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Hurricane Preparation for your Building – Don’t wait, Make a Plan Today

Hurricane Preparation for your Building – Don’t wait, Make a Plan Today

  • Posted: Jul 10, 2022
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Hurricane Preparation for your Building

Don’t wait: Make a Plan Today

Finding Trusted Companies that work with our Industry is important!

We Provide Insurance Public Adjusters and Legal Experts Roofing Companies and cleanup and Tree and Lawncare Members to handle Storm Damage & Claims for your Properties!

Find more on our website >>>

FloridaAdjusting.com

WHAT WE PROVIDE CONDO & HOA’S

Property Inspections & Site Analysis

Review of your Insurance Policy

Damage Report Backing up the Claim

Loss Estimates Documentation

Negotiation and Settlement with Insurance Companies

 

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We Celebrate Independence Day, with Cohen Law Group and Members of SFPMA

We Celebrate Independence Day, with Cohen Law Group and Members of SFPMA

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2022
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We Celebrate and Honor Our Heros
We Celebrate Independence Day
As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, let’s remember the American heroes who lost their lives in the battle for the freedom we are enjoying today. We are indebted to our national heroes who have fought and continue to fight for this country.
I served in the United States Army for four years. Because of the GI Bill, I was able to attend college and become an attorney. My military service has helped me grow Cohen Law Group into a place where my team and I can continue to serve our community every day.
As patriotic citizens, let’s put extra effort into performing our own civic responsibilities. Every American’s contribution towards moving this nation forward is important. We must always be mindful of how our actions or inaction affect the well-being of others.
Today we celebrate the honor it is to be an American. We celebrate those who have helped our incredible nation progress. We celebrate all that America will become.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day!
With Respect and Gratitude,
Harvey Cohen Signature
Harvey V. Cohen, President

With Respect and Our Thanks for your Service from all of us at SFPMA.COM

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These new Florida laws go into effect on Friday July 1st.

These new Florida laws go into effect on Friday July 1st.

  • Posted: Jul 01, 2022
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On Friday, dozens of new laws will take effect in Florida kicking off the month of July. The laws cover a range of topics from school safety to smoking on the beach.

Here are a few of the laws that take effect July 1: 

THE FLORIDA CLEAN AIR ACT

This means smoking will no longer be allowed on Florida beaches. Local governments can restrict smoking on public beaches and in parks.  That also goes for littering: You could face a strict fine for tossing a cigarette butt on the beach.

Environmental experts say this will help not only the health of people but sea life too.

PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION

Widely dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics, the law bans teachers from giving classroom instruction on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” in kindergarten through third grade.

K-12 EDUCATION

A new K through 12 law concerning controversial books also goes into effect on Friday.

The law requires school districts to have a procedure in place that allows parents to see all of the books in the library and classroom.  The law also gives parents the opportunity to review all books and set curriculum standards.

Besides books, the law creates a 12-year term limit for school board members.

 

MIYA’S LAW

The new law will require apartment landlords to conduct background checks on employees, a response to the September murder of a Valencia College student. Criminal and sexual-offender background checks will be required for apartment-complex employees. Also, tenants will have to be given 24 hours’ notice before workers can enter apartments.

The measure was crafted after the death of 19-year-old Miya Marcano, who was found dead a week after she went missing from her Orlando apartment.

MILK BANK LAW

This will make it possible for low-income mothers to have access to free donated breast milk. The bill authorizes the Agency for Health Care Administration to pay for donor milk to distribute to families on Medicaid if they want it.

LOUD CAR MUSIC

HB 1435 will allow officers to give a ticket to drivers who are playing music so loud that it can be heard 25-feet from the vehicle. The bill specifically mentions car music playing too loudly near churches, schools, or hospitals.

NEW STATE DESSERT

The battle over dessert will finally be over!  On Friday, strawberry shortcake will be the official Florida state dessert. That’s leaving a sour taste in the mouths of people who have loved key lime pie all these years. However, key lime is the state’s official pie.

