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Rembaum’s Association Roundup: Social Distancing Extended & Clarification of Short Term Rentals Order

Rembaum’s Association Roundup: Social Distancing Extended & Clarification of Short Term Rentals Order

  • Posted: Mar 30, 2020
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Rembaum’s Association Roundup: Social Distancing Extended & Clarification of Short Term Rentals Order

by Jeffrey A. Rembaum  brought to you by the Law Firm of  Kaye Bender Rembaum

 

Social Distancing Extended Through End of April & Short Term Rental Clarification 

 

Social Distancing Extended 

As you may have already heard this evening,  the Federal Government’s recommendation on social distancing, originally scheduled to end tomorrow, was extended through the end of April.

 

Clarification Regarding Vacation Rental Order 

On March 27, Governor DeSantis signed an Order  prohibiting vacation rentals less than 30 days (not 30 days or less). The Order expires 14 days later unless otherwise extended.  View the order HERE

 

We strongly encourage Boards to discuss these issues with your association’s  legal counsel to ensure legal and appropriate measures are being undertaken to deal with this rapidly ever evolving and fluid situation.

 

Confirmation of Emergency Powers

Please see the Order from the Secretary of the D.B.P.R. confirming the application of the Emergency Powers for all Boards, as well as the tolling of the deadline for financial reporting requirements for Condominium, Cooperative and Timeshare Associations, during the current State of Emergency.

 

We added a very useful COVID-19 resource section to our website. You can visit it by clicking HERE: 

 

The Kaye Bender Rembaum Team Remains  Available To You And To

Your Community Association

The health and safety of your Community and all residents is very important to us. We also realize that our clients have uncertainty and concerns around the continuing operation of your Community, and our team of attorneys will remain available to all of you during these times.

 

Legal Sponsor Members of SFPMA

Kaye Bender Rembaum

Kaye Bender Rembaum is dedicated to providing clients with an unparalleled level of personalized and professional service regardless of their size and takes into account their individual needs and financial concerns, with offices in Pompano Beach, Palm Beach Gardens & Tampa.

Jeffrey A. Rembaum

Phone: 561-241-4462
E-Mail: JRembaum@KBRLegal.com

 

 

 

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New VIRTUAL CONDO HOA EXPO presented by SFPMA

New VIRTUAL CONDO HOA EXPO presented by SFPMA

  • Posted: Mar 27, 2020
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In these times we have changed our Events to Include Online Webinars, Seminars and Radio Shows you can interact with from the comfort of your homes.

 

Look for our New Virtual Condo Hoa Expo Platform

Keeping safety first. We have added events to fit the new narrative Providing: Legal Courses, Board Member Courses, Insurance, Collections, Finance, Business, Service Courses and Expos in Florida.

VirtualCondoHoaExpo.com

 

New Coming Soon! Virtual Expos view them on our website

Register & Take part in Our Virtual Expos with our membership partners.

 

Become a Licensed Property Manager

Online Courses for Licensing can be completed while your at home.

This might be a great time to Take your online Testing and become a CAM

CAM License Courses and Board Members Certification in Florida

 

 

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Can dogs contract COVID-19?

Can dogs contract COVID-19?

  • Posted: Mar 26, 2020
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World Health Organization declared that the COVID-19 novel coronavirus is a global pandemic. In the panic over the spread of the virus, people are worried not only about their own health but the health of their dogs, cats, and other pets.

Can dogs contract COVID-19?

Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as the canine respiratory coronavirus, but this specific novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is believed to not be a health threat to dogs.

The World Health Organization has stated, “There is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.”

Can dogs spread COVID-19?

Li Lanjuan, an epidemiologist and representative of China’s National Health Commission cautioned pet owners in China to be vigilant about their own health and the health of their pets: “If pets go out and have contact with an infected person, they have the chance to get infected. By then, pets need to be isolated. In addition to people, we should be careful with other mammals especially pets.”

The CDC says that “while this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person.” The CDC recommends that people traveling to China avoid animals both live and dead, “but there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this novel coronavirus.”

Two dogs in Hong Kong whose owners tested positive for COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus in what health officials characterize as “likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission.” Local government health officials emphasize that “there is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become sick.”

Is it safe to pet my dog?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, petting a dog’s fur is a low risk. The AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Gail Golab says, “We’re not overly concerned about people contracting COVID-19 through contact with dogs and cats.” And there’s science behind that: “The virus survives best on smooth surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs,” Golab says. “Porous materials, such as pet fur, tend to absorb and trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through touch.”

