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How to Manage Your Amenities While Allowing Social Distancing by Concierge Plus

How to Manage Your Amenities While Allowing Social Distancing by Concierge Plus

  • Posted: Sep 14, 2020
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How to Manage Your Amenities While Allowing Social Distancing

by Concierge Plus

Sep 15, 2020 11:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join this webinar and learn about:

– How to make everyone feel safe and comfortable in a COVID-19 environment.
– How residents’ adoption of digital tools due to COVID-19 will impact your community association.
– How our amenity booking feature can help your community association manage amenities, including gyms and pools, while following social distancing guidelines and provide a great resident experience.Have questions for the speaker? Questions will be accepted during the live webinar only: you’ll be able to type any questions you have directly into the webinar chat box.The webinar will be recorded so if you can’t make the event, sign up anyway and we’ll send it to you to watch on your own time.

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Lake Management and Hurricane Season by Allstate Lake Management

Lake Management and Hurricane Season by Allstate Lake Management

Lake Management and Hurricane Season

by Allstate Lake Management

Many South Florida homeowners are not aware of the critical role their community lakes play in managing stormwater and mitigating local area flooding.  With the start of this year’s hurricane season around the corner, now is the time to make sure that our lakes and waterways are ready to deal with whatever nature throws at us.  The problem of flooding is a real issue here because our homes are built on relatively flat, low-lying ground.  The thin layer of soil under our feet can become saturated quickly, and sits on a cap of coral rock that only allows for a slow flow of water down to the aquifers below.  This, combined with the possibility of large amounts of precipitation in short periods of time creates conditions for major flooding in our urban areas.  When developers create residential communities and commercial areas, they need to take into account how much water needs to be stored or moved in order to prevent the project from flooding during major rain events.  Through careful planning and design, they route stormwater away from our homes and into a system of lakes and canals.  The size and number of lakes in our communities are a result of those calculations.  Lakes are dug to create a storage area for water runoff from storms.  The fill dug from the lakes is then used to raise the elevation of the homes around them.  Using a system of drains and pipes the water is directed from the

developed areas down into the lakes.  Some community lakes use weirs or culverts to connect   them to the municipal canal system.  This allows them to move excess water off the property once they reach a certain level. The system works well but requires regular maintenance in      order to ensure that it works properly when needed.  Scheduled inspections of storm drains and weirs is important to keep the water moving off our streets and properties efficiently.  These structures accumulate silt and debris, and will occasionally need to be cleaned out.  The lakes

themselves also need to be regularly inspected and maintained

 

Even though they are primarily man-made storm water basins, they do evolve and become living ecosystems like naturally occurring waterbodies.  Aquatic vegetation begins to grow in all lakes eventually, and much like our lawns, require regular attention in order to avoid become overgrown.  Exotic species such as hydrilla, hygrophila, and rotala grow quickly and can spread throughout acres of lake in a matter of months or less.  Such infestations are not only unsightly, but all those weeds are filling up the lake and taking up space meant to hold stormwater runoff.  Floating weeds such as water lettuce and water hyacinth can rapidly cover a lake surface, clogging and even damaging weirs and other outflows.  Excessive growth of vegetation near culverts and drain pipes can slow the flow of stormwater both into and out of the lake, causing backups of the system.  The longer these plants are left to grow unmanaged, the harder the problem is to get under control and the longer it will take.  Large scale infestations need to be treated in stages with regulated wait times between treatments.  This is done in order to not deplete the dissolved oxygen in the whole lake.  The other problem with established infestations is that the plants have had time to mature and grow extensive roots systems.   These root systems allow the plants to re-grow quickly after initial treatments and quite frequently require multiple follow up treatments to bring under control.  Even once treated, the herbicides take time to work and the plants take time to decompose and settle to the bottom.  Unfortunately, tropical storm events do not wait until conditions are best suited to deal with the results.  The best way to make sure your community is protected is to be proactive and maintain your system regularly.  Regular scheduled maintenance ensures that aquatic vegetation is kept at levels that don’t compromise your stormwater system and can potentially avoid costly repairs to its components.  Hurricane season corresponds with the time of year when these plants grow and spread the fastest due to the long, sunny days.  We have learned that being prepared for hurricane season means taking precautions before the storm arrives.  That wisdom should also definitely apply to our first line of defense against flood damage in our communities.

