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Is YOUR Pond A Breeding Ground For Pesky Midge Flies?

Is YOUR Pond A Breeding Ground For Pesky Midge Flies?

  • Posted: May 14, 2020
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Midge Fly Control
An Integrated Management Approach

 

Lakes, ponds and wetlands are valuable resources for boating and recreation, fishing, drinking water, stormwater collection, aesthetic beauty and wildlife habitat. But they also serve as common breeding grounds for pesky insects like aquatic midge flies, often referred to as “midge bugs” or “blind mosquitoes.” Midge flies belong to a very large and diverse family of aquatic insects. While often thought of as the “cousin” of mosquitoes, midges don’t bite, sting, suck blood or transmit disease. They can, however, become a terrible nuisance and trigger allergies or respiratory issues.

 

What is a midge? Where are they found?

Midges thrive near aquatic resources because their egg, larvae and pupae stages must occur in water. They have evolved to populate and prosper under difficult environmental conditions commonly occurring in many of our community lakes and ponds that have excessive nutrient loading, murky water, organic muck accumulation and low dissolved oxygen levels. These same water quality problems that favor midges also prevent midge predators such as fish and other aquatic insects from preying on them. This allows midges to form monocultures across a lake’s bottom and reproduce in extremely large numbers often exceeding 40,000 larvae per square meter. 1,000 larvae per square meter is considered the threshold for nuisance levels. Out-of-control midge larvae populations can become a terrible annoyance, inconvenience and even a health hazard to waterside residents when they metamorphose into adult flies.

 

 

Negative impact of midges:

  • Their swarms are attracted to lights around businesses, residential areas, and stormwater systems, which can detract from the enjoyment of outdoor activities.
  • Large populations of midges are known to blanket cars, building exteriors and other surfaces, which can stain or damage them over time.
  • Many communities experience a rapid increase in local spider populations reacting to the midge flies as a food source.
  • Residents find their eaves, porches and windows covered in spider webs full of decaying midges and smelling like dead fish.
  • Typically, midges are the biggest nuisance in the spring and fall when adults emerge from the water surface. However, in many states, particularly across the south and Florida, midge fly season is year-round.

 

An Integrated Midge Management Approach

 

Managing midge fly populations below nuisance levels requires an integrated approach to achieve successful long-term control—starting with bathymetric mapping of the habitat and a professional larvae assessment. Midge larvae surveys are crucial tools to determine which midge species are present and how to effectively manage them.

Blood midge larvae, for example, thrive in bottom sediments and must be targeted with an ingestible larvicide. On the other hand, phantom or ‘ghost’ midge larvae flow freely throughout the water column and are targeted with a growth-regulating hormone that prevents them from becoming healthy adults.

Once larvae surveys are completed, an integrated approach may continue with strategic larvicide treatments to disrupt midge lifecycles, as well as the following management approaches:
  • Balance water quality conditions to prevent algae growth
  • Enhance biological control via predatory fish stocking 
  • Increase circulation and dissolved oxygen levels through aeration 
  • Develop a healthy and diverse shoreline littoral habitat

 

Balance water quality:

  • Ensure stormwater management facilities are within compliance in order to properly divert watershed runoff containing phosphorus, nitrogen and other pollutants.
  • Use nutrient remediation products like Phoslock, Alum or Biochar to help create balanced water quality conditions that are less hospitable to the algae blooms on which midge larvae feed.
  • To eradicate stubborn algae blooms, work with your lake and pond management professional to arrange the application of EPA-registered algaecides.

 

Introduce aeration: 

  • Traditional aeration solutions and new technologies like nanobubbles can be used to naturally increase dissolved oxygen levels, thus accelerating the oxidation of undesirable nutrients – the primary food source that filter feeding midge larvae rely on.
  • Raising oxygen levels throughout the water column will allow predatory fish to attack the larvae population hiding in deeper bottom waters and sediments.
  • Increased oxygen levels can help reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and algae growth, improving the lake or pond’s overall water quality, clarity and beauty.

 

Manage fish populations:

  • Arrange a professional electrofishing assessment to survey your fish population and ensure the proper predatory fish species like Bream and Gambusia are present to feed on midge larvae.
  • Stock the correct quantity of fish for your lake’s or pond’s midge species and density, and restock yearly to maintain abundant fish populations.
  • Consider supporting fish populations with the introduction of automatic fish feeders and habitat structures.

