By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Provide social opportunities in the association where people get to know each other and have fun! People want to help people that they know personally. The best way to get volunteers is to ASK! Advertise for volunteers in as many different venues as possible. Repeated pleas will have an effect. Volunteers want constructive meaningful work, [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. There is a growing problem in community associations – owners who hoard books, newspapers, trash, knick-knacks, furniture, scrap metal, animals, rotting food and everything in between. The problem is common and has been identified as a serious behavioral illness. “Hoarders” are usually isolated and suffer from the psychological issues that produce the clinical definition of hoarding, [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Dog barking in associations and complaints by the surrounding owners are a common problem in community associations. Police state that barking dogs rank as one of the highest number of complaints they receive. Set forth below are tips and ideas that might help quiet the neighborhood: Contact Dog Owner: The complaining parties should contact the dog’s owner [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Over the past few years, our firm has heard horror stories from association boards and residents regarding owners, residents and vendors speeding and/or failing to obey traffic signals on association streets. Drivers who do not obey the speed limit within an association are a growing problem for community associations. Association residents want to feel safe in their [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Unfortunately, board meeting conflict is becoming a common question that our law firm receives. First, it is important to establish that name calling, interrupting and personal attacks should be prohibited at all board and committee meetings. Sometimes, the conflict is between Board Members themselves. Board Member to Board Member Conflict will bring the association board meeting productivity [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. As you may know, in 2013, the State of Florida adopted a new law that requires board members to follow certain “certification procedures”. Under Florida’s law, within 90 days after being elected or appointed to the board, each director shall certify in writing to the secretary of the association that he or she has read the [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Yes, I do! Here are a few of our firm’s suggestions on how to increase attendance at an Annual Meeting. ♦ Announce the annual meeting date, time, and location in as many places as possible ♦ Plan and publicize a social event after or before the meeting and include food ♦ Give away door prizes or [...]
• The president must set the example and follow all governing documents and rules and regulations. • You cannot do it all. You are the leader and guide, but you must accept responsibility for getting things done. You have been elected to execute decisions made by the board and to hold yourself and association members accountable to the provisions in [...]
Our law firm suggests that boards have the following accounting and financial controls in place to prevent embezzlement and fraud in their association: 1. Keep association records up to date; 2. Assign control of all reserve funds to the entire board; 3. Monthly financial reports should be prepared and made available for board review (include in the monthly report, a [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. If an owner becomes delinquent on his/her mortgage or deed of trust, the deed of trust company may initiate foreclosure proceedings on the owner’s property by noticing a Trustee’s Sale. Secure the association’s interests: A lien places the Trustee on notice of the association’s interests, so the association will receive notice of the Trustee’s sale and notice of [...]