 

Author:  Stephen Montgomery / Senior Biologist

Allstate Resource Management

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.

 

 

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You have until September 10, 2020 to make a claim for damages that were the result of Hurricane Irma.

You have until September 10, 2020 to make a claim for damages that were the result of Hurricane Irma.

If you have not properly addressed possible Hurricane Irma damage to your property – the time to do so is now.
Hurricane Irma first made landfall in Cudjoe Key, FL on September 10, 2017, which means you have until September 10, 2020 to make a claim for damages that were the result of Hurricane Irma.
September 10, 2020 is also the deadline to re-open or supplement a claim that has already been made for damages that occurred as a result of Hurricane Irma.
If you are unsure if your property sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Irma you should ask for an inspection by a qualified contractor, estimator or building inspector to assess whether hurricane-force winds damaged or compromised the roofing system and building envelope. Many companies offer this initial inspection free of charge. Given the complexities of a large loss claim, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in handling commercial insurance claims for condominiums and homeowners associations.
The deadline is fast approaching, so time is of the essence to file your hurricane claim. If you miss the deadline, you will be forever barred from initiating a hurricane Irma claim in the future.
We are available to assist you and connect you with top professionals in the industry to accurately evaluate hurricane damage and submit an insurance claim the right way – today.
At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!
It’s more than a slogan, it’s our firm’s mantra. We are zealous in protecting your rights. We offer 24-hour availability through our answering service. Call us today.

(407) 478-4878

 

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Has your Condo or HOA Sustained Property Damage? | SFPMA

Has your Condo or HOA Sustained Property Damage? | SFPMA

Do you have Storm Damage in your Building?

SFPMA has a team of Legal Experts, adjusters, estimators and claim specialists for the benefit of the Condo and HOA’s who sustained damage from the storms and fire, water or mold.

With the know-how and experience to negotiate your claim our Entire Team works with One Goal:

“Get the maximum settlement for your damage claim!”

 

PROPERTY DAMAGE

  • Hurricane Storm Damage
  • Water Damage / Floods
  • Fire Damage
  • Mold Damage
  • Roof Damage and Leaks
  • Sinkholes & Earthquakes
  • Property Vandalism and Theft

 

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

 

.

A Claim usually includes inspections, detailed estimates, more inspections, client reviews, negotiating with insurance companies, consulting with insurance company and most importantly, getting you your money as fast as possible.

http://CondoHoaAdjusters.com

Storm Damage Claims for your Condo and HOA Properties!

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CFP sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs. by Commercial Fitness Products

CFP sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs. by Commercial Fitness Products

  • Posted: Aug 17, 2020
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Commercial Fitness Products

Our sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs.

 

Our consultants guide our clients from conception to realization of their fitness amenity. Through room layout (2D and 3D), budgeting, logistics, and installation. Unlike most companies, our work does not stop there, CFP sales and service department are available to assist clients with maintenance service and consulting for future fitness equipment needs.

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.

 Contact us:  954-747-5128

Website: http://www.commfitnessproducts.com/

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Painting or Coating? Basic considerations for long term durability. – by William Pyznar / The Falcon Group

Painting or Coating? Basic considerations for long term durability. – by William Pyznar / The Falcon Group

Painting or Coating? Basic considerations for long term durability.

by William Pyznar / The Falcon Group

 

“Painting” your building sounds simple enough.  Most would anticipate the most important decision to be selecting which color to paint it.  However, a lot of chemistry and physics will play an important role in how that “paint” performs and how long it will be sticking to your building, protecting it and looking good.

For starters, lets differentiate between “paint” and “coating”.  All coatings are paints, but not all paints are coatings.   Generally speaking, paint is used for aesthetics, and coatings are used for performance.  Coatings are paints that serve a purpose beyond just the aesthetic color and finish.  In addition to color and texture, coatings can provide waterproofing, elasticity, breathability, dirt shedding and corrosion prevention properties.  With these additional properties typically comes added cost.  As such, it is important to make sure you are selecting the correct coating with proper preparation and application techniques to get the best long-lasting performance and return on your investment.

