Spring/Summer 2020 by Chesapeake Region Chapter of CAI

SP RI NG / S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 I SS U E

THE

BEACON A CHAPTER OF THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE (CAI)

CYBERSECURITY AND INSURANCE FOR ASSOCIATIONS “There are only two types of companies: Those who have been hacked, and those that don’t know they’ve been hacked.” This quote aligns with the recent data breach trend. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2017 alone, there were 1,579 data breach claims, which exposed 179 million records. The number of data breaches increased from 2016 by nearly 45% and the number of records exposed increased by almost 400%. That trend has only continued moving upward for the new decade.

Unfortunately, homeowner and condominium associations are no exception to the list of hacker’s targets. In fact, due to the lack of resources, and the fact that more and more associations are holding members’ personal data in their systems, cyber-related insurance claims in this realm have been prominent. From the outside, it makes sense that data breach trends in the owner’s association world are increasing. Think about it, like

most businesses, many HOA and condominium associations are storing names, addresses, credit card data, banking, and other personal information in a digital format. Unlike established businesses, however, most of them don’t have elaborate cyber defense systems in place. Despite situations where all the proactive solutions had been put in place, an incident can still happen, causing a financial burden. Luckily, a critical insurance can be obtained to protect associations from these losses, it’s known as Cyber & Data Breach Insurance. The costs associated with data breaches come from two sources, and a good cyber policy will cover both. The first source of costs are the direct damages that the firm, organization or assocontinued on page 3

2020 PLATINUM SPONSORS Atlantic Maintenance Group, LLC CIT Hann & Hann Construction Services Minkoff Company, Inc. Nagle & Zaller, P.C. Palmer Brothers Painting & General Contracting RoofPro, LLC S&K Roofing, Siding, & Windows, Inc. Simmerer Insurance

S ŌLitude Lake Management Structural Restoration Services, Inc. The Falcon Group Tidewater Property Management, AAMC Weaver Bros. Insurance Associates, Inc.

2020 GOLD SPONSORS BB&T Association Services now Truist Becht Engineering BT, Inc. Condominium Venture, Inc., AAMC North Arundel Contracting Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP

2020 EDUCATION SPONSORS Acadia Windows & Doors, LLC Atlantic Maintenance Group, LLC DoodyCalls Pet Waste Removal North Arundel Contracting Pro Painting & Contracting RoofPro, LLC The Falcon Group

In This Issue Cybersecurity and Insurance for Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 COVID-19 Manager Interview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Platinum Sponsor Showcase—Palmer Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

EXECUTIVE BOARD President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V icki Eaton, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM Community Association Services, Inc., AAMC President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Windisch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Tidewater Property Management, AAMC Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Rapaport, Esq. Davis, Agnor, Rapaport & Skalny, LLC Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Harlan Carroll Vista Community Association Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B.K. Swartwood, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Comsource Management, Inc., AAMC

BACK TO BASICS: Consider the Rule of Three to Restore Balance to Your Aquatic Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

DIRECTORS

James Anderson, PE, Becht Engineering BT, Inc. Roderick G. Clark, III, The Towers Condominium, Inc. Kelly Rae, RoofPro, LLC Kerrie Zander, AMS, PCAM, DoodyCalls Pet Waste Removal

Tips for Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Fire Alarm and Sprinkler System Operation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Platinum Sponsor Showcase—SOLitude Lake Management . . . . . . . . . . . 12

COMMITTEE CHAIRS DelMarva

Chad Toms, Chair Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP Lisa Meck, CMCA, AMS, Vice-Chair Legum & Norman, Inc. AAMC

Education

Susan Blackburn, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Chair Community Association Management Professional, LLC, AAMC Noni Roan, Vice-Chair CIT

EXPO

Ellen Throop, Chair Elmore & Throop, P.C. Joanne Frallicciardi, CMCA, AMS, Vice-Chair Community Association Management, LLC, AAMC

Golf

Scott Karam, Chair Kara Permisohn, Vice-Chair Minkoff Company, Inc.

Annual Social

Dani Bressler, Chair Toepfer Construction Co., Inc. Carrie Ehart, Vice-Chair Raine & Son, LLC

Maryland Legislative Action Committee

Steve Randol, Chair Piney Orchard Community Association

Membership

Ron Bridge, Chair Weaver Bros. Insurance Associates, Inc. Matthew Dozier, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM, Vice-Chair FirstService Residential

Newsletter

Don Plank, PCAM, Chair National Cooperative Bank Brooke Chaney, CMCA, Vice-Chair Tidewater Property Management, AAMC

L.E.A.D. (Leadership Enhancement and Development)

James Nies, Chair RoofPro, LLC Nichol Means, CMCA, Vice-Chair Community Association Services, Inc.

On-Site Registration for PMDP Classes

Jonathan Rosenberg, CMCA, AMS WPM Real Estate Management

Platinum Sponsor Showcase—Tidewater Property Management . . . . . . . 15 Confessions of a Delinquent Homeowner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Platinum Sponsor Showcase—Atlantic Maintenance Group . . . . . . . . . . 18 Welcome New Members! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Save the Date for our 2020 Annual Symposium & Expo! . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Industry Trends within Association Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Many Thanks to our 2020 Breakfast Seminar Sponsors! . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2020 PMDP Course Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 2020 Beacon Advertising Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

CAI CHESAPEAKE REGION CHAPTER

Stephen McConoughey, Executive Director Angela Marsh, Office Manager Kathleen Abdo, Office Administrator 8901 Herrmann Drive, Suite B, Columbia, MD 21045 410-540-9831 • 410-431-1666 (fax) Email: contact@caimdches.org • www.caimdches.org This publication attempts to provide CAI’s membership with information on community association issues. Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all presented facts in articles. CAI does not necessarily endorse or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. This publication is issued with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Permission to reprint articles in Beacon may be granted only after receiving prior written approval from the CED of CRC/CAI.

Law Office of Cynthia Hitt Kent, LLC A Baltimore area law firm engaging in the practice of general and real estate related representation for Community Associations, Developers, Small Businesses and Individuals.

Cynthia Hitt Kent ckent@hittkentlaw.com 10 Crossroads Drive, Suite 107 Owings Mills, MD 21117 T: 410.363.9600 | F: 410.363.9601

President’s Message The Times They Are A Changin’! Bob Dylan’s 1963 song is more relevant now than ever. We are in the midst of unchartered territory as the world faces unprecedented challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is difficult to think about business issues during such times, but this is the time that we, as a Chapter, need to come together to lead and support one another. As I write this article on the first of April, it is unclear how long the Stay-at-Home Order issued by Governor Hogan will continue. During these changing times, we have had to alter our normal mode of operation. In an effort to be proactive and keeping the safety of our members in the forefront, we canceled and rescheduled all seminars and in-person gatherings through the end of May, rescheduling them with optimism to begin in July. These uncertain times presented us with challenges that allowed us an opportunity to seek alternative avenues to continue to provide educational opportunities for our membership. The April 4th Homeowner Seminar scheduled to be held in the Chapter Office was reformatted to be presented as a free webinar. Many thanks to Steve McConoughey,

our CED, and his vast knowledge of technology, Angela Marsh and Kathleen Abdo, our staff and Russ Fernandes, Scott Daily and Bill Hasselman, the presenters, for hosting a very well-received webinar with more than 50 attendees. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the staff, Board members, and committee members for their dedication to the Chapter. They are all continuing to work diligently via conference calls to maintain the Chapter’s goals. Uncertainty is not failure; it is a chance for growth. Our adaptability is our strength. I am so very proud to be a part of a group that has not only met these challenges head on, but has thrived! Please stay healthy and safe. I hope to see you all in the very near future! Warmest regards, Vicki E. Eaton, CMCA®, AMS®, LSM®, PCAM® Community Association Services vicki.eaton@casinc.biz

