also need to meet additional requirements developed specifically for their industry.

Essential Business Guidance

Many parts of the economy are already allowed to operate safely as essential businesses. For a list of essential businesses click here.

• Agriculture – issued May 28
• Additional Agricultural Guidance – issued June 2
• Automotive, Energy, Food and Agriculture, Healthcare/Public Health, In-Home Care, Maintenance, Recreation, Real Estate, and Retail Guidance – issued March 31
• Construction Guidance – issued March 25
• Commercial driver license guidelines – issued May 7
• Elective Surgeries Guidance – issued April 29
• Funeral Guidance – issued March 28
• Home Care Workers Guidance – issued June 22
• Outdoor Guidance – issued April 27
• Real Estate and Mortgage Guidance – issued March 27
• List of approved essential workforce education programs – issued May 7 (updated May 19) 
• Essential workforce education program standards – issued May 7

Phase 1 Business Activity Guidelines

• Additional Guidance on Voluntary Contact Information – issued May 15
• Car Washes Requirements – issued May 7​
• Construction – issued April 24
• Additional Construction Guidance – issued April 29
• Curbside Retail – issued May 8
• Higher Education – issued June 1
• Landscape Services and Outdoor Maintenance Industry – issued May 8
• Outdoor Recreation – issued May 14 (updated June 9)
• Outdoor Recreation- Golf – issued May 15
• Pet Walking Industry – issued May 8
• Recreational Activities* – issued June 9 (updated June 24)
• Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (updated June 18)
• Vehicle and Vessel Sales Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions – issued May 6
• Washington Talking Book and Braille Library – issued June 2
• Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18

*Modified Phase 1 Guidance

Phase 2 Business Activity Guidelines

• Additional Guidance on Voluntary Contact Information – issued May 15
• Card Rooms – issued June 12
• Construction – issued May 15 (updated July 2)
• Curbside Library Services – issued June 2
• Dine-in restaurants and taverns – issued May 11 (updated July 7)
• Drive-in Theaters – issued June 2
• Domestic Services – issued June 9
• Fitness – issued May 19 (updated June 5)
• Higher Education – issued June 1
• In-store retail - issued May 12
• Manufacturing operations - issued May 12
• Outdoor Recreation – issued May 14 (updated June 9)
• Outdoor Recreation- Golf – issued May 15 (updated June 9)
• Personal Services (including Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools) - issued May 13
• Pet Grooming – issued May 18
• Professional Photography – issued May 15
• Professional Services - issued May 13 (updated June 26)
• Real Estate – issued May 19
• Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (updated June 18)
• Sporting Activities – issued June 5
• Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18

Phase 3 Business Activity Guidelines

• Template for Phase 3 Businesses - issued June 5
• Dine-in restaurants and taverns – issued July 7
• Religious and Faith Organizations – issued May 27 (updated June 18)
• Sporting Activities – issued June 5
• Weddings, Funeral and Memorial Services – issued June 18

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 23 proclamations today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The extensions were approved by the state Legislature.

A July 1 letter from the Legislature extends the following proclamations until August 1, 2020. 

• 20-15.5: Department of Licensing (20-15.4)
• 20-20.5: Department of Revenue -- Relief from Penalties, Fees, Interest, Due Dates (20-20.4)
• 20-21.5: Unemployment Benefit – 1 Week Waiver (20-21.4) 
• 20-23.6: Ratepayer Assistance and Preservation of Essential Services (20-23.5)
• 20-26.5: Liquor and Cannabis Board (20-26.4)
• 20-27.5: Electronic Notary (20-27.4)
• 20-29.5: Telemedicine (20-29.4)
• 20-30.5: Unemployment Benefit – Job Search Requirement (20-30.4)
• 20-31.5: Division of Child, Youth, and Families – Child Care and Background Checks (20-31.4)
• 20-32.5: Department of Health– Health Care Workers (20-32.4)
• 20-37.5: Department of Social & Health Services – NAR Waiver (20-37.4)
• 20-38.5: Department of Social & Health Services – Facilities (20-38.4)
• 20-41.6: Department of Licensing – License and Permit Renewal Extension (20-41.5)
• 20-43.4: Office of Financial Management, State Human Resources Division – Annual Leave and Pay Procedures (20-43.3)
• 20-44.4: Nursing Home Transfer or Discharge for COVID-19 Cohorting Purposes (20-44.3)
• 20-45.4: Protection Orders and Personal Service (20-45.3)
• 20-48.4: Department of Licensing – CDL Health Certificates and Other Requirements (20-48.3)
• 20-49.6: Garnishments (20-49.5)
• 20-51.5: Community Associations Meetings and Late Fees (20-51.4)
• 20-52.4: Statewide Orders Relating to Long-Term Care (20-52.3)
• 20-56.2: Tribal Fuel Tax Refund Restrictions (20-56.1)

The Letter also extended two additional proclamations for a shorter duration. 