 

Cultivate a healthy shoreline:

  • Introduce a variety of native flowering species to help limit the negative impacts of nutrient loading. Beneficial plants include arrowhead, pickerelweed, canna lily and blue flag iris.
  • Native vegetative plantings also provide cover and shelter for midge predators including gambusia, bream, amphibians and dragonfly nymphs and adults.
  • Is your shoreline too eroded to plant? Install a biodegradable shoreline erosion control system like coconut coir logs or ShoreSOX to restore banks and hillsides for more than 10 years.

 

 

Find Your Solution

With SOLitude Lake Management

Looking for sustainable long-term control of your algae or aquatic weed problems? Considering  fisheries management assistance? Need help with water quality testing? Trying to find the perfect pond aeration system for your aquatic ecosystem?

Whatever your lake and pond management needs may be, SOLitude Lake Management has the answer. Simply fill out the form ( Click Find Your Solution ) and let us know how we can help. We look forward to helping you find your lake or pond management solution.

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FIND COURSES TRAINING AND EVENTS IN FLORIDA on THE EVENTS CALENDAR

FIND COURSES TRAINING AND EVENTS IN FLORIDA on THE EVENTS CALENDAR

  • Posted: May 12, 2020
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FIND COURSES TRAINING AND EVENTS IN FLORIDA on THE EVENTS CALENDAR

In these times we have changed our Events to Include Online Webinars, Seminars and Radio Shows you can interact with from the comfort of your homes.

 

THE EVENTS CALENDAR

 

Keeping safety first. We have added events to fit the new narrative Providing: Legal Courses, Board Member Courses, Insurance, Collections, Finance, Business, Service Courses and Expos in Florida.

 

                  

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Finding the top Companies that work in our Industry is important for Property Managers Condo & HOA Board Members.

Finding the top Companies that work in our Industry is important for Property Managers Condo & HOA Board Members.

  • Posted: May 12, 2020
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It starts with: Membership and being listed on the Florida Directory.

Property Managers, Condo & HOA Board Members use our members for repairs in the buildings and communities they manage, for them this equates to happier residents, fewer high-priced emergency repair bills and cost savings overall. Through your membership we help with forming relationships in our industry that lead to increased business for your company and lasting relationships for you.

Board Members that represent Condos and HOA’s all over Florida. Property Management Companies, Property Owners and Private Landlords that wish to stay informed and up to date with our industry.  For these people having a reliable source is important to them and with our goal of “Having a Trusted Member to care for their Properties either through Management, Business Related Services or Maintenance Services” is what they get!

 

When you are listed on the Florida Directory, Clients can find you as one of the Top Companies used in our industry. Your company will benefit from being listed.

“Start forming lasting relationships in the Property Management Industry”

 

Sign up On-Line Today: Select what you do?  – Fill out the information Form,  – Become a member!

You should take advantage of professional associations it allows you to meet like minded professionals and opens up opportunities for future business ventures and lifelong partnerships. 
1. You are listed on the Website Members Directory.
2. You are also listed on the Florida Rising Magazine Directory.
3. Write Articles (our Blog) we send to the Industry Professionals, Let them get to know what you do!
4. Take out Advertising in the Magazine and Write Articles ( Half Page and Full Page Ads)
5. We also each month help our members by giving them Free Ads for a few months so the readers can learn more about you
Get Listed this year: Business Memberships
(these are set at recurring auto billed each year)

Once you fill out the Company Information Form and Make the online Membership fee payment we will upload the information and assign it to a page for your company. Any Form sent without payment will not be uploaded to our Directory, Thank You

 

Property Managers

Listing your Company on the Directory is important

We give clients the information to make an informed decision about which property management company to use. Addressing the questions for owners and board members helps them to understand what a manager does and how important it is to take the time to find the right company for there properties.

Business

Using the right company the first time solves your problem faster

Many clients are using the Listed Companies to find accounting, architecture, collections, insurance and building claims, public relations, telecommunications, tower management, and web design to name a few. When they use our Florida Directory combined with their company’s in-house dept’s they get companies that have passed our screening and industry standards.

Service Vendors

When they are looking for the highly trained companies who are licensed, bonded and insured that is what they get!

Many property managers use the companies on the Florida Directory for faster quality repairs in the buildings and communities they manage, this equates to happier residents, fewer high-priced emergency repair bills and cost savings overall.

 

 

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Reshaping Large Construction Projects Webinar this Thursday, May 7th at 2pm! by The Falcon Group

Reshaping Large Construction Projects Webinar this Thursday, May 7th at 2pm! by The Falcon Group

  • Posted: May 06, 2020
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Don’t forget to sign up for the:

Reshaping Large Construction Projects Webinar this Thursday, May 7th at 2pm!

