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An annual management approach is recommended as the most impactful, sustainable, and—in the long run—cost-effective way to maintain your waterbody. A standard management plan typically includes visual site inspections, shoreline buffer management, and water quality testing, to name a few. Beyond these traditional management tools, there are a number of solutions that can help take your management plan to the next level and keep your waterbody healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Whether you already have an annual management program in place or you’re in the planning process, consider adding on a mechanical hydro-raking service. A hydro-rake is essentially a floating barge equipped with a backhoe attachment. It can remove up to 500 pounds for muck, detritus, and nuisance plants from the water in a single scoop.
The results are immediate – the restoration of depth and volume will prevent flooding during rainstorms and the removal of nutrient-polluted muck will eliminate a food source for undesirable plants and algae. Hydro-raking provides a modest “reset” of the waterbody, making the implementation of standard annual management services more impactful.
Shoreline erosion is a natural occurrence that’s caused by weather and wildlife, but it can also be expedited by overuse or neglect. Not only is shoreline deterioration unsightly, it can negatively impact the water quality, increase the risk of flooding, and endanger anyone who gets near the shoreline for swimming, fishing, mowing, or enjoyment of nature.
There are a few ways to strengthen a deteriorating shoreline. Beneficial vegetative buffers can be cultivated by introducing native, deep-rooted plants. As the root systems expand, they create a strong structure that contains soil naturally. In severe cases, SOX Solutions can be utilized. This innovative knitted mesh material is filled with loose sediment and strategically anchored for a seamless look. Property owners may choose to integrate sod or landscaping elements to enhance aesthetic appeal. These solutions can halt erosion and prevent poor water quality conditions for many years so that you can focus on proactive annual management strategies.
You may think that fish stocking is reserved for trophy ponds owned by passionate sports fishermen, but all ponds can benefit from the introduction of new fish species. These selections will be based on the challenges your waterbody faces.
For instance, lakes and ponds with invasive aquatic weed infestations may benefit from the introduction of triploid grass carp, which voraciously feed on undesirable plants. This is a fantastic alternative to herbicides in some regions. Lakes and ponds crippled by excessive mosquito populations can benefit from the introduction of small predators like minnows, guppies, and the aptly named mosquitofish as an alternative to larviciding. No matter your annual management goals, there is a fish that can help support them.
It may not be a typical service, but education is as important as any other element of your annual management program. Without understanding the outside factors that impact the balance of your waterbody, it will be more difficult to maintain its health and beauty. Whether your waterbody is located in a homeowners community, a private property, or a municipal area, it’s crucial to keep others informed about their impact on the land around them:
Paired with standard solutions that we implement as part of a SOL Pro Plan, like nutrient management, fountain maintenance, and water quality testing, these extra steps will help prepare your waterbody with the long-term future in mind. Lake and pond management isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. A maintenance plan built on sustainable, proactive practices will help you achieve and maintain the waterbody of your dreams for years to come.
This open Directory is avail for all to view, in budget season you should be looking for the right companies for your buildings and Owners within, Find and reach out for the services they offer you and your communities.
United Security Inc. (USI) provides contract security solutions and investigation services to a select group of vertical markets. For the past 29 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. USI is committed to delivering:
For the past 27 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. As engaged, owner-operators, our investment begins with recruitment and screening to ensure we have the right people and continues through our policies and practices that enable USI to properly train and retain the best personnel.
After years in parking compliance and towing services, we saw a real need for organized, reliable, and effective security services for residential and commercial property managers.
We keep costs low, services safe and simple, and always protect the property first. Our licensed and trained security monitors are ready to help you take and maintain control of your parking compliance and safety needs.
We are licensed in the state of Florida, LIC #B1400043 and insured.
FSW First Response Solution Inc. serves residential, commercial, government, and industrial clients. Through our top-notch, 24-hour security services, we’ll ensure your safety and protection.
In this modern age, it is never wrong to be extra careful when it comes to hiring security. We should do all the things necessary to ensure our property and loved ones’ safety.
Hire our expert crew here at FSW First Response Solution Inc. We are a family-oriented organization that provides safety and security solutions to every household and establishment in Florida. Contact us to request for free quotes and estimates!
All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!http://www.smartentrysystems.com/
(626) 213-7557
sales@smartentrysystems.com
iDentyTech is a leading provider of intuitive Identity management products and solutions. Founded in 2010 IdentyTech™ provides its worldwide customers with best-in- class complete identity management solutions. We further offer custom engineered solutions for those customers requiring proprietary solutions. IdentyTech has field proven solutions for Corporate Enterprise, government and Financial services, healthcare, schools, Transportation, Small Medium businesses and many others.