• Extended to July 7: 20-28.6: Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act (20-28.5)
• Extended to July 14: 20-33.7: Department of Child, Youth, and Families – Visitation and Remedial Services (20-33.6)

Although Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Majority Leader Andy Billig supported an extension of Proclamation 20-39.4 related to post-retirement employment, Sen. Mark Schoesler and Rep. JT Wilcox did not. Without the agreement of all four caucus leaders, this request for extension fails and was denied. 

On April 29th, 2020 CEO Lee Pfluger joined KPQ Radio for an interview related to the Phase-1 Construction Restart. Here's a link to both a quick article about the restart and a link to the radio interview. Be sure to check them both out!

https://www.kpq.com/residential-construction-deemed-essential-still-facing-uphill-battle/

https://www.kpq.com/the-agenda/?fbclid=IwAR1tpzHK6NNAkk7TouFEfmPZjEuYrQSins77GsfUKaze7lNS36dtDSKMwEI

BNCW has compiled the following documents which are necessary to restart construction under the Addendum to Proclamation 20-25, Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.  The addendum sets forth criteria for a limited Phase 1 Construction Restart.  Among other criteria the order requires work to be limited to tasks that can be completed while maintaining 6’ social distancing requirements.  There are 30 requirements that must be met in order for construction work to continue or resume.

We have combined all the needed forms into one fillable PDF to simplify the compliance process.  All the documents must be filled out, and/or posted on each jobsite. The documents can be found linked above.  There are a number of requirements that will require special attention including; Safety meetings, visitor and employee logs, body temperature testing, designated site specific supervisor, and use of employer provided PPE.  All these requirements are outlined in the following documents.  Please feel free to read and share this document with anyone that may find it helpful. 

We will do our best to keep everyone informed of any changes that we become aware of, and the latest information available. If anyone has any questions, comments or concerns, please contact Lee Pfluger, by email Lee@BuildingNCW.org or by phone (509) 881-8213.  

As always, we are here for you and your business.

Sincerely

Lee Pfluger, CEO Building North Central Washington

Good Afternoon!

Attached you will find the resolution unanimously passed by the Wenatchee City Council last week allowing some construction to continue in the City of Wenatchee.  The resolution applies to both residential and commercial construction. Also attached is the Declaration that must be completed and turned into the city before they can inspect the project and provide notification that the project can continue.  It is important that we all follow the conditions and procedures outline in the city’s resolution. 

The resolutions passed by Douglas County, Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee do not put everyone back to work but they are moving us that direction.  If you have any questions or comments, as always, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Be safe out there!

Resolution 2020-13.pdf

City of Wenatchee Declaration.pdf

Lee Pfluger - CEO

509.881.8213

Lee@BuildingNCW.org

Good Morning,

Some more good news to pass on this morning!  The Chelan County Board of Commissioners have followed the lead of Douglas County and passed a resolution allowing for some residential construction to continue in Chelan County.  The resolution is very similar to Douglas County but be sure to read it over for yourselves.  The commissioners have also made provisions in the document to allow some construction projects to continue around Lake Chelan within the normal high water mark due to the fact that there is a short window to complete these projects before the lake fills potential damaging uncompleted projects.

As with the Douglas county resolution, it is very important that everyone follows the conditions required by the resolution.  The Commissioners are sticking their necks out in an attempt to get people back to work. As some of you are aware the Mayor of Wenatchee has made statements that he believes Douglas County’s proclamation was outside of the Governor’s guidelines.  Douglas County Commissioners spoke with the governor’s office yesterday, while the Governor’s office did not endorse their interpretation they did not tell them to cease and desist, neither did they have any answers to the question “why is government funded construction essential, while private construction is not?”  There are currently at least 3 other Eastern Washington Counties considering similar resolutions.  There is again cautious optimism that the governor will address this issue in his 3pm press conference today.  Hopefully the leadership of our Chelan and Douglas county commissions are helping to put pressure on Governor to reconsider his position on residential and other private construction.

As always feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Be safe out there!

Resolution 2020-42 Allowing Pre-Existing Home Sales Agreements to Proceed During The Stay Home Stay Healthy Proclamation.pdf

Lee Pfluger - CEO

Lee@buildingncw.org

509-881-8213

I wanted to follow up with everyone regarding the Douglas County Proclamation allowing some residential construction to continue to completion during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.  After going through the proclamation and a brief discussion with the officials from Douglas County, there are a few points that very important to keep in mind regarding this proclamation.

