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The association suddenly needs a lot of money. How do you get it? Which way makes sense?

The association suddenly needs a lot of money. How do you get it? Which way makes sense?

  • Posted: Oct 29, 2021
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The association suddenly needs a lot of money. How do you get it? Which way makes sense?

So many of our buildings are approaching the 40 year mark, requiring recertification in electrical and structural.  Many buildings are younger yet still need major repairs to the concrete, balconies, pool decks and other portions of the common elements.  The board is going to need a lot of money.  Assuming you don’t have enough in reserves, how do you get it?

Of course, one way is to simply pass a special assessment.  In effect, that means that you will have all the money necessary to pay for all the repairs, before the repairs are done.  The problem with a special assessment…………. Everyone has to come up with a lot of money relatively quickly, if not immediately.  Some people simply don’t have it.  If they don’t they face possible foreclosure by the association.

What is certainly becoming the more common way of coming up with money to make repairs to the common elements is for the association to borrow the money from a bank.  Rates are still very low and money is very cheap right now.  Typically, the bank gives the association a line of credit for one year that the association may draw upon to pay for the cost of repairs.  After one year, the funds borrowed from the line of credit are converted to a term loan, usually anywhere from three to seven years.

There are of course many advantages to borrowing rather than assessing.  First and foremost, the owners need not come up with their entire share of the special assessment immediately.  Instead, they get to pay off the bank loan over several years.  In addition, the board can establish payment schedules that would allow the owners to have a choice of paying their share of the loan off immediately and without interest.  Or, the board can allow the owners to pay off their share of the loan over time, with interest.

Before signing for the loan, the bank will always ask association’s counsel to review the governing documents and write an “opinion  of counsel” as to whether or not the association has the right to borrow money.  Under the Florida not for profit statutes, the association has the right to borrow.  However, the governing documents should be read carefully because sometimes it clearly states that the association cannot borrow money without a vote of the community.

In terms of collateral, the association is not signing a mortgage encumbering the common elements.  Remember, the common elements are owned by the owners and not the association.  Instead, the association will be signing a Collateral Assignment of Lien Rights which authorizes the bank to demand the monthly assessments directly from each unit owner, should the association default in its payment obligations to the bank.

If you have any additional questions about how the process works, give us a call.  By Eric Glazer, Esq  http://condocrazeandhoas.com/

 

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Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. by Smart Entry Systems

Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. by Smart Entry Systems

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2021
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Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7.

Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.

Watch our Video

 

please check if your question is already covered by the below Frequently Asked Questions list:

  1. How many residence units can this system support?
    • Unlimited, our system is hosted in Google cloud with infinite expandability.
  2. How many buildings can this system support?
    • Unlimited, and no additional monthly fees are required for having multiple buildings.
  3. How many doors or gates can this system support?
    • Unlimited and no additional monthly fees are required for having multiple doors or gates.
  4. Do I get software upgrades when new features are released?
    • Yes, some new features will be free upgrades while other optional services can cost extra. Critical updates are pushed to the tablets automatically as they become available.
  5. How many residents can access the system?
    • We do not set any limit, but the average US household size is 2.2 including kids, so the total number of residents should be around 2.2 times the number of reported units. We may investigate properties with inconceivably high resident to unit ratios to make sure the number of units reported to us is correct.
  6. Do you sell the tablet, the wireless relay, the electric strike, the maglock, etc?
    • No, we do not sell ANY hardware directly as this system is based on an open platform concept using commonly available hardware components.  You can find direct purchase links to the various component suppliers on our Tutorial page. Please contact us if you would also like to be a supplier of ours.
  7. Can I use an iPad as the entrance tablet?
    • No, Android tablets are much more cost effective and comes in a much wider variety of models.
  8. Does each resident need to purchase any additional hardware to access the system?
    • No, they only need a smartphone (iOS or Android) and download our free app to receive video calls.  Non-smartphone and landline users will receive voice only calls and press *1 to open grant access.
  9. How does the resident or visitor open the door?
    • At the door, by entering their numberic access code or scanning their QR Code.
    • At the door, depending on the type of reader installed using one or more of the following credentials:
      • Touchless RFID credentials such as a key card, key fob, sticker.
      • Wireless credentials such as Bluetooth, NFC tags.
      • Biometric identifiers such as fingerprint, vein, retina.
      • There are many reader choices avaiable on the market and we support all of them that complies to the Wiegand standard.
    • When called by their visitor and is using a smartphone, by pressing the Open Door button on the app.
    • When called by their visitor and is NOT using a smartphone, by pressing *1 on their phone’s numeric keypad.
  10. Do you support both the iPhone and Android phones?
    • Yes, our free phone app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
  11. Which tablet do you recommend?
  12. How do I mount the tablet to the wall?
    • We have partnered with several enclosure makers to provide various tablet mounting enclosures. Please see our Tutorial page for more info. Please contact us if you would also like to be a supplier of ours.
  13. How do I prevent users from existing the tablet entry app?
    • The Android tablet is set to Kiosk mode, only our Entry App running on the foreground is accessible.
  14. How hot can the temperature get before the system shuts down?
    • The tablet manufacturers rated the tablet’s operating temperatures from 32F to 105F.  We have tested our system up to 115F but recommends adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested temperatures.  If the entry box will be directly exposed to the sun, you will need to install a hood to protect the box from overheating. Please see our Tutorial page for more info. Here is our High Temperature Testing Video 1 and High Temperature Testing Video 2.
    • For locations colder than 32F, a Thin Film Heater and a thermometer relay is required to prevent controller shutdown. Please see our Tutorial page for more info.
  15. How do I prevent theft and vandalism of the tablet?
    • You can use any Android tablet, some models are more vandal proof than others. You can also add tempered glass screen protectors to further protect the tablet. However, nothing can give you 100% protection to purposeful vandalism such as a swing from a baseball bat, this is also true for any other entry systems on the market. Our system allows you to replace a damaged tablet very quickly and inexpensively while replacement parts from other proprietary manufactured units can be very expensive and you must wait for a trained professional to replace the damaged parts, adding more costs and prolonged system downtime. Adding a surveillance camera system is a great way to deter vandalism.
  16. How do I manage the residents, entries, schedules and access rules?
    • The full functionality of the system is managed by accessing our cloud based Community Management Portal from anywhere with Internet.
  17. What is the HTML code to incorporate the Community Manager into my website for private labeling?
    • <iframe width=”1024″ height=”768″ frameborder=”0″ src=”https://manage.smartentrysystems.com”></iframe>
    • Here is a sample HTML file containing the code: Private Label
  18. What happens to the controller when the Internet goes down?
    • The ability for the tablet to make calls will be disabled, however, existing access codes, QR codes, cards and fobs will continue to work as usual. No updates to access codes, QR, codes, cards, fobs, schedules, and residents can be sent to the tablet by our cloud server until your Internet connection is restored.
  19. The $50 minimum monthly fee is still too much for my tiny project, can I get the system for free?
    • Yes, if your tiny project only requires a maximum of just 5 residents or less, the demo account is completely functional and 100% free to use. We hope that you will bring us larger projects in the future.
  20. Will you support Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi®, Lutron® Clear Connect® based devices?
    • Possibly, this feature is under review and is being considered for future development.
  21. Can you add this special feature that I must have in order to sell this system to my customer?
    • Maybe, please contact us and describe your feature requirement below.

You can also email us directly at Info@SmartEntrySystems.com

 

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Lighting of Tomorrow is a full-service electrician company, we specialize in all commercial, industrial, HOA & Condo services.

Lighting of Tomorrow is a full-service electrician company, we specialize in all commercial, industrial, HOA & Condo services.

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2021
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LED Lighting , Energy Savings and Electrical Services for Commercial , HOA & Condo Properties

Lighting of Tomorrow is a full-service electrician company for the South Florida Area. We specialize in all commercial, industrial, HOA & Condo services and are guaranteed to leave you satisfied with our electrical work.

Our team consists of certified electricians who know the ins and outs of superior service and unbeatable customer care. We also specialize on renewable and energy-efficient product and services that facilitates the switch from outdated, inefficient lighting to state-of-the-art LED technology. We offer lighting design, inspections, installation, & maintenance.