Most coating failures can be attributed one of three issues:

  • Improper selection of material
  • Improper preparation of the substrate
  • Improper application.

Before selecting a coating material and process, first consider the condition of the existing conditions and how the existing coating is performing and the condition of the existing substrate. Also consider what characteristics and results you are looking to achieve. Looking a little deeper into each of the causes of failure.  If there is an existing coating and the existing coating has failed, it is crucial to understand why before investing in recoating.   If the existing coating is performing, but you are looking to recoat for aesthetics, waterproofing or other performance characteristics, it is also imperative to understand the existing coating to be able to select the proper material, preparation and application of the new coating.

 

Selecting the new Coating:  Selecting the new coating will be governed by desired performance characteristics and chemistry.   You need to determine which performance characteristics you need such as breathability, elasticity, waterproofing, corrosion resistance and dirt shedding.  You then need to consider what materials you are going over.  The new coating should be compatible with the existing surface chemically and physically.

For example, topcoats should generally be of the same generic type of curing mechanism as undercoats and you don’t want to apply a rigid coating over a flexible base.  If it is anticipated that moisture escaping the concrete or wood substrate is a concern you may want to select a breathable material.  If crack bridging and movement is a concern, you may want to select an elastic material.  If existing layers of paint exist, you don’t want to keep applying layers of coatings so as to reduce the elasticity of the overall coating thickness.  Latexes are generally less effected by moisture then oil-based coatings.  Oil based coatings are not recommended for direct application on galvanized surfaces because the alkalinity on the galvanized surface will degrade the oil binder causing peeling.

 

Surface Preparation:  Surface preparation is the single most important factor in determining coating durability.  Proper preparation removes surface contaminants such as dirt, mildew chalking, salts and rust which can interfere with adhesion of the new coating.   Proper preparation will also produce a surface profile that will promote good adhesion.  There are varying surface preparation processes that are recommended, which vary with the surface such as existing coating, steel, wood or concrete and the condition of the surface such peeling or chalking coatings, fresh or old concrete, painted or bare wood, oiled or rusting steel, etc.   There are dozens of preparation methods from blasting and sanding, washing with soap, chemicals or acid to making repairs of the surface itself.  The selected methods are a function of the materials being used, the existing conditions and the environment.

 

Application:  It is important to apply coatings immediately after preparation so as to avoid contamination of the surface.  The grace period from preparation to coating will vary greatly with material and environment.   For example, freshly blasted steel in a marine environment will start to form a corrosive film almost immediately.  Whereas bare wood can be exposed to sunlight for up to two weeks before the sunlight causes photo-degradation of the wood, which must be sanded off to avoid adhesion issues.

Other considerations during the application process include access, weather conditions, including wind, precipitation, temperature and humidity, dust (natural or construction related), and the actual application methods such as brush, roller or spray.  Application method will be governed by the type of material and the type and condition of the substrate, as well as the environmental conditions.  It is important to achieve the specific millage in the  application and the specific dry film thickness.

In summary, once you have selected a color scheme for your project, it is important to understand there is an extensive amount of legwork to fully understand what and how coatings should be applied to your building to get the most out of your investment and to avoid costly defects.  A professional consultant with expertise in repairs and coatings can help guide this process and perform some simple field tests to identify the existing material type, moisture concerns and visible conditions to come up with the best long term specification for your investment.

WJP

The Falcon Group | Engineers, Architects & Reserve Specialists

www.falconengineering.com 

Miami ph: 305.663.1970 x509  West Palm Beach ph: 561.290.0504 

 

 

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Did You Miss Out? Watch Our Nanobubbles vs. Aeration Webinar Today! by SOLitude

Did You Miss Out? Watch Our Nanobubbles vs. Aeration Webinar Today! by SOLitude

Did You Miss Out? Watch Our Nanobubbles vs. Aeration Webinar Today!

 

 

You’ve probably heard about nanobubbles, submersed aeration and floating fountains, but do you know the difference? Our recent live webinar “Discover the Difference: Nanobubbles vs. Aeration” was a huge success, and we received a ton of positive feedback from attendees. As a thank you to all of our loyal clients and followers, we’re sharing an exclusive free recording of the webinar (no download needed)!