continued from cover page ciation will incur as a result of a data breach. These include the costs associated with notifying and credit monitoring those who’ve been compromised, public relations expenses, costs to restore/replace data or software, and network extortion payments to avoid an outside compromise. There’s also a part that will pay for loss of profits and expenses, as well as contingent income for a firm or organization being interrupted by a breach. All of these are included in cyber policies, being known as “First-Party” coverages. The other source of loss in relation to a cyber breach is the liability expenses that the firm would owe to their members, clients, customers, or anyone else who has information with them. As a result of a cyber-related event, the firm may have to pay for costs of legal defense, settlement, or punitive damages as a result of being liable for the failure to protect private/confidential information of a third-party. The firm may also become contractually liable for payments owned to credit card companies for the incident. The cyber insurance would provide this “third-party liability” coverage for these financial burdens. Associations need to understand that these losses are not covered under most General Liability policies. It is also important to mention that the Directors and Officers policy (D&O), may provide for a small amount of coverage, but would be borderline useless in the event of a claim. Also, within the next few years, cyber incidents will be entirely excluded from Directors & Officers policies. In addition to all the safeguards put in place, a separate Cyber Insurance policy is a must have for associations moving into the new decade. Written by: Jack Pittas Business Development Account Executive, Quest Insurance, Inc. 703-961-8886 jack@questinsurance.us

Attention Members! We want to thank you for your patience as we adjust to the changing regulations for events and number of people allowed at gatherings. Based on the current conditions, our July and August Breakfast Seminars will be changed to a Webinar format. Continuing education credits will be available for Breakfast Webinars. The Breakfast Webinar registration links are below:

Breakfast Webinars (Member—$20, Non-Member—$30, two continuing education credits available)

Wednesday, July 15 “Make America Green Again” https://caimdches.eventbank.com/event/22812

Wednesday, August 12 “Crime Detection, Protection & Prevention, A Common Sense Approach” https://caimdches.eventbank.com/event/22981 Thank you again and stay safe and healthy! —CRC-CAI Staff

Residential and Commercial Painting Specializing in Property Management Interior & Exterior Painting Curb-Line Striping Powerwashing Renovations Siding Restorations Drywall Carpentry Flooring

Jeff Corelitz Cell 410.440.1440 jcorelitz@gopropainting.com

Fax 866.593.9889 MHIC #127946

Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. Call for estimates on your community projects. We'll take care of your property. 4

COVID-19 Manager Interview How did you hold required Board Meetings when group sizes were limited? We began researching our options and speaking to association attorneys shortly before the restrictions were put into place and immediately had access to conference call services. Most Boards met as a group, while the manager and owners were encouraged to call in. While few owners participated in the conference calls, giving them the ability to do so met the requirements as we understood them from the guidance offered by the association’s attorney. We explored video conferencing with products such as Zoom, however they were not preferred over the old-fashioned conference call. We do have concerns as the meetings become more common that more owners will elect to participate, making them more difficult to manage.

Did you make any recommendations (or receive any from attorneys) regarding common area/ amenity use? We received plenty of information from attorneys offering guidance. Sometimes there were slight inconsistencies, so we had to be cautious to offer guidance consistent with the association’s specific attorney. This was more difficult as the Boards had opinions on what they wanted to happen, and the attorneys needed to reply to specifics. It was interesting to see some Boards question the guidance as “only an opinion” and offer information found elsewhere. Any guidance offered by managers was based on the “err on the side of caution” philosophy.

How did you, as a manager, adjust to these restrictions (i.e. working remotely, vendor meetings, community inspections etc.)? We were fortunate enough to have a plan and systems in place that allowed the entire management team to work remotely. Initial concerns of administrative support and the ability to work as a team were addressed by daily check in calls with individual teams and

working spreadsheets of administrative activities to document progress. Managers were given the latitude to make solitary site visits and if necessary one on one meetings with vendors; however, the majority of these took place by phone. While some communities requested inspections continue, many performed their own and reported the findings to the managers by email or phone or have simply postponed.

How did your Boards adjust to the technology? Boards were surprisingly unpredictable when it came to adjusting and accepting technology. Some over 55 communities embraced the opportunity to deploy new technology and were eager, while many other communities simply wanted to postpone meetings. Having to remotely deploy the technology was challenging. For example, explaining how to go to the Zoom website, download the installer, find and run the installer is easier said than done. This would have been much easier had the system been set up in advance, something that should become a part of new board member orientation moving forward.

What requests were the Boards making to respond to the situation? The most common requests were for extra cleaning or to have amenities closed. Several communities wanted to waive assessments. We explained to the Boards that their expenses are likely to rise and income likely to reduce due to delinquent accounts caused by the suffering economy. While well intended, that step would likely prove very damaging to the association. We directed these questions to the association attorneys who advised that the association is obligated to collect the assessments. While the budget could be amended to reduce the assessment amount, the process would be long and likely not produce the desired result. At this point, no associations have taken that step although the majority have elected to waive late fees. Interviewee: Joe Jordan, CMCA, AMS, Baltimore Metro Regional Director, Tidewater Property Management

PALMER BROTHERS PLATINUM SPONSOR SHOWCASE

Palmer Brothers Painting & General Contracting Established in 1963, Palmer Brothers is a full-service commercial painting and general contracting company which has served the Washington Metropolitan area for over 54 years. Our company focus, since inception, has always been concentrated on professionally managed properties. Specifically, condominiums, HOA’s, office buildings, shopping centers and apartment complexes are within the scope of our work. With this experience, together with a large staff of over 200 skilled employees, we are capable of performing the largest of contracting jobs in a swift and professional manner.

Working with professional property managers and owners in a cooperative and problem-solving manner are hallmarks of our company. We are licensed and insured in all local jurisdictions.

The quality of our work and attention to detail are incomparable. Dependable and quality conscious, we provide competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Our employees are trained in the various aspects of the painting and construction industry, keeping up to date with the latest trends and technologies.

Customer oriented, we are a click or phone call away to answer any of our customers’ questions or requests.

We take pride in the quality of service. As members of The Community Association Institute of Washington Metro and Chesapeake Chapters, we uphold the highest standards of our industry.

Please keep us in mind for your present and future projects. Large or small, we are at your service.

Palmer Brothers believes that in order to have a successful project, the customer must be satisﬁed with the end result.

BETTER COVERAGE. BETTER OPTIONS. America’s community association insurance partner is upping its game Community Association Underwriters of America (CAU) has joined forces with Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. (Munich Re, US) to deliver an even higher level of strength and sophistication to America’s community associations. Our solutions are custom-built by industry specialists to address the unique risks facing community associations, and now feature some powerful new options.

High-value policy enhancements ■

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Expanded coverage definitions for various buildings, structures, and personal property Increased coverage limits across multiple exposures, including natural outdoor property, demolition costs, increased cost of construction, debris removal, and property removal

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Simplified valuations for streamlined servicing

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Additional computer virus coverage

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Optional deductible credit endorsement and deductible allowance endorsement for cost savings in the event of certain losses

GET TO KNOW CAU Community Association Underwriters of America (CAU) is a managing general agency and national leader in community association insurance and risk management. Founded in 1989, CAU services community associations, residential and office condominiums, cooperative apartments, and homeowners associations. CAU is based in Newtown, PA and offers property, casualty, fidelity, D&O, general liability, and ancillary products to a nationwide client base.

