December Magazine - 2020

NE F L C A I . C OM

V OL .

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I s s u e

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No r t h e a s t F l o r i d a C h a p t e r C o mmu n i t y A s s o c i a t i o n s I n s t i t u t e

THE COMMUNITY CONNECTION

all in the

FAMILY

In This Issue: The Algae Family Family Vs. Family The Fungi That Thrives Together That Family Next Door Love Thy Neighbor Florida-Friendly Landscape

events

contact information 42200 N Checkerberry Way St. John's, FL 32259 ced@neflcai.com

2020 board of directors President - David Robinson First Coast Mulch

Annual Meeting/Elections - February 8 11:30a-1:00p Location TBA Check the website for the 2021 calendar which is currently being populated

click on the video below to learn about our new website

President - Elect - Pilar Willis Dixon, CIC, CIRMS Brown & Brown Insurance Secretary - Leslie Pragasam, LCAM Vesta Property Services Treasurer- Jesse Skinner, LCAM, CMCA Leland Management Director - Cindy Dunlop Cogent Bank, SVP, Commercial Relationship Manager Director- Carmen Mazzeo, LCAM Homeowner Leader

2020 committees Immed. Past President - Catie Marks, CAM MAY Management Chapter Executive Director- Robin Miller NEFLCAI

NEFLCAI provides education, networking, resources, and advocacy for Community Associations in Northeast Florida and the professionals who serve them.

Membership Carmen Mazzeo - Board Liaison Mary Price - Co-Chair James Klempin - Co-Chair Social Leslie Pragasam - Board Liaison Kyle Stoudenmire - Chair Program Pilar Willis Dixon - Board Liaison Ed Ronsman - Chair EXPO Cindy Dunlop - Board Liaison Elle Walch - Chair

If you're interested in being on a committee for 2021, we'd love to have you.

Please reach out to our Executive Director Robin Miller to get connected. ced@neflcai.com

letter from the president WRITTEN BY DAVID ROBINSON FIRST COAST MULCH

While this year hasn’t been as interactive as we planned, our Chapter has accomplished a lot and is poised for a great 2021 and beyond!

Converting to virtual was not an easy task and one I personally had not previously experienced. However your board and members came together, thank you everyone for all the hard work and time dedicated to taking us virtual. Additionally thank you to all of the individuals who put themselves out there and taught a Class for virtual learning WHAM BAM. Your board has worked this year using the down time to ensure that our Chapter’s growth will not be impeded by outdated policies or procedures that do not reflect the size and complex makeup of our members. We also moved forward with updating the website to a user friendly interface that streamlines event/sponsorship purchasing, allows members to easily access services provided by our business partners, and will allow us to hold educational events virtually moving forward.

Our final accomplishment was teaming up with our new Executive Director, Robin Miller, whose experience has already helped our chapter become a better resource for everyone.

As we say good riddance to 2020 and hello to 2021! I hope everyone has a great Holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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BY: JIM SCHWARTZ, FLORIDA WATERWAYS, INC.

They can be slimy and stinky, similar yet different, they’re not altogether ooky… They’re the Algae Family.

OK, with Halloween behind us, this might not be the best characterization of algae. Trust me, there really is a lot to like about algae.

Algae are a broad and unique family. However, the differences between different types of algae can lead you to ask “Are you two really related?”

At their core, algae are single-cellular photosynthetic organisms.

They’re are simple organisms too, lacking the vascular systems found in plants. And that’s about where the commonalities end. Did you know that there are over 70,000 species of algae? And that some algae have been around for several billion years? That’s one large family!

Algae, however, can be classified by their physical appearance: Planktonic, Filamentous, and Macro (plant-like). There’s one more general type of algae worth mentioning: the “blue-greens” which are not true algae, but actually cyanobacteria.

Planktonic Algae: these are microscopic organisms which are the primary producers in a pond’s ecosystem. They form the base of the food chain for filter feeders and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. Absorbing nutrients directly from the water, these algae often “bloom� in response to nutrient influxes following fertilizer applications and rain events. However, planktonic algae can die off as quickly as it blooms and this is where problems occur. The dead planktonic algae sink to the bottom of the pond and are decomposed by oxygen consuming bacteria.