 

Watch our experts as they discuss the science behind nanobubble technology and lake & pond aeration. These technologies are proven to help improve water quality and dissolved oxygen levels. Learn how each solution can help improve the health and beauty of your aquatic ecosystem, and discover which are best-suited for your waterbody. Be sure to watch until the end to hear answers to the top frequently asked questions!

 

 

 

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Aruba Permit Services specializes in helping Building Owners with 40-year inspections.

Aruba Permit Services specializes in helping Building Owners with 40-year inspections.

Aruba Permit Services specializes in helping Building Owners with 40-year inspections.

 

The 40-year Building Safety Inspection Program was created in 2005 and has become effective throughout Broward and Miami-Dade Counties since January 2006. 

Aruba Permit Services specializes in helping Building Owners with 40-year inspections. We are partners with Aruba Construction who has been a Certified General Contractor since 1990 and has qualified Engineers available to handle inspections of any size building.

 

Building owners and property managers should consult with our structural engineers to have a proper inspection completed as their building nears 40 years of age.

Visit our Website

 

 

These inspections are for the conditions of the building that include:

·         Masonry Walls (concrete condition, exposed rebar, spalling)

·         Floors and Roof Systems (drains, scuppers, supports for A/C)

·         Steel Framing (corrosion, fireproofing)

·         Concrete Framing (cracks, exposed rebar)

·         Windows (general condition, seals, anchorage)

·         Wood Framing (connector condition, rotting, bearing deficiencies)

·         Exterior Finishes (stucco, soffit, veneer deficiencies)

·         Electrical (panels, wiring, breakers)

 

 

 

After inspections are completed, the Engineer supplies a formal inspection package to the City or the County as required by the Board of Rules and Appeals. These inspections are required 40 years after the building has been built, and every 10 years thereafter.

If deficiencies are found in the building, Aruba has the knowledge and the manpower to handle any repair. Permits will be pulled for the repairs. All work will be followed up by the engineer to assure compliance. Aruba Permit Services is licensed and insured. 

 

Aruba Permit Services is here for you:

Phone: (954) 786-7292
Email: info@aruba-services.com
Address: 1413 S. Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Contact us Today for a Free Quote!

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Behind The Scenes Of Your Commercial Roof Anatomy with emergency roof repair. by PSI Roofing

Behind The Scenes Of Your Commercial Roof Anatomy with emergency roof repair. by PSI Roofing

  • Posted: Jul 20, 2020
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Behind The Scenes Of Your Commercial Roof Anatomy with emergency roof repair.

by PSI Roofing

We are in the Rainy Season in Florida, Water is not your Roofs Friend!

If your commercial property sustains enough damage in a short enough time to cause you to consider shuttering the doors, you have an emergency repair. This could mean:

  • Storm damage
  • A dangerous water leak
  • A problem that puts expensive inventory and equipment at risk

Bear in mind that an emergency roof repair may not be a finished job. Tarping and other temporary measures can stave off further damage. Your local commercial roofer will return with a full crew at a later date to complete a thorough repair. This could mean two invoices, or it could open an insurance claim that stretches across weeks.

If you knew about a problem last week and chose not to call for help, you already know the problem is not an emergency. And yet, are you a roofing expert? That small leak may be the first sign of more extensive failure, which brings us to our second idea.

Checklist

Some factors making a roof repair an emergency, other than seeing intense damage in a short time, include:

  • Widespread damage, as from winds or heavy rain
  • A high volume of water infiltration
  • Multiple leaks
  • Sudden appearance of mold or smell of mildew

If In Doubt

If you are unsure a roof problem is an emergency or just a routine repair, call your contractor. Let your roofer make the decision. That small leak that is only dampening insulation under the single-ply membrane could develop into widespread mold. It could rot wooden roof deck members. It could find its way inside the building envelope and drip on inventory or office equipment.

 

 

Once you know a bit about commercial roof anatomy, you will realize you cannot wait when your flat roof “patient” is flatlining. You need to dispatch a commercial roofing partner to your roof, stat. 