Exciting new products, including ■

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Liability Plus: A broad-based liability policy custom-designed for community associations Cyber Suite: An affordable cyber insurance solution for community associations providing both first and third party coverage, including forensic IT review, public relations, and data restoration

Coverage you can count on Policies will be issued using A+ A.M. Best-rated primary insurance companies affiliated with Munich Re, US.

CONTACT

Michael Romano, CIRMS, CPIA Marketing Specialist D 267 757 7169 MRomano@cauinsure.com

Rees Broome, PC C O N G R A T U L A T E S:

Ursula Koenig Burgess Elected CAI President, 2020

Nicole A. Williams Appointed Maryland House Delegate, District 22

Hillary Collins & Winta Mengisteab Promoted to Shareholders

reesbroome.com

Tysons Corner

1900 Gallows Road, Suite 700 Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182 703.790.1911

Bethesda

7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1201 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 301.222.0152

Leesburg

1602 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 703.443.6605

BACK TO BASICS: Consider the Rule of Three to Restore Balance to Your Aquatic Ecosystem When developing a management plan for a lake or pond, it is important to keep its purpose and priorities in mind. Is it strictly aesthetic? Used for fishing or recreation? Maybe it facilitates irrigation, drinking water, fire suppression, or stormwater collection? An effective freshwater management program can be compared to the importance of each leg on a “three-legged stool.” Think of each “leg” of this metaphorical stool as representative of the (1) physical, (2) chemical, and (3) biological components of a freshwater resource. If one part of this trinity breaks down, the others will follow. The overall health of a waterbody is based on maintaining balance of each component. The first leg of the stool—the physical characteristics of a lake or pond—include features such as size, depth, volume, bottom substrate, water source, and water exchange through the system. Each physical characteristic can affect how a lake or pond responds to environmental conditions. For instance, shallow ponds with excessive buildup of bottom muck and sediment, or those with limited water movement, will be more likely to experience algae and weed growth than large, deep lakes or ecosystems with lots of water ﬂow. The chemical characteristics—the second leg of the stool—refers to water quality components that can be measured such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, nutrients, water clarity, and many other parameters. Poor water quality often occurs when these parameters become imbalanced or when polluted runoff containing fertilizers, pet or wildlife waste, landscaping debris, and other organic materials enters the water. This process of nutrient “pollution” is one of the most common causes of chemical imbalance in a freshwater ecosystem. The third leg—or biological component of the stool comprises all living things including algae, plants, bugs, fish and microorganisms in the water. Moderate levels of algae and vegetation growth are natural and provide habitat and food for fish and wildlife, but nutrient pollution can cause growth to get out of control—blocking sunlight, limiting access for fishing and boating, and compromising aesthetics. In addition, as plants and algae decay, nutrients return into the waterbody fueling additional growth, creating a vicious cycle. In the process, the risk of fish kills, offensive odors, accumulation of bottom muck and nuisance insect populations all increase—further offsetting the balance.

Understanding the benefits of proactive management and how to use the sustainable tools and technologies available, adds a fourth, stabilizing “leg” to the “three-legged stool.” With proactive management in place—even if one of the other components is slightly out of balance— the stool may wobble but will not fall over and also allow potential issues to be identified and resolved before they become big problems. Proactive solutions such as vegetative buffer management, shoreline stabilization, stormwater inspections, and even sediment removal support the physical leg of the stool. These practices limit the inﬂux of runoff and pollutants, prevent erosion and sedimentation and maintain the depth and structural components of a lake or pond.

While many proactive management practices appear fairly straightforward, it is a good idea work with a professional to understand the best strategy based on the goals and conditions for each resource. A certified and trained lake management professional will help balance each “leg” of the aquatic ecosystem to restore health and beauty of your pond or lake. Written by: Erin Stewart, Aquatic Biologist & Regional Manager and Katelyn Behounek, Aquatic Biologist SOLitude Lake Management EStewart@solitudelake.com katelyn.behounek@solitudelake.com

Some of the more advanced management strategies sequester or cycle unwanted excessive nutrients. Increasing dissolved oxygen concentrations through aeration or the use of nanobubble technology enhances overall water quality and can help foster the health of fish and other aquatic life. These proactive tools can help give more “stability” to a freshwater management plan so serious, more costly problems are far less likely to arise.

Tips for Board Members: Spring Homeowner/Landlord Turnover Electrical Checklist Spring is here and we all know that means we are headed into a busy time at Maryland properties. Consider the following check list for enhanced electrical safety and upgrades: 1. Perform unit inspections: Ensure all electrical is in working order. If a landlord, a good time to do this is while the unit is vacant. 2. Test and inspect all smoke detectors: If you haven’t upgraded to 10-year lithium batteries, now is the time. They also come with built in carbon monoxide detectors—a law for Maryland properties. 3. Upgrade your appliances to energy efficient models: This can save in energy costs. Washer and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators can consume a lot of energy. Go to BGE Smart Energy Savers to learn how much you can save on rebates. 4. Consider LED lighting retrofits: BGE Smart Energy Savers Lighting Incentives offers discounts and incentives on bulbs and fixtures. Your electrical contractor can help you navigate incentives and install these new fixtures. 5. Inspect electrical panels: As the heart of the electrical system, these need some TLC. Circuits can become loose, need tightening and possibly lubrication. Make sure all is in good working order during a unit inspection performed by an electrician. 6. Install smart doorbells: Consider installing smart technology with smart doorbells. Easy to install, smart doorbells provide mini cameras, which improve resident security. These are an easy upgrade.

7. Install dimmer switches: These give greater control of lighting and potential savings in electricity. 8. Inspect bathroom fans, ceiling fans, and kitchen exhaust fans: Ensure they are in working order. Air movement is one of the best ways to control air quality and comfort and reduce the risk of molds or mildew. 9. Surge protectors: Consider installing surge protectors to safeguard valuable electronics against damage from voltage spikes. 10. Extension cords: Check extension cords as they are not meant for long-term use. Walk around your home/business and inspect for wear and tear including ground prongs that may be loose or cracked. 11. Light bulb wattage: Be aware that using the incorrect wattage and type of bulb can cause the fixture to possibly overheat leading to an electrical fire. Make sure the bulb is the right wattage for fixture. 12. Outlets: Exposed electrical sockets can pose a safety hazard to children and pets. Consider installing tamper-resistant outlets. Written by: Donna Boesl Walter Electric 410-590-5959 donna@walterelectric.com

Fire Alarm and Sprinkler System Operation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance aving a properly working fire alarm and sprinkler system is a critical component of any effective fire safety program. Adequately maintaining fire alarm and sprinkler systems is vital. A fire can break out at any time leaving occupants and tenants vulnerable to disaster. By having working fire alarm and sprinkler systems, occupants are better able to evacuate in a timely fashion and can help avoid a massive catastrophe. Here are some considerations every Community Manager should make towards maintaining, inspecting and testing building fire alarm and sprinkler systems.

Take Responsibility for Your Fire Systems As a Community Manager, it’s crucial to take responsibility for the fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Be proactive in managing the inspection, testing, and maintenance of all fire systems (and fire extinguishers) in your building. Prior to the testing date(s), be sure to send out a notice to your tenants informing them of testing and that there may be audible alarms from time to time during the testing process. If there are smoke detectors or notification appliances (“alarms”) in private living areas, an escort should always be provided.

