Summer Living in an HOA – The Pool
Living in Minnesota we know all too well how much our temperatures swing between summer to winter. We go from one cold extreme to a very hot extreme within a few short months. That makes having a pool in your HOA very attractive in the summertime. It’s important to keep in mind some of the most basic pool safety tips while enjoying our beautiful warm weather.
Every HOA will have their own set of rules to be aware of, but the common ones we see most often include:
- No pushing, running, or excessive horseplay in the pool area. Pools decks can be slippery.
- No swimming under the influence.
- No glass in the pool area.
- No swimming during a rain or thunderstorm.
Lifeguards are not on duty in a HOA pool. It is swim at your own risk which means you and the children the accompany you. Please be sure closely watch children while they are in the pool. Young children who are not fully potty trained must wear swim diapers to avoid contamination of the pool.
Be reasonable about the amount of noise you and your family are making while in the pool common area.
Teach children basic water safety tips and enroll them in swimming lessons.
Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapments.
Don’t rely on fun toys such as water wings or noodles to keep your children safe. If your child can’t swim, fit them with an appropriate personal floatation device (PFD).
Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
Summer Storms
If you’ve grown up in the Midwest, you’re already adept at being “sky aware” on sticky, hot, humid days. Our modern lives and cell phone make getting weather updates and notifications easier than ever to stay current on your local weather conditions. But, do you know what the alerts mean?
Severe Thunderstorm Watches – Atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing hail at least 1″ in diameter and/or 50 know (58 mph) or great wind speeds.
Warnings – A tornado is occurring or is imminent for the warning area.
- Go to a windowless interior room on lowest level of your house. Go to a storm cellar or basement if your house has one. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
- Get away from the windows.
- Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
- Bring your pets with you if time allows.
What to do if damage occurs during non-business hours? The Sharper Management team has a 24/7 emergency line in place just for situations like this. We are in touch with our own maintenance teams and vetted contractors who will respond to triage the situation to prevent further damage.
Your governing documents will explain who is responsible for repairs to exterior damage. Common roofs and generally items that are “studs out” are covered by the insurance policy of the HOA. That would include exterior items such as a damaged roof, siding, gutters, and windows. If a tree, for example, crashes into your condo complex and damages the roof and breaks windows, the “studs out” clause would put responsibility in the court of the HOA. However, if the fallen tree creates a hole in the roof and your unit floods, this damage is “studs in” and your homeowner’s policy would come into play. Again, it’s best to check your association’s documents for the details. If you find your individual home policy needs updating, now is a good time to do this.
Board Tips: Three Pitfalls to Excessive and Unproductive Meetings
So, What Goes in Meeting Minutes, Anyways?
- Correct legal name of the Association
- Type of Meeting
- Board Members in attendance and absent
- Date, location and time meeting was called to order and adjourned.
- Names of homeowners formally addressing the Board (example: those requesting, in advance, to be on the Agenda)
- A generalized listing of topics discussed (short bullet points recommended)
- A detailed statement of motions and resolutions proposed. Names do not need to be identified for “Yes” and “No” votes. The vote count, however, should be shown. Example: “Johnson moved to approve the Minutes from the June 15th meeting. Bartlett seconded. Minutes were approved unanimously.”
- Finally, the date, time and location of the next meeting.
Sharper Offers Board Training Opportunities
* Roles & Responsibilities of the Board
* Financial Fundamentals
* An Overview to Governing Documents & State Statutes
* How to Run Effective Board Meetings
* Insurance Basics
* Property Management Practices
* Insurance Claims & How They are Handled
* Market Place Update
* Understanding Operating Cashflow & Reserve Savings
* Budgeting Process & Methods
Mill Pond Condominium No. 1 & 2 Added to Growing Sharper Client List
Mill Pond Condominium Numbers 1 & 2 are now part of Sharper Management’s continually growing list of properties under management. Located in Chaska, MN, each condominium complex has 32 units.
A locally owned, mid-sized property management company located in Eden Prairie, MN, Sharper Management’s exceptional financial software and reporting capabilities coupled with their experienced managers made Sharper the clear choice for Copper Ridge.