Be Proactive, Educated and Engaged
#thefalcongroup

Sign Up Info:
Email: PFoltanski@falconengineering.com
Subject: Large Construction Projects
Body: Please provide your Full Name, Company, Address, Phone Number and if you are a CMCA

“The STRENGTH of the TEAM is each individual MEMBER. The STRENGTH of each MEMBER is the TEAM.”

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Re-opening Amenities In Times Of Uncertainty, Part 2 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

Re-opening Amenities In Times Of Uncertainty, Part 2 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

  • Posted: May 06, 2020
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Re-opening Amenities In Times Of Uncertainty, Part 2 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

by Kaye Bender Rembaum

In response to our article below, we have received inquiries from readers  regarding the ability of an  association located in Palm Beach County to use volunteers to provide the pool  monitoring as required by Palm  Beach County Emergency Order Number 5.

In relevant part, the Palm Beach County Order provides that as to the re-opening of community swimming pools the association must have “[o]ne (1) or more facility staff or management be present at each facility location to monitor and ensure compliance with the [Order].” There is no definitive instruction in the Order as to how a community association is to comply this particular requirement. However, based upon the plain meaning of the words, the association should have personnel from management or association staff physically present at the association’s pool facilities during its operating hours to monitor the use of the pool facilities to ensure compliance with the Order.

 


 

Webinar: Association Continuity During COVID-19

Register Today

Thursday, May 7, 2020

12 Noon to 1:00pm

Kaye Bender Rembaum attorneys Michael S. Bender and Jeffrey A. Rembaum will be a part of a panel discussion presented by Castle Group, in Episode 2 of “Association Continuity and Other COVID-19 Concerns.” There will be a special focus on the re-opening of community amenities.

Panelists include:

Craig Vaughan, Castle Group President

Michael S. Bender, Esq., BCS

Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq., BCS

Brendan T. Lynch, AIP AAI, Plastridge Insurance, President

 

Register to Attend HERE

 

 


In addition, based upon an April 28, 2020, posting from the Palm Beach County website, it is suggested that an association could also appoint a committee of community volunteers to perform the pool monitoring. The issue created by the Palm Beach County Website posting is that the Order required “facility staff or management” to provide the pool monitoring. The term “volunteers” was not not used.

 

With that in mind,  if an association located in Palm Beach County decides to use volunteers to provide the pool monitoring function, then the following should be taken into consideration: 

 

1) If a resident who contracts Covid-19 later sues the association alleging a breach of the Order somehow led to their contracting of the virus, then will the association be in a position to show compliance with the Order when, in fact, volunteers were used? While such a lawsuit is remote, given today’s litigious environment it is not out the question.

2) Does the association have legal defense coverage which would at least provide for assignment of defense counsel so that the association will not have to go out of pocket in the event its other insurance policies do not provide coverage?

3) Does the association have insurance coverage in place to cover acts of volunteers?

4) Does the association have volunteer workers comp type coverage in place?

 

Although not required by the Order, we suggest that the association consider conspicuously posting or having available as a handout a summary of the CDC Social Distancing Guidelines and the Palm Beach County Emergency Order Number 5 as related to use of community pools.  The following links are provided for your reference:

Palm Beach County Emergency Order Number 5

The Palm Beach County Website April 28 posting related to volunteers  

Remember to also discuss the re-opening plan with your association’s legal counsel. 

 

Kaye Bender Rembaum, Attorneys at Law

The law firm of Kaye Bender Rembaum, with its 19 lawyers and offices in Broward, Palm Beach and Hillsborough Counties, is a full service law firm devoted to the representation of more than 1,200 community and commercial associations, developers, and their members throughout the State of Florida. Under the direction of attorneys Robert L. Kaye, Michael S. Bender and Jeffrey A. Rembaum, the law firm of Kaye Bender Rembaum strives to provide its clients with an unparalleled level of personalized and professional service that takes into account their clients’ individual needs and financial concerns.

http://KBRLegal.com

 

 

 

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Re-opening Amenities In Times Of Uncertainty Part. 1 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

Re-opening Amenities In Times Of Uncertainty Part. 1 by Kaye Bender Rembaum

  • Posted: May 04, 2020
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Re-opening Amenities In Times Of Uncertainty pt. 1

by Kaye Bender Rembaum

The re-opening of amenities is anything but easy due to the local Orders being promulgated by Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Please be sure to review your County’s specific order(s) to ensure your association remains in compliance. These Orders have similarities but are also VERY different.