SCHOOL SAFETY

This law requires a more detailed security plan. It requires that schools have a guide to reunite students with family in the event of an emergency. The law sets rules for emergency drills requiring law enforcement officers who will be responding to the emergency to be there and participate.

It even addresses student mental health.  At least 80 percent of school personnel will be required to be certified in youth health awareness training, beginning July 1 of next year.

BOATING SAFETY ACT

Just in time for the July Fourth weekend, this is allowing the courts to impose a fine for boating collisions and accidents.

The law requires certain boating safety education courses or temporary certificate exams to include items like dangers associated with passenger safety, operating a boat or jet ski near a person who is in the water, and proper use of engine cutoff switches. It also mentions companies that rent and provide water sport activities and instruction must use a working engine cutoff switch.

FLORIDA TAX HOLIDAY

Stock up on those diapers! This is the opportunity to buy certain items, including diapers, without paying Florida state sales tax.  A tax holiday for children’s diapers, books, clothing and shoes will be in effect for one year.

School supplies including clothing, wallets, and bags will have tax exemptions starting July 25 and lasting until August 7. Now that hurricane season is here, you may want to consider buying impact-resistant windows and doors, which will remain tax-free for the next two years.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

The new law aims to change how Florida cares for these individuals by recognizing certified peer specialists as a support role in recovery. These are typically people who have recovered from substance abuse and mental illness and are helping others get through similar situations.
Under the new law, family members and caregivers will also be eligible for certification. Specialists must undergo background checks and pass a competency exam before being certified.

FLORIDA IDENTIFICATION CARDS

This new law allows Floridians easier access to those cards in cases of financial hardship or failing a driver’s test. If someone can’t afford a new card, they can get one for free as long as they have a valid voter’s registration card.

The same goes for anyone 80 years and older who cannot get a new driver’s license because they failed the vision test.

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS

The Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) will be eliminated and the State Academic Standards will take effect.

The law removes standardized testing in schools and replaces it with three different tests throughout the year to monitor progress. Those tests will take place at the start, middle, and end of the school year.

PERSONAL FINANCE EDUCATION BILL

Florida high school students will be required to take a financial literacy course as a condition for graduation.

The financial literacy course would have to include instruction on types of bank accounts and how to open and manage accounts, completing loan applications and computing federal income taxes.

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ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW?

ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW?

ALGAE BLOOMS: DID YOU KNOW?
The climate in Florida is wonderful in many ways, but the year round warm weather and heat in the summer can increase algae blooms.
1. Lawn fertilizers are a big contributor to algae blooms. Leave at least a 10 foot buffer when dispensing fertilizer near a waterway. Fertilizer in the street will wash into the storm drains and all storm drains lead to the waterways.
2. Never blow or dispose of trash and lawn clippings into streets, storm drains, or waterways. They are loaded with nutrients and as they decay, they feed the algae blooms. All storm drains lead to the waterways.
3. Algae blooms may affect oxygen levels and block light which will harm the aquatic environment.
Allstate Resource Management has 25 + years helping South Florida homeowners associations with waterway management.
Contact us today at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagment.com
for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Allstate Resource Management | 6900 S.W. 21st Court, Bldg. 9Davie, FL 33404
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“Smart managers ensure the community as a whole is running smoothly both from an operational standpoint and from the resident perspective. That’s why Concierge Plus is part of our team; it simply makes everyone’s life easier.”

“Smart managers ensure the community as a whole is running smoothly both from an operational standpoint and from the resident perspective. That’s why Concierge Plus is part of our team; it simply makes everyone’s life easier.”

  • Posted: Jun 30, 2022
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Increase the efficiency of parking enforcement and guest permits with real time solutions at your community. Our Visitor & Parking Management solution increases transparency between managers and residents and shifts conflict resolution scenarios to a digital format.