With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, our team will respond rapidly to your needs, no matter how complex or unique they are. Matched by business-focused, technical support, our response to your objectives has led to the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry. At the heart of the company, is a team of skilled developers, programmers and technical support staff, Along with sales, marketing and administration staff that are committed to providing our customers with unrivaled solutions, expertise, service and support.
Rodrigo Perez de Tudela
305-505-7132
rodrigo@identytech.com
Sales and Business Development Director
iDENTYTECH Solutions America, Inc.
Tags: Condo and HOA, Security and Safety Articles
WATER DAMAGE: THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF LOSS FOR CONDO OWNERS
From burst pipes to appliance leaks, to HVAC malfunctions and more, according to PURE’s claims data, water damage is the number one cause of loss among condo owners. In fact, more than 70% of condo claims reported to PURE have been the result of water damage. Although some instances are out of a condo owner’s control—like a toilet overflow originating from the unit above that allows water to leak through the ceiling to a PURE member’s condo below, or water backup from a building’s rooftop pool—the majority of claims can be prevented by taking proactive steps today to reduce the likelihood of water damage in the future.
Research and analysis conducted by our claims and risk management team uncovered some of the most frequent types of water losses experienced by PURE members and steps you can take to protect your condo and the other valuable belongings within it.
Appliance Malfunction When the water filtration system installed underneath a member’s sink failed overnight, water flowed throughout the kitchen and surrounding rooms for several hours until the member woke up the next morning. Luckily, the building was able to shut off the water and begin immediate remediation to prevent the damage from becoming even more severe but not before the marble tile flooring, kitchen cabinets, wall panels and drywall were extensively impacted. Damage was even caused to the neighbor’s unit below, resulting in more than $100,000 of damage. Home appliances with pipes or other fixtures that feed into a water line—including refrigerators, dish washers, ice makers, washing machines, toilets, HVAC systems and more—have the potential to malfunction, develop blockages or spring leaks that can lead to significant water damage. However, there are a number of inexpensive devices ranging from $50-$200 that can help detect or even prevent such an event from occurring.
To mitigate your risk, consider taking the following steps:
Install water leak detection sensors on individual appliances prone to water loss. These devices have the ability to detect and notify you of a water leak. In addition to sounding an alarm, Wi-Fi connected devices can notify you even when you’re away from home by sending an alert to your smartphone.
Automatic water shut off devices, go a step further by automatically turning off the water supply when a leak is detected to prevent further damage.
Install an HVAC safety switch or float switch on the water pan underneath your unit to automatically stop the system from operating when an overflow is detected. While your unit may have been equipped with a safety switch at the time of installation, older units are less likely to be equipped with these devices.
Install a drain pan beneath your washing machine to catch leaks due to washing machine overflow or hose failure. The drain pan, which slides underneath your washing machine and provides the first line of defense against leaks, is connected to a drainpipe to move water away from the area. Because drain pans are typically made of plastic or another composite material that may break or crack over time, it’s important to be observant of the drain pan’s condition and replace it periodically to be adequately protected.
Opt for braided metal supply lines. Ensure all appliances that are connecting to a water source are equipped with braided metal hoses which are far more resistant to leaks compared to standard rubber hoses. At about $10 each, this simple and inexpensive step can help to prevent a costly claim.
Prevent toilet blockages. To avoid a toilet overflow, consider the types of materials and quantity of products flushed. Note: ‘Flushable’ wipes should not be flushed and put into the sewage system.
Our AKWA Technologies system does this for you automatically 24/7/365 whether you are at home or not, minimizing the damage caused and in many cases preventing the disaster that would follow.
Protect your assets from water damages caused by water leaks
Offices in Florida and Canada
Valérie Mélignon
Executive Director, Strategic Alliances
941-726-7806
valerie@AKWAtek.com
www.AKWAtek.com
Mulch for You was originally established as Bolling Forest Products by Russell Mueller over thirty years ago. His vision was to build a company and its reputation by consistently providing the highest quality products and service to each and every customer. This is the foundation and cornerstone of what Mulch For You has become and is today.
We’ve always been known as the leader in providing innovative new methods and products and the first in Central Florida to bring Mini Pine Bark Nuggets and Classic Red Designer mulch to the market. Since then, we’ve introduced ADA Engineered Playground Chips and created multiple designer mulches in a variety of textures and colors. We’ve also been instrumental in helping guide the market away from environmentally sensitive woods such as cypress. In 1998, we introduced the express mulch blower service to Central Florida. Today we have a fleet of nine high-end mulch installation vehicles with the ability to blow yards of mulch products we carry in a single visit. This service has eliminated the time-consuming and backbreaking work of shoveling and spreading mulch by hand.