A link to the recent re-opening Orders follows:

Palm Beach County, Emergency Order Number 5

Broward County, Emergency Order 20-08

Miami-Dade County, Emergency Order 21020

 

As to the Palm Beach County Order, take note that that staff and management are responsible to ensure compliance with the Order with respect to the tennis/racquet court facilities, and that one or more facility staff or management must be present at the pool to monitor and “ensure compliance with the restrictions of the Order.” However, it is not at all clear what measures must be taken to “ensure compliance with this Order.” We do not think it would be sufficient to only post a sign setting forth the CDC Guidelines and the additional restrictions in the Order. Although the tennis/racquet court facilities guidelines, unlike the community pool guidelines, do not require personnel to be present at the tennis/racquet courts to monitor and ensure compliance, in our opinion the board should consider some type of responsible monitoring.


 

Webinar: Association Continuity During COVID-19

Register Today

Thursday, May 7, 2020

12 Noon to 1:00pm

Kaye Bender Rembaum attorneys Michael S. Bender and Jeffrey A. Rembaum will be a part of a panel discussion presented by Castle Group, in Episode 2 of “Association Continuity and Other COVID-19 Concerns.” There will be a special focus on the re-opening of community amenities.

Panelists include:

Craig Vaughan, Castle Group President

Michael S. Bender, Esq., BCS

Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq., BCS

Brendan T. Lynch, AIP AAI, Plastridge Insurance, President

 

Register to Attend HERE

 

 


With respect to a swimming pool in Palm Beach County, “facility staff or management” must be present at the pool whenever it is open to monitor and ensure compliance with the restrictions set out in the Order, including social distancing and pool bathroom sanitation. If that cannot be accomplished, then the pool and or bathrooms should remain closed.

 

When opening a swimming pool in Broward County, their Order provides that the pool may not operate at more than 50% capacity. In person supervision in addition to sanitizing gates, railings and showers is required if the pool deck furnishings are left in place. However, by removing the furnishings, the wording of the Order seems to indicate the need to sanitize gates, railings and showers has been eliminated.  If the decision by the Board is to reopen the pool, whether the furnishings remain or are removed a level of reasonable cleaning/sanitizing should be maintained, as necessary maintenance remains a continuing obligation of the association with regard to common elements/areas, which would require sanitizing the pool gates, handrails, doors, bathrooms and the like minimally as the association normally would,  but clearly should be performed more frequently during these times.

 

Residents of Miami-Dade County will have to wait a while longer to be able to use their association swimming pool because their Order does not yet address opening association swimming pools.

 

We have heard that certain county staff are giving their personal interpretations of the Order(s) in response to questions from board members. If you think that relying on these unofficial and unauthorized interpretations will shield your association from immunity, think again! It is far more likely that staff interpretations of the County Orders will not provide any protection whatsoever, most especially if a resident contracts Covid-19 and a lawsuit is brought against the association. Until local governments revise their Orders to provide missing clarity, the plain language, conservative interpretation of these Orders should be followed to help ensure your association is protected as much as possible under the circumstances. Remember, too, that an association can have stricter requirements than those set out in the orders, but cannot adopt less strict requirements.

 

It is also unclear from the Orders how governmental enforcement of the restrictions is to occur by the County or any municipality, as it seems very (very) unlikely that there will be patrols driving around to check on compliance. Even if such patrols did exist, they could not hope to keep up. The more likely scenario is that the self-reporting of violations could possibly lead to monetary or other penalties against the association. Clearly, if the Board is of the opinion that the requirements in their County’s Order cannot be met at this time, it or are removed is certainly within the reasonable business judgment of the Board to keep those amenities closed. However, that said, reasonable business judgment should not be used by a board to make a decision to open amenities where the board believes it lacks the ability to be fully compliant with their county’s local Orders.

 

 

We encourage board members to contact their association’s legal counsel for guidance regarding reopening any tennis/racquet courts and/or pool facility, and to continue to monitor the guidelines, directives and orders issued by the CDC and the applicable local authorities. Stay safe.

