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Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry.
EPISODE 8: THE RULES ARE DIFFERENT HERE Almost a year after the tragic fall of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, the Florida Legislature has done nothing to prevent another disaster. It’s an approach often taken in Tallahassee: Miami-Dade County’s problems are its own to fix. But the flaws at Champlain South aren’t necessarily limited to Miami-Dade, or even Florida. They could be present in older waterfront buildings around the world.
Episode 8: The Rules Are Different Here of Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, a new podcast from Miami Herald/Treefort Media, shows listeners how the long-term consequences of the deadly accident are still up in the air — and explores how previous decades of inaction by lawmakers and the Champlain South condo board contributed to the collapse.
When lakes and ponds exhibit problems like algae, aquatic weeds, bad odors, cloudiness, or muck development, it can prevent us from benefiting from the connection with nature that our waterbodies provide. Aquatic experts use a variety of techniques to diagnose the underlying issue. One of the most important tools is water quality testing. By analyzing water samples in a professional laboratory, scientists can identify the chemical imbalances that are preventing you from enjoying your waterbody to the fullest. Once data is collected, experts will implement tailored management solutions to restore the balance and beauty of the ecosystem. One natural and highly effective solution is Alum.
Alum has been a long-standing tool in our toolbox of lake and pond management solutions—and is a particular favorite of professionals who strive to use only sustainable maintenance practices. Alum (also known as Aluminum Sulfate) is used in a wide array of industries and applications such as drinking water management and wastewater treatments. In the lake and pond management industry, Alum is used to reset the chemical balance of aquatic environments to improve water quality. When water quality is enhanced, it creates an environment that is less hospitable to algae, nuisance weeds, and toxic cyanobacteria.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lake and pond management. This means that Alum may not be the right solution for each and every waterbody. Water quality tests help us understand the problems occurring under the surface and make this decision. Most often, Alum is deployed when water quality tests reveal unusually high levels of nutrients like Phosphorus, which is typically the root cause of undesirable organic growth.
Alum is applied to lakes and ponds as a white, powdery substance. As the Alum mixes into the water column, it binds with free-reactive nutrients, creating a cloudy trail behind the boat or a specially-designed application barge. After a short period of time, the particles sink to the bottom where they will remain inactive. Alum is considered very safe when applied by a professional and provides fast-acting results that can last for years. Almost immediately after an application is complete, the water column will become more clear. Over the course of days and weeks, the water quality improves.
Once the waterbody is restored to more balanced conditions, it’s important to prevent future nutrient loading by addressing the external sources of Phosphorus. Trash, pet waste, fertilizers, motor oil, sewage, and yard waste are often to blame. They can flow into lakes and ponds during rainstorms. Rainfall and weather events can also damage the shoreline, causing nutrient-rich soil and plant matter to crumble into the water. Stakeholders can slow this problem by establishing a robust vegetative buffer around the shoreline. Professionals recommend using native plants that grow approximately 18 inches high and develop complex root systems to naturally hold soil in place. If shorelines have sustained significant damage over the years, it may be necessary to completely rebuild them using bioengineered mesh technology that can be seeded with the grass and buffer plants following installation.
Alum is not the only natural substance that removes nutrients in the water column. Solutions like Phoslock and EuroSORB work similarly to target Phosphorus.
Phoslock is a lanthanum-modified clay that binds with excess phosphorus, chemically changing its composition so that they can no longer support weeds and algae. EutroSORB, on the other hand, is a filtration technology that captures nutrients in the water column. It is particularly effective in waterbodies with significant movement and mixing, such as stormwater ponds, streams, and canals. Once the filter is fully saturated with phosphorus, it is pulled from the water for disposal. In some cases, experts may also choose to use an aqueous form of EutroSORB that can be poured or sprayed on the surface, or applied via subsurface injection.
Your lake and pond management professional may consider a number of factors when choosing which of these three nutrient remediation products to implement. These may include your waterbody’s size, location, use, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, muck level, and degree of water movement.
The well-being of our aquatic environments reflects our own. Science shows that humans are happier, healthier, and more relaxed when spending time around beautiful water. Nutrients are the building blocks that help create these amazing ecosystems that delight us, but it’s necessary to maintain them at balanced levels as nature intended. Alum is one of many eco-friendly tools employed through an annual maintenance program. Like most solutions, it is most effective when used proactively. Click to learn more about the benefits of Alum and the important role it plays in a year-round management plan.
Tags: Lake Management Articles
Your one stop shop provider for closing all your open building permit needs, providing all the disciplines necessary to close out open permits. We are the leading professionals in the South Florida area including Broward County, Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County.
Aruba Permit Services
1413 South Powerline Road
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Email: info@aruba-services.com
Phone: (954) 786-7292
Think you know what community association life is all about? Think again. Residents must obey the rules, directors must follow the law, and managers must keep it all running smoothly. Take It to the Board explores the reality of life in a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Leading community association attorney Donna DiMaggio Berger acknowledges the balancing act without losing her sense of humor as she talks with a variety of association leaders, experts, and vendors about the challenges and benefits of the community association lifestyle.