Understand How Your Fire Systems Work Do you know the difference between a trouble condition and supervisory signal on your fire alarm system? Do you understand how a fire alarm system can be activated? As a Community Manager, have you familiarized yourself and your staff where the sprinkler control valves are located and how to close these valves, if necessary? • Fire alarm systems can be activated by “initiating devices” (smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, waterﬂow devices, valve tamper switches, etc.). • An alarm condition means a warning of a fire condition in the building. • A trouble condition or trouble light on a fire alarm system indicates a condition that might adversely affect the proper operation of the system. • A supervisory signal refers to a condition in which a device supervised by a fire alarm system is moved from its “normal” state. For example, a “normally open” sprinkler valve is closed or the air pressure in a sprinkler dry system falls below a pre-set level. • A Community Manager must understand how the fire alarm and sprinkler systems are monitored. Monitoring is the process where the alarm signals are transmitted to a “central station.” The central station relays the appropriate information to the fire department and building management representatives. It’s vitally important to know if your system is monitored via copper telephone lines, cellular phone, or private radio networks. Accurate system callback information is critical to make sure you are notified in a timely manner in the event of an emergency. Update this information regularly with your monitoring provider. • How do you silence or acknowledge these signals? What should you do in the event of a full-blown alarm? How can you find out which device is causing the alarm? It’s important to ask your fire protection contractor for a tutorial on your system and have protocols in place. It’s important to learn as much as you can about the fire alarm system so you can monitor it correctly. When scheduling a fire alarm or sprinkler inspection, please ask your contractor to take some time to explain your systems operating features. As a Community Manager, you can accompany the technician during the testing process to learn more about your systems. Competent and professional fire protection contractors welcome this kind of interaction.

Know the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Requirements National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards explicitly provide minimum inspection and testing requirements. Check with your fire protection company to ensure your buildings are inspected as required by city, county, state and federal laws. Regular inspection and testing are critical to ensure that all fire systems are in proper working order. At the completion of the inspection and testing process, make sure you receive a detailed written inspection report including any deficiencies or recommended upgrades, as applicable. Review this report with your service provider so that you fully understand the contents.

Train All Employees and Staff Training appropriate employees (including after-hours responders) on how to monitor and use fire alarm and sprinkler systems is critical. Proper consideration should be given as to who needs the training. Training can be provided by your fire protection contractor. Industry experience tells us that properly trained staff can greatly mitigate a fire incident. Information regarding the fire alarm and sprinkler system including contact information should be kept in a binder on the property and an electronic copy that is accessible to all necessary employees. Written by: David C. Taylor Director of Business Development, Fireline Corporation 410-247-1422 dct@fireline.com

SAVE THE DATE!

2020 Chesapeake Chapter Annual Golf Outing Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Location: Waverly Woods Golf Club, Marriottsville, MD Time:

10:30 AMâ€”Registration Opens 12:00 NOONâ€”Shotgun Start

Reserve Your Foursome and Sponsorship Today! 11

SOLITUDE LAKE MANAGEMENT PLATINUM SPONSOR SHOWCASE

Creating a Better a World through “The SOLution” How One Company Is Setting an Example as a Community Leader SOLitude Lake Management is striving to “create a better world” by being part of the The SOLution. The team at SOLitude, as the company is often called, shares a common bond in their quest for a better tomorrow. Through their efforts in community involvement, volunteerism, activism, outreach and environmental consciousness, they are improving their local communities and making a difference in the world we live in. The SOLution is the official name of the company’s outreach and sustainability program. But really, it’s more than that. It’s a part of the culture at SOLitude—one that values environmental stewardship, teamwork and community leadership. And it’s clear to see that the “soul” in SOLitude comes from the incredible people that work there. Each year, The SOLution program touches numerous organizations throughout the United States. Community outreach events are held regularly, many of which have an environmental focus. The SOLitude team has extended a hand at clean-up events for various watershed improvement groups, taught youth groups about fishing, sorted food for local Food Banks, and planted new trees throughout our country’s forests. In recognition of individual efforts, SOLitude selects a standout Volunteer of the Quarter for each quarter of the year and one annual Heart and SOL Award winner. The company makes a charitable donation to each of the winners’ organization of choice. In addition to team and individual volunteering, The SOLution includes several ongoing outreach programs. Through the Love Your

Restoring Balance. Enhancing Beauty. We offer full service lake and stormwater pond management solutions to help your community attain and preserve the balance of its aquatic resources. Explore our superior service offerings at: solitudelakemanagement.com/services

Call 888.480.LAKE Today!

Lake program, SOLitude seeks nominations for non-profit, charitable organizations with lakes or ponds that are in dire need of ecological restoration. Through Love Your Lake, the SOLitude team has worked to restore balance to the recreational waterbodies of camps for children with chronic illnesses or disabilities, veterans’ organizations, and a children’s home. Through the Little GOBBLERs program, SOLitude works with schools in the local communities they serve to provide under resourced families with turkeys and grocery store gift cards to enhance their Thanksgiving celebration. HOLiday Cheer is another program that helps bring some much needed joy to children and families in need. Each holiday season, games and toys are donated to sick children and gift cards, games and clothes are purchased for under privileged families. In terms of environmental stewardship, the full-service lake, pond and fisheries management company also practices what they preach. They take a proactive and environmentally-friendly approach to lake and pond management, and offer a comprehensive array of ecologically balanced solutions to their clients throughout the country. They also educate their clients on lake and pond management best practices, so they can do their part in helping to make water a more healthy and beautiful part of our environment. From company leadership to seasonal employees, the team at SOLitude Lake Management is fulfilling company core values to “take action and be accountable” and to “protect and respect nature.” SOLitude actively encourages others to join them at volunteer events. To participate or share a non-profit’s goals or consideration in The SOLution, visit www .solitudelakemanagement .com/thesolution.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS!

2020 HOMEOWNER SEMINARS SCHEDULED

The Chesapeake Chapter is offering the following Seminars geared specifically for Board Members & Homeowners. All Homeowner Seminars will be changed to webinars for 2020. Registration: 9:00–9:30 AM Seminar: 9:30–11:30 AM

WEBINAR PRICE: Members—$10.00 Non-Members—$20.00 Saturday, October 3, 2020 “Managing the Reputation of Your Community— Communication is the Key”

Saturday, November 7, 2020 “The Best Laid Plan Often Goes Awry: How to Prepare for Your Role on the Board and Manage Open Meetings”

For more information about each seminar, visit www.caimdches.org. Contact the Chapter Office for questions: contact@caimdches.org

A GREAT TURNOUT AT OUR 2020 EASTERN SHORE BREAKFAST SEMINAR! Friday, February 7, 2020 “Avoid the Collision—Stay in Your Lane” Many thanks to our Seminar Coordinators, Speakers & Facilitators! A special thanks to our Seminar Sponsors! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ark Systems, Inc. Atlantic Maintenance Group BB&T Association Services now Truist BrightView Landscape Services Continental Pools LLC CoreCom Commercial Painting Criterium-Harbor Engineers Deeley Insurance Group Firstrust Bank Legum & Norman, An Associa Company NFP Property & Casualty Insurance Palmer Brothers Painting & General Contracting PKS & Company, P.A. S&G Restoration, Inc. Tidewater Property Management, Inc. United Restoration Inc. Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP

410 - 7 6 6 - 2 8 5 5 nac@nacontracting.com

Serving property managers, community associations and homeowners for 30 years

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. When it comes to the law, our experience and attention to detail make all the difference.

www.darslaw.com | 410.995.5800 Community Association Formation | Community Association Governance Governing Document Guidance | Rules and Covenant Enforcement Assessment Collections | Community Association Litigation Developer Transition and Warranty Claims

Tavarious Butts, VP, Relationship Manager 703-284-0561 • Tavarious.Butts@BBandT.com Branch Banking and Trust Company is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. © 2018, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

Board Leadership Development Workshop

Saturday, September 12, 2020

LEARN HOW TO BE AN EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Education for homeowner leaders just got better. The new CAI Board Leadership Development Workshop teaches you how to communicate with association residents, hire qualiﬁed managers and service providers, develop enforceable rules, interpret governing documents and more. It provides a comprehensive look at the roles and responsibilities of community association leaders and conveys information to help create and maintain the kind of community people want to call home.