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, says, “The CDC has not reported any cases of pets or other animals becoming infected with COVID-19 in the United States or anywhere else in the world, including hotbeds like Italy.” Dr. Klein urges common sense best practices when it comes to our pets: “If you have children, you wouldn’t have them touch a puppy and put their fingers in their mouth, because they can have fecal contamination,” he says. “The general practice of washing our hands after touching a puppy or a dog—that’s normal hygiene.”

Can I walk my dog?

Physical and mental exercise are extremely important for dogs and dog owners alike. Before taking a walk, check your local regulations. As long as the area where you reside remains safe enough to venture outside, dog owners feeling healthy and well should plan to continue walking their dogs daily, albeit with added safety measures. Observe any local ordinances concerning curfews, even if that means adjusting your dog walking schedule.

Owners should wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after each walk. Consider carrying around a pocket-sized bottle of hand sanitizer during your walks. Practice social distancing measures by walking your dog in uncrowded areas when possible. If you live in a big city, make efforts to take your dog down less-heavily-trafficked blocks, or try adjusting walks to less busy times of day and night.

How can dog owners protect dogs from coronavirus?

For now, healthy pet owners in the U.S. don’t need to do anything other than follow basic hygienic precautions such as washing their hands with soap and water before and after contact with any animal, including dogs and cats. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, experts recommend that you should “restrict contact with [your] animals — both to avoid exposing the pets and to prevent getting the virus on their skin or fur, which might be passed on to another person who touches the animal.” To reduce the spread of all germs, you may consider wiping your pet’s paws when they come in and out of the house with a paw cleaner and paw wipes.

Dogs do not need a face mask to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. If you are still concerned or notice a change in your dog’s health, speak to a veterinarian. And the most important protection of all: Under no circumstances should owners abandon their dogs, cats, or other pets because of COVID-19 fears.

 

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The Falcon Group: “We will continue to do our best and keep Clients informed of the decisions made internally in regards to this evolving situation”

The Falcon Group: “We will continue to do our best and keep Clients informed of the decisions made internally in regards to this evolving situation”

  • Posted: Mar 17, 2020
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Good morning to our incredible clients, property managers and colleagues;

We all find ourselves in un-chartered waters, the likes of which none of us have ever seen with this virus. Please be assured that all of us at Falcon are monitoring the situation on an hourly basis with our senior leadership. We are continuing to operate and provide service to our clients in a safe and professional manner. Internal office measures are being taken on a regular basis to ensure our space is sanitized and are staff are safe.

Falcon is proud and motivated to continue our strong reputation of service and responsiveness for all construction projects as well as all of our other services. We have informed our project managers/staff that they should sit home at the first signs of any illness or if any of their family members become stricken with cold/ flu like symptoms, if their city of residence has been quarantined, or if their children/ family have been designated to stay home from work school due to a confirmed case of the virus at their respective work/schools in an attempt to limit the spread of this virus or any sickness.

At this time we are continuing to perform our services. Any needed meeting can be done via conference call, Go-To Meeting, Skype, Zoom or other formats any any convenient time, even weekends.

We are happy to work with you to modify any service in a comfortable manner until such time as we all return to normal.

We are confident that our great nation will get through this in, hopefully short order and come out stronger.  We must all work together, help each other as needed and continue to be the best we can be.  We sincerely thank you for the confidence that you have shown in us for the last 23 years and please know that we are motivated to keep your projects moving forward.

Please do not hesitate to reach out me personally or to any of our 100+ team members to assist you in any manner.  We will continue to do our best to keep you informed of the decisions made internally in regards to this evolving situation.

Thank you and be safe,

William Pyznar & Sinisa Kolar

 

 

The Falcon Group – Engineering Architecture Energy Consultants Specialists

Miami ph: 305.663.1970 x509  West Palm Beach ph: 561.290.0504

Valued Members of SFPMA   View their membership page!

An industry-leader providing professional, cost effective and innovative architectural and engineering designs, solutions and services through the use of highly qualified staff and outstanding customer service.

 

 

 

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Becker Suspends Community Association Classes in Florida, from now through April 30, 2020

Becker Suspends Community Association Classes in Florida, from now through April 30, 2020

  • Posted: Mar 12, 2020
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Becker has been closely monitoring the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) developments.