If you’ve got a question, Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger – We Speak Condo & HOA!
Episodes are available for subscription on iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, or listen through any podcast streaming app.
Wetlands are frequently mandated by state and county statute. When you work with Allstate, you can be assured that we are following all regulations and mandates for wetland preserves and wetland management in South Florida.
Did you know! In Florida there are more 400 water recycling projects, making our state a national leader in the use of reclaimed water. The treatment process eliminates harmful substances, but leaves traces of nitrogen and phosphorous that act as fertilizers when reclaimed water is applied to lawns and landscape. Reclaimed water can cause spikes in algae growth on lakes.
Call us at 954-382-9766 for more information on causes for algae growth
Allstate Resource Management has over 25 years of experience in maintaining the health of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater systems. We have continued since our inception to be the leader in resource management. Our services include lake management, wetland management, stormwater drain cleaning and maintenance, erosion control, fish stocking, native plantings, debris removal, water quality, aquatic pest control, and upland management. All of our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified in order to meet the strict standards imposed by governmental agencies. This ensures that your property will be treated by only the most competent individuals who are proud of the services we render.
In addition to providing a healthy habitat, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of beautiful color lit fountains, bringing beauty and enjoyment to any lake or pond.
We also offer support services for property managers and HOA’s including educational presentations and CEU programs. Our approved courses offer continuing education credit to CAMs. Find us on the SFPMA Members Directory.
Colleen Sullivan
Marketing Manager
www.allstatemanagement.com
6900 SW 21st Court, Building #9
Davie, Florida 33317
Phone: (954) 382-9766
Lee Composites, Inc. has been supplying thousands of SuperHanger(TM) patented PVC Pipe Hanger Systems t0 Condominiums throughout Florida for over 27yrs now. It is by far the most popular pipe hanger system on the market, replacing rusted steel pipe hangers. Contact us now before problems occur.
Regards, Bob Lee- President
Lee Composites, Inc.
PO Box 130363
The Woodlands, TX 77393
281-782-2477
by VANDELAY COMMUNICATIONS LLC
2022 is looking to be the year of the Electric Vehicle. Whether you like the idea of switching from ICE (internal Combustion Engines) to EV (Electric Vehicles) or not….they are coming and in droves.
Almost every major auto manufacturer is bringing an EV to market this coming year and from the looks of it, the wave will be small at first, but tremendous by 2023. What this means for Residential Condos and apartments, especially in High Rise buildings with limited parking, is you must be planning for it now.
Our company is already working with several Florida Management companies to bring state of the art EV charging equipment to their properties. Up until lately a lot of buildings have been allowing residents to add their own “outlet” or charger to their parking space. What this has done has taxed the electric panel to full capacity as well as contributed to a much higher electric bill because there is no control over demand charges as well as the inability to know exactly what someone is using by way of kilowatt hours.
The equipment today can offer several huge advantages to circumvent all the problems and headaches associated with EV charging as well as bring a new revenue stream to your property. the units today offer the capability to have a totally hands off approach and allow for this new stream of revenue. 90% of all EV vehicles are charging from home. Having this ability, brings value to the property by way of higher rents, higher sales prices of units and no drain on the HOAs funds except for the initial buildout which is paid back over time through correct set up of the systems financial utilities tools.
For more information or a personal presentation please contact us.
STEVEN T. MILANA
Executive Vice President of Development
Vandelay Communications LLC
“Veteran Owned Small Business”
Office: 480-805-1962
Cell: 954-214-2590
steve@vandelaycommunications.com
When you’re in the service industry, nothing is more important than keeping your clients happy. Entrepreneurs are married to their business, right? Well, your clients are your wife, and a happy wife is a happy life. Some people naturally excel in customer service. They have more empathy, listen better, and were born kind to the core. God bless them. Others, like me, have to develop a knack for customer service and find ways to fight the urge to… well, punch someone in the face.
Remember YOU can send SFPMA Articles, Sales, Projects We will send to Clients all over Florida. A a member of SFPMA you should get involved and make the most of your membership. ideas: post articles, share your membership page, Log into the members portal for your own marketing ( Use the listed Managers List and let them also know what you do and how you can help them, We send to them all the time (over 230,000 emails sent in our weekly Email Blast to clients/members all over Florida, Is your information part of them?.)
Topping off the list is this old adage, I’m sure you’ve heard it before. Humans naturally overestimate themselves when it comes to doing work. They see a task or think about how long it will take and respond in kind. What we fail to think about are all the other things we need to get done, or the distractions we face on a regular basis. If you think you can get something done in one day, tell them it will take one week. If you finish in a day, they will be pleasantly surprised.
This is related to #1, but I’d like to focus more on the process. Having a process and explaining this to your clients from the start is the best way to manage expectations. If you don’t want your clients to call you every day or every hour, you should tell them from the beginning how client communication works — that you will have weekly or bi-weekly calls and other questions can be submitted via email. If you don’t want to go back and forth over design changes forever, tell them from the beginning that they have 2 rounds of feedback, and anything above that will be billed hourly.