These oxygen consuming bacteria rapidly consume oxygen from the water as part of their metabolic processes. This, combined with the lack of new oxygen from photosynthesis, leads to oxygen depletions and fish kills. Some of the best management techniques for planktonic algae include pond aeration and applications of water quality enhancing products which remove excess nutrients from the water. It is also important to use fertilizers in lawns and landscaping judiciously.

Filamentous Algae: These are algae that form colonies, with each cell linking to the next, until long filaments or strands are formed. When collections of these filaments get large enough, filamentous algae are visible to the naked eye, often as floating mats on the surface of the water.

Most filamentous algae start their life cycle on the bottom of ponds, or attached to structure. As they photosynthesize, oxygen gets trapped within the filaments, causing large mats to float to the surface. As many of these algae prefer a substrate to grow on, its important to keep lawn clippings and yard waste out of the ponds. I often encounter grass clippings with filamentous algae clinging to it, providing the perfect conditions for large mats to form.

Macro (plant-like) Algae: These algae form colonies which are visible to the naked eye and appear plant like, with trunks and stems. However, these algae colonies lack vascular tissue and a root system, keeping them in the algae family. The most common macro algae

in our region is Chara. This alga is a beneficial native, providing good forage for waterfowl and habitat for fish, and only becomes problematic in mature growth stages where it can provide the substrate for filamentous algae to grow. Chara also prefers hard water ponds and will actually precipitate calcium carbonate to form a protective shell. The combination of the hard water and calcium carbonate precipitates on the Chara limit the effectiveness of algaecides. The best solution for Chara control is stocking of Triploid Grass Carp and early treatment before the alga mature.

Given that algae are single-cellular organisms, proper identification often requires the use of field and laboratory microscopes. When managing algae, it is really important to know which algae you’re dealing with so that proper management techniques and chemical applications can be made. It is important to remember that algae are naturally occurring in all waterbodies, not always bad, and are a critical part of a balanced ecosystem.

Blue-GreenAlgae (cyanobacteria): In the algae family, these are the family members that you wish weren’t. Appearing in either planktonic or filamentous forms cyanobacteria not only photosynthesis, but can also make their own food by fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere. They are also known toxin producers, some making cyanotoxins which are among the most powerful natural poisons known. These toxins can make people, their pets, and other animals sick. They’re also some of the oldest organisms on earth. They’ve used this time (billions of years) to become particularly adapt at survival. Some species, such as Lyngbya, produce a protective mucus which limits algaecide effectiveness. The best control method for blue-green algae is an integrated approach including aeration, nutrient limitation, and proper application of algaecides, as well as water quality enhancing products and beneficial bacteria.With algae being such a broad and diverse “family”, the best tool for effective control is a knowledgeable and experience pond manager.

________________________________________

Jim Schwartz is an Aquatic Biologist and Certified Master Pond Manager who oversees Florida Waterways' aquatic biology and ecology projects. He focuses on innovating environmentally sustainable solutions in the management of ponds and lakes. A native Floridian, Jim holds a B.S. from Florida State University and is a Clemson University - Certified Master Pond Manager and a University of Florida - Florida Master Naturalist. Jim is licensed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Commercial Applicator in the following categories: Aquatic Pest Control, Natural Areas Weed Management, Right-of-Way and Demonstration and Research. Jim also holds a Public Health Pest Control License for the control of mosquitos and aquatic midges.

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Family Vs. Family WRITTEN BY ROBYN SEVERS BECKER & POLIAKOFF

Associations have an obligation to all owners of the community to do what is in the best interest of all owners, not just the select one or two.

an association's obligation regarding neighbor versus neighbor disputes Community Associations have an obligation to

essentially

enforce

Subsequent cases have been dismissed for the

that

their

governing

obligation

mediating, owners,

does

or

documents.

not

resolving

without

a

extend

However,

to

policing,

disputes

between

corresponding

covenant

a

dispute

between

owners.

same reason.