DoubleTree Hotel Columbia, MD

EASTERN SHORE LOCATION!

In addition to a toolbox of support materials, each student receives a certiﬁcate of completion and recognition on the CAI website. Register at www.caimdches.org/board-leadership-development-workshop

LOCATION & FORMAT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!

Friday, November 13, 2020

Hampton Inn by Hilton Rehoboth Beach, DE

INCLUDES MD & DE LAW!

TIDEWATER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PLATINUM SPONSOR SHOWCASE

Our Company Tidewater is a family owned and operated property management company that specializes in the management of residential and commercial common ownership associations, including homeowner associations and condominiums. Stanley Greenberg, the owner and President of Tidewater, opened our doors in 1989, and after 31 years we are still providing the same excellent customer service to our clients as the day we opened. We have kept our small business mentality, with the added benefits of a larger business: innovative technologies, modern communication, cutting edge ideas and strategies, and a proactive, rather than reactive, management style. With three convenient office locations, we are able to provide services to the Baltimore and DC Metro areas, the Delmarva Peninsula, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia. In addition to our association management services, we provide rental management services for investment properties across the Baltimore Metro area.

Community Management Services Our community management services include property and financial management as brieﬂy outlined below: • Property Management Services: onsite visits & inspections, compliance & maintenance checks, meeting attendance • Business Partner Communications: bid and proposal acquisition, onsite meetings, scheduling, etc. • Financial Services: collection of homeowner assessments, bookkeeping, homeowner record keeping, accounts payable Tidewater offers an online management portal to better serve our clients. The portal is a full-service management platform that allows owners to view their real-time account balance, submit payments, view the community calendar, submit maintenance tickets and architectural requests, as well as communicate with our management team.

Rental Management Services Our rental management services include, but are not limited to: • Advertising • Tenant applications and background processing • Property inspections • Collection of rents • Pay necessary bills • Organize and schedule maintenance visits—24/7 maintenance line • Online portal for owner & tenants

Our Team Tidewater prides itself on our amazing team. We have Community Managers that have been with us for over 15 years, and we continue to train and educate all of them through the Community Association Institute. Our Community Managers are supported by an administrative team, a full accounting department, as well as our Executive Team members and fellow managers. This team-based system allows our clients to receive the exceptional customer service that has come to be expected from Tidewater.

Contact Information Interested in our services? Contact us at the email or phone number below for more information! Phone: 1 (800) 761-5977 Email: advantage@tidewaterproperty.com

CONFESSIONS OF A DELINQUENT HOMEOWNER

omeowners Associations and Condominium Associations have one less weapon to use in the fight against delinquent assessments. A recent Maryland Court of Appeals decision (Goshen Run Homeowners Association, Inc. v. Cisneros, 463 Md. 524 (2019), held that association assessments are “consumer debt” for purposes of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, and as such, the use of confessed judgment clauses in settlement agreements with delinquent homeowners is prohibited. The inability to use a confessed judgment clause in a settlement agreement with a homeowner makes it more difficult for associations to collect delinquent assessments.

What is a confessed judgment clause? When a homeowner is delinquent in the payment of their assessments, the association turns over the delinquent account to the association’s attorney for collection. After reviewing the collectability of the amounts shown on the account, if the attorney determines the account is collectible, they will send a demand letter, demanding payment and notifying the homeowner that a lien will be filed against their home if they do not pay the delinquent amounts or dispute the debt within thirty days. Oftentimes, upon receipt of the demand letter, the homeowner will contact the attorney to work out a payment arrangement. The attorney will typically prepare a promissory note and formal settlement agreement, which, among other things, will have the homeowner acknowledge they owe the debt and agree to the entry of a confessed judgment in court if they fail to comply with the terms of the settlement agreement. A confessed judgment clause allows the attorney to file an affidavit with the lawsuit and confess, on behalf of the homeowner, that the judgment is owed. The Court can then immediately enter judgment against the homeowner. Having a confessed judgment means the association can avoid the time and cost

associated with going to trial and begin to collect on the judgment by garnishing bank accounts, wages, and other collection methods. The process of obtaining judgment with a confessed judgment is significantly shortened compared to the regular litigation process. Without a confessed judgment clause, the association’s attorney would have to file a complaint for breach of contract, conduct discovery, and either file a motion for summary judgment and/or go to trial.

Association Assessments Fall Under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act The Maryland Consumer Protection Act prohibits the use of confessed judgment clauses in all consumer contracts, which include contracts for the provision of consumer credit, debts, goods, realty and services. Consumer credit, debts, goods, realty and services mean, respectively, credit, debts, goods, real property, and services which are primarily for personal, household, family, or agricultural purposes. Until the Maryland Court of Appeals’ recent decision, most attorneys in the community association industry (including the judges who granted confessed judgments in assessment collection cases), did not consider a homeowner’s obligation to pay assessments under association covenants recorded in the land records as a consumer transaction covered by the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. A homeowner’s obligation to pay assessments and the association’s obligation to collect them are expressly covered under the Maryland Condominium Act or Maryland Homeowners Association Act, as applicable, and were thought to be distinct from “consumer transactions.” However, the Court of Appeals held that the payment of assessments to an association provides the homeowner with the right to use and enjoy common area and community facilities and are debts incurred primarily for household or family purposes.

As a result, an association’s attorney will no longer be able to use this abbreviated process to obtain judgments against debtors who default on their settlement agreements. In order to obtain a judgment against a delinquent homeowner, the attorney will have to file a complaint in court and prepare the case for trial. The board of directors of associations should discuss with their attorneys what the Maryland Court of Appeals’ decision will mean for their assessment collections efforts. Written by: Judyann Lee, Esq., of Counsel McMillan Metro, P.C. 240-778-2308 jlee@mcmillanmetro.com

2020 Calendar of Events *PLEASE NOTE: Dates, locations, and times are subject to change.* JUNE

JULY

10–13

CANCELED: CAI National Conference—Hollywood, FL

17 w

Board of Directors Meeting

25–26

CANCELED: M206—Financial Management—Pikesville, MD

15 w

Breakfast Seminar—“Make America Green Again”—Webinar

15 w

Board of Directors Meeting

AUGUST 12 w

SEPTEMBER

1–2

M330—Advanced Insurance and Risk Management—Pikesville, MD

3 sat

Homeowner Seminar—“Managing the Reputation of Your Community—Communication is the Key”—Webinar

16 f

Eastern Shore Roundtable Seminar— Clarion Resort Fountainbleu Hotel, Ocean City, MD