  • Record and report on frequency of parking usage by unit, license plates, and determine peak parking usage times with our easy-to-use, friendly reporting system.
  • Set controls on how many times units can request parking during a particular period.
  • Allow residents to print their own parking passes for guests in such cases where there is no one on-site to manage your parking facilities.
  • Prevent owners sneaking in additional vehicles and overstaying their allotted time.
  • Track guests digitally and record visitor signatures using our optional digital signature pads.
Book a meeting with me now  and see for yourself how you can increase the efficiency of parking enforcement and guest permits with our Resident Experience Management solution.
Members of SFPMA their services are offered to our Management Industry.
SFPMA.ORG
Best Regards,

Charlote Alvarez

Business Development Representative — Concierge Plus
T: 305-850-7676 x114
charlote.alvarez@conciergeplus.com
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THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN

THEY DID NOT DIE IN VAIN

  • Posted: Jun 30, 2022
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When The Florida Legislature went home after the 2021 Legislative Session without passing a single change to Florida condominium safety laws, it was a slap in the face to the victims and their families. This firm was relentless and refused to give up.

We wrote the Governor’s Office demanding that this be corrected, we kept blasting Florida’s legislators on Television and of course on the Condo Craze and HOAs radio and YouTube show. We kept fighting the fight.
After all, we warned every member of The Florida Legislature in May of 2018, of the pending disaster that faces The State of Florida if mandatory reserves are not passed. It took the loss of 98 lives to get the laws changed, but this firm is so proud to say after massive public pressure, The Florida Legislature passed and The Governor signed the most dramatic changes to Florida Condominium Safety Laws ever passed in the history of the state.

This issue is devoted to teach all of you the massive changes to the laws that each and every condominium unit owner and especially, every single board must immediately learn and have respect for. No doubt that these laws will make it financially more difficult for many to purchase and many to even remain living in their condominium unit. Nonetheless, The Florida Legislature did the right thing and put lives and safety ahead of finances.

The face of Florida condominiums have changed forever. If you have questions or concerns, call us.

OUR BOARD CERTIFICATION COURSE IS BACK!!!

The law now provides that within 90 days of getting elected to a condominium or homeowner’s association Board
of Directors, you must get certified or you are removed from the Board. One way to get certified is by attending a
state approved course. Attorney Eric Glazer has designed a course that was approved by The DBPR, which allows
him to certify attendees as eligible to serve on a Florida condominium or HOA Board of Directors. See the list
below of classes you may register for. Eric is proud to have certified over 20,000 directors throughout the state.

Other Board Certification Classes –for Condos and HOAs
AUGUST 25TH – ON-LINE BY ZOOM — 6:00 P.M.

As to the Following, All Starting Times are 9:00 a.m. at the L&L Condo and HOA Expo:

October 4th – Palm Beach, The Palm Beach Convention Center
October 11th – Broward at The Signature Grand
October 12th –Brandenton, at The Bradenton Convention Center
October 17th – Orlando at The Orange County Convention Center
October 27th – Tampa at the Tampa Convention Center

Eric Glazer: Eric is a graduate of NYU and The University of Miami School of Law in 1992. Our firm is proud to announce that as of June 1st, 2018 Eric was part of the first ever group of attorneys in the state to
become Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law. Out of over 100,000 attorneys in the state, approximately 195 are Board Certified in this area. Eric was also certified by The Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Court Mediator in 2007. He is also a member of the New York, Washington D.C. and Tennessee Bar. Eric is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Arbitrator.

Richard Sachs has been practicing since 1994. He has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Court mediator since 2002. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator. Richard received the distinguished “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell in 2000 and has maintained that rating throughout his career. He is well respected by
his peers as demonstrated by his being named to the list of Florida Super Lawyers and the list of the South Florida Legal Guide’s Top Lawyers, both since 2011.

Pennie Mays is Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida
Bar. Pennie was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2005. She has spent her
16 year career representing associations against developers and
contractors and other commercial litigation.

Paul Kim is practicing since 2007. He devotes much of his time to
litigation in state and federal court and arbitration including but not
limited to service and emotional support animal issues, disability and
discrimination law, rule compliance and complex bankruptcy issues.
Our firm prides itself on our ability to represent associations
and their owners on all legal matters that come their way.