In the interest of the health and safety of our clients and colleagues, we have made a decision to suspend all Community Association classes from now through April 30.

For more information about COVID-19 (including what you can do to protect yourself and minimize risk in your community), please visit www.beckercovid19.com.

As always, we will keep you informed of any changes and updates.

We wish you safety in the days ahead.

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ATTENTION PASCO & PINELLAS COUNTY,  In light of COVID-19, We want to help our community. Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC would like to provide sanitizing of playground equipment at local day cares and schools.

ATTENTION PASCO & PINELLAS COUNTY,  In light of COVID-19, We want to help our community. Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC would like to provide sanitizing of playground equipment at local day cares and schools.

  • Posted: Mar 12, 2020
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 ATTENTION PASCO & PINELLAS COUNTY 🛑 In light of COVID-19, We want to help our community.

We are so pleased to report this to our industry! Showing our members Care! Everyone is doing their part to mitigate this virus! Members of SFPMA

 

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning, LLC would like to provide sanitizing of playground equipment at local day cares and schools. It is safe and very effective.
In order to mitigate the impact of the virus, everyone has a role to play and we are prepared to do our part! If anyone has contacts for local day cares and or schools, please pass them our info.
WE WILL BE DONATING THIS SERVICE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY AND KIDS!!

 

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning,LLC
(727)877-4222
www.bayareapressurecleaning.com

Members of SFPMA:

 

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning

727-877-4222

Bay Area Pressure Cleaning is owned and operated by Tyler; born and raised in the Tampa Bay Area. Bay Area Pressure Cleaning takes great pride in providing both Pasco and Pinellas counties residential and commercial clients with reliable and efficient services. 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed! Bay Area Pressure Cleaning is a full service power washing and exterior surface cleaning company that is family owned and operated, with a mission to provide Tampa Bay with outstanding pressure cleaning service experiences. Owner Tyler says “We take great pride in providing our clients with reliable and efficient exterior cleaning solutions and our customers satisfaction is our primary objective!”

 

 

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FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE – March Edition 2020

FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE – March Edition 2020

  • Posted: Mar 06, 2020
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FLORIDA RISING MAGAZINE – March 2020
Condo, HOA, Property Management Industry Magazine

This Interactive Magazine gives you the ability to learn more from each Article, Advertising Company and Member within. With a click on any ad or page you can learn more about the company.

 

Click on the Cover to Read or click the link

Direct link to the magazine
https://joom.ag/n5iC

 

 

 

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ALERT: “Managing Your Residential Community & Common Housing Under the Threat of Covid-19”

ALERT: “Managing Your Residential Community & Common Housing Under the Threat of Covid-19”

  • Posted: Mar 05, 2020
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Managing Your Residential Community & Common Housing Under the Threat of Covid-19

by Donna DiMaggio Berger, Esq., Becker & Poliakoff

Managers are on the front lines of many challenging issues for private residential communities but managing a pandemic is uncharted territory for most. With the number of cases of Covid-19 increasing in Florida and the fact that Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency, proactive community association management professionals are thinking about how this virus might impact their residential communities and what can be done to blunt the impact.

 

There is an increased risk of contracting Covid-19 for health care workers, individuals with respiratory and other underlying health issues, as well as the elderly.  Given the demographics in many shared ownership communities and particularly in “55 and Over” communities, managers should be prepared to contend with a fair amount of fear and confusion about the proper policies and protocols to follow to safeguard the community.

One of the first directives from a board may be to seal off the community as much as possible from outside exposure. The board may wish to limit guests, nonessential contractors and may even inquire as to whether or not residents who have traveled to high risk areas (China, South Korea, Iran or Italy) may be prevented from returning to the community.

Your first course of action is to calm some of the hysteria. If you think a directive sounds implausible, illegal or inadvisable, insist on contacting association counsel for a legal opinion regarding the proposed policy.

Overly restrictive protocol that unnecessarily impacts your residents’ freedoms and quality of life is not likely to withstand a potential legal challenge and also creates unnecessary strain in your community.  Prohibiting owners from having guests or undertaking renovation projects is not warranted at this time.

You can suggest that your members voluntarily reduce the number of guests they invite into the community but prohibiting guests altogether is not a viable option.  However, if your community’s governing documents prohibit short term rentals and you are aware that some owners are violating these restrictions under the guise of having non-paying guests when they are really renting out their units on platforms like Airbnb then working with counsel to curb this activity should be a priority. Limiting the amount of transient residents can reduce exposure.