Everyone thinks that your clients come to you because you’re the expert. You should have all the answers, and that’s why they hired you. The truth is, you may be great at what you do, but you do not have all the answers. Things are constantly changing and your client may learn about something before you do. That’s okay. If you’re ever in a situation where you don’t know something, say “I don’t know, but let me do my research and get back to you.”
My grandmother used to say, “If it’s a problem that can be solved with money, it’s not really a problem.” Growing up I’d hear this a lot, but it took me 8 years in business to really grasp what this meant. It took experience.
Early on, if a client was unhappy or didn’t feel that I was adding enough value, I’d say something like “Well, I’m sorry you feel that way, I’ll try and do better, but I did the work so pay me”. I know you’ve been there, but believe me when I tell this will create friction in the relationship and potentially lose you a client for life. The better response is “I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m happy to refund you your money for the last month and we can find someone that may be a better fit.” Chances are they will appreciate the humility and decide to keep working with you. It works like a charm.
Becoming friends with my clients is something I’ve put a lot of emphasis on because I’ve witnessed the power of this first hand. Nearly all of my clients would call me a friend today, and that’s because I stay up on what’s going on in their personal lives. Are they taking a trip? Do they have a girlfriend, or are they married with kids? What other projects are they working on? When you know this information, you can start every call or meeting with a personal touch, immediately changing the tone of the conversation from a business meeting, to a relaxed conversation between partners.
“How you think about your customers influences how you respond to them.” — Marilyn Suttle
One of my personal favorite client interactions is sharing valuable content from credible sources with my clients. If I learn something new in one of the email digests I receive (Product Hunt, Launch, Morning Brew) that relates to their market or industry, I share it with them. It lets them know that a) I’m always learning about my industry, and b) I’m thinking about them. It could spark a conversation that could lead to new work or a shift in strategy, but either way, it brings you a little closer together.
The key to a positive relationship is communication. I like to schedule calls with all of my clients either every week or every month, and set some touch points to reach out to them randomly to catch up. We even tried creating an app for this call KIT List (Keep In Touch), which send you reminders to call your clients. Ask them how they feel about the service you’re providing, on a scale from 1–10, and if it’s not a 10, ask what you can do to make it a 10.
Tags: SFPMA Articles
A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a private body made up of members of society who own property within a common area, led by an elected board of volunteers. The association’s main objective is to grow and add value to the property by protecting communal regions and setting rules and regulations.
Different organizations have rules that members must adhere to regarding architectural amusements like fences, swimming pools, entrances, exterior home designs, and HOA.
The HOA makes homeowners and buyers appreciate their surroundings and ensures that lawns are cut and home exteriors remain attractive. Although some rules and regulations may seem challenging, members who comply with them reap significant rewards from the association.
HOA violations are practices that go contrary to the set covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) set by the association. They include:
Having unkempt, overgrown, and heavily weeded lawns would be a crime for any property owner. They also consider using trees taller than the recommended height and color for fencing an offense.
You can avoid landscaping violations by following the set rules, such as maintaining well-kept and clean lawns and ensuring the fence trees are within the required height, such as 5 feet maximum. In addition, use drip irrigation and controlled sprinklers on lawns and along sidewalks.
It is considered a crime for group members to play loud music between the evening and early morning. Additionally, it is against the HOA rules and regulations for members to hold social gatherings between the restricted hours or even have guests in parking areas, playing deafening music and making loud noises during odd hours.
Like many cities and counties, the HOA adheres to noise ordinances enacted for the benefit of its members. Property owners should constantly refer to the rules on noise pollution management to ensure that they give their neighbors and the general community peaceful nights and calm mornings.
Residents will break HOA rules by parking non-permitted vessels on the streets or driveways, such as boats or commercial autos. Driving outside of designated locations or exceeding the speed limit in congested regions is also deemed a crime.
Members must follow established area speed restrictions, parking rules in defined zones, and the types of vessels permitted to park on the land and along the streets.
Residents love pets, and some consider them family. Therefore, the HOA has rules on the types of pets and areas where pets can and can’t walk, leash dogs, or pick up pets. Every resident must not violate the pet restrictions and rules. Otherwise, the HOA and neighbors may not be remorseful for such offenses.
Members need to know the number of pets per homestead, the good breeds and weights, and the law on picking up after the pets.
Renting or leasing out different places on the property to get extra money may violate the association’s bylaws. State, federal, and sometimes local regulations govern and supersede HOA operations. With this in mind, they establish regulatory standards with other organizations, such as housing insurance companies.
Insurance companies determine the occupant-to-rented property ratio. As a result, property owners need to acquire written permission from the HOA before subletting their properties.
Poor waste management and careless placement of trash and dust bins on the property are considered violations. It is an HOA offense to leave the receptacle bins outside during non-collection hours, in front of people’s homes, or inconspicuous spots. They detract from the value of a property.