Florida Courts have also determined that neither

violation. Associations have an obligation to all

the

board

of

directors

nor

the

manager

are

owners of the community to do what is in the

under any legal obligation to police each and

best interest of all owners, not just the select

every action that an owner or occupant may take

one or two.

which may be reported to the association. In the case of Oceans Four Condominium Association,

As a general rule, the board should not get

Inc. v. Stafford, 545 So. 2d 435 (5th DCA 1989),

involved

an owner sued an association alleging that the

with

complaints statement

personality

where versus

it

is

disputes,

just

one

was

required

to

determine

which

Florida

another unit in the condominium. The court found

Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes,

that the association did not have duty to mediate

has determined that it will not accept cases

or

where a unit owner sues an association for not

Instead,

resolving

v.

Judgment Statute provides that persons claiming

Association,

to be interested in or having doubts about their

Inc., arbitration case no. 94-0407, Final Order

rights under certain instruments can file suit in

of Dismissal (October 10, 1994), an arbitrator

the circuit court. A court can then decide which

dismissed a petition by a unit owner against the

of the competing would-be buyers was entitled

association for failing to enforce the nuisance

to a preference, which decision would be within

provisions

the jurisdiction conferred upon the court but is

Opal

a

of

neighbor

Towers

of

West

the

the

fact,

association

owner should have a preference in purchasing

Section

In

person's the

Arbitration

another.

or

Division

dispute.

In

Condominium

documents

of

Bronhard

against

the

adjacent unit owner whose grandfather clock’s chiming kept the petitioner awake at night. The arbitrator characterized the dispute as

arbitrate it

the

stated

issue that

between the

Florida

the

owners.

Declaratory

not the duty of the condominium association.

However, when a third party is involved, or the issue affects other residents or the community at large, the board may need to intervene, depending on the facts. The association will also need to intervene if the complaint concerns a violation of the governing documents and the violation can be independently corroborated.

The most common owner on owner dispute rise from a noise complaint. When a complaint of nuisance or noise is made to the board of directors, it is incumbent upon the board to investigate whether the complaint rises to a level that warrants association action. The association should visit the property and determining whether the noise is so unreasonable that it interferes with the peaceful use and possession of the other owners. Ordinary disturbances and annoyances do not typically give rise to actionable nuisance claims. While there is no exact rule for deciding when a neighbor’s noise rises to the level at which a court will grant relief, courts will evaluate nuisance actions by considering the reasonableness of an owner’s actions as well as how those actions affects the rights of others as determined from the facts of each particular case. If the association finds that the noise is not loud enough to really disturb anyone of normal sensibilities or is not disruptive to more than one owner, the board is certainly free to make the business decision that association intervention is not appropriate. Instead, the owners can resolve the issue between themselves.

In conclusion, the association should not become involved in neighbor versus neighbor disputes, except to encourage that the dispute be resolved amicably. However, if the association can independently determine that a violation of the association’s governing documents has occurred, then the association may need to act. In any event, an association should consult with its legal counsel to determine the best course of action based upon the facts of the case.

The Benefits of Florida Friendly Plants in Your Landscape WRITTEN BY KYLE STOUDENMIRE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER YELLOWSTONE LANDSCAPE

With this month’s theme of “family” in mind, we thought we’ddiscuss a family of plants that have come to be known as Florida friendly. Florida friendly is simply a designation that indicates a particular plant is well suited for being grown in the state of Florida. Florida friendly plants tend to be lower maintenance, more drought tolerant, semi- tolerant to cold temperatures, and have a lesser environmental impact than other plants not originally intended for growing in our state.

Florida friendly plants fit in well with environments across North, Central, and South Florida. While more exotic

plants may be beautiful and unique, they often need much more water, fertilizer, and other supplemental nutrients to continue to thrive in the sandy soils common to many parts of the state. Florida Friendly plants have been subdivided into selections that are specific to each climate zone. For example, Jacksonville’s climate zone is very different from Miami’s, so the Florida friendly plant options will be different for each region and need to be carefully selected based on the region they’re being planted in.

One thing we often see is confusion between Florida friendly and Florida native. Florida native means exactly that. A Florida native plant is from the natural environment local to the state. Florida friendly plants don’t necessarily need to be a native plant. Some common examples of non-native, exotic plants that are Florida friendly are Orange and White Bird of Paradise, Pygmy Date Palms and Cuban Royal Palms. With this in mind, there are many beautiful Florida native plants that are often also included in a Florida friendly landscape plan. Some common examples of Florida native flowers and ornamentals include the Yellow Leavenworth Tickseed and the Red Florida Sweetheart Caladium, which both add great pops of color to any landscape.

