ACHIEVING HOA RENOVATION SUCCESS: THE POWER OF A DEDICATED TEAM
TREE MAINTENANCE MATTERS: CUTTING LIABILITY RISKS (BUT NOT NECESSARILY THE TREES) (Together Everyone Achieves
CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS
FACTS & FIGURES
Approximately 14,401,000 Californians live in 5,009,200 homes in more than 50,700 community associations.
| 89% | say their association’s rules protect and enhance property values (68%) or have a neutral effect (21%).
| 74% | of residents oppose additional regulation of community associations.
| 89% | of residents rate their community association experience as positive (67%) or neutral (22%).
| 84% | say they always or usually vote in state and local elections. 86% vote in national elections.
These residents pay nearly $25.1 billion a year to maintain their communities. These costs would otherwise fall to the local government.
494,100 Californians serve as volunteer leaders in their community associations each year, providing $740 million in service.
The median home value in California is $659,300. Homes in community associations are generally valued at least 4% more than other homes.
Community associations, also known as homeowners associations, condominiums, housing cooperatives, common interest developments, and planned communities, are neighborhoods where homeowners share responsibility, ownership, rights, and use of common amenities, facilities, and space. Community associations are created, governed, and managed by state statutes. State statute provides for neighbors to elect neighbors to manage the administration and operations of the community.
The financial engine of the community is based on mandatory assessments paid by every homeowner to cover the costs of conducting association business—such as common area maintenance, repair and replacement, essential services, routine operations, insurance, legal compliance, landscaping, facilities maintenance as well as savings for future needs.
CAI supports public policy that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of homeowners and promotes the self-governance of community associations— affording associations the ability to operate efficiently and protect the investment owners make in their homes and communities.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President
Brian Henry, Park West Inc.
President-Elect
Greg Borzilleri, Accurate Termite & Pest Control
Vice President
Lana Hamadej, PCAM
The Avalon Management Group, Inc., AAMC
Secretary
Betty Roth, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM Heritage Lake Master Association
Treasurer
Nick Mokhlessin, Everthrive Landscape
Past-President
Ty Jaglowski, Environmental Concepts Landscape Management, Inc.
BOARD DIRECTORS
Patrick Gabriele, Estates at Canyon Crest Riverside, Inc
Daniel Heaton, Esq., Nordberg|DeNichilo, LLP
Pat King, Solera Oak Valley Greens
Steven Penn, CMCA, AMS, Alliance Association Management
Erica Tenney, CMCA, AMS, First Service Residentail, AAMC
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Committee Co-Chair and Editor in Chief
A.J. Jahanian, Esq., Beaumont Tashjian
Committee Co-Chair
Daniel Heaton, Esq., Nordberg|DeNichilo, LLP
Committee Members
Gina Fanizzi, CMCA, AMS, FirstService Residential, AAMC
Kimberly Lilley, CMCA, CIRMS, Berg Insurance Agency
Eric Zarr, CMCA, AMS, FirstService Residential, AAMC
CHAPTER STAFF
Executive Director
Adam Ybarra, CAI-Greater Inland Empire
Administrative Assistant
Elda Pfitzinger, CAI-Greater Inland Empire
All articles and paid advertising represent the opinions of authors and advertisers and not necessarily the opinion of either Connect or the Community Associations Institute–Greater Inland Empire Chapter. Information contained within should not be construed as a recommendation for any course of action regarding financial, legal, accounting or other professional services and should not be relied upon without the consultation of your accountant or attorney.
Connect is an official quarterly publication of Greater Inland Empire Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI–GRIE). The CAI–GRIE Chapter encourages submission of news and articles subject to space limitation and editing. Signed letters to the editor are welcome. All articles submitted for publication become the property of the CAI–GRIE Chapter. Reproduction of articles or columns published permitted with the following acknowledgment: “Reprinted with permission from Connect Magazine, a publication of the Greater Inland Empire Chapter of the Community Associations Institute.”
Copyright © 1998–2024 CAI-Greater Inland Empire Chapter.
CONTACT
Advertising, Articles or Correspondence
CAI-GRIE Chapter Headquarters 5029 La Mart Dr, Ste A • Riverside, CA 92507-5978 (951) 784-8613 • info@cai-grie.org
CAI-Greater Inland Empire Chapter Website CAI-GRIE.org
APRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
EDITOR’S LINK
A.J. JAHANIAN, ESQ. BEAUMONT TASHJIAN
s we navigate through another eventful and exciting year, we bring to you this 2nd edition of Connect, with the theme of “T.E.A.M.” (Together Everyone Achieves More) continuing to be front and center.