Commercial Roof Anatomy

No two low-slope (flat) commercial roofs are exactly identical. Their surfaces can be finished in several ways:

  • Modified Bitumen (Mod-Bit) and Built-Up Roofing (BUR) — A tried-and true multi-ply system with granulated finishes applied hot or cold
  • TPO — Rubber laminated systems
  • PVC — PVC scrim systems
  • Liquid-applied membrane and coatings — Acrylic, urethane, silicone

Three other types of commercial roofing are available for steep-slope roofs:

  • Shingles
  • Metal Roofs, including flat seam and standing seam
  • Tiles

Basic roof structures are similar, and the vast majority of Florida commercial roofs are low-slope. Setting aside the steep-slope options, if we start at the top and dig down, we usually find:

  • The exposed roofing surface (one of the materials mentioned above)
  • Insulation (usually rigid sheets specially shaped to give the pitch)
  • Vapor Barrier (prevents moisture moving into and out of the building envelope)
  • Underlayment (additional waterproofing)
  • Roof Deck (steel, wood, concrete, plywood, oriented-strand board)
  • Steel or Wood Joists

Every layer represents centuries of trial-and-error improvements in building low-slope roofs.

Today we can install roofs that take Florida’s punishing weather, save energy costs, and last for decades with proper, professional maintenance.

Exposed Roofing Surface

The wide array of choices in surfacing your commercial roof makes close communication with your roofer essential. Your decision on a replacement roof depends on a lot of factors your roofer can explain:

  • Age of your existing roof
  • Ease of access
  • Available budget
  • Expected life span of the replacement
  • Scheduling
  • Noise and odor concerns

The best time to begin contemplating a reroof is long before your roof needs replacement. Enlist your commercial roofer for routine maintenance so the crews become familiar with your commercial roof anatomy. When you need to pick between TPO, BUR, or PVC, you can make the decision quickly and economically.

Every material has its pros and cons. Mod-Bit and BUR are among the oldest and least expensive but typically call for more roof maintenance and upkeep than TPO and PVC. PVC is a tough, long-lasting material that may be pricier than other choices at installation.

Liquid waterproofing coatings can extend the life of most roofs, but the coatings need to be compatible with the existing surface.

Your best advisor on a roofing surface — the skin of your commercial roof anatomy — is your local roofer.

Insulation

Large sheets of rigid board insulation form the layer that helps determine your roof’s slope and energy efficiency. Roof decks are built completely flat, but the shaped insulation provides adequate drainage to internal drains and parapet scuppers.

With deteriorating insulation, you will be ponding, slow drainage, and water infiltration.

Your commercial roofer specializes in dealing with this layer of commercial roof anatomy and can correct any compression or ponding issues before reroofing with the surface layer.

Vapor Barrier

As the American Institute of Architects (AIA) explains, most vapor barriers on commercial buildings are Class 1 vapor retarders. Vapor retarders slow the movement of both air and moisture into and out of your building.

This special layer of commercial roof anatomy saves money on energy costs, keeps the interior comfortable, and slows the rusting of steel joists and decking.

Underlayment

Underlayment can be synthetic or organic, but its main purpose is to inhibit moisture from reaching the roof deck. It is usually rolled out and can be either self-adhered chemically or physically attached with fasteners.

Roof Deck

Without the roof deck spanning the open spaces over the joists of your building, no roof could exist. A substantial, solid and structurally sound roof deck is essential. This layer of commercial roof anatomy forms the foundation for all the sheet and rolled goods applied atop it. It can be corrugated steel plates, poured concrete, wood timbers, plywood, or oriented-strand board (OSB).

If rust or rot infects your roof deck, you need your commercial roofer’s help immediately. Florida’s strong winds and heavy rains will punch holes right through a weak roof deck.

Steel or Wood Joists

Spanning the walls of your commercial building are the steel joists or, in some cases, wood beams or joists that hold up the roof and keep walls secure. Hurricane codes call for strong ties between walls and roofs, and those ties focus on these joists. Think of these joists as the skeleton holding your building together. Let your commercial roofer help you become familiar with your building’s commercial roof anatomy. Routine maintenance and roof repairs will pay off with cost-efficient, fast reroofing when the time is right. Neglecting a commercial roof could cost you your business. We have the prescription. Contact us at PSI Roofing today to keep your flat roof in good health.