Beautiful and hardy Florida native palm trees include the Sabal and the Cabbage palm, which are often planted alongside native oaks and pine trees.

Florida Friendly plants, when carefully selected, create a beautiful landscape that is also easier and often less expensive to maintain. However, just because this family of plants is considered optimal for landscapes in our state, it doesn’t mean they are zero maintenance. We recommend working with a landscape company that employs landscape designers familiar with Florida friendly plants and who understands the different climate zones. A knowledgeable landscape designer can help you select plants that not only look great, but are virtually guaranteed to thrive in your community. To see a listing of Florida friendly plants, sorted by region, we recommend you visit http://www.floridayards.org/fyplants/.

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The Fungi That Thrives Together Stays Together WRITTEN BY SERVPRO OF JACKSONSVILLE BEACH/PONTE VERDA

Mold Vs. Mildew While there are many differences between the two fungi, mold and mildew both develop and thrive in moist conditions. A leaking roof, a window that doesn’t seal properly, and water damage caused by a broken pipe can all lead to the growth of mold and mildew. In order to reduce the risk of health effects and damage to building materials, mildew and mold in the home or business needs immediate mold remediation.

Mildew vs. Mold Plain and simple, mildew and mold are fungi. Fungi can live in many different types of habitats such as soil, on vegetation, and on surfaces exposed to moist conditions like a wall or ceiling after flood damage. Fungi reproduce by spores and quickly can spread.

What is Mildew?

Mildew is mold in its early stage and often the term is used interchangeably with the word mold. That whitish-gray, powdery substance sometimes seen on the leaves of a plant is mildew. Mildew is a surface fungi that grows on organic material like plants and food as well as wood or fibrous items like: Drywall Insulation Cardboard/paperboard Wallpaper Fabric How is it different from Mold?

Mold ranges in color from green to gray, brownish and black. It may appear fuzzy, flat or even slimy. Green slimy mold may develop in the damp, shady areas of decks and even vinyl siding, while indoors, mold can develop on grout, tile and other surfaces found in and around bathrooms and other areas with high humidity and inadequate ventilation.

Pro Tip: Slimy mold on decks, fences and siding often can be removed using a pressure washer.

Always wear proper safety protection when dealing with mold and working with tools.

Dangers of Mildew and Mold In a battle between mildew vs mold, which presents more problems and danger? It depends on several factors.The powdery mildew often found on the leaves of a houseplant, typically poses little danger to you, but it can harm the plant. However, anyone that suffers from mold allergies should avoid touching that mildew. If contact occurs, wash hands thoroughly and never touch your face/eyes/nose after coming in contact with mildew.

The Need for Mold Remediation Mold and mildew, if ignored, can cause longterm health issues and physical damage to a home or business. Mold found anywhere in a building, such as behind drywall, on insulation, around windows and along basement walls has developed because there is a moisture problem.

To avoid further damage, it’s essential to locate and correct the source of the moisture and then remove all traces of mold. Any home or business that’s suffered any type of water damage (from firefighting efforts, roof leak, burst pipe or flood) needs professional assessment quickly.

Contact SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra immediately after any water disaster; mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours. Trust our professional technicians for a comprehensive mold remediation plan. Call 904246-6118.

Love Thy Neighbor.

Like They Were Family.

HOW TO BE A NEIGHBOR IN THE 21ST CENTURY. WRITTEN BY SEBASTIAN MARTINEZ, VESTA PROPERTY SERVICES

there's a basic set of tips we can all follow to try and be good neighbors.

For the most part, it would seem the concept of being a good neighbor has changed over the years. What’s considered commonplace today, may not be the same as it was two decades ago. Each neighborhood (and its residents) has its own personality and charm. What may seem to be the norm in one community, may not prove likewise in another. Regardless of all these different personalities, there still remains a basic set of tips that we can all follow to try and be good neighbors.

Let’s get started with some common items we should all follow: 1. Communicate 2. Be Nice on Social Media 3. Keep that Exterior Sharp!

