Sharper Shines At CAI Vision Awards
Shaper Shines at CAI Vision Awards On Thursday, December 7th, the Community Association Institute-MN Chapter (CAI) hosted their annual Holiday Gala and Vision Awards ceremony. CAI, the international trade organization for community associations and regarded as the national experts in education programs, publications, association governance, advocacy and the accreditation body, holds this annual event to recognize and celebrate managers, business partners and homeowner leaders. Multiple awards were given out for both associations and for individual managers. Nominations are submitted by CAI members and a special voting committee reviews all nomination applications for specific criteria. The awards are a high honor and significant recognition by industry experts, for industry professionals. Sharper is honored to receive the following: Above & Beyond – Josh Fuhreck. Recognizes an individual for substantive achievement in performing tasks and services beyond the typical job description and scope of responsibilities. Josh was the Runner-Up amongst seven nominees. Excellence in Service – Tracy Shaver. Recognizes a manager which goes beyond the call of duty to service the Board and homeowners to make to community a better place. Tracy was the Runner-Up amongst seven nominees. Financial Impact – Michael Miller. Recognizes a manager who positively impacted a community(s) in a significant manner, such as budget management, capital improvement project management, insurance claim navigation, etc. Rookie of the Year – Caleb Robinson. Recognizes a manager with less than two-years of experience, excelling in all aspects of management functions. Caleb was the Runner-Up amongst seven nominees. Advanced Manager of the Year – Kim Schlauderhoff. Recognizes a manager with over seven-years of experience who excelled in all aspects of management functions. Kim was the winner amongst a handful of very qualified candidates. Management Company Support Staff – Anton Graf. Recognizes an individual that supports the operations of a management company on an administrative, financial, etc. level. Anton was the Runner-Up amongst nine other nominees. Association of the Year – This award recognizes an association Board of Directors who members clearly understand their roles and fiduciary responsibilities putting the association’s interests ahead of and above all personal agendas. (Large: 100+ Homes) – Ridgewood Condominium Association – Manager Tom Parsons. Ridgewood tied for Runner-Up in the category. (Small: Less than 100 Homes) – Henley Condominium Association – Manager Kimberly DuPont. The Henley of Edina took home the Award! Outstanding Community – Bearpath Homeowners Association (Manager Dave Garten). This award recognizes an association the values community building. Bearpath was the Runner-Up for the award. In this industry event, which this year had an attendance of over 550 people, Sharper has been fortunate to have a long-list of winners. In 2021 we took home five of eight nominations. 2022 we took home four of nine nominations. Now in 2023 we’re honored with two winners and six Runner-Ups awards. Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners! It was a beautiful night for the industry – and an exciting night for Sharper.
Sharper Management – Why Choose Sharper Video
The video for HOA Members Are you an HOA board member looking for a new property manager, or in an association that needs just a little bit better care? If so, perfect! I’m here to help. I’m Grant Peterson, the Director of Client Care here at Sharper Management, and I’m here to tell you why you should choose Sharper as your property manager. At Sharper, we’re large enough to handle any problem in a specialized fashion, but small enough to have great customer service. Our support structure is a large reason that we’re the best at what we do. When you call with an issue, you’ll talk directly to one of our client care specialists, not a robotic answering machine. Depending on the issue, our client care specialist will coordinate with different Sharper staff members to get it resolved. If the issue is related to something breaking down, then maintenance will be called to take care of it. Additionally, accounting will take care of any questions or issues involving billing. Similarly, resale is on hand to answer questions about selling your property within your HOA. Beyond that, we have a partnership with some of the highest quality vendors in the industry. Speaking of quality service, we are very proud of our best Industry member portals. They are set up as an easy, online, one -stop shop for all your needs. If you’d like more information, reach out to Sharper Management at 952 -224 -4777 today. Want more information about sharper? Visit the Why Choose Us Page here: https://sharpermanagement.com/why-choose-us/
Sharper Management For Your Minnesota HOA