Our team cares deeply for the work they do and understands how much it means to have a beautifully finished job. Our company not only has the knowledge and experience to do the job right, but also quality products we know and trust. It’s what we do.
We look forward to working with you and meeting your mulch and soil needs
Maddy Weeks
mweeks@mulchforyou.com
Express Blower Sales Manager
407-869-9003
Mulch For You, Inc
1705 EE Williamson Rd. Longwood, Fl. 32779
http://www.mulchforyou.com
We are grateful for our dedicated colleagues, vendor partners, and loyal clients who have a passion for preserving aquatic resources.
AQUATIC RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 1 CEU – COURSE NUMBER: 9628717 Zoom Lunch and Learn Free CEUs for: Property Managers Board Members Tuesday, November 16, 2021 11:30am-12:30pm Ever wondered what is going on with your lake? This course will help you better understand lakes on property, native plants, fish stocking, stormwater maintenance, erosion issues, and more!
Nuisance or invasive plants are one of the biggest issues lake and pond owners or managers face. When introduced into a non-native environment, invasive aquatic weeds can take over an ecosystem and even out-compete native beneficial plants. There are various types of invasive aquatic weeds and it’s important to know which species is terrorizing your waterbody so the best management approach can be determined.
Watch our free webinar recording to discover the top solutions and technologies for managing aquatic weeds. From drone technology and highly targeted herbicides to hydro-raking and mechanical harvesting, our aquatic weed experts discussed how to control and prevent the future growth of nuisance and invasive plants with these solutions. Watch to hear what our experts had to say during the Q&A.
Watch the recording today!
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As we head into the new year, we are all setting our expectations for what we want and how we will accomplish our goals in 2021. New years resolutions are something most people start off with high expectations but can occasionally fall flat if they aren’t realistic goals. Similar to how all community associations are different, the expectations that your board or owners have for the new year can be different. Management companies can provide support but really understanding what your needs are and how can your community partners help meet those needs is important. Before you choose a new management company or even if you only want to evaluate your current company, start first with determining what items are most important to your community. How does the management company handle those tasks?
~sfpma
The first thing to do is set a meeting where everyone can get together to ask questions and understand what you expect of management duties. This should include the homeowners as well so they know what the management rules are.
In the age of quarantining and more social distancing, perhaps this means meeting virtually to discuss these matters. It’s easier than ever to do this nowadays, but everyone needs to understand what their responsibilities are. If you have some new responsibilities going beyond what property managers know, be sure to get it in writing.
Amending agreements should always be done when everyone is available to discuss them. Once everyone understands their roles, it becomes a new contract everyone should have available to refer to physically or digitally.
A lot of opinions are out there about what managers should do while working with your association. Consensus is they should focus on four areas:
In the case of legal requirements, it usually means the management company assures the board deals with taxes appropriately. And, of course, they have to make sure your association continues to operate legally, including living up to state civil codes and local statutes.
Financial decisions should involve complete transparency with your association to make sure money gets spent in the smartest possible ways.
The partnership angle means helping your board make sound decisions that benefit everyone involved. Because your board might change over time with new members, the management team should have all ability to adapt to those changes in communication.
Listening to suggestions from an experienced management team also needs top priority. They can suggest things your board overlooks based on dealing with past associations.
Your association and the management team want as many low vacancies as possible. Allow the management team to take this on since they have experience in this area. However, communicating to them that it’s their responsibility needs doing early.
One of those expectations is management knowledge on how to take on marketing for your properties, particularly on social media. No management team is worth working with if they never have experience doing digital marketing to attract tenants.
They should also handle rent applications, screening, and lease signing processes and Collections for the fees not paid by owners
Some things you and the management team have to work together on include maintenance and repair approval, management salary payments, property tax/utility payments, and insurance payments.
Other times, management teams think they have to take on things that are not their sole responsibility. Perhaps this relates to dealing with cars speeding down neighborhood streets, or solving crime issues. Those usually fall toward city responsibility, plus the police in the case of crime.
All these issues need addressing early so there never is confusion on which thing each group focuses on. Since the unexpected will always come up, everything needs mentioning in writing to avoid stalled communication issues when an emergency arises.
by Kimberly Sutherland Author
SFPMA works throughout the State of Florida, we are a multi-member organization for the Condo, HOA and Property Management industry. Through knowledge based Articles, Events and our Members Directory, Clients find the right information to make an informed decisions for their Florida properties.