Whether it’s representation in the courtroom, in administrative hearings, attending your meetings, answering your calls, speaking with you on the radio or teaching you at our seminars, it is always an honor and a pleasure to serve
you.
Eric M. Glazer, Esquire

 

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THE NEW CONDO LAWS —- MANDATORY INSPECTIONS – PART ONE & PART TWO

THE NEW CONDO LAWS —- MANDATORY INSPECTIONS – PART ONE & PART TWO

  • Posted: Jun 14, 2022
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Let’s start discussing the new condominium laws that go into effect on July 1st.  We won’t cover them all in one week, so look forward to next week’s blog as well.

IF YOU HAVE A MANAGEMENT COMPANY the statute says:

If a community association manager or a community association management firm has a contract with a community association that has a building on the association’s property that is subject to s. 553.899, (the Mandatory Inspections statute) the community association manager or the community association management firm must comply with that section as directed by the board.

This is a weird provision to me.  Clearly, it’s warning managers and management companies to comply with the new mandatory inspection statute. But it also says “as directed by the board.”  What does that mean?  Suppose the board tells the manager that they are deliberately not complying with the new mandatory inspection statute? Does that get the management company off the hook?  Can the management company now sit back and do nothing?  I certainly don’t think that’s the intent of the statute, but it should definitely be clearer.  In any event, at least to me, the management company must not hinder the association’s efforts to comply with the new mandatory inspection statute.  If I were a manager or management company, I would document my efforts thru e-mails to all of the Board members urging them to comply and reminding them of their responsibility to comply with the new mandatory inspection requirements.

Remember, prior to this new law becoming effective, only Dade and Broward had mandatory / structural inspection requirements.  Wellwe now have in every Florida county something called milestone inspections — and there is part one and part two.

In every county in Florida, your first milestone/structural  inspection is after 30 years and every ten years thereafter.  But, if your condo is ON THE COAST or within three miles of the coast, your first milestone/structural inspection is AFTER TWENTY FIVE YEARS AND EVERY TEN YEARS THEREAFTER. And this applies to every condo or co-op that is three stories or more in height by December 31 of the year in which the building reaches 30 years of age

The structural inspection of a building, including an inspection of load-bearing walls and the primary structural members and primary structural systems, must be done by by a licensed architect or engineer authorized to practice in this state for the purposes of attesting to the life safety and adequacy of the structural components of the building and, to the extent reasonably possible, determining the general structural condition of the building as it affects the safety of such building, including a determination of any necessary maintenance, repair, or replacement of any structural component of the building.

If the building’s certificate of occupancy was issued on or before July 1, 1992, meaning that you are already 30 years old, the building’s initial milestone inspection must be performed before December 31, 2024.

 

Here is what’s required in a Phase One Inspection:

PHASE ONE  (a) For phase one of the milestone inspection, a licensed architect or engineer authorized to practice in this state shall perform a visual examination of habitable and nonhabitable areas of a building, including the major structural components of a building, and provide a qualitative assessment of the structural conditions of the building. If the architect or engineer finds no signs of substantial structural deterioration to any building components under visual examination, phase two of the inspection, as provided in paragraph (b), is not required.

In all candorin a post Champlain Towers worldif I’m the phase one guy — I don’t want to be sued for saying this building is in perfect shape and doesn’t even need a phase two inspection.  I think the Phase One Inspection will Always result in the First architect or engineer calling for a Phase Two study.  What does he or she have to lose?


MANDATORY BUILDING INSPECTIONS – PART TWO

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

So last week we discussed the fact that the change in the law will now require every condominium building in the state that is 3 stories or higher and at least 30 years old (25 years old if within 3 miles of the coast) to undergo a Phase One inspection, every 10 years, by a licensed architect or engineer who is looking for visual signs of structural damage to the building.

Now if I’m the guy doing the Phase One Inspection, it’s pretty likely that I’m going to find something that requires a Phase Two inspection.  Why not?  Is it worth the potential liability for saying the building is fine and then someone is injured or killed because of a structural defect?  Of course not.  So count on lots of Phase Two Inspections.  Here is what that entails:

 

PHASE TWO – Only If found to be necessary after the Phase One Inspection

(b) A phase two of the milestone inspection must be performed if any substantial structural deterioration is identified during phase one. A phase two inspection may involve destructive or nondestructive testing at the inspector’s direction. The inspection may be as extensive or as limited as necessary to fully assess areas of structural distress in order to confirm that the building is structurally sound and safe for its intended use and to recommend a program for fully assessing and repairing distressed and damaged portions of the building. When determining testing locations, the inspector must give preference to locations that are the least disruptive and most easily repairable while still being representative of the structure. An inspector who completes a phase two milestone inspection shall prepare and submit an inspection report pursuant to subsection (8).