4. Be Respectful 5.Keep that Leash on!

Let’s Communicate with Each Other Unless you live on a 20-acre farm, you are probably going to have neighbors close by, and the best way to get to know one another is to communicate! When you move into a new home, you should make it a habit to introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors.

Communication is key. For example, if you decide, at one point, to make a change to the exterior of your residence that could potentially affect your neighbors’ view or landscaping (such as removing a tree or erecting or modifying a fence), you should speak with your neighbor and inform them of the change, so they don’t feel caught off guard or surprised. In fact, they may be able to provide insight or useful advice for your upcoming changes.

Be Nice on Social Media Welcome to the new age. It seems as though every neighborhood has a group chat site or Facebook page these days. But these online spaces should always be moderated and kept civil. They can be a great asset for neighbors to recommend local restaurants, update residents on community events, or even find a preferred and recommended vendor. What you shouldn’t use these sites for, however, is as an outlet to constantly complain about neighbors or post snarky comments. This sort of commentary can cause a rift among neighbors.

Keep that Exterior Sharp As a homeowner, we all know how tiresome it

can be to maintain your home. From pressure washing to landscaping, it may seem like the work you put in outside never ends. But, try and remember this, the exterior of your home is what neighbors see every day. It’s also what prospective buyers see when they drive through your community. By putting some time and effort into your home, you are raising the standards in your community, making look nicer every day, and maintaining your property’s value. Here’s a tip: When you bring in your recycling and trash cans, bring in your neighbor’s bins, too. If your neighbor is elderly, consider mowing their lawn or raking their leaves. Kindness goes a long way!

Be Respectful Living in a community means living in a shared space. We should always be respectful of our neighbors’ space, and hope they are respectful of ours. For example, if you’re planning on having a party that may extend into the evening, you should inform your neighbors, especially if you think they could be affected by any noise coming from your home. When renovating your

home, try and do so during hours that are respectful to your neighbors. Do you really need to use that nail gun at 11 pm!? We are all neighbors and enjoy the same common areas, so let’s be respectful of each other and keep it a welcoming community!

Keep that Leash On Pets are a great addition to any home but can sometimes be a nuisance to others. Being a courteous neighbor means ensuring your pets are trained and can behave properly around others. Unless you have a fenced-in backyard, your dogs will most likely be “doing their business” in a common area of the community.

Be a responsible pet owner and a good neighbor at the same time by ALWAYS picking up after your pet.

Let’s all come together and be good neighbors.

This will lead to a community & home that no one will ever want to leave.

Protecting Your Community, Home, and Family WRITTEN BY BRIE SHOUPPE, MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING, ENVERA SYSTEMS

It’s the time of year when we look at our goals.

We review current items or plans, and we set new resolutions. Completing an annual “checkup” is beneficial for many things, including your home and/or community security.

While the specific methods for securing an entire association versus an individual house are different, there are basic principles and guidelines that apply to both scenarios to ultimately decide how a community, home, and residents can be protected.

To start, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED – pronounced sep-ted) is a set of recommendations that

outline three fundamental security measures – mechanical, human, and natural. Each method, and the concept as a whole, has the ability to alter the environment and influence behavior.

For security purposes in a home and community, these measures are utilized to reduce criminal behavior and increase the perception of safety.

Mechanical measures are typically a person’s/community’s first thought when it comes to addressing security. All types of hardware and technology fall into this category.

This includes gates, fences, locks, and signs, all of which define an area is private. Techno-

-logical elements elements include passive and active video surveillance, access control, and doorbell systems that protect a private or closed property. Utilizing one or more mechanical method helps deter incidents, and in some cases, will also provide evidence if something happens. Human measures are found more throughout an association, rather than individual homes. However, depending on the type of “human” element that is used, individual residents may have the ability to utilize the security as needed. All gate attendants, roving patrols, virtual guards, and neighborhood security programs can be classified as human security measures. Like mechanical methods, this measure distinguishes private, monitored properties. Additionally, these methods display a layer of ownership and response.

The third method of CPTED is often overlooked but the simplest to quickly address. Natural elements around a home and community influence safety and security typically through landscaping and lighting.