Living in a homeowners’ association (HOA) community can be an enriching experience. These communities offer not just a place to live, but a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. To make this experience truly exceptional, efficient property management is essential. One company that excels in this area is Sharper Management. In this blog post, we’ll explore the services and qualities that set Sharper Management apart in the realm of HOA property management. Understanding Sharper Management Sharper Management is a well-established and highly regarded HOA property management company with a proven track record of excellence. They serve a diverse range of HOA communities across the Midwest, offering a comprehensive suite of services to address every aspect of property management. What sets Sharper Management apart is their commitment to enhancing the quality of life within HOA communities and their unwavering dedication to providing top-tier services. Comprehensive Property Management Services Financial Management: Sharper Management understands the importance of sound financial management. They offer expert financial services, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, to help HOAs maintain a strong financial footing. Maintenance and Repairs: Ensuring that a community remains in top shape is vital. Sharper Management coordinates regular maintenance and repairs to preserve property values and improve the overall living experience. Community Engagement: Creating a sense of community is one of Sharper Management’s key focuses. They organize and manage community events and facilitate open lines of communication to foster a vibrant community spirit. Legal Compliance: HOA communities often face complex legal challenges. Sharper Management provides legal expertise to navigate these complexities, ensuring that communities remain in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Technology Integration: The company utilizes cutting-edge technology to streamline processes and provide residents with convenient online services, such as bill payment and maintenance requests. Transparent and Proactive Communication Sharper Management is renowned for its commitment to transparent and proactive communication. They keep residents and board members informed about the status of projects, financial matters, and other developments within the community. Open lines of communication ensure that residents are engaged and feel valued, which is crucial for a harmonious living environment. Tailored Services for Unique Communities Every HOA community is unique, and Sharper Management recognizes this. They provide customized solutions, understanding the specific needs and goals of each community they serve. This approach ensures that the management services provided align perfectly with the community’s vision and values. Award-Winning Service Sharper Management’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. They have received awards and accolades for their dedication to providing the best possible service in the industry. This recognition highlights their ability to consistently meet and exceed the expectations of both residents and board members. Conclusion In the world of HOA property management, Sharper Management stands out as a company dedicated to elevating the living experience within these communities. Their comprehensive services, commitment to community engagement, and transparent communication make them a trusted partner for HOA communities looking to thrive. If you’re a part of an HOA community in the Midwest, Sharper Management is a name worth considering when it comes to enhancing your property management experience Want more information about sharper? View our video library at https://sharpermanagement.com/resource-library-2/
Sharper Launches Educational Video Library
We are incredibly excited to launch our Video Resource Library – which contains nearly 100 professionally filmed educational videos with topics ranging from insurance, governing documents, financials, association meetings, and more. Although there are nearly 6 hours of total footage, each video is a short 2-8 minutes in length with a particular and focused topic. Feel free to browse around for topics that might intrigue you. You can enter the video library at https://sharpermanagement.com/resource-library-2/ You can also see the videos through our weekly Tuesday Training Topic post by following us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/880327.
Board Training Opportunity – October 25th
The next Board Training opportunity is set for Wednesday, October 25th, at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Plaza at 7900 Xerxes Avenue in Bloomington. This free 90-minute session will focus on financials and insurance. Led by Sharper’s director of business development and education, Josh Reams, and Insurance Warehouse principal Eric Skarnes, topics will include: Insurance Basics: · Defining Policy Types & Coverages · Understanding Deductibles · Marketplace Update Financial Fundamentals: · Setting & Managing Operating Budgets · Reserve Fund Requirements · Understanding Reserve Studies · Basic Financial Reports · Audit/Review & Tax Requirements If you are interested in reserving your spot for this free training opportunity, email clientcare@sharpermanagement.com
Successful Sharper Scramble
Another successful Sharper Scramble Golf Tournament is in the books! On Friday, July 14th, Sharper hosted over 150 people for a day of fun, food, fellowship, and golf at Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Elko. We had 104 golfers, equally made up of our loyal and trusted business partners, Sharper staff members, and valued Board members from our client base. It was a wonderful day designed for these three groups to come together to celebrate Sharper Management. Thanks to our generous sponsors and people who donated throughout the day, we raised an impressive $10,000 to go towards this year’s benefit – the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. We look forward to delivering the big check to them next month. We hope you can join us when we host our 8th annual golf tournament next year. It is free to you as a Board member. Watch for a date to be announced in the winter newsletter, and secure your spot early. To those that attended this year, thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you next year!