It is also important to remember that not every private residential community will be impacted in the same way by the spread of Covid-19. In multifamily buildings where residents encounter each other frequently in the elevators, corridors and other common areas, the need to address preventative measures is much more pressing than in an HOA with single family homes and no enclosed common areas.

Draconian solutions to a problem often do more harm than good. There is no legal basis upon which you can prevent residents from returning to their homes. There is also no legal basis upon which you can deny a potential purchaser or potential renter who has recently traveled to a high-risk area.

Asking travel-related questions can have a chilling impact on the proposed transaction thereby exposing the association to a potential claim for interfering with a sale or lease.  Be sure to speak to association counsel before revising your application forms or asking intrusive questions during your interviews.

 

Since Governor De Santis has declared a state of emergency some boards may reasonably believe that the statutory emergency powers found in Chapters 718, 719 and 720 of the Florida Statutes have been activated. However, those powers were enacted to assist boards in dealing with post hurricane issues so applying them to a medical emergency would be a novel approach.

Don’t assume that your board can utilize the same emergency powers that are activated in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared; a legal opinion is needed before your board attempts to use any of the statutory emergency powers.

 

The board must continue to operate and administer the community’s affairs and holding regular meetings is a large part of that function.  Many boards regularly experience poor attendance at their meetings so there is little reason to be concerned about holding meetings unless you know that you have an active infection in your community. Boards that are concerned about having meetings can certainly use technology such as in-house cable channels or Skype to allow residents to view their meetings from the privacy of their homes.

 

If you wish to minimize the spread of Covid-19 or the flu, use all of your association’s communication channels (newsletter, email or text group, website, direct mail, and in-house cable channel) to remind your residents to wash their hands frequently. You may also wish to place hand sanitizer stations in high traffic areas in the community.  Advise your residents that if they are experiencing symptoms they should let you know and they should avoid using the recreational facilities such as the Clubhouse, pool and fitness room. Management professionals should follow suit and not report to work if they are feeling ill.

Let your residents know that if they are feeling ill or have any questions or concerns they can contact the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline that can be reached at ‪1-866-779-6121. 

Lastly, make sure you have updated emergency contact information for all owners including any residents who may be particularly vulnerable.  Covid-19 is the latest in a long string of challenges that those of us who serve community boards experience. This too shall pass but in the interim, prudence and caution is warranted.

 

Donna DiMaggio Berger is a Shareholder in Becker’s Community Association Practice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She is a member of the prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) and is one of only 190 attorneys statewide who is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law. As Founder and Executive Director of Becker’s Community Association Leadership Lobby (CALL), Donna has led various community association advocacy initiatives, working with legislators and other public policymakers on behalf of those who live, serve, and work in common interest ownership communities.

Donna DiMaggio Berger
Shareholder / Ft. Lauderdale
954.364.6031
DBERGER@beckerlawyers.com

 

Again here are some tips for your community and you!

It is not too soon for condominium, cooperative and HOA boards to be discussing the issue of Covid-19 with their residents. We’ve already suggested to our CALL Members statewide that the following protocol may be helpful:

  • Urge residents who have frequent guests to limit or reduce guest usage for the near future.
  • If there is Airbnb and other short-term rental activity occurring in your community that violates your governing documents, work with association counsel to curb that activity.
  • Place hand sanitizer stations in high traffic areas in the community.
  • Speak to association counsel before engaging in conversations with potential purchasers or potential renters about Covid-19 and their possible travel-related exposure.
  • Speak to association counsel about the applicability of emergency powers now that Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency in Florida. Don’t assume that this means that your board can utilize the same emergency powers that are activated in response to damage caused by an event for which a state of emergency is declared.
  • Make sure you have updated emergency contact information for all owners including any residents who may be particularly vulnerable.
  • Let your residents know that if they are feeling ill or have any questions or concerns that they can contact the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline that can be reached at ‪1-866-779-6121.

 

 

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Vacation rentals has pitted local government officials against advertising platforms, such as Airbnb, in what has been one of the most intensely waged legislative battles.

Vacation rentals has pitted local government officials against advertising platforms, such as Airbnb, in what has been one of the most intensely waged legislative battles.

  • Posted: Mar 03, 2020
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The long-running dispute over vacation rentals has pitted local government officials against advertising platforms, such as Airbnb, in what has been one of the most intensely waged legislative battles.