(No Board Meeting scheduled)

21 w

Board of Directors Meeting

Breakfast Seminar—“Crime Detection, Protection & Prevention—A Common Sense Approach”—Webinar

27 tues

EXPO & Business Provider Showcase—Virtual Format

7 sat

Homeowner Seminar—“How to Prepare For Your Role On The Board and Manage Open Mtgs”—Webinar

13 f

Board Leadership Development Workshop—Hampton Inn, Rehoboth Beach, DE

17 tues

GBBR Resale Disclosure Seminar

18 w

Breakfast Seminar—“I Want It All!—The Bidding Process Explained”—Location & Format TBD

18 w

Board of Directors Meeting

Annual Social, Historic Savage Mill, Savage, MD

3–4

M204—Community Governance— Pikesville, MD

14 f

M203—Community Leadership— Pikesville, MD

26 w

Golf Outing—Waverly Woods, Marriottsville, MD

8 tues

GBBR Resale Disclosure Seminar

12 sat

Board Leadership Development Workshop—Doubletree Columbia, MD

16 w

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Educational Planning Retreat— Location TBD

23 w

Breakfast Seminar—“The Court Room Brawl—Why are Associations Involved?”—Location & Format TBD

23 w

Board of Directors Meeting

DECEMBER

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CAIMDCHES.ORG *Please note: Schedule is subject to change*

ATLANTIC MAINTENANCE GROUP PLATINUM SPONSOR SHOWCASE

AMG is a top quality, multi-service landscape and concrete maintenance company that employs certified experts and skilled, highly trained professionals in their fields of expertise to help clients with a vast array of services, which include:

Landscape Services High quality landscape maintenance service for commercial and residential properties, lawn mowing/trimming/edging, assessments to provide a comprehensive turf management program designed specifically for each lawn to maximize nutrient needs for every season, fertilization scheduling and applications, aeration and over-seeding to help lawns absorb more nutrients and oxygen, while increasing turf thickness and improving the health and look of the lawn, tree and shrub care by horticultural experts and a MD certified arborist, leaf removal and weed control through the use of pre-emergents, regular weeding, and other specialized treatments. AMG offers irrigation services to their wide repertoire of landscape services that they can now offer to customers. In addition, AMG offers virtual landscape designs tailored to their clients expectations to help them achieve their dream landscape, which include the design and installation of patios, pavers, retaining walls, tree/ shrub positioning and planting, sod installation, and outdoor lighting designs and implementations to help create that soft-scape look and accentuate desired landscape features, as well as providing additional security measures for that peace of mind. Problematic drainage and landscape soil erosion issues can be resolved through a variety of construction options that include, retaining walls, properly placed downspouts and resurfacing methods to name a few.

Snow Removal Services

Painting and General Contracting Services AMG offers their high quality services their clients have come to expect, with painting and general contracting services for commercial and multifamily properties in a multi-state area. These services include exterior/ interior painting, surface preparation, priming, project inspection with thorough materials clean up once the job is complete, and much more.

Additional Services Additional services include wallpaper hanging, virtual designing, paneling, vinyl wall covering, dry wall installation and repair, experienced carpentry repairs, caulking needs, siding, gutter, power washing, custom cut seamless gutters, tenant renovation and demolition, and roofing. Whether it be renovation or repairs, AMG provides unparalleled service and follow-through on every job they undertake. They will also work around their customers schedule to make the process convenient with minimal impact.

***New*** AMG is now offering trash removal services to serve your community needs. AMG has acquired front end loaders and equipment that will expand their wide variety of services and can now remove trash and recyclables from your Community. For more information on this new service, please contact Gary Saylor at Gary@amgmd.com to review these new trash removal processes and to request a proposal for your Community’s trash removal needs. For a free quote on any of our services, please call Atlantic Maintenance Group at: 410-768-4720 or email: Info@amgmd.com. For a full listing of services, please view the website at: www .atlanticmaintenancegroup .com.

Employing a wide variety of snow removal equipment including snow plows, dump trucks, salt spreaders, bobcats, 4 wheelers, snow blowers and multiple crews of snow removal experts, AMG can respond quickly and efficiently to snow and ice removal from parking lots, roads and sidewalks, salt and ice melt applications and snow relocation, as needed, over the areas winter weather months.

Asphalt and Concrete Services AMG offers a full suite of commercial and residential asphalt and concrete services whether it be new installation or repair work on existing projects, they can provide the expertise to complete the work on asphalt paving installation, repair, resurfacing, patching, parking lot restriping, crack repairs, seal coating, curb and gutter installation, sidewalk projects or ramps to satisfy ADA compliances, to the highest standards.

MOBILE 443-930-1886

GAR SA LOR PRESIDENT

PAINTING GENERAL CONTRACTING ASPHALT CONCRETE LANDSCAPING SNOW REMOVAL

OFFICE 410-768-4720 EMAIL GARY@AMGMD.COM ADDRESS 6710-F RITCHIE HWY. UNIT 470 GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061

BRINGING COMMUNITY TO

MARYLAND & THE EASTERN SHORE.

Community management isn’t what we do—it’s who we are. At Legum & Norman Realty, An Associa® Company, we have the national resources to provide top-tier management, expert maintenance, robust financial services, and more. We deliver it all with the local expertise that only comes with living, working, and playing in the communities we serve every day. Proudly serving Delaware, Maryland and Virginia with office locations in Bethany Beach, Lewes, Ocean City and Falls Church. At Legum & Norman, we bring community to you.

Contact our business development managers to learn more! [Eastern Shore - Delaware & Maryland] Lisa Meck | 410.524.5577 [DC Metro - Maryland & Virginia] Wanda Powell | 703.970.8864 www.legumnorman.com

Welcome New Members! New Chapter Members: January–March, 2020

Mr. Charlie Abzug Park Towers West Ms. Meghan Aldrich VN Management, Inc. Mr. James Almand Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A. Ms. Kathy Baker Montego Bay Civic Association Ms. Patricia Baugiman Raffles Condominium Association, Inc Mr. Philip Baum Philkatanitz Entertainment, LLC dba You Are The Hamster Mr. Norman Benton The Parke at Ocean Pines Ms. Susan Bonner Raffles Condominium Association, Inc Mr. Nick Bonvegna The Gatherings at Lyndwood Land Condominium Association Ms. Kim Box Montego Bay Civic Association Ms. Marika Brown Raffles Condominium Association, Inc Mr. Daniel Burr Mr. James Carney Village of Montgomery Run Condominium Mr. James Chamberlain Ms. Shirley Cohen Park Towers West Ms. Samantha Colie Mrs. Diane Collins Ms. Shannon Conrad VN Management, Inc.

Ms. Kimberley Eccles Village of Montgomery Run Condominium Ms. Roslyn Echison Park Towers West

Mrs. Tina Hohenstein Mr. Brian Hood Aaction Home Repairs and Restoration, Inc.

Mr. Sam Rank Lambis Rank, LLC

Mr. Howard Kahn Avalon Court #6

Ms. Francine Rosenshein Park Towers West

Ms. Janet Feinberg Park Towers West

Mr. Tony Kendrick Montego Bay Civic Association

Ms. Joan Rumenap Montego Bay Civic Association

Ms. Anne Finn Forsgate Condominium Assocation

Ms. Melissa King Property Management People, Inc.