Legislative Changes Affecting HOAs
The 2023 legislative session in Minnesota was active, with several significant bills that will impact community associations in the state. Below is an abbreviating listing of those topics. As the laws are further defined and incorporated into daily living in HOAs, we will continue diving deeper into these topics in future newsletters and publications. Marijuana/Cannabis A controversial topic, to be sure, that has been swirling around Minnesota for the past few years became a new law – Minn. Stat. #342. As a part of the comprehensive language passed, specific points related to associations and multi-resident/unit dwellings. We have to look at it in two ways. One issue is smoking, and the second is growing. Associations will have to navigate both problems. What it Says – generally, smoking or vaping in multi-resident/unit housing is unlawful and a nuisance under the statute. Growing is allowed with some limitations (maximum of eight plants). When it comes to growing, it does get a little more complicated. The new law allows people to grow up to eight cannabis plants, with no more than four being mature; flowering plants may be grown at a single residence. Must be the primary residence of a person 21 or older. If outside, it must be (1) enclosed; (2) locked; and (3) not visible to the public. The current law does not reference multi-family/unit developments (HOAs). Whom it Affects – all HOAs What it Means – Vaporizing or smoking cannabis flowers, cannabis products, artificially derived cannabinoids, or hemp-derived consumer products is prohibited in multi-family housing buildings, including balconies and patios. By existing state statute, boards also can govern common areas, including prohibiting smoking or vaping of cannabis products if they so choose. When it comes to growing, the association still controls common areas and can prohibit growing in limited common and common areas. However, they cannot regulate or disallow growing inside of the unit/home. The association’s Declarations would have to be amended to specifically disallow it. That said, the association does have the ability to manage and respond to nuisance issues. Both state statutes and Declarations typically say something to the effect of: Quiet Enjoyment; Interference Prohibited. All Owners and Occupants and their guests shall have a right to peaceful enjoyment in their respective Units. They shall use the Property in such a manner as will not cause a nuisance nor unduly restrict, interfere with, or impede the use of the Property by other Owners and Occupants and their guests. Should the growing of cannabis create issues, such as smell, and other owners complain, the association does have the right to ask an owner to cease the activity that made said nuisance. This issue could become challenging for an association to navigate, and it should seek legal counsel. When it Goes into Effect – July 1, 2023 Summary: our friends at the Smith, Jadin, and Johnson law firm recently spoke to Sharper Manager at length on this issue. An overview of their recommendations is as follows: Send an update to Owners regarding the marijuana bill explaining that as multifamily housing, smoking and vaping are prohibited. Take any complaints seriously and send violations consistent with Rule enforcement procedures. Keep a good paper trail. For complaints lodged, Board will need to know (1) when the alleged violation occurred and (2) who was the violator. If an Owner complains that they “smell” smoke, they can’t send a violation to every Owner. However, a general “reminder” email blast may help paper the file in case of a nuisance lawsuit. If a lawsuit for nuisance arises – 1. If procedures are followed (sent violation), tell Owner you have enforced and that they must drop the case or else the HOA will defend itself and assess fees • 2. If procedures are not followed, settle Solar Panels Like satellite dishes 20 years ago, associations must navigate homeowners wishing to install solar panels on rooflines. This has been a discussion amongst legislative bodies for the past few years. This year it finally got traction, and Minn. Stat. # 500.216 was passed. The bottom line, the new law limits some associations from prohibiting solar panels on rooflines. What it Says – “Notwithstanding any … homeowners association document, … a private entity must not prohibit or refuse to permit the owner of a single-family dwelling to install, maintain, or use a roof-mounted solar energy system.” Whom it Affects – Single family HOAs and any HOAs where the Owner is responsible for maintaining and insuring the dwelling (roofs, siding). Note that this bill does NOT apply to HOAs with shared roofs (such as a standard townhome). What it Means – Single-family HOAs may want to create a policy that could set parameters, requirements, and approval processes around solar panels. Examples include: Require only licensed contractors; prohibit materials extending beyond rooflines; require Owners to indemnify the HOA for any damages; require Owners remove the system if necessary to repair or replace something the HOA maintains. When it Goes into Effect – August 1, 2023 Violations & Rule Enforcement To create more uniformity in how rule violations are notified, fines assessed, and appeals processed, the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (MCIOA) was amended to develop further standards. What it Says – any fine associated with a rule violation has to meet seven specific criteria, or it could be challenged in court. Homeowners are also entitled to a more consistent process for an appeal and hearing of said fine. Whom It Affects – all associations currently under MCIOA, which is any association built after June 1, 1994, and any condominium association regardless of when it was established. What it Means – Any fine and specific assessments must be accompanied by a dated, written notice to the Owner, including seven pieces of information. (1) states the amount and reason for the fine or assessment (2) for fines levied under section 515B.3-102(a)(11) [VIOLATION OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS], specifies (i) the violation for which a fine is being levied and the date of the levy; and (ii) the specific section of the declaration, bylaws, rules, or regulations allegedly violated; (3) for assessments levied under section 515B.3-115(g) or