 

Kaye Bender Rembaum, Attorneys at Law

The law firm of Kaye Bender Rembaum, with its 19 lawyers and offices in Broward, Palm Beach and Hillsborough Counties, is a full service law firm devoted to the representation of more than 1,200 community and commercial associations, developers, and their members throughout the State of Florida. Under the direction of attorneys Robert L. Kaye, Michael S. Bender and Jeffrey A. Rembaum, the law firm of Kaye Bender Rembaum strives to provide its clients with an unparalleled level of personalized and professional service that takes into account their clients’ individual needs and financial concerns.

http://KBRLegal.com

 

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How the Coronavirus Can Affect Your Insurance Claim By Bobby Parsons  / Cohen Law Group

How the Coronavirus Can Affect Your Insurance Claim By Bobby Parsons / Cohen Law Group

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2020
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How the Coronavirus Can Affect Your Insurance Claim

By Bobby Parsons / Cohen Law Group

 

As the Coronavirus continues to spread throughout the globe, many industries will experience closures and slowdowns, as well as implement various protocols limiting their productivity. For instance, the Florida court system has already issued an administrative order limiting court appearances that would require the gathering of a substantial number of people in an effort to curtail further spreading of the virus. The extent of such protocols being put in place during the near-term future remains unclear, but it is safe to assume, the business interruptions we have seen thus far are only the beginning until a vaccine is developed, or the virus runs its natural course.

Many offices are closing their doors for the foreseeable future and requesting employees to work from home. The most recent recommendations from the authorities include a moratorium on gatherings of ten people or more, down from fifty only a few days ago. The spreading of the virus, and the associated efforts to curtail its spread, will certainly impact all aspects of our lives, and suffering a loss to your home or property would only serve to make an impossible situation worse.

Insurance companies are very large, with vast amounts of employees. Should you suffer a loss to your property, an insurance company will likely be ill-equipped at this time to properly adjust your claim due to limitations on its productivity like those discussed above. Normally, an insurance company must conclude its investigation of your claim within ninety days. However, this rule is subject to a provision that allows insurance companies to exceed this timeline during exigent circumstances, like the one we are all dealing with today. What this means, is that your claim could get stuck in limbo while the global issue of the coronavirus runs its course. Scheduling inspections, hiring contractors, gathering documents from your insurance agent, and other steps ordinarily conducted during an insurance company’s investigation into a claim will take much longer than usual.

Given the uncertain nature of the near-term future regarding the ability to properly address your insurance claim, what is a property owner to do should it experience a loss? The most important thing to do in a time like this, is to protect the property from further damage and stabilize it. This could be something as simple as placing a tarp on the roof after suffering a leak. Even though the carrier is likely going to take quite some time to investigate the loss, this does not absolve a property owner of its responsibility to protect the property from further damage. Likewise, a property owner must also preserve the property to the best of its ability for inspection by the insurance company at a later date. Literally maintaining possession of damaged property may be a virtual impossibility due to contaminants or some other risk. However, should this occur, property owners should document such property thoroughly, and consider storing the damaged property with a third party better-equipped to handle such property. As the spread of the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc, it is important to know that an insurance company’s investigation into a property claim is likely to take much longer than normal, and it is equally important to understand how a property owner needs to adapt to the drawn out process.

 

If you have any questions regarding this, you can call our office 24 hours a day at 407-917-3192.

Robert "Bobby" Parsons, Esq.

Robert “Bobby” Parsons, Esq.

Learn more about Bobby here!

DISCLAIMER: This website is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. Using this site or communicating with Cohen Law Group through this site does not form an attorney/client relationship. This site is legal advertising. Please review the full disclaimer for more information by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

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After the Pandemic: How Community Associations Can Recover in the New Economy. by Mitchell Drimmer of Axela

After the Pandemic: How Community Associations Can Recover in the New Economy. by Mitchell Drimmer of Axela

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2020
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After the Pandemic: How Community Associations Can Recover in the New Economy.

by Mitchell Drimmer of Axela Technologies

 

Is Your Condo or HOA Prepared?

Download : How Community Associations Can Recover in the New Economy

With a pandemic crippling the global economy, community associations must prepare for the effects this will have on the housing market.

We must face the grim reality that the ripple effects of the coronavirus may cripple our economy for years to come, long after the virus itself has been contained, as people lose their incomes and families struggle to make ends meet.

Community associations are already beginning to feel the effects of the recession with homeowners in financial crisis opting not to pay association fees, and this trend looks like it will get worse before it gets better. And with foreclosures on temporary deferment during the shutdown, the typical methods communities use to collect are unavailable.

But there is hope for communities to navigate this new recession economy. Community associations are one of the few industries that can successfully weather economic depression. You just need to know what tools to leverage to keep the budget healthy.