Well-lit areas with clean landscapes improve visibility for homeowners to see around the property, and there are fewer hiding places for trespassers. Dim yards or amenities, as well as overgrown or large hedges and bushes, reduce the likelihood that suspicious behavior can be noticed.

Whether you are in a position to influence how your community is protected, or you need to protect your own home, reviewing the basics each year helps to determine if security adjustments or complete changes need to occur. Ask yourself if a system is outdated, have incidents occurred in a certain place, or are there current gaps in security? It’s important to remember that a combination of methods and CPTED measures are often needed to develop an efficient security plan and employ the most effective solutions for your association or home. __________________ Brie Shouppe is the Manager of Business Development & Marketing for Envera Systems. She works closely with the sales and marketing departments to provide best-in-class service to the communities that Envera works with. Envera Systems is an allinclusive security provider that focuses on the unique needs of communities through technology-based solutions. Using Virtual Guards located at Envera’s operating center, Envera is able to provide Next Generation Security by verifying visitors, monitoring video, managing community databases, and more. Contact info: (855) 380-1274 or www.EnveraSystems.com.

That Family Next Door: Domestic Violence in the Neighborhood WRITTEN BY HUBBARD HOUSE

Being a good neighbor means caring for your community. But what happens when someone in that community doesn’t care for others, including their own partner? Domestic violence can take on many different forms. Alongside the threat and use of physical violence, abusers may verbally, emotionally and economically harm their partners. That can include many tactics of abuse relating to housing – an abuser may keep a survivor off a rent agreement, meaning their housing is less secure; they may damage the survivor’s credit score by taking out credit in their name and never paying it down, which hurts the survivor’s ability to find independent housing; they may refuse to pay rent, keeping the family continually facing eviction and moving.

As an organization focused on building better communities, the Northeast Florida Chapter of CAI can better the lives of survivors of domestic violence as well. Hubbard House provides free educational materials to display on community bulletin boards or in front offices. If you suspect a tenant is being abused, please also consider how you can provide them support and flexibility, when appropriate, to get around some of the barriers created by their abusive partner. Hubbard House is available to answer your questions as you think through policies and practices, by emailing education@hubbardhouse.org.

If you think someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are many ways you can provide support on an individual, personal level as well:

· Find a safe time and place to talk to them.

Please make sure to talk to them while they’re alone, because if the abuser knows the survivor is getting help, it can create a dangerous situation. · Listen, validate, and offer support.

This conversation is the time to tell the survivor that you’re here to help however you can, and that you believe them. What you think of as a simple question like “What were you doing when the abuse started? or “Why don’t you just leave?” implies something the survivor was doing could justify abuse, or that leaving is easy and in the survivor’s control. The best question to ask during this conversation is “How can I support you?”. ·Help connect with resources, when the survivor tells you they’re ready.

Hubbard House runs a 24/7 Hotline at 904-3543114 and 24/7 Textline at 904-210-3698, for survivors in Duval and Baker counties to get free and confidential guidance from trained advocates. Let the survivor know that you can help connect them to resources like ours, when they are ready. You can offer the survivor your phone to use to make the call, so they feel safer. ·Consider how to help moving forward.

Whether or not the survivor is ready to call for help, you can still support them. You may offer to establish a code word, for example, for the survivor to use to let you know they want you to call police.

What’s most important is to allow the person experiencing abuse to decide what’s best. It may be difficult to see someone stay in an abusive relationship or not want to get police involved, but the survivor knows what is best and safest for their situation, and trusting them to make those decisions is key.

Offering support to survivors can be a truly lifesaving source of help, and- survivors- Hubbard House is here for you. ___________________________________

About Hubbard House Hubbard House is a full-service certified domestic violence center providing prevention and intervention to domestic violence survivors and their families in Duval and Baker Counties in Northeast Florida. Hubbard House offers a 24-hour hotline, an emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, court advocacy, job and housing help, and more.

Hubbard House has been awarded the coveted Charity Navigator 4-star rating seven times for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Individuals who are in an abusive relationship, or know someone who is, are urged to call (904) 354-3114 or text (904) 2103698 to connect with Hubbard House’s 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline.

Happy Holidays.

From our CAI Family.

To Yours.

NEFLCAI.COM