Insurance Market Troubles
The insurance market for HOAs has been volatile, at best, for the last decade. 2023 has been horrendous on a number of fronts. For most associations, premium increases have been somewhere between 20-40%. For some, the primary business/structural policy premium has doubled. And for a rapidly growing number of associations, surprising news of non-renewals has left them scrambling to find coverage elsewhere in an already consolidated market. Unfortunately, the future doesn’t give any optimistic signs of improvement. Although Minnesota is not alone in this troubling trend, we have been hit harder than most states. For five consecutive years, Minnesota has ranked in the top-5 in the nation for losses paid out. Florida has hurricanes. California has wildfires. Minnesota is the bullseye for hail. Minnesota has now been labeled as a “catastrophic state” by most insurance carriers, shrinking the market’s interested providers and inflating the rates for those offering coverage. One local industry expert calculated that for every $1 of premium collected, the insurance market has paid out $1.44 in losses for the multi-family sector. In response, carriers have not only increased premiums, but also wind-hail deductibles have increased to the point they no longer even pay out for hail damage; they’ve increased the number of “exclusions” on policies, and thus reduced the scope of coverage and further complicating claims; they have decreased the “cash value” and valuations on claims. While premium increases have been challenging, the real trouble in 2023 has been the shrinking market of providers and non-renewals. One industry expert with Insurance Warehouse estimated that there are only two or three carriers that will even write new policies for a townhome-style association right now. The big names, such as American Family, State Farm, Farmers, etc., have steadily been non-renewing associations with claims history and choosing to refrain from writing any new policies for multi-family developments. Many associations have had to go to the “secondary market” of carriers, which only fulfills the association’s requirement to have insurance, but offers little coverage and inflated premiums. The insurance market for associations is really in a state of crisis. In summary, carrier selections are becoming fewer, non-renewals more common, and drastically increasing premiums are the norm. Associations need to be aware of these challenges and be prepared financially.
Sharper Scramble Golf Tournament
Last chance to register for the 7th Annual Sharper Scramble Golf Tournament, held Friday, July 14th, at Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Elko. This FREE day of food, fun, fellowship, and golf is Sharper’s way of showing appreciation to you – our valued client – to our Sharper staff, and to our trusted vendors. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The shotgun start to the scramble/best ball format golf round starts at 11 a.m. Dinner and an awards banquet to follow the round. If you want to secure your spot for the Sharper Scramble, do it now! Only a few spots remain. To register, email clientcare@sharpermanagement.com
Types of Association Meetings
As always, each Association will vary according to the Governing Documents. There are three common types of Association meetings. It is important to understand the differences and functions they serve. Board Meetings – the most common type of meeting that many are familiar with. This is the regular business meeting of the elected Board of Directors. While they may be open to homeowners (especially if you are governed by MCIOA), it is important to understand that the purpose of these meetings is for business to be conducted among the Board of Directors, as they were elected to do. Each Association, of course, has its own policies and practices for homeowner engagement. Annual Meetings – the second most common type of meeting. Most Associations are required to hold an “Annual Meeting of the Members.” The purpose of the Annual Meeting, however, is usually very straightforward – to conduct business that requires approval by the members of the Association. Nine out of ten times, that means electing members to the Board of Directors and approving the Minutes of the previous year’s Annual Meeting. That’s it. It is very common for homeowners to feel like an Annual Meeting is a forum to bring up issues or ideas. It is not. The reason why is that, according to most Governing Documents, voting on anything not included on the Agenda and/or Notice distributed prior to the meeting is invalid. Items brought before the membership for a vote must be specified and given X-number of days advanced notice (the “Annual Meeting Notice”). Special Meetings – these are relatively uncommon. A Special Meeting of the Members may be called to vote on a unique or special initiative of the Association. Perhaps it is to approve a Special Assessment. Maybe it is called to amend the Governing Documents. Or the purpose may be to remove or install a new Board member(s). There are a number of reasons. Each Association has requirements for the role and Notice required for a Special Meeting. And similar to Annual Meetings, usually, items brought before the membership for a vote must be specified on the Agenda and/or Notice of said Special Meeting.