(8) Upon completion of a phase one or phase two milestone inspection, the architect or engineer who performed the inspection must submit a sealed copy of the inspection report with a separate summary of, at minimum, the material findings and recommendations in the inspection report to the condominium association or cooperative association, and to the building official of the local government which has jurisdiction. The inspection report must, at a minimum, meet all of the following criteria:

(a) Bear the seal and signature, or the electronic signature, of the licensed engineer or architect who performed the inspection.

(b) Indicate the manner and type of inspection forming the basis for the inspection report.

(c) Identify any substantial structural deterioration, within a reasonable professional probability based on the scope of the inspection, describe the extent of such deterioration, and identify any recommended repairs for such deterioration.

(d) State whether unsafe or dangerous conditions, as those terms are defined in the Florida Building Code, were observed.

(e) Recommend any remedial or preventive repair for any items that are damaged but are not substantial structural deterioration.

(f) Identify and describe any items requiring further inspection.

THE ASSOCIATION’S RESPONSIBILITY

(9) The association must distribute a copy of the inspector-prepared summary of the inspection report to each condominium unit owner or cooperative unit owner, regardless of the findings or recommendations in the report, by United States mail or personal delivery and by electronic transmission to unit owners who previously consented to receive notice by electronic transmission; must post a copy of the inspector-prepared summary in a conspicuous place on the condominium or cooperative property; and must publish the full report and inspector prepared summary on the association’s website, if the association is required to have a website.

 (10) A local enforcement agency may prescribe timelines and penalties with respect to compliance with this section.

(11) A board of county commissioners may adopt an ordinance requiring that a condominium or cooperative association schedule or commence repairs for substantial structural deterioration within a specified timeframe after the local enforcement agency receives a phase two inspection report; however, such repairs must be commenced within 365 days after receiving such report. If an association fails to submit proof to the local enforcement agency that repairs have been scheduled or have commenced for substantial structural deterioration identified in a phase two inspection report within the required timeframe, the local enforcement agency must review and determine if the building is unsafe for human occupancy.

The bottom line is that if forced to do a Phase One inspection, you can ensure you will be required to do a Phase Two Inspection.  The Phase Two Inspection will be costly and the architect or engineer performing the study has full reign over the property.  What they say needs fixing, needs fixing.  And what do they have to lose in stating that certain structural repairs should be made?  On the other hand, they have a lot to lose if they don’t recommend a fix and catastrophe strikes.  Rest assured that Phase Two Study will require repairs and they won’t come cheap.

 

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“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”

“Why does our HOA need a lake management company?”
Sometimes, aquatic management is viewed as a frivolous or unnecessary expense for a community. “My lake looks fine, why should I pay to have someone take care of it?” Unfortunately, that assessment is rarely made taking into account the whole water body.
Most people that live on lakes also see them differently than someone who maintains them. The difference is homeowners tend to look “at” the water, where as waterway managers look “in” the water. Too often people put off lake maintenance until they see a problem and weed populations have already become established. Long term management at that point becomes more expensive and time consuming, with total elimination of the problem almost impossible.
An important fact that many overlook is that the lakes on their property serve another purpose other than a nice view. They are actually man made stormwater retention areas . When communities are built, the lakes are carefully designed to hold a certain amount of stormwater. Water bodies filled with weeds no longer have the correct capacity, potentially causing neighborhood flooding during storms. Algae is another constant nuisance in South Florida lakes. Because of our warm waters and long sunny seasons, algae can spread very rapidly and unpredictably.
As a property owner or property manager, it’s valuable to have a company that will respond to these unexpected outbreaks. Every lake matures differently, and it takes a combination of experience and expertise to maintain a healthy balance as changes occur.
Allstate Resource Management’s staff is always there to answer your questions and works to ensure excellent results in any lake management situation. 
Contact us today on how we can help your community lake!
Direct: 954-382-9766