The American consumer will be making choices: “Should I pay my Visa or Mastercard bill or my community association fees?”

This whitepaper explores the options that are available to community associations and reveals what actions you can take to not just protect your community, but to thrive in the new recession economy we are facing.

 


 

HOW THE FUTURE COLLECTS

Axela Technologies is dedicated to helping create streamlined accounts receivable and collections for management companies, condo associations and homeowners associations.

Our proven collection methods help community associations realize higher returns and lower delinquency ratings at virtually no risk to the organization.

Axela is fully compliant with Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

 

Get a Free Consultation with a
Collections Expert

Need a Better Cash Flow for Your Condo or HOA?

Your Collections process may be what’s holding your budget back. Let us help with this free analysis of your collections process.

Call Us
305-392-0389

 

 

 

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IT’S TIME FOR SOME NEW LEGISLATION FOR VOTING for OUR ASSOCIATIONS By Eric Glazer, Esq.

IT’S TIME FOR SOME NEW LEGISLATION FOR VOTING for OUR ASSOCIATIONS By Eric Glazer, Esq.

  • Posted: Apr 28, 2020
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IT’S TIME FOR SOME NEW LEGISLATION

By Eric Glazer, Esq.

 

No doubt we have been in unchartered waters for the past few weeks now.  Boards have been uncertain about how, when and where they can hold board meetings.  Unit owners are upset that they have heard that their Board is actually having meetings that they cannot attend.  Decisions are being made at meetings that are not properly noticed.  No doubt decisions and votes are being made by e-mail, even though the statute clearly prohibits it.

       Despite the extraordinary powers given to Boards under the emergency powers statute, there are a few things that remain clear;

  1. Board meetings must still be noticed;
  2. Unit owners have the right to attend board meetings;
  3. Board members still cannot vote by e-mail;
  4. Board members have the right to appear at Board meetings via telephone, real-time videoconferencing, or similar real-time electronic or video communication and it counts toward a quorum, and such member may vote as if physically present. A speaker must be used so that the conversation of such members may be heard by the board or committee members attending in person as well as by any unit owners present at a meeting.
  5. Unit owners who are not on the Board have no right to attend their Board meeting via the same technology that Board members get to use.

So what needs fixing?  Obviously, in light of recent events, all board meetings and unit owner meetings must be made available to the owners through technology.  Nobody should be forced to attend a meeting in person if board members are not forced.  .  Now, before anyone starts yelling that this is impossible…… it isn’t.  There was pushback about having a mandatory website that would hold all of the association’s records.  We learned it works great.  There was pushback when it came to on-line voting.  We learned it works great.

For me however, these past few weeks have been an incredible learning experience.  I have had the joy and honor of continuing to teach the Board Certification and Legal Update seminars.  There are 130 people on-line at one time!  We are on-line for three hours.  It works perfectly.  And after my part is over, everyone who wants to be heard gets to be heard.  Don’t tell me Board meetings can’t be run the same way.  They can.  Easily.  Far fewer people typically attend a board meeting.

So, it’s clear that it’s now time for unit owners to get the same rights as board members do and have the opportunity to appear at their Board and unit owner meetings through the use of technology.  If you still choose to attend in person, even better.  The choice should be yours.

 

 


 

The State of Florida Property Management Association has looked into these issues for voting and have found in Florida,  There are a few companies that had the insite and looked into the future of Online Voting

 

Supported by SFPMA:  BeckerBALLOT  –  Use this software for board of directors votes, amendment of governing documents, waive reserves and approval of material alterations and more! Your members need to simply log in, cast their votes and be on their way.

BeckerBALLOT, a joint partnership between Becker & Poliakoff and SHYFT digital. 

We offer an easy-to-use, secure electronic voting software solution that is compliant with state law. We provide the ability for members in condominiums, cooperatives and homeowner associations to cast their votes online.  You will be able to easily and seamlessly facilitate and increase member participation in important votes. All votes stay secure, anonymous and tracked for validity.

Once your Board adopts a Resolution which offers an online voting system for your members, members consenting to vote online may register and vote using BeckerBALLOT.com

 

 

Please join us from the comfort of your home or office for one of our upcoming online webinars where we will demo the vote creation and management tools with opportunity for Q&A.