 

Electrical Areas Of Expertise

  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • Turnkey Lighting Installations
  • Lighting and Energy Audits
  • New Lighting Installations
  • Surge Protection Systems
  • New Construction
  • New electrical installations
  • Transformer Maintenance & Repair
  • Existing electrical repairs.
  • Installation of UPS/Generator Systems
  • Bulbs and ballast replacements
  • PLC Installations
  • Fuse replacements
  • Preventive Maintenance on Switchgear
  • Surge protector installations
  • Panel upgrades
  • Flat Rate Service Fees
  • Expert troubleshooting
  • 24 Hour Emergency Service
  • Commercial electric
  • New Commercial, and Industrial wiring
  • Solar energy panel installations
  • Rewiring and Remodeling
  • Generator backup systems
  • Electric Circuit Testing
  • Design and permits.
  • Indoor & Outdoor Accent & Security Lighting
  • Energy Analysis Audit
  • Control Wiring

 

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Top 4 Things to Consider When Budgeting for Lake Management by SOLitude

Top 4 Things to Consider When Budgeting for Lake Management by SOLitude

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2021
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Top 4 Things to Consider When Budgeting for Lake Management

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Lakes and ponds are multifaceted ecosystems with a wide array of uses, benefits, and challenges. If you oversee waterbodies for a community association, golf course, municipality, or any other entity, you know that many factors must be examined when making decisions about the property. As the number of stakeholders increases, so does the number of opinions.

Lake management professionals often encounter these situations. To help decision-makers choose lake management solutions and maintenance strategies that satisfy as many stakeholders as possible, it’s advantageous to start by considering four overarching factors:

 

Stakeholder goals - on the job- team picture - meeting with clients - event - solution

#1: Stakeholder Goals

A decorative pond is very distinct from an aquatic preserve, and both of these are vastly different from a productive trophy fishery or a large drinking water reservoir. Likewise, each of these waterbodies may serve multiple purposes. A community pond, for example, is aesthetically pleasing, but may also contain important equipment for stormwater collection. A reservoir sustains our communities and also likely functions as an exciting spot for boating and recreation. Making simple choices about the removal of aquatic plant species or adjusting water chemistry can require overwhelming input with dozens of goals in mind.

How do you meet in the middle? This is where it’s important to confer with a lake manager who specializes in the “human dimension” of goal setting. It’s unlikely that polar opposite goals can be achieved, but by collecting diverse input, thoroughly evaluating goals, and educating stakeholders about the various paths to achieve them, it is possible to find areas of unforeseen compromise and greater potential for success.

Waterbody characteristics - water testing water quality on the job team photo smiling colleague - scenic lake

#2: Waterbody Characteristics

All lakes and ponds are different, whether they are located in separate states or right next to one another. Like a snowflake, a multitude of details come together to create a one-of-a-kind entity. These include the waterbody’s location, size, depth, age, the presence of invasive species, land use, and the level of surrounding pollution – and can go far beyond that.

Before moving forward with any kind of lake or pond maintenance strategy, it’s vital to collect data that reveals both the visible and unseen characteristics of the water resource. Laboratory testing, bathymetric mapping, surveillance, and other data gathering techniques can be used to inform the creation of a customized management program that maps out the path to success. Some goals may be simple to achieve while others require a more rigorous approach, but this can only be determined when accurate data is available.

lake and pond maintenance timing - hydro-raking and dredging

#3: Timing

Just as physical factors can influence a waterbody, so can elements like weather, temperature, rainfall, and even the season. These conditions can have dramatic, almost immediate effects on a waterbody by altering water chemistry, expediting erosion, causing fish kills, and more. The time of year may also exacerbate existing problems or create new ones without warning.

No matter your goal, timing will be a large factor in the planning and implementation process. For instance, lakes and ponds that require muck removal will often wait until the cooler months to complete hydro-raking or dredging projects in order to minimize down-time. And, nuisance algae and toxic cyanobacteria can be more effectively thwarted with proactive nutrient remediation projects before summer weather is in full swing. By understanding the importance of well-timed management projects, you can better budget for them.

scenic lake and pond, looking out at lake, clients enjoying waterbody, team on the job budget

#4: Budget

Budget is often a limiting factor for stakeholders and it can be even more difficult to get all decision-makers on board with the prioritization of lake and pond management. It’s beneficial to create a comprehensive road map built on the aquatic characteristics, the timing of necessary services, and the long-term goals and expectations for the waterbody. With a clear, well-informed plan on hand, the benefits and upfront costs can be more accurately evaluated and conveyed.