 

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Discover how to proactively manage your water…Stay Ahead of Algae & Enjoy Beautiful Water

Discover how to proactively manage your water…Stay Ahead of Algae & Enjoy Beautiful Water

  • Posted: Jun 14, 2022
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Neglecting to stay on top of water quality issues may require reactive management approaches like herbicides and algaecides. Though these tools are effective, they are only treating the symptom of a bigger issue…

Proactive, natural solutions like aeration or beneficial buffers can help balance water quality, giving you the beautiful, clean water you deserve to enjoy.

Managing Nuisance Pond Algae Without Algaecides

Written by Industry Expert Gavin Ferris, Ecologist 

I frequently use herbicides and algaecides in my line of work. Having attended college and graduate school to be an Ecologist, it isn’t something I thought I would do very often, but with the frequency of environmental problems that involve invasive flora, nuisance aquatic weeds and potentially-toxic algae, EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides are an invaluable tool. There are, however, times when their use is impractical, imprudent, illegal or impossible. Maybe the HOA or property manager prefers that herbicides not be applied to nearby waters. Perhaps the regulatory bodies in a given area aren’t permitting the use of certain products. Whatever the reason, sometimes this option just isn’t on the table. But how do we effectively manage algae and aquatic weeds without herbicides and algaecides?

I employ a simple concept that I call the algae triangle, though it works for all forms of vegetation.If you had the same fire safety lessons in elementary school, you may remember the Fire Triangle, which is based on the idea that three elements are necessary for fire: fuel, oxygen and heat. If you have enough of all three, you’ll ignite a fire. Eliminate any corner of the triangle, and the fire goes out. Similarly, if you have water, sunlight and nutrients, you’ll likely develop some form of algae or vegetation. If the triangle becomes too imbalanced, the resulting plant species can become a nuisance.

Obviously, in the lake management and pond maintenance field, we aren’t removing water from the equation, so establishing balance between each factor is the focus. Putting this concept into practice means understanding how sunlight and nutrients affect the ecology of the waterbody in question. Communities have several natural options to help mitigate against algae and aquatic weed growth, including limiting sunlight, improving water circulation and reducing excess nutrients.

How Algae and Nuisance Weeds Thrive

If a stormwater pond receives full sunlight during the growing season, this directly impacts plants and algae by increasing water temperatures and providing the light necessary for photosynthesis. To prevent sunlight from penetrating the water column and stimulating the growth of deep submersed plants and benthic algae, water levels can be increased. Dredging is an effective strategy to increase the depth of a lake or pond, however, it is often the costliest project a community will ever face. Instead, proactive hydro-raking can help maintain existing water depths and prolong the need for dredging by removing unconsolidated muck and organic debris from the bottom of a lake or stormwater pond. Likewise, blue or black pond dye can be applied to reflect sunlight. Pond dye can enhance the aesthetics of a waterbody while simultaneously absorbing sunlight before it can penetrate the waterbody and fuel excessive plant growth.

In addition to thriving in water that receives lots of sunlight, algae and nuisance weeds also flourish in stratified waterbodies. A stagnant, sun-warmed layer floating on top of colder, deeper water can serve as a perfect habitat for undesirable species. Circulation with a diffused aeration system breaks this stratification and allows the water to mix more evenly, resulting in more consistent temperatures and less warming in the sunlit portions of the water. Aeration is also effective at improving the health of an aquatic ecosystem in a number of other ways, such as preventing oxygen depletion and fish kills, improving beneficial bacteria levels, and preventing the release of excess nutrients from the sediment. This brings us to the real meat and potatoes of preventative maintenance: nutrient management.