The plan under consideration this year would require online platforms to collect and remit taxes on the properties that advertise on their sites. The platforms would have to ensure that only properly licensed rentals are advertised and provide the state with specific information about the rentals.

In exchange, regulation would be “preempted” to the state, largely preventing local governments from regulating vacation rentals. Local governments could only regulate the rentals in the same way as other properties in neighborhoods, a restriction that cities and counties strenuously oppose.

Florida law already bans local governments from passing ordinances to outlaw vacation rentals.

Sen. Wilton Simpson, who will take over as Senate president later this year, worked behind the scenes to forge a proposal that garnered support from the advertising platforms, the Florida Realtors and even the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, which in the past has strenuously resisted similar measures.

“Next year. That’s what they make next year for,” Simpson, R-Trilby, told The News Service of Florida when asked Monday evening about the measure’s prospects.

Airbnb Florida Policy Director Tom Martinelli said the platform remains hopeful that the issue “will be addressed legislatively to provide the vacation rental industry with uniformity and much-needed stability.”

“We remain hopeful this bill will move through the process to provide the much-needed relief to Florida’s vacation rental property owners and surrounding industry,” Martinelli said in a prepared statement.

 

Vacation rentals have sparked backlash from some homeowners, who complain about raucous parties, parking issues and a steady stream of strangers in neighborhoods. Many of the objections come from coastal regions of the state. Cities and counties also remain firmly opposed to the House and Senate bills.

And Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated he was not keen on the measure, saying recently he was “leaning against” the legislation.

Diaz pointed to amendments offered by senators Monday that were “counter or interfering with some of the stuff that we’re trying to do.”

 

Tallahassee, FL – A controversial measure dealing with vacation rental properties appears doomed, as time runs out in the 2020 legislative session.

The Senate Rules Committee was scheduled to hear the bill (SB 1128) Monday, but bill sponsor Manny Diaz Jr., R-Hialeah, said the measure was postponed because he lacked the support necessary to get it out of the committee.

The Rules Committee is not scheduled to meet again before the session ends March 13, and even if it does, it appears unlikely that Diaz’s proposal will be on the agenda.

“This is an incredibly complex bill that obviously had been tried for years, and you can see that every stop we’ve made massive changes. We’re still not there with the changes that … we needed to have enough votes. So we’re still working to make sure that all senators are satisfied with that bill,” he said.

Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, sponsored amendments that would have effectively gutted the bill.

“So, it became incredibly convoluted. That’s why we’re holding on to it for now, to try to see if we can work that out,” Diaz said.

Diaz had planned to amend his bill to bring it in line with a House proposal (HB 1011) that is awaiting a House floor vote.

DeSantis told reporters Feb. 24 he had not made up his mind but expressed strong reservations about the effort.

“We have 22 million people almost. We are a very diverse state. For us to be micromanaging vacation rentals, I am not sure that is the right thing to do,” DeSantis said.

“These are things where you’ll have kind of a quiet neighborhood,” DeSantis continued. “Then you will have someone doing this, and there are parties going on and some of the residents get upset. My view would be, probably, that should be determined locally.”

Opponents of the measure had repeatedly complained about “party houses” that wreak havoc in single-family neighborhoods.

But Diaz said he wants to address those concerns.

“Right now, it’s just regroup, have conversations with the stakeholders (and) the senators involved and try to see where we’re at,” he said.

 

 

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O&S Engineers & Architects, performed inspections and structural evaluation of the building’s exterior façade, roofs, and developed a repair program.

O&S Engineers & Architects, performed inspections and structural evaluation of the building’s exterior façade, roofs, and developed a repair program.

  • Posted: Feb 27, 2020
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O&S Engineers & Architects

Members of SFPMA: Find out more how we can help with your Florida buildings,  O&S Engineers & Architects 

 

O&S Engineers & Architects is a multi-discipline engineering and architectural consulting firm specializing in the assessment, design and restoration of high-rise communities, commercial buildings and parking garages. 

Since 1996, our staff of licensed professionals have consistently and successfully produced positive results on numerous projects ranging from small properties to large developments. O&S has an impressive portfolio in numerous markets. 

 

O&S provides:

  • 40/50 Year Recertification
  • Architectural Design
  • Structural & Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineering & Design
  • Capital Reserve Studies & Turnover Reports
  • Concrete Restoration
  • Building Envelope Design & Restoration
  • Balcony & Deck Restoration
  • Storm Damage Assessments & Inspections
  • Parking Garage Design & Restoration

For more information please follow us on social media or visit our website.