April 28: 10:30 – 11:30 am: Register Now
May 5: 10:30 – 11:30 am: Register Now
May 12: 10:30 – 11:30 am: Register Now

 

 

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A Healthy Workplace Starts In the Janitor’s Closet by ACE Cleaning Systems

A Healthy Workplace Starts In the Janitor’s Closet by ACE Cleaning Systems

  • Posted: Apr 22, 2020
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A Healthy Workplace Starts In the Janitor’s Closet

by ACE Cleaning Systems

Is Your Workplace Healthy?

We all want to live and work in a safe and sanitary environment.  In light of the recent covid-19 outbreak, we have become more aware of the importance of cleaning (and disinfecting) the surfaces we touch in our workplaces.  While no facility can be made “germ free”, janitorial companies can utilize modern cleaning and disinfection practices to create a safe and healthy work environment for your business.

Much of the equipment and cleaning practices in current use have become outdated because they are less effective at removing germs.   This is because science has uncovered three disturbing facts:

1. Surfaces that look clean are not always free of germs.

2. Cleaning incorrectly can actually cause germs to spread from one area to another.

3. Certain types of cleaning equipment and supplies actually encourage the spread of germs.

The important takeaways are this:  surfaces that look clean can still contain enough germs to cause an illness to spread.  And, even though it may look like someone is cleaning and disinfecting your facility, they may unknowingly be spreading germs around because they aren’t using the right cleaning methods and or equipment.

So, how can you know if your cleaning company is removing sufficient amounts of germs from the surfaces they clean?  First, inspect the janitor’s closet for outdated commercial cleaning equipment and supplies.

 

 

What’s in your janitor’s closet?

A janitorial closet that is well organized and kept clean provides a clue that your janitorial company is doing its job properly.  But, the type of equipment and supplies you find inside your closet can uncover the real reason you’re not reducing employee absenteeism.

Is your janitor closet unorganized?  Are bottles not labeled? Are rags thrown all over the place?  Do you see dirty string mops and contaminated buckets?  Is there a “dirty” laundry bag to keep new and used towels separated?  Does you company have disposable microfiber towels in the event your workplace has reported sick employees?

 

Look in your janitor’s closet for three signs of inadequate disinfection and or cross contamination(i.e. the spread of germs):

1. String mops and buckets – There are very few uses for string mops in outpatient healthcare facilities.  String mops can spread massive amounts of germs around (see study below) when used for routine floor cleaning.   String mops can be replaced with inexpensive, EPA recommended, bucket-less flat mops that virtually eliminate cross contamination (see the UC Davis study on flat mops vs. string mops here).

2. Soiled rags, wet string mops, buckets with standing water should not be found lying around or hanging in your janitor’s closet (they are breeding grounds for germs). Soiled cleaning cloths and mop heads should be stored in closed containers and laundered properly after each use. Cleaning cloths and mop heads should not be hand washed on-site and re-used.

3. Find out the name of the disinfectant your cleaning company is using (please look in your janitor’s closet). Every chemical in the closet should be labeled (OSHA regulations) and should have a corresponding safety data sheet (SDS). The cleaning company should be using a disinfectant that has been approved by the EPA for use against the coronavirus. The list can be found here:

https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

 

Cleaning Best Practices:

Best practices are defined as commercial procedures that are accepted as being correct or most effective.  Best cleaning practices have been developed in the janitorial industry through research by leading authorities in the field.  These practices include the use of certain types of equipment, supplies and cleaning methods and when followed, produce high quality results.

Cleaning Standards:

So, how can you know if your janitorial company’s equipment can reduce employee absenteeism and protect the health of your staff?  It’s really not hard to find out.  Just follow the checklist we’ve created for you below.  This list is not arbitrary.  Its based on accepted cleaning standards that have been developed after years of research by highly respected organizations such as:

the EPACDC, and USGBC (United States Green Building Council).

The cleaning standards developed by these organizations are widely accepted as janitorial cleaning best practices.  But, unfortunately, they aren’t always practiced.  Commercial cleaning companies often use outdated, ineffective equipment that just can’t get the job done properly.

 

Janitorial Closet Checklist:

The equipment checklist below is your best defense against hiring the wrong cleaning company and keeping your workplace safe and healthy.  Ask these questions before you sign your next janitorial cleaning contract:

1) Do you use string mops?

If they answer yes, this is a big red flag.  Many companies still use outdated string mops that spread dirt and germs around.  Microfiber flat mops are a better choice and an accepted standard.

Read more about the best mops to use in healthcare and most commercial facilities:

https://www.acecleaningsystems.com/single-post/The-Best-And-Worst-Mops-For-Commercial-Cleaning

 

2) Do you dilute chemicals by hand?