Managing Excess Nutrients in the Water

Phosphorus is the most important nutrient contributing to excess vegetation in lakes and stormwater ponds, and it can enter the water column in runoff containing lawn fertilizers, grass clippings, pet droppings, and waste from faulty septic systems. A number of nutrient reduction strategies should be considered if water quality tests reveal nutrient levels are too high. A professional lake manager can apply beneficial bacteria to the waterbody to utilize nutrients that would otherwise be available for plant and algae growth. Water quality can also be amended by using products that bind with phosphorus to keep it from becoming fuel for nuisance plants. Additionally, strategically planting desirable buffer vegetation around the shore of the waterbody can help to intercept phosphorus before it enters the water and is absorbed by unwanted vegetation. Your lake manager can help identify buffer plants that are native to your region.

When it comes to quickly and effectively managing nuisance aquatic weeds and algae, EPA-registered herbicides and algaecides can be very useful, and in many instances, they are the safest and most practical option available. Nonetheless, natural and proactive pond maintenance techniques can be tremendously effective at improving the health and appearance of almost any community waterbody before a problem occurs, which is why it’s important for homeowners associations and property managers to consider sustainable and holistic plant management methods whenever possible.

SCHEDULE AN ASSESSMENT

SOLitude Lake Management
Josh McGarry
Business Development Consultant
SOLitude Lake Management
Info@solitudelake.com
(888)480-5253

 

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Tune into Condo Craze and HOAs – Sunday at 11 am ON 850 WFTL OR ON YOU TUBE

Tune into Condo Craze and HOAs – Sunday at 11 am ON 850 WFTL OR ON YOU TUBE

  • Posted: Jun 11, 2022
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Tune into Condo Craze and HOAs – Sunday at 11 am ON 850 WFTL OR ON YOU TUBE

WELCOME TO OUR SHOW NOW ALSO BEING BROADCAST LIVE ON YouTube ON THE CONDO CRAZE AND HOAs CHANNEL! JUST CLICK THE YouTube PICTURE AND MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT THE NEW LAWS REQUIRING RESERVES.

YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR THIS MASSIVE CHANGE IN FLORIDA LAW.WE WILL TAKE YOUR CALLS AND ANSWER YOUR CONDO AND HOA QUESTIONS THROUGHOUT THE HOUR. CALL US AT 877-850-8585 DURING THE SHOW.

TAKING YOUR CALLS ON WHATEVER TOPIC YOU NEED ANSWERS TO OR WHATEVER YOU NEED TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST.

Watch the show this Sunday

 

Statutory Meeting Requirements by Becker

Statutory Meeting Requirements by Becker

  • Posted: Jun 11, 2022
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Many condominium and homeowners’ associations’ activities are required to have a certain amount of transparency.

One way that association activities are made transparent is through statutory provisions requiring most kinds of meetings to be open and noticed to the membership. In fact, applicable laws governing the operation of condominium and homeowners’ associations allow board members to communicate by email but prohibits them from voting on issues by email.

Notably, a gathering of a quorum of board members to conduct association business is considered a board meeting (whether taking place in person or by real-time electronic means) and is required to be noticed and open to association members. However, two important exceptions apply. Namely, meetings of the board or an association committee at which the association’s attorney is participating for the purpose of rendering advice upon proposed or pending litigation are not required to be open to association members. Similarly, board meetings held to discuss personnel matters are also not required to be open to association members.

Association members are entitled to speak at open meetings on “designated items” (HOA) or an item on the agenda in a condominium. However, the rights of members to speak at meetings is subject to any rules adopted by the association governing the frequency, duration, and manner of member statements. The right to attend open meetings includes the right to tape record or videotape them, as long as such recording activity is not disruptive. Furthermore, the Division of Florida Condominiums has adopted rules regarding recording condominium association meetings (found in Fla. Admin. Code Rule 61B-23.002(10)), and the Homeowners’ Association Act provides that homeowners’ associations may adopt their own pertaining to recording homeowners’ association meetings.

As such, there are statutory meeting requirements that must be followed for board meetings which must be kept in mind when an association is adopting or changing its procedures. Failing to follow the basic statutory requirements may result in problems. Questions about board meetings, committee meetings, which have their own set of requirements, and members’ meetings should be directed to legal counsel for guidance.