The promised video of ADEQ’s Visit to WeSERV in October is now up. Wendy and Terza provided us a tutorial to navigating the new ADEQ website to find super fund sites, septic tank and UST (underground storage tank) info. Watch the video to learn more about the resources ADEQ provides you and your clients and how to access those. Go to www.weservgad.org, click on Videos.
The City of Maricopa’s updated sign ordinance has confused WeSERV members and other businesses in the community. In October WeSERV sent a letter to the City describing our concerns and offering suggestions on clarity so members, staff and others in the community could better understand the sign ordinance. The city will be hosting a public workshop on the sign ordinance December 13th.
The week of November 14th saw WeSERV host several cities in roundtable conversations. November 15th our Southeast Valley chapter hosted the cities of Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert. On November 18th our West Valley chapter hosted El Mirage, Surprise, Goodyear and Avondale. WeSERV provided each city or town a book with data specific to them, general market data and market trending data.
WeSERV members provided context to that data by discussing their client’s needs and what the members see going forward. Cities were able to tell WeSERV about upcoming projects and ask questions about the real estate market. It was an opportunity for members to get to know city officials and for city officials to get to know WeSERV.
The elections are over, but there are some recounts. WeSERV Government Affairs waits until the canvass is complete before listing winning candidates in our local elections. So watch for our list of winning candidates across our jurisdiction in December.
The Department of Labor has proposed new rules for workers to qualify as Independent Contractors. You can find the proposed new rule in the Federal Register. Public comments are open. While NAR actively defends REALTOR members ability to function as Independent Contractors, there are many other businesses that also rely on IC status. Several affiliate members of WeSERV may be negatively affected if the proposed new rules go into effect.
Many of you remember the Sackett v EPA case that gain notoriety in 2008.To remind you, the Sackett’s purchased a property in a lake subdivision in Idaho. All around them lots had been built on and so the Sackett’s began the process of building their house.
Now the Sackett’s are back at the Supreme Court asking the court to clarify the Clean Water Act definition of navigable waters and the limitations on the EPA to broaden interpretations and impinge of private property rights.
The case was heard on October 3, 2022. You may read a transcript of oral arguments or listen to the oral arguments on the United States Supreme Court website.
WeSERV Government Affairs events and meetings are now concluded for 2023. Our Government Affairs Committee decided to cancel the December meeting. I want to thank our 2022 chair Rae Goepfert for her great leadership this year. Here’s a special note: Rae is also a recognized painter and has been selected to show her artwork at the new Goodyear library. If you get a chance, pop by the library and admire Rae’s work.
Our 2023 chair will be Duane Washkowiak along with our chair-elect Nathan Claiborn. Join us for meetings and event in 2023.