On paper, smaller upfront maintenance costs seem more appealing, but they can also be extremely misleading. Though safe and effective, EPA-registered pesticides do not make algae or weeds disappear forever; they simply mask a problem that will continue to exist without intervention. Stakeholders looking to maximize their budget while maintaining their long-term goals will find the most success in an annual management program. By proactively investing in the future of your waterbody, you can spend and worry less over time.

 

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THANK YOU SENATOR ANNA MARIA RODRIGUEZ! By Eric Glazer, Esq.

THANK YOU SENATOR ANNA MARIA RODRIGUEZ! By Eric Glazer, Esq.

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2021
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THANK YOU SENATOR ANNA MARIA RODRIGUEZ!

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog called  It’s Time To Stop A True Florida Farce.  The blog spoke about the fact that members of community association boards of directors can still get certified without taking an educational class.  Instead, they can sign a rather silly piece of paper that states they have read their governing documents and promise to enforce them.  What a joke.

I sent the column by e-mail to all Florida legislators, urging them to change the law and make certification through education mandatory.  Senator Anna Maria Rodriguez asked me to send her my proposed legislation.  I did.  I am happy and so proud to report that Senator Rodriguez filed Senate Bill 394 mirroring my proposed legislation.

 

There is no doubt that mandatory education will save the lives, properties and money of the millions of people who live in condominiums throughout the state.  Florida would be the first and only state to require a board member to take an educational course.  That would be an amazing bright spot for our state and no doubt would lead other states to eventually adopt similar requirements.

 

I had the pleasure of teaching my Condo Craze and HOAs Board Certification class last week in Miami and Palm Beach to so many people.  I taught the importance of having reserve accounts, having reserve studies done by qualified people and the danger in completely waiving the funding of reserve accounts year after year after year.  Interestingly enough, when I asked the crowd if the law should be changed to requiring at least some form of reserves and having the reserve study done by experts, EVERYONE RAISED THEIR HAND.  People want to be safe.  We learned a lot after the Champlain Towers disaster.

 

Think about this.  The Florida Legislature will no doubt make some massive changes to Florida law in this regard.  But if members of the Board are not required to attend an educational class, how in the world can they be expected to learn the new laws.  And by the way….I don’t want to hear the excused that these classes are burdensome.  They are offered on-line and they are offered for free.  Anyone who won’t devote a few hours a year to learning the new condo laws does not deserve to be on the board in the first place.

 

In any event, we owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Rodriguez for her efforts in taking this matter seriously.  Keep track of Senate Bill 394 and urge your local House Member and Senator to please support it.  If I never get another piece of legislation passed, this is the one that is nearest and dearest to my heart.  Education is the key to running a safe community.

 

Over a decade ago The Florida Legislature thought it was a good idea for members of condo and HOA boards to become “certified.”  Sounds like a good idea.  The problem is that the legislators  allowed for two ways to become certified. One way is by going over to your computer and printing a form that is on the DBPR’s website that basically says I read my governing documents and promise to enforce them.  You sign the form and you are now certified.  That’s it.  That’s all you have to do.  If you are a director of a condo, the form does not require you to acknowledge the existence of Florida Statute 718.  If you are a member of an HOA board the form does not require you to acknowledge the existence of Florida Statute 720.  The form is a joke.  The procedure is a joke and an embarrassment to The State of Florida.  In fact, many associations still have illegal provisions in their governing documents.  The current law actually allows you to become certified if you promise to enforce the illegal provisions in your governing documents.

 

As my kids go back to school today, I’m proud to say that the second way of becoming certified is by taking a course approved by the DBPR.  As so many of you now, I am most proud of the fact that I have certified over 20,000 board members throughout the state. Better yet, the attendees love it.  They learn about the requirement to fund reserves, Kaufman language, access to records, mandatory financial reporting, the role of the community association manager, legal ways for the board members to vote and hold meetings, preparation of budgets, the importance and hierarchy of your governing documents, rule making, actions of board members that constitute criminal conduct, ways directors can be removed from the board, the Marketable Record Title Act and the importance of preserving your governing documents in an HOA, obligations to maintain insurance, mandatory websites, material alterations, screening, approval and denial of occupants AND SO MUCH MORE.

 

It is an insult to every director who has been certified by taking a course to allow other directors the ability to get certified by signing a stupid self-serving form.  We are now repeatedly learning the hard way throughout our state that lack of knowledge can lead to catastrophic consequences in our communities.