 

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Lake Management and Hurricane Season, by AllState Resource Management

Lake Management and Hurricane Season, by AllState Resource Management

  • Posted: Jul 16, 2020
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Lake Management and Hurricane Season

by AllState Resource Management

Many South Florida homeowners are not aware of the critical role their community lakes play in managing stormwater and mitigating local area flooding. With the start of this year’s hurricane season around the corner, now is the time to make sure that our lakes and waterways are ready to deal with whatever nature throws at us. The problem of flooding is a real issue here because our homes are built on relatively flat, low-lying ground. The thin layer of soil under our feet can become saturated quickly, and sits on a cap of coral rock that only allows for a slow flow of water down to the aquifers below. This, combined with the possibility of large amounts of precipitation in short periods of time creates conditions for major flooding in our urban areas.
When developers create residential communities and commercial areas, they need to take into account how much water needs to be stored or moved in order to prevent the project from flooding during major rain events. Through careful planning and design, they route stormwater away from our homes and into a system of lakes and canals. The size and number of lakes in our communities are a result of those calculations. Lakes are dug to create a storage area for water runoff from storms. The fill dug from the lakes is then used to raise the elevation of the homes around them.
Using a system of drains and pipes the water is directed from the developed areas down into the lakes. Some community lakes use weirs or culverts to connect them to the municipal canal system. This allows them to move excess water off the property once they reach a certain level. The system works well but requires regular maintenance in order to ensure that it works properly when needed. Scheduled inspections of storm drains and weirs is important to keep the water moving off our streets and properties efficiently.
These structures accumulate silt and debris, and will occasionally need to be cleaned out. The lakes themselves also need to be regularly inspected and maintained
Even though they are primarily man-made storm water basins, they do evolve and become living ecosystems like naturally occurring waterbodies. Aquatic vegetation begins to grow in all lakes eventually, and much like our lawns, require regular attention in order to avoid become overgrown. Exotic species such as hydrilla, hygrophila, and rotala grow quickly and can spread throughout acres of lake in a matter of months or less. Such infestations are not only unsightly, but all those weeds are filling up the lake and taking up space meant to hold stormwater runoff.
Floating weeds such as water lettuce and water hyacinth can rapidly cover a lake surface, clogging and even damaging weirs and other outflows. Excessive growth of vegetation near culverts and drain pipes can slow the flow of stormwater both into and out of the lake, causing backups of the system. The longer these plants are left to grow unmanaged, the harder the problem is to get under control and the longer it will take. Large scale infestations need to be treated in stages with regulated wait times between treatments. This is done in order to not deplete the dissolved oxygen in the whole lake. The other problem with established infestations is that the plants have had time to mature and grow extensive roots systems. These root systems allow the plants to re-grow quickly after initial treatments and quite frequently require multiple follow up treatments to bring under control. Even once treated, the herbicides take time to work and the plants take time to decompose and settle to the bottom. Unfortunately, tropical storm events do not wait until conditions are best suited to deal with the results.
The best way to make sure your community is protected is to be proactive and maintain your system regularly. Regular scheduled maintenance ensures that aquatic vegetation is kept at levels that don’t compromise your stormwater system and can potentially avoid costly repairs to its components.
Hurricane season corresponds with the time of year when these plants grow and spread the fastest due to the long, sunny days. We have learned that being prepared for hurricane season means taking precautions before the storm arrives. That wisdom should also definitely apply to
our first line of defense against flood damage in our communities.
Thank You to Colleen Sullivan for this Article.
Author: Stephen Montgomery / Senior Biologist
Allstate Resource Management   Members of SFPMA
– 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 inspections and maintenance, erosion control, fish stocking, native plantings, debris removal, water quality, aquatic pest control, and upland management.
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Reopening a Fitness Center – How a Miami Luxury Hi-Rise Handled It.  by BuildingLink

Reopening a Fitness Center – How a Miami Luxury Hi-Rise Handled It.  by BuildingLink

  • Posted: Jun 29, 2020
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Reopening a Fitness Center – How a Miami Luxury Hi-Rise Handled It.  by BuildingLink

 

New York may be a long way from Miami, but Miami is deep into its Phase Two reopening and it can provide some lessons for building managers in the New York area who are eager to open up their amenities to residents.