“As we continue to expand our presence in the southwest metro, we welcome Mill Pond Condominiums 1 & 2 and look forward to wonderful future together”, states Dan Cunningham, Sharper’s CEO and Partner.
Known for their reliable and committed approach to services for condominium and townhome associations in Minnesota, Sharper Management specializes in providing exceptional property management solutions. Offering a full-suite of premier services to the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county area, Sharper Management continues to expand their service area and look forward to building more new relationships throughout the Twin Cities.
Copper Ridge Townhome Association in Chaska Joins the Sharper Family
The Copper Ridge Townhome Association in Chaska has recently joined the growing family of Sharper Management clients.
A locally owned, mid-sized property management company located in Eden Prairie, MN, Sharper Management’s exceptional financial software and reporting capabilities coupled with their experienced managers made Sharper the clear choice for Copper Ridge.
“We look forward to adding another southwest metro property to our portfolio. Their board is educated and forward thinking”, states Dan Cunningham, Sharper’s CEO and Partner.
Known for their reliable and committed approach to services for condominium and townhome associations in Minnesota, Sharper Management specializes in providing exceptional property management solutions. Offering a full-suite of premier services to the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county area, Sharper Management continues to expand their service area and look forward to building more new relationships throughout the Twin Cities.
Sharper Management Expands Service in Jordan, MN
Sharper Management, a locally owned, mid-sized property management company located in Eden Prairie, MN has recently been brought to manage the Bridle Creek Townhome Association in Jordan, MN. Sharper Management’s vast experience in both association financial management and community development and expansion were all key factors in the decision to bring Sharper on board. Known for their professionalism and transparency, Sharper Management also manages Wexford Square in the Jordan area.
“We’ve been fortunate to earn the business of growing communities in the area and we look forward to working with the Bridle Creek Board, states Dan Cunningham, Sharper’s CEO and Partner.”
Known for their reliable and committed approach to services for condominium and townhome associations in Minnesota, Sharper Management specializes in providing exceptional property management solutions. Offering a full-suite of premier services to the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county area, Sharper Management continues to expand their service area and look forward to building more new relationships throughout the Twin Cities.
Summer Living in an HOA – Nuisance Barking
The definition of nuisance barking varies from one association to the next, and some City Ordinances, but examples of common definitions include:
Nuisance noise from a dog is defined as barking, yelping or whining for more than 5 minutes in any 1-hour period.
- Consistently or constantly make excessive noise;
- Cause damage to or destruction of another’s property;
- Cause unsanitary, dangerous or offensive conditions, including the fouling of the air by offensive odor emanating from excessive excrement; or
- Create a pest, parasite or scavenger control problem which is not effectively treated.
Most HOA’s will require a formal complaint in order to taken action regarding issues such as nuisance barking. Checking your association’s rules and regulations around is the first step to take. It is also to important to understand that the subjectivity of the terms “nuisance” and “excessive” can put the association in a difficult position. Homeowners need to be aware that most cities have pet ordinances and that avenue is also a means for remedy of persistent or subjective pet issues.
How Associations Work – Sharper Management’s Role – A Closer Look
The duties of the management company will be outlined in the Management Agreement and often involve both administrative and site management services, but not always. Depending on the needs of the association, you may have a financial only contract with your management company, or a contract by which outside contractors manage the association’s grounds.
Financial-only
- With a financial-only arrangement
- Management of the reserve fund (savings account)
- Accounts payable
- Budget prep
- Tax prep
- Dues and collections management
- Resale disclosures
Full-service
- With a full-service arrangement some of the typical items the management company is responsible for include are;
- Property inspections (frequency determine by contract)
- Contractor bidding and supervision
- Policy/rule enforcement
- Correspondence
- Dedicated community manager (onsite or offsite as per individual HOA needs and contract)
- Meetings
- Handyman services
- 24/7 emergency services
- Full-compliment of financial services (as noted above in financial-only list)
Each HOA determines the level of service they would like to receive and contracts with the management company and the associated fees for services are dictated by the contract.
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