 

West Point Military Academy required a comprehensive structural assessment and exterior envelope renovation of the following buildings: Building 639, Water Treatment Plant, Scott Barracks, Eisenhower Barracks, The Fire House, and the Library Building. O&S Associates performed inspections and structural evaluation of the building’s exterior façade, roofs, and developed a repair program. O&S prepared repair drawings and technical specifications and made periodic observations of construction as part of construction management services.

The restoration of the buildings’ repairs was comprised of replacing the existing roofing with new cold-applied, built-up roofing, renovation of all exterior brick and stone façade elements, reconstruction of cracked and bulged brick masonry parapet wall, replacement of cracked and spalled brick masonry, removal and reinstallation of coping stones with new cap flashing, tuck pointing of brick and stone masonry, and installation of new windows, window sealants, and application of new surface sealer for the entire façade. Total cost of restoration was $14.2 million. O&S was selected to study the exterior envelope of several buildings at the West Point Military Academy and develop a repair program for a multi-year renovation project.

The existing roofing system at each building was deteriorated and leaking in multiple areas. All six buildings required a new roofing system. The total size of the roofs was approximately 800,000 square feet. The existing brick façade of building 639 needed extensive reconstruction. The water treatment plant, Eisenhower barracks, Scott barracks, and library building had ornate stone facade, cornices, and copings stones that needed careful design and construction.

 

Firehouse Building: The firehouse consists of a single-story, four-vehicle garage; a two-story center portion; and a single-story portion located to the left of the two-story portion. The garage portion and the single-story portion has a flat roof, and the two-story portion has a hip roof with roofing tiles (asbestos tiles). O&S provided the following repair program:

  • Replacement of flat roof
  • Removal and disposal of existing asbestos tiles at the two-story portion (asbestos abatement) and installation of new roofing shingles
  • Removal and reinstallation of precast coping stones with lead-coated copper cap flashing
  • Replacement of corroded lintels
  • Rebuilding of cracked corners
  • Tuckpointing of deteriorated mortar joints
  • Pressure wash clean and apply waterproof coating on inside face of parapet walls
  • Pressure wash clean brick facia and coping stones and apply water-repellent surface sealer
  • Remove joint deteriorated joint sealants and install mortar joints
  • Repairs were approximately $170,000

 

Building 639: Building 639 is an L-shaped building with five roof setbacks. The original building was built in 1937. O&S provided the following repair program:

  • Reconstruction of three corners with proper through-wall flashings and cap flashings
  • Existing limestone copings removed, saved, cleaned and reinstalled
  • Reconstruction of all other corners to introduce proper expansion joints at corners
  • Removal of about five courses of face brick or removal of limestone facia and reinstallation of the same after steel repairs
  • Replacement of deteriorated and/or spalled brick masonry as required
  • Introduction of two new vertical expansion joints on the North and South Building Elevations
  • Tuck-pointing of deteriorated mortar joints
  • Cleaning, sealing, and pointing of existing limestone copings
  • Cleaning by pressure washing and sealing the exterior brick masonry with clear penetrating water repellent sealer
  • Repairs were approximately $440,000

 

Wastewater Treatment Plant: The original water filtration facility was constructed in 1931. Several building additions have been made over the years in 1936, 1944, and 1945. O&S provided the following repair program:

  • Removal of all existing roofing and installation of new roofing
  • Removal of all coping stones, installation of new lead coated copper cap flashing, and termination of the roofing flashing underneath the cap flashing, and reinstallation of the coping stones with new anchors
  • Removal of sealants from the perimeter of all windows, doors, joints and openings and installing new sealants
  • Removal of delaminated concrete from walls and repair using polymer-modified mortar
  • Tuckpointing of cracked, deteriorated, and open wall joints
  • Repair of cracked corners of stone headers, sills, and stone trims around doors, windows, and openings
  • Replacement of rotted wood planking with new pressure treated plywood for roofing planks in Building B
  • Replacement of rotted wood beams with new beams in Building B
  • Repairs were approximately $570,000

 

Scott Barracks: The Scott Barracks consists of a main roof, approximately 166’ long by 46’ wide with three small high roofs. The rear parapet wall is 4’ high and the front and all other parapet walls are 7’ high. All walls are built with exterior stone facing and interior brick facing and with precast coping stones. O&S provided the following repair program:

  • Removal of precast coping stones, installing cap flashing, and reinstallation of the coping stones with new anchors
  • Removal of all sealants in mortar joints from the inside face of the brick walls and tuckpointing the brick facia as needed
  • Repair of precast stones that are chipped using repair mortars that match the stone
  • Repairs were approximately $245,000

 

Project Data:

O&S Associates was responsible for A/E Design, Construction Management, and Construction Administration on this 5-year Design/Build IDIQ at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The five-year contract included work at restoration work at multiple buildings around the campus. Most buildings were historic structures. The campus repairs included roof restoration, roof replacement, exterior wall restoration, asbestos abatement, waterproofing, and other related services. O&S also provided Construction Inspection services for the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Library, the Firehouse, several barracks, and some educational buildings. Each set of buildings had different issues related to water infiltration. As part of the Design/Build team, O&S was responsible for ensuring the cost, quality, and schedule for the project.

 

Special Features:

O&S provided construction inspection services for multiple historic buildings at West Point Military Academy. Building 639 is an “L” shaped building with five roof setbacks. The original building was built in 1937. O&S provided a comprehensive repair program that included the introduction of two new vertical expansion joints on the North and South Building Elevations. The original water filtration facility was constructed in 1931. Several building additions have been made over the years in 1936, 1944, and 1945. O&S provided a complete replacement of the entire roofing system. O&S also provided services for other buildings at the West Point Military Academy Campus including the Library, Holleder Hall, Old Chapel Building, and the Eisenhower Barracks.

 

Owner:

United States Military Academy at West Point
Construction Cost: $14.2 million

 

 

 

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Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm,  providing Statewide Educational to Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida

Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm,  providing Statewide Educational to Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida

  • Posted: Feb 21, 2020
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Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm,  providing Statewide Educational to Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida

Most of you reading this already know the names Bill and Susan Raphan and the mark they made on the Florida Condominium Ombudsman’s Office during their 7-year tenure.

For those of you who don’t know about this dynamic couple, here is their story. When Florida’s first Condominium Ombudsman, Virgil Rizzo, was appointed back in 2004, there was no money to staff the local South Florida Office. Bill and Susan were his first volunteers. They had been having problems in their own condominium and wanted to help others in similar situations. They worked for seven (7) months as volunteers, often returning calls from over a hundred people a day asking for help with their association-related issues, before the money was found in the State budget to finally pay them.

During their seven years with the Condominium Ombudsman’s Office they spoke with thousands of association members, directors, association managers, attorneys and legislators about the common and not-so-common issues that crop up when people live in close quarters and decisions are made by an elected body.

While some of the problems they confronted were not within their authority to address, others were successfully resolved as a result of their intervention. A patient set of ears, knowledge regarding the Statutes, Administrative Code and practices of the DBPR along with common sense and a dash of humor often helped put both Board Members and Owners with complaints on the right path. Was every problem solved? Absolutely not. Were many problems that could have resulted in time consuming and costly litigation successfully defused? Absolutely yes.

Bill and Susan had run a successful catering business for many years and, as a result, applied many of those same business principles to organizing the Ombudsman’s Office in an efficient manner especially given the shoestring budget under which they were forced to operate. They began an extensive education program at Broward and Palm Beach College as well as in Community Centers and Condominiums throughout the State. They facilitated the appointment of election monitors for approximately 90 condominium elections per year and educated almost 6,000 people in just their last year at the Condominium Ombudsman’s Office!

In 2011 they made the leap of faith and decided to join Leigh Katzman’s Law Firm as its Statewide Educational Facilitators. Today, the Raphans have been widely recognized for their role in providing Board Members and Community Association Managers (CAM’s) across the state of Florida with the highest-quality educational seminars for certification and continuing education credits. Bill and Susan were also featured in a front page article in the Wall Street Journal and have appeared on many TV and radio programs.

We are thrilled to have Bill and Susan as part of our team at Katzman Chandler and would urge you to experience one of their enjoyable and interactive educational classes for yourself.

For those of you wishing to contact Bill and Susan Raphan, you can reach them on their TOLL FREE HOTLINE @ 855-827-5542 or by email at WSRaphan@KatzmanChandler.com.

 

MEMBERS OF SFPMA: FIND COURSES FOR BOARD MEMBERS, MANAGEMENT COMPANIES ON OUR MONTHLY CALENDAR

NEW EVENTS ARE ADDED MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH

 

 

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