 

MANDATORY EDUCATION FOR BOARD MEMBERS CAN SAVE LIVES. Florida has always led the way when it came to making community association laws that the rest of the country follows.  The State of Florida has the opportunity to become the first state in the country to require that directors become educated before assuming the incredible responsibilities that come with being in charge of our communities.  There is no excuse any longer for a Board member not to take an educational class.  Many law firms, like mine, teach the class on-line.  A board member never even has to leave his or her home in order to become certified.

 

I urge the members of The Florida Legislature to amend the condominium, co-op and HOA statutes to remove the ability to become “certified” by signing a form and instead require attendance at an educational course.  I already drafted the proposed legislation and it’s ready to be filed.  With all my heart, I believe lives can be saved, financial disasters can be avoided and it is in the best interest of the millions of Floridians who live in a community association.  Readers: please contact your legislators if you agree.

 

 

 

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The Florida Bar task force said Florida Condo Associations Need Reserves in Place for Major Safety Repairs!

The Florida Bar task force said Florida Condo Associations Need Reserves in Place for Major Safety Repairs!

  • Posted: Oct 19, 2021
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The Florida Bar task force said Florida Condo Associations Need Reserves in Place for Major Safety Repairs!

 

Here are seven findings of the 179 page report of the Surfside task force:

1- The absence of uniform maintenance standards outside of boards should be established.

2- Efforts to make condo repairs of life safety issues should no longer require a full vote of the association membership.

3- Thorough and consistent inspections should be required.

4- Boards should be empowered to borrow money to pay for life safety repairs.

5- Local governments can no longer rely upon sovereign immunity to protect themselves from civil claims.

6- The Florida legislature can no longer raid the $4 door tax trust fund by diverting that money to the general fund.

7- Thirty percent of that money should go towards educating boards and owners about repairs to make buildings safe

 

 

A task force report prepared by a section of the Florida Bar recommended that lawmakers overhaul the state’s condominium laws following the Surfside building tragedy that killed 98 people, urging a process to address inspections and ensure proper reserves are in place to make major safety repairs, among other issues.

The task force was formed by The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the bar, convening lawyers who deal with condominium and association laws. Its purpose was to recommend ways to prevent future failures, not to investigate or place blame for the 12-story building collapse.

“The lack of uniform maintenance standards or protocols, and the unguided discretion given to boards of directors to determine when, how, and if life safety inspections should be performed, requires legislative intervention,” concluded the 179-page report that was released earlier this week.

 

Champlain Towers was 40 years old and in need of major repairs when it collapsed on June 24. It’s led to officials looking at the need to ensure other aging structures are safe. The task force said 912,376 Florida condo units housing more than 2 million people are at least 30 years old, including more than 105,000 older than 50 years and nearly 328,000 built between 40 and 50 years ago.

Overall, Florida has more than 1.5 million condo units operated by 27,599 condo associations, the report said.

 

Among recommendations are giving association boards the right to make special assessments for major repairs to protect resident safety without a full association vote. It also requires associations to build up reserves for such projects as recommended by engineers in order to be able to pay for repairs. Those would be in addition to accounts in place for routine maintenance.

While the report said the vast majority of condominium associations are operating in a reasonably safe manner, there needs to be more consistency with inspections and the information provided in them needs to be available to residents.

“Unit owners and boards may also resist such maintenance because of cost, lack of reserves, disruption and inconvenience,” the report said.

The report also recommended allowing condominium boards to borrow money to pay for life safety repairs so the cost could be spread out over years.

Local governments should also have a higher level of accountability for inspection reports, including stripping them of sovereign immunity protections, which limit civil claims against government agencies to $200,000.

 

“Condominium residents should be entitled to rely on the inspections and reports performed by or on behalf of local governments, and local governments should not be able to avoid responsibility for the content and conclusion of building inspection reports,” it said.

Current law has limitations on associations and unit owners to take civil action against developers for design and construction flaws. Those limitations should be lifted, the report said.

The state division that oversees condominium education and compliance is largely funded by a trust fund built on a $4 per unit fee. The task force recommends the Legislature not be able to “sweep” the trust fund for other state budget purposes.