Many companies still dilute cleaning solutions by hand.  Manual methods of dilution are unreliable and can be dangerous.  Automated dilution systems are the cleaning standard today.

 

3) Are all bottles labeled according to OSHA standards?

OSHA requires labeling on all cleaning products to prevent improper use.  This is for the safety of your building’s occupants.  Is the company OSHA compliant?

 

4) Do you use green clean certified products?

Green cleaning products are safe and non-toxic.  They are not required, but are becoming an accepted standard in many facilities.

 

5) Do you use microfiber towels?

Microfiber towels are the accepted standard for surface cleaning and disinfection.  Paper towels and cotton rags cannot remove dirt or soil as effectively and are out of favor.  Many companies use paper towels to avoid using microfiber towels that require ongoing laundering services.  To minimize the spread of infections janitorial companies should  endorse disposable microfiber towels.

 

6) Do you use a color-coded system for towels?

Color-coded towel systems prevent the spread of germs from one area of your facility to another. You don’t want a janitorial worker using the same towel to clean your bathroom and desk.  Color-coding prevents this from happening.

 

7) Do you use HEPA certified vacuums?

HEPA certified vacuums capture very fine dust particles. They improve indoor air quality and remove more soil than other vacuums. This is an accepted cleaning standard, especially in hospitals, medical offices, schools and child care centers.  Many cleaning companies use in-expensive, less effective vacuums.   Poor air quality has been associated with headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritation of the lungs and other health issues, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Read more about how to increase the indoor air quality in your workplace:

https://www.cleanlink.com/cp/article/High-Vacuuming-Improves-Indoor-Air-Quality–23910

 

8) Will you be using EPA registered, hospital grade disinfectants?

There are many disinfectants available for purchase over the counter.  However, the accepted standard and more effective practice is to use commercially available, EPA registered disinfectants.

9) Do you use a laundry system to clean and disinfect towels and rags?

If a janitorial company doesn’t have a separate laundry bag for used towels, it’s another red flag.  Accepted standards include frequent changing of microfiber towels to prevent the spread of dirt and germs, aka cross contamination.  After towels have become soiled, they should be stored in a “dirty” bag until laundered.  This sounds like a simple process, but you’d be surprised how many cleaning companies don’t have a laundering system in place.

 

10) Do you have a disinfection plan if there is an outbreak in your workplace?

Electrostatic spray disinfection is a highly effective method of applying an EPA-registered disinfectant to surfaces and objects.  The disinfectant is sprayed on electrostatically, causing it to cling and wrap around the surface or object, providing a more thorough and effective disinfection. Read more: https://www.acecleaningsystems.com/single-post/How-To-Reduce-the-Spread-of-Germs-at-Work

 

Commercial Janitorial Cleaning Services

Ace provides high quality commercial cleaning services to businesses in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and nearby cities.  Over the last 12 years our company has developed cost effective janitorial cleaning programs for a wide range of businesses in Broward and Palm Beach County.  We are an independent, locally owned company with a hands on management team that is responsive to our customer’s needs. 

Members of SFPMA – View our Membership page

Zach Shor
954-756-2588
President, Ace Cleaning Systems, Inc.

 

 

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Professional Home & Office Decontamination for Coronavirus by Flash BioClean

Professional Home & Office Decontamination for Coronavirus by Flash BioClean

  • Posted: Apr 20, 2020
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Professional Home & Office Decontamination for Coronavirus by Flash BioClean

 

Indoor Environmental Mitigation and Remediation

Flash Restore specializes in Emergency, and non Emergency, Indoor Environmental Mitigation, Remediation and Decontamination of building materials and their systems, contaminated by Fire, Water, Mold, Hazardous Materials, Pests, and Biological Hazards.

Flash BioClean, which is a dba of Flash Restore, is providing services to treat coronavirus in Homes, Offices, Condos, Assisted Living, Rentals, and all kinds of indoor environments. I have attached a really great brochure that explains it all. Flash BioClean is not your ordinary cleaning company as we are trained, certified, licensed, and insured to work with biohazards and have been for years.

 

FLASH BIOCLEAN COVID-19 BROCHURE

 

Donald Brodsky
C: 561-722-7572
Donald@FlashRestore.com

Flash Restore
6000 Park of Commerce Blvd
Suite C
Boca Raton, FL, 33487
O: 844.FLASH24
O: 844.352.7424
O: 561-475-3000
www.FlashRestore.com

 

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