Ms. Jourdan Sago FirstService Residential

Mr. Sal Fonti Raffles Condominium Association, Inc

Ms. Elisabeth Kirk TRC Engineering

Ms. Amanda Seebach The Management Group Associates

Ms. Lohenthiran Ganasan Village of Montgomery Run Condominium

Mr. Tom Krause Raffles Condominium Association, Inc

Mr. Kellen Seligman CoreCom Commercial Painting

Ms. Cathy Kundratic Montego Bay Civic Association

Mrs. Chelsea Shook Legum & Norman-Ocean City

Mr. Mike Giblin The Residence Park Place Condominium

Ms. Laura Ann Lang Village of Montgomery Run Condominium

Ms. Erica Simmers Tidewater Property Management

Ms. Robin Gladstone Park Towers West

Ms. Michelle Lester Rosslare Ridge Condominium, Inc

Mr. Walter Grier

Mr. Michael Livingston Montego Bay Civic Association

Mr. Chuck Georgo The Harborview Towers

Mr. David Gurule Tanyard Springs Homeowners Association Mr. Jay Hanseman Worman’s Mill Community Conservancy Ms. Mabel Harrison Jacobs Forest Homeowners Association, Inc. Ms. Sue Hefferon Council of Unit Owners of Silverbrook Wood Condominium, Inc.

Ms. Katie Loskot Tidewater Property Management Ms. Laurie Mazzotta The Harborview Towers Ms. Carla Milan Worman’s Mill Community Conservancy Mrs. Cheryl Miller OC Real Estate Management, Inc. Mr. Mark Moyer Raffles Condominium Association, Inc

Mr. Rick Heldibridle Jacobs Forest Homeowners Association, Inc.

Ms. Kathleen Crawford Tidewater Property Management

Mr. Steve Henne Raffles Condominium Association, Inc

Ms. Samantha Parrish Tidewater Property Management

Ms. Joanne Davis The Residence Park Place Condominium

Mrs. Sara Hogue Tidewater Property Management

Ms. Elizabeth Dorsey Community Association Services, Inc.

Ms. Joan Hohenberger Village of Montgomery Run Condominium

Ms. Pat Philbin Acton’s Landing Condominium Association

Ms. Dorothy Rainers Park Towers West

Mr. Bill Humpreys Raffles Condominium Association, Inc

Mr. Jonathan Eifrig Sewells Orchard Community Association

Mrs. Carol Cordell Coventry at Westminster

Ms. Rhianna Drieu

Ms. Afiya Radford Roswil Homeowners Association, Inc.

Mr. Anthony Parker Legum & Norman-Ocean City

Mr. Nelson Pyle Montego Bay Civic Association

Ms. Janis Spinak The Residence Park Place Condominium Mr. Mark Suchy Alpha Landscape Contractors, Inc. Mrs. Lisa Thorne Coventry at Westminster Mr. Jeff Titus Forsgate Condominium Assocation Mr. Frank Torsici Raffles Condominium Association, Inc Mr. Frank Traglia The Harborview Towers Mr. Kenny Walsh Walsh Contracting, Inc. Mr. Dave Williams Fallston Commons Homeowners Association, Inc. Ms. Lourdes Wojtecki Ms. Annemarie Wolfsheimer Community Association Services, Inc.

SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Annual Symposium & Expo

VIRTUAL FORMAT!

When: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 Time:

8:00 AM–4:00 PM

A Must-Attend for Managers & Board Members!

Business Partners—Participate As A Virtual Exhibitor! Who Should Be An Exhibitor? Any company or business professional representing products and services valuable to community associations should participate. If your product or service is applicable to any portion of a residential community, you won’t want to miss this event. Watch your mail for an invitation to purchase a table or booth!

CAI Professional and Service Provider members will receive the invitation to attend shortly. For information, email contact@caimdches.org or call 410-540-9831. 21

Industry Trends within Association Management Industry trends are deﬁned as patterns or trends that occur within a speciﬁc industry. These trends may relate to price, cost, consumer purchasing, marketing, manufacturing, technology or any number of other areas. Trends occur within every industry, including Association Management. Each year, Association Boards “Prepare for the Future” most notably through the budgeting process. Boards look at the past to prepare for the future. When a Board wants to prepare for the future success of the Association, they should be working from a strategic plan, implementing proactive measures and staying on top of trends that communities face, year-after-year, which help provide the tools needed for success.

What’s “trending”? Association Management Software No matter if the Association is professionally managed or self-managed, software has now become essential in Association management. Having the appropriate software for your community can aid community managers and/or the Board Directors through technological automation. A good and reputable software streamlines association management processes, increases transparency, logs violations of HOA rules, stores important documents, and makes it easier for residents to check their assessments, pay bills online, request maintenance, and accomplish other tasks. This also keeps the “paper footprint” to a minimum as another current trend is to be “paper free”. If your association hasn’t invested in this essential tool, please consider exploring the limitless possibilities. Association Boards that resist investing in software or a community management firm with robust community management technology will need to evolve quickly or may fall behind in updated and trending software.

Software, when implemented correctly, improves the lives of community members and generates tremendous efficiencies and cost savings for associations. Tech resistors will see it become more and more difficult to compete and keep their community members happy without some technology implementation to processes and procedures.

Rules Historically, homeowners’ associations have a reputation for having rules that promote community cohesion. While the rules are intended to protect the value of association property, preserve common areas and create a uniformity within the association, some residents have found their HOA rules to be too restrictive. Several years ago, several states looked at whether homeowners’ associations should be allowed to prevent residents from specific behaviors such as ﬂying ﬂags, displaying political signs and installing solar panels.

Managing the Associations reserve funds to move beyond the “break and fix mode” in order to develop a renovation/improvement strategy that will position your community for the future is essential. Plan for adaptation so that your community will thrive in the changing times of technology advancements.

Five states considered whether HOAs should be prohibited from banning political signs and eight states took up the solar panel and flag questions. Expect this level of conversation to continue, especially at the state level, and consider whether your association should review your rules and policies to see if changes are warranted. One example is “Can your HOA really ban you from flying the United States flag”? The answer for the American Flag is that the right to display the United States flag is protected by federal law and can be found under the “Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005” which makes it illegal for an HOA to restrict owners from displaying a U.S. flag.

Social Media As more and more information is pushed out through online sources and mobile devices, Association Boards must have strong, clear policies on social media use. Board members typically cannot control the community member social media activities; however, developing and disseminating a Policy Handbook which is succinct, clear, and consistent regarding social media use, can help keep your association out of legal and PR trouble.

Take time to review the Associations current processes to look for areas that can be modernized and/or streamlined which, in part, would entail checking for software that may help accomplish that task. If your association does change, update or prohibit items through rule changes, be sure to check with your Association Attorney for a review to ensure the Association is within its legal right to do so.

Written by: B.K. Swartwood, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Comsource Management AAMC® 301-261-3280 tworiversmanager@comsource.com

Amenities Residents want to enjoy the amenities that are part of the assessments they pay. As millennials move into the housing market of HOA/Condo ownership, their expectations are that Wi-Fi is available at the common amenities (i.e. gym, pool areas, community center, etc.). As demographics change, so do expectations and needs. Association Boards need to look at developing a strategy to modernize those amenities that may be outdated and bring in relevant amenities that are the expectation of the modern age buyers which will also be an advantage to the existing association members.