1. There are strict conditions that must be followed to comply with this proclamation.
   1. An affidavit stating there is an existing Purchase and Sale agreement or Real Estate contract and previously approved building permit prior to March 27, 2020 must be provided.
   2. An authorization letter will then be issued by the Douglas County Planning Department.
   3. Property viewings, inspections, appraisals and final walk-throughs shall be arranged by appointment only, and be limited to two people at each occurrence. Inspector May require additional measures as required by the building inspector.
   4. All persons on site must observe social distancing guidelines and applicable health and worker protection measures.
   5. County authorization form must be posted on site.
2. Compliance requires that the owner or contractor must take proof of an exiting Purchase and Sale agreement or Real Estate contract to TLS and receive a letter of authorization BEFORE work begins and it must be POSTED on the jobsite.
3. Douglas County is pushing the boundaries of the Governor’s order issuing this proclamation and have done their due diligence in an effort to make sure that this opportunity does not get challenged or overturned by the State.  It is crucial that all of us abide by the conditions that have been put in place to allow this work to continue.  As I’m sure you are all aware there is no shortage of people in the community eager to report contractors that they believe are violating the Governors orders.
4. Please spread the word about the Proclamation and the necessity to comply with the conditions outline therein.

We have not yet received any official word from Chelan County but I believe they will follow Douglas County’s lead very soon.  As always if you have any questions or comments please don’t hesitated to contact me.

Be safe and have a great day!

- Lee Pfluger - CEO

A bit of good news today!  The Douglas County Commission issued the attached proclamation which will allow residential construction that is under a real estate contract or a purchase and sale agreement that was signed prior to the Stay Home Stay Safe order to continue to completion with several stipulations.  Also attached is the Health Department’s letter supporting the action.  I have not had the opportunity to fully review the documents yet but I wanted to get this information out as quickly as possible.  Please review it for yourselves and as always contact me with any questions or comments.

Be safe out there!

- Lee Pfluger - CEO

CE 20-26B TLS 20-22B (002).pdf

CDHD Letter of Support (002).pdf

Good Morning,

As most of you probably already know last week the Governor extended his “stay at home” order until May 4^th.  There was considerable optimism that the governor would lift restrictions on private and residential construction, falling in line with the Department of Homeland Security guidelines, but that did not materialize.  A growing number of State Representatives and Senators as well as local elected officials are pressuring the governor to list private and residential construction as “essential businesses” under his “stay home stay healthy order.”  I urge you to call the Governor’s office at 360-902-4111 and let him know that Private and Residential construction are vital to our region during this health care emergency and should be treated the same as government funded construction.

In the meantime I have spoken with numerous members with questions about their business, specific projects and how the governor’s order affects them.  Do not hesitate to contact me I’m happy to help in any way I can.  Here are some of the topics that may be of interest:

            

             Unless your business is listed as essential here https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/WA%20Essential%20Critical%20Infrastructure%20Workers%20%28Final%29.pdf the Governor’s Order means you risk fines or loss of your business license if you or your employees continue to conduct business.

               There are some exceptions to this that may allow you to continue to work provided you meet the social distancing requirements published by the CDC.  Here are just a few that may apply.

• If you or your employees can work from home
• If your business supports an essential business
• • Such as supplying materials for a public project that is allowed to continue during the shutdown
  • Or you supply parts or materials to agriculture, or are building or repairing structures or equipment necessary for an Ag business to function
  • This could also apply to performing necessary work at child care facility, or other essential business.
• Construction work is allowed under the following conditions
• • Necessary for the structural integrity of an existing structure
  • To prevent damage or spoliation
  • To prevent erosion
  • For health or safety reasons like:
  • • A deck with no handrail
    • Ensuring that a home has a functioning bathroom or kitchen
    • Repairing or finishing electrical or plumbing that could he hazardous.
  • Emergency repairs
  • • Broken windows
    • Roof damage from a windstorm
  • Security
  • • Repairing or replacing exterior doors or windows to prevent theft or vandalism
    • Fencing or gates to secure a jobsite
    • Installing garage doors to secure a home

If you are going to be open for business, or working on a jobsite during this time I would suggest printing out the list of essential businesses and exceptions above, highlighting the portions you believe are relevant to your situation and maybe making some notes to go along with it.  Then if you are questioned by health officials, law enforcement or nosey neighbors you can readily point to your justification for your activity.

None of this is to be construed as legal advice, it is just my opinion, do your own research, make your own judgements and do your best to be safe.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments and please take the time to call the governor’s office 360-902-4111 and send him an email https://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/contact/send-gov-inslee-e-message

Have a great day and be safe out there

LEE PFLUGER, CEO

Good Morning, 

I wanted to pass along some information that many of you may find valuable. Attached are 3 documents outlining “The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.” 

Over the weekend, the Trump administration listed construction as an essential industry during the crisis. While this does not overrule individual Governors' orders, Governor Jay Inslee stated that the restrictions put in place and the essential businesses allowed to continue operations in the State of Washington were based on the Federal Guidelines in place at the time. Hopefully the essential designation from the President will pressure the Governor to allow construction work to resume. In a previous post, you will see we have worked with Local County Commissioners to put pressure on the Governor's Office to life many of the restrictions on construction work in Washington State. 

Stimulus Small Business Explainer-FINAL.pdf

Small Business Stimulus Section-by-Section Summary.pdf

The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act.pdf

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We're here for you. 

Sincerely,

Lee Pfluger, CEO Building North Central Washington

O: 509.293.5840 C:509.881.8213 Lee@BuildingNCW.org