Summer is officially here. A few years ago, I witnessed the heroic efforts of a bystander revive a young child that nearly drowned at a community pool. Needless to say, as a mother to two young children, I was rattled to the core by the events of that day. Pool safety is something we all need to keep an eye [...]
“We can’t do anything to prevent the monsoon, but we can prepare.” Weldon B. Johnson, The Republic | azcentral.com With summertime comes monsoon season, you never know when a big dust storm or heavy torrential downpour may hit! Is your Association prepared? Today is a good time to put a plan in place for your Association if you don’t have [...]
Pokemon Go is a location-based, augmented reality game where users on mobile devices attempt to locate virtual Pokemon, which appear on the screen of the mobile device, in real-world locations. The game’s increasing popularity and associated controversy has (or should) catch the attention of community associations. Due to the nature of the game, users are led to a variety of [...]
By: Beth Mulcahy, Esq. We are lucky to live in a place where we don't have to worry about extreme weather due to winter storms like other places in the country are experiencing. But, come summertime, you never know when a big dust storm or heavy monsoon may hit! Is your Association prepared? Now is a good time to put [...]
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. 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 [...]
When dealing with disruptive people the need for responding in a controlled manner that deals with fact and eliminates emotion is crucial. Running the board meeting as a business meeting, in a way that is open, fair, adheres to the agenda, is consistent, follows any rules and procedures established for the association and most importantly follows the Arizona Open Meeting [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. As you plan your vacation, do not forget to think about your home while away. Giving some thought to your home before you go on vacation could mean the difference between coming back “home”, or to a home that has been vandalized and a mailbox full of association warnings. Make it look like someone is home [...]
By Beth Mulcahy, Esq. Does your board have a resident or vendor who likes to “prop open” the pool gate to make access to the association pool easier? If so, for safety and liability reasons, your board should take a proactive stance regarding the improper propping open of a gate/fence. First, your board should consider adopting and enforcing a rule stating that [...]