In this edition, experts highlight the importance of teamwork when managing, planning and overseeing large construction projects. Whether it’s a new capital improvement initiative or a significant renovation, the success of these projects hinges on the cooperation and coordinated efforts of board members, managers, vendors, and residents. Tree maintenance is another critical area where teamwork plays a pivotal role. This issue highlights past experiences while exploring best practices for maintaining the health and beauty of our communities’ green spaces. Naturally (no pun intended), effective tree maintenance requires the concerted efforts of arborists, landscapers, and community leaders (volunteers and otherwise) working together to ensure a thriving (and safe!) environment.
Inside, we also provide an update from CAI’s recent annual conference, another testament to the power of collaboration and unity. In that same vein, some legislative updates are underscored in this edition, which can only be navigated successfully through our collective efforts and shared knowledge. Staying informed and engaged with these developments ensures that our communities continue to thrive.
As you explore this issue of Connect, we hope you draw strategies, tips and tricks to share with your community and help propel you past any challenges the year may bring. Achieving our individual goals, collectively, is what will ensure a vibrant, harmonious and growing Inland Empire and CAI-GRIE Chapter.
As always, it is a pleasure to be able to serve as your Editor for Connect. Thank you for your continued interest, education and dedication.
A.J. Jahanian, Esq. is a partner with Beaumont Tashjian who devotes his career to serving common interest developments. He can be reached at ajahanian@HOAattorneys.com
CAI–GREATER INLAND EMPIRE
The CAI–Greater Inland Empire (GRIE) Chapter hosts educational, business and social events that provide the Chapter’s Business Partners various opportunities to promote their companies’ products and services to Community Association owners and managers serving the Community Association Industry. It is expected that all participants in Chapter events – whether they be educational, business or social – will conduct themselves in a professional manner representative of their business or service organization so as not to detract from the experience of others seeking to benefit from their membership in the Chapter. For more information, visit cai-grie.org
2024 CAI ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION
BY: HEATHER KILLIAN, CCAM-LS.PM.AA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM FIRSTSERVICE RESIDENTIAL, LLC
Attending the CAI Annual Conference was an exhilarating experience that left a lasting impression on me. As a community management professional, the opportunity to gather with peers from across the nation and engage in a robust exchange of ideas was invaluable. The conference not only provided a platform for learning and growth but also highlighted the immense benefits of peer collaboration and networking, crucial elements that enhance our professional lives.
From the moment I arrived, the energy was palpable. The venue was buzzing with anticipation and excitement, as hundreds of attendees prepared to dive into a packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking events. The speakers emphasized the importance of community, collaboration, and continuous learning in our field, themes that resonated deeply throughout the conference.
One of the most compelling aspects of the conference was the opportunity to connect with fellow community management professionals. Networking in an open forum provided a relaxed environment where we could share experiences, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. These interactions were not just about exchanging business cards; they were about forming genuine connections with people who understand the unique demands of our industry. I found myself engaged in conversations that opened my eyes to new perspectives and innovative practices that I could apply to my own work.
The educational topics covered at the conference were timely and relevant, addressing the current trends and challenges in community management. One of the standout sessions for me was on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our industry. The speaker provided a comprehensive overview of how AI may be utilized to streamline operations, improve tenant experiences, and enhance decision-making processes in the future. For example, AI-driven predictive
maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become costly repairs, while AI-powered chatbots can handle routine resident inquiries, freeing up community managers to focus on more complex tasks.
Another significant educational focus I found was on conflict resolution, a critical skill for any community manager. The session provided practical strategies for managing disputes between residents, handling difficult conversations, and fostering a positive community atmosphere. The techniques discussed, such as active listening, empathy, and clear communication, are fundamental tools that can help de-escalate tensions and build trust.
Overall, the CAI Annual Conference was a transformative experience. It underscored the importance of continuous learning and the power of community in our professional development. The insights gained from peer collaboration, the networking opportunities, and the educational sessions have equipped me with new strategies and perspectives that I am eager to implement in my work. As the community management industry continues to evolve, staying connected with peers and embracing new technologies like AI will be essential in navigating the future successfully.
In conclusion, attending the CAI Annual Conference was not just an educational experience; it was a rejuvenating one