On June 8, Miami-Dade County allowed fitness centers/gyms to reopen. A look at how one building reopened can provide valuable lessons. The Continuum is a 523-unit luxury condominium in South Beach managed by Marquis Association Management, and it is using a suite of products from BuildingLink to keep residents safe and reduce liability.

A fitness center or gym is by far the most difficult common-area amenity to reopen. No other amenity involves so much physical contact – and so much respiratory risk. The Continuum board wanted to ensure that the property reopened in a way that prioritized the comfort and safety of residents while keeping them informed of new policies.

“It’s a big moment for us, but we prepared properly and are ready for the residents to utilize the fitness center again” says Alex Varona, resort manager at the Continuum. It took a lot of work and planning.”

According to local regulations, fitness centers can operate at 75% of normal capacity with a minimum social distancing of 10 feet. It must also be cleaned and disinfected regularly. The Continuum’s fitness center spans three floors. Eighty is the normal occupancy level, but that has been reduced to 20 people. Many new programs and policies were put into place for safety. Equipment and soft goods, such as yoga mats, have been removed. Spacing between machines has been increased. Barriers were added. Drinking fountains were turned off and replaced by free bottled water.

In addition, as an advanced user of BuildingLink , The Continuum utilized existing BuildingLink features as well as new sensors from the Aware by BuildingLink team. The challenge: the gym ad to operate at less than full capacity while contending with pent-up demand for use. The solution was to configure the BuildingLink Amenity Reservations module to allow residents to make reservations for one-and-a-half hour workout slots. The 30 minutes at the end of each workout was reserved for the fitness center staff to clean the equipment and common areas.

 

The Amenities Reservation module provided the Continuum team with the ability to limit the number of reservations per resident and even to restrict new reservations from being made more than a day in advance.

“The system allows us the flexibility to change as needed in order to accommodate the rules and regulations being enacted by our local officials” says Ena Rivera, general manager of the Sporting Club and Spa at the Continuum.

It doesn’t stop there. As members enter the facility at their reserved times, they must first pass an automated health-check kiosk to take their temperature and verify that they are wearing a face mask. After that, they are welcomed by a message from the BuildingLink NetVoice Annunciator product. NetVoice is a network-connected speaker that is connected to a public address system to send scheduled and on-demand vocal notifications to residents. NetVoice also reminds the resident when it is almost time to leave, saying: “Dear residents, thank you very much for visiting us today. We hope you enjoyed your time in the Sporting Club. We kindly ask that you finish your workout in the next 10 minutes so that our team can clean and sanitize for the next group. We look forward to seeing you again soon.”

“The residents prefer to have the automated system reinforcing the rules and informing them of the gym schedule. It is less intrusive than having a person walk around and remind them,” explains Varona.

After residents depart, the cleaning crew begins its work. As the crew moves from one location to another, it uses the Aware button logging system to indicate which areas have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. BuildingLink tracks this data for both residents and managers. Residents can see the data on their BuildingLink app or upon entering the gym, giving them additional peace of mind that the equipment is clean. Managers now have a log that the cleaning policy was enforced, thereby reducing potential liability if someone gets infected.

“The residents have been very supportive,” observes Rivera. “They all understand the situation. And they are excited to be able to get back into the gym. But they still want to protect themselves. BuildingLink’s tools and our policies have allowed them to feel comfortable and confident.”

 

Aware by BuildingLink

Aware is a division of BuildingLink that provides technologies that unlock building data and grant property managers the actionable insights needed to help reduce costs and improve the quality of life for residents and staff. Aware’s smart sensor solutions identify problems in buildings such as water leaks, mechanical system failures, elevators in need of repair, monitor noise situations, and manage parking systems.

For questions and inquiries contact: aware@buildinglink.com

Thank You for a great article – for SFPMA and its Members. 

Richard Worth
Regional Sales Director – Florida
407-529-6063
Richard@BuildingLink.com

 

 

More information:

Aware COVID Related Solutions: https://www.aware.buildinglink.com/covid

Aware Button Logging Solution: https://www.aware.buildinglink.com/button-logging

Aware NetVoice Annunciator: https://www.aware.buildinglink.com/netvoice

Aware Fitness Center Monitoring App: https://www.aware.buildinglink.com/fitness-center

 

 

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