Connie Phillips Insurance CONDOMINIUM & HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INSURANCE CONSULTANT As an Independent Insurance Agency, CPI has unlimited access to the major carriers for Condo coverages. Our COMPARATIVE RATER PROGRAM allows us to provide you with a comparison of coverages and premiums. Experienced in reviewing and assisting in the selection of Master Policy coverages, attending board meetings, and offering on-site insurance and financial seminars. *** Complimentary Breakfast or Lunch-n-Learn Seminars. ***

Property • General Liability Umbrella • Excess Limits Directors & Officers Liability Fidelity Bond • Flood Call us today for a review of your Condominium/Homeowners Association insurance programs

888.439.0479 Frederick, MD  301.662.5717 Virginia Beach, VA  757.761.7757 24/7: 240.409.8400  240.409.8405 Serving MD, VA, DC, WV, PA www.insurance-financial.net

2020 Educational BREAKFAST SEMINARS

JULY & AUGUST WEBINAR PRICE: Members—$20.00, Non-Members—$30.00

SEPTEMBER & NOVEMBER: Location, Price, & Format TBD!

The Chesapeake Region Chapter of Community Associations Institute announces its breakfast seminar schedule for 2020. Homeowners, Board Members, Managers, Management Companies and Service Providers are invited to attend these seminars, which are designed to help you effectively manage and work with a community association and its service providers. Wednesday, July 15, 2020

WEBINAR!

“Make America GREEN Again” Does your community have common green space? Does your community have a plan in place to maintain the common green space? There are many factors to consider as you plan green spaces in your community, such as: • Storm water management • Tree save/forested area maintenance • Wetlands/Coastlines • Proper pond and storm drain maintenance • Critter control/beavers/ geese, etc. • Green roofs

• The use of a property maintenance checklist • Floods • Riparian Zones • Plant Material • Common area drainage issues for winter/spring/summer/fall • Site maintenance impacts during construction/ development periods

Green spaces can add value to communities and improve the lives of their residents, but associations must educate themselves and plan ahead for the development and upkeep. Join us to learn how to make the most of your green spaces and help to Make America Green Again!

Mark your calendar now! “HOT TOPICS—BEYOND FIRE AND FLOOD” WAS HELD ON FEBRUARY 19, 2020. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR HANDOUTS ON THIS PROGRAM!

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

WEBINAR!

“Crime Detection, Protection & Prevention, A Common Sense Approach” Safety is one of the most important aspects of having a neighborhood that homeowners want to live in and be a part of. One of the worst things a board or management can do is turn a blind eye to crime, thinking “it won’t happen to us.” Crime happens everywhere and the best way we can prepare for it is to realize that it could indeed, “happen to us.” Community security is not a one-size meets all venture. There are many ways to help protect a home and a neighborhood from crime, from simple steps like keeping doors locked, starting a Neighborhood Watch program, to full blown security services. This program will provide information and tools that will help you as a manager or homeowner develop a plan for crime prevention by defining: • The role of management, the Board, homeowners/residents, the “Who does What”, relative to crime prevention • Ways to communicate crime detection, protection and prevention throughout the community

• The liability/responsibility for criminal activity within the community • The insurance issues for associations and residents • The different concerns for Condos, HOAs, private roads, clubhouses, private homes

Educational resources are available to community boards and managers through CAI and the National Crime Prevention Council.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 “The Court Room Brawl—Why are Associations Involved in Lawsuits?”

LOCATION & FORMAT TBD!

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 “I Want It All—The Bidding Process Explained”

Association Boards are volunteer positions, yet they carry significant financial and legal responsibility. These volunteers often do not have the legal expertise needed to navigate complex legal issues. This program will review why associations are parties to a lawsuit on both sides of the fence. This program will cover the most frequent reasons that associations file lawsuits or why they are sued themselves. Discussion will include information from the Attorney General’s Office and information about Maryland court procedures. In addition, presenters will walk through the Maryland Court System and provide an update on recent changes to case law.

LOCATION & FORMAT TBD!

Bidding contracting work within a community is a multi-step process that can have a significant impact on the budget and living conditions of an association. Let technology help you lead the conversation on how to bid effectively. Join a Structural Engineer who will provide expertise on: • The Do’s and Don’ts when drafting an RFP • Best practices for the bidding process • Things to consider when analyzing bids

• When it is appropriate to interview a company • Red flags when selecting contractors/vendors • Finalizing the contract and when projects should be bonded

This program will use audience polling and interaction to direct the bidding process conversation. Bring your smart phone if you have one to use the polling app during the program.

Many Thanks to our 2020 Breakfast Seminar Sponsors! Acadia Windows & Doors

Mr. Clean Power Washing

Atlantic Maintenance Group

National Cooperative Bank

Becht Engineering BT

North Arundel Contracting

Community Association Underwriters of America

Precision Concrete Cutting

Connie Phillips Insurance Continental Pools DoodyCalls Pet Waste Removal Duradek MidAtlantic Firstrust Bank Hann & Hann Construction Services Knott Mechanical

Pro Painting & Contracting PTG Enterprises Rees Broome, PC RoofPro T&D Duct Cleaning The Falcon Group Total Asphalt Technology Walker Consultants

Attention Managers!

2020 PMDP COURSE SCHEDULE Chesapeake Region Chapter CANCELED

M–206

Financial Management, Pikesville, MD

Aug. 14

M–203

Community Leadership, Pikesville, MD

Oct. 1–2

M–330

Advanced Insurance and Risk Management

Dec. 3–4

M–204

Community Governance, Pikesville, MD

Washington Metro Chapter Jul. 23–24

M–204

Community Governance, Falls Church, VA

Aug. 20

M–201

Facilities Management, Falls Church, VA

Aug. 21

M–203

Community Leadership, Falls Church, VA

Sep. 10–11

M–206

Financial Management, Falls Church, VA

Oct. 21–22

M–205

Risk Management, Falls Church, VA

Oct. 23

M–202

Associations Communications, Falls Church, VA

Dec. 2–4

M–100

The Essentials of Community Association Management, Falls Church, VA

Questions? Call CAI Direct at (888) 224-4231 (M–F, 9:00 am–6:30 pm EST) www.caionline.org/LearningCenter/Pages/default.aspx

Inspirational Quote “The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the job.” By Zig Ziglar

Convenient, secure protection for your excess funds. One account. One statement. One trusted bank. Noni Roan, CMCA, Vice President 301.639.5503 | 866.800.4656 x7479 Noni.Roan@cit.com

THE

BEACON

BEACON ADVERTISING RATES FOR 2020 Ad reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis

Ad Size

Member Non-Member Price Price (per issue) (per issue)

Full Page: 8" x 10" Black & White

$525

$625

Half Page: Horizontal 8" x 5" Black & White

$375

$475

Half Page: Vertical 4" x 10" Black & White

$375

$475

Quarter Page: 3.5" x 4.5" Black & White

$300

$400

Business Card: 3.5" x 2" Black & White

$225

$325

$175 addl.

$275 addl.

Add Color (per ad)

Advertising Deadline Summer/Fall issue: July 2, 2020 The size and rate information applies to camera-ready ads. These charges do not include artwork preparation that may be necessary to place ads. Signed contracts must accompany payment. The application form is located on the Chapter website: www.caimdches.org.

Complete Disaster Restoration Since 1962

24 Hour Emergency Service

Dani Bressler, CAS dbressler@toepferco.com www.toepferco.com 1101 Ritchie Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 â€˘ Ph: 301-336-8600

The Chesapeake Region Chapter Community Associations Institute 8901 Herrmann Drive, Suite B Columbia, MD 21045 410-540-9831

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARRISBURG, PA PERMIT NO. 533