It also recommends that 30 percent of the trust fund be used to educate association boards and residents about obligations to make repairs to ensure buildings are safe.

 

Thank You, for the Article:  MARY ELLEN CAGNASSOLA 

 

 

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TD250 Treadmill Desk $2,299 (plus sales tax & delivery) – in stock for a limited time & limited quantities! by Commercial Fitness Equipment

TD250 Treadmill Desk $2,299 (plus sales tax & delivery) – in stock for a limited time & limited quantities! by Commercial Fitness Equipment

  • Posted: Oct 18, 2021
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TD250 Treadmill Desk $2,299 (plus sales tax & delivery) – in stock for a limited time & limited quantities!

by Commercial Fitness Equipment

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Click the Picture or Title below to find more great fitness products for your home or Fitness Rooms in your Buildings!

The World’s first Convertible Exercise to Work Station
This treadmill is built for #RUNNING and #WALKING, and as a WALKING WORK DESK. Able to accommodate users up to 300lbs, the TD250 Treadmill Desk is truly the treadmill for everyone. From the beginner to advanced athlete, you will not find a better value in its class.

Commercial Fitness Products  < SFPMA Members Page

954-747-5128

Commercial Fitness Products, a Florida based organization, has been serving the fitness needs of our customers nationwide for over 27 years. Our primary focus is Multi-Housing & Hospitality, as such, we stay current on the latest industry trends, and are able to share ideas on how we may equip or improve any community fitness center. We provide more than just equipment…our goal is to delight your residents & guests by providing them an exceptional fitness environment.

CFP’s team of experienced professionals are eager to assist you with prompt & courteous customer service. If you have any plans to add, change or upgrade your fitness amenity, we welcome the opportunity to work hard to earn your business.

 

 

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3 Common Lake & Pond Management Misconceptions by SOLitude Lake Management

3 Common Lake & Pond Management Misconceptions by SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Oct 17, 2021
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3 Common Lake & Pond Management Misconceptions
Trent Nelson, Aquatic Specialist at SOLitude Lake Management

 

 

As an Aquatic Specialist with more than a decade of experience, I’ve assisted hundreds of property managers with their lake and stormwater pond management needs over the years. Despite the diverse types of lakes and ponds they oversee, I’ve noticed that many clients have the same set of concerns or misconceptions about their waterbodies. These often come to light as we work together to design a freshwater management program. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of these common assumptions. 

  • Lakes and ponds are permanent fixtures in the landscape

While lakes and ponds can be long-lasting features in our communities, they are not permanent. They fill with sediment that erodes from the shoreline or flows in during rainstorms. Weed growth and decomposition may lead to the development of muck. And trash, tree branches, and other pollutants can build up over time. 

The aging of a lake or pond is a natural phenomenon, but can be highly accelerated through human activity and industry, reducing a waterbody’s life by decades. If left unmanaged over the years, your waterbody could eventually fill up until it becomes a marsh or puddle. This is a process called lake and pond succession. 

The best way to prevent this inevitable decline is through proactive, ongoing management aimed at reducing erosion, nutrient pollution, muck development, and nuisance aquatic vegetation. These benefits are two-fold. In addition to prolonging the depth and overall lifespan of your lake or pond, you’ll also help prevent problems like algae, toxic cyanobacteria growth, bad odors, murkiness, invasive species infestations, fish kills, and more.

 

 

  • Herbicides pose a danger to non-targeted plants and animals

The most eco-friendly and long-lasting lake and pond management programs lean on holistic, natural solutions, but sometimes herbicides and algaecides are necessary to set your waterbody up for success. Herbicides tend to be a point of concern for property owners, but I’ve found that once they better understand the strict scientific processes surrounding the use of herbicides, their fears are alleviated. 

Herbicides used in the lake management industry are designed to exclusively target specific weed and algae species without impacting desirable plants and animals. They do so by interfering with the unique growth mechanisms identified in nuisance species that are not found in beneficial ones. Likewise, the concurrent use of eco-friendly compounds called surfactants helps confine herbicides and algaecides to the affected area without migrating elsewhere. Historically, herbicides have been applied by licensed professional ground crews, but new industry technologies like drones are making it possible to remotely apply products with more accuracy and efficiency, particularly in areas that are hard to reach or unsafe to navigate by foot. 

All herbicides must be evaluated and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to collaborating with scientific authorities throughout the US, the EPA also carries out bilateral cooperative programs with the World Health Organization (WHO) and many other countries around the world. Once approved, all herbicides are subject to compliance monitoring and periodic reevaluation processes to ensure lasting safety and success. 

 

  1. All freshwater management programs are the same

It’s not uncommon for a property manager to assume that the solutions used on a friend or colleague’s lake or pond will work on theirs. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lake and pond problems because no two aquatic ecosystems are the same. 

Your waterbody’s unique makeup and the way it responds to different treatments can be dictated by many factors, including water use, location, surroundings, plant and animal presence, pollution, and weather – just to name a few. Likewise, every stakeholder has different goals and budget requirements. That’s why freshwater management programs are most effective when customized for your unique aquatic environment. 

Typically, the program design process begins by establishing a baseline of your waterbody through a visual survey of the property and comprehensive water quality testing. Your Aquatic Specialist should work with you to identify the challenges your aquatic ecosystem is facing and determine the best course of action based on your needs and limitations. And because all of these factors can change over time, these conversations should continue on a regular basis. 

 

The management of lakes and ponds is truly a science and should be treated as such. When considering a management program, look for a freshwater management firm that prioritizes getting to know you and your aquatic ecosystem before implementing any services. Seek out an Aquatic Specialist who is educated about the responsible use of herbicides and is capable of sharing that knowledge with you in a clear manner. Our lakes and ponds are valued features that our communities rely on every day. If you oversee the management of these water resources, make sure you’re investing in both the present and its future.

 

 

Trent Nelson is an Aquatic Specialist at SOLitude Lake Management, the nation’s leading freshwater management firm specializing in the management of lakes, stormwater ponds, wetlands, and fisheries. Learn more about this topic at www.solitudelakemanagement.com/knowledge. 

 

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Is Your Association Prepared? Expect Supply Shortages – KBR Legal

Is Your Association Prepared? Expect Supply Shortages – KBR Legal

  • Posted: Oct 16, 2021
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Is Your Association Prepared?

Expect Supply Shortages  

There’s news once again reporting food and product supply shortages are on the horizon, if not already here, due to what can only be described as a logistics disaster. This morning’s news reported that there are thousands of shipping crates snarled in a logistical nightmare waiting to be off loaded with no relief in sight. One news source reported 250,000 crates are waiting to off load.  While no one is yelling “fire in a crowded theater,” (yet) it likely makes sense to get ahead of your association’s inventory needs. That said, hoarding is never a good idea. But, keeping extra inventory on hand may make sense until the supply chains are working correctly again.

   Sources for the following include CBS News, the Wall Street Journal and Axios:

“American families are going to face a two-pronged assault:

1. Empty shelves at toy and grocery stores
2. Inflated prices on the toys and groceries that are available

  At this very moment, there are 250,000 shipping containers stuck at sea off the east and west coasts, waiting to be unloaded and it could be months before they get to store shelves. But Biden is presiding over one of the biggest supply chain bottlenecks since WWII: [via CBS News]

  • Ships cant dock because ports are full
  • Ports are full because there aren’t enough truck drivers to take the shipping containers away
  • When truckers do arrive, the ports are poorly staffed and they can’t offload fast enough, resulting in truck drivers who used to pick up 20 loads/week, now only able to take six
  • The cost of shipping a container from China to the U.S. is now $20,000, four times higher than this time last year.

  It’s already begun: Stores across the country are already restricting supplies. Try not to have flashbacks to March 2020, but Costo and Walmart have announced they are limiting sales of toilet paper in some stores. And around the country, there are shortages of goods on shelves in Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Sears.

 Warning about your Christmas feast: Axios is reporting that food supplies will also be impacted: “Grocery stores could have limited quantities of a number of products heading into the holidays after some of the country’s biggest food manufacturers say they’re short on supply.”

The Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” comes to mind!

 

 Rembaum’s Association Roundup

The community association legal news that you can use!

The free e-magazine for Community Association Managers, Board Members, Owners & Developers

Have an association related question? Find your answer at

RembaumsAssociationRoundup.com

 

Condo Board Member Certification via Zoom on October 22nd

Kaye Bender Rembaum offers free certification courses for homeowners’ association and condominium association board members. Please click here for more information!

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“The Great Resignation: A New Idea for Keeping Employees On the Job,” Human Resources Executive by Becker

“The Great Resignation: A New Idea for Keeping Employees On the Job,” Human Resources Executive by Becker

  • Posted: Oct 16, 2021
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“The Great Resignation: A New Idea for Keeping Employees On the Job,” Human Resources Executive

Ned Bassen / Becker 

By now, it appears well-established that employers generally may require COVID-19 vaccines for employees returning to work and may ask employees physically entering the workplace if they have been diagnosed with or tested for COVID-19. Employers also may require employees to come to work post-pandemic for legitimate nondiscriminatory reasons.

With the return to work looming, while many employers are discussing a “hybrid” remote/in-office work combination future, some employers either want employees back to the office full-time or for larger periods of time than employees would like.

But, what are employers’ rights when employees, especially millennials, don’t want to come back to the office and want to instead continue working remotely for their organization?

Not everyone wants to return to the pre-pandemic, 9-5 office lifestyle.

How (and sometimes when) to bring employees back into the office is a vexing decision that employers are currently or soon to be facing, along with how to give employees flexibility.

One recent study found that a “whopping 58% of workers say they would “absolutely” look for a new job if they weren’t allowed to continue working remotely in their current position.

The U.S. Department of Labor has reported that workplace resignations set a 20-year record in April 2021, with 4 million employees quitting their jobs. The global employment website Monster has said that 95% of employees are considering changing their jobs. (Read more on that here.)

Resigning employment has now reached such a new high level that quitting work post-pandemic has been labeled “The Great Resignation of 2021.”

What should employers do to ease the burden from employee departures when there will be difficulty finding qualified replacements?

To view the complete article, please click here.

 

For over 45 years, Ned Bassen has honed his expertise in labor and employment law. He is well-versed in litigating on behalf of and counseling defense contractors, financial institutions, universities and other nonprofit institutions and representing individuals accused of wrongdoing in connection with employment. His defense in such matters has included bankruptcy, employment discrimination, unlawful competition, poaching, corporate raiding, misappropriation of trade secrets, non-competes and other restrictive covenants, false claims, employment defamation and arbitration in the U.S. and internationally.

To learn more about Ned, please click here.

 

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Sunshine Services Unlimited, Inc. is an asphalt paving contractor serving Condo & HOA, business owners and homeowners throughout Palm Beach and Broward County.

Sunshine Services Unlimited, Inc. is an asphalt paving contractor serving Condo & HOA, business owners and homeowners throughout Palm Beach and Broward County.

  • Posted: Oct 15, 2021
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Sunshine Services Unlimited, Inc. is an asphalt paving contractor located in West Palm Beach and serving business owners and homeowners throughout Palm Beach and Broward County.

 

Sunshine Services Unlimited, Inc. is a professional asphalt paving contractor serving commercial and residential clients in West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. You can count on us for all of your asphalt paving needs. Whether you are in need of asphalt paving services for new construction or to repair or maintain an existing roadway, we are here to assist you. If you hire us for your asphalt paving or asphalt seal coating project, you can expect high quality work completed in a timely manner, excellent value for your money and customer service that is unmatched in our industry. Our West Palm Beach asphalt paving company offers free estimates and free consultations and we guarantee our work. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured for your protection.

 

Broward County /Palm Beach County /Martin County /St. Lucie County

 

We handle construction, maintenance, repairs and seal coating for roadways, cart paths, patios, pool decks, sidewalks, speed bumps and much more. Our licensed and insured asphalt paving company employs a team of highly trained, experienced asphalt paving professionals who use only high quality materials from leading brands to complete your asphalt paving, asphalt maintenance and construction projects.

If you are in need of asphalt paving and/or asphalt seal coating for your home or commercial property in West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale or the surrounding areas, contact our West Palm Beach Asphalt Contractors today to obtain a free estimate. We look forward to working with you and to exceeding your expectations. Sunshine Services Unlimited is the West Palm Beach asphalt paving company that consumers have trusted since 1962!

 

Sunshine Services Unlimited

Bill Leon
Director of operations
Sunshine Services Unlimited
bill@sunshineservices.us
Web: https://www.sunshineservices.us/
561-791-4482

Palm Beach: (561) 375-2603
Broward: (954) 807-1656
Martin & St. Lucie: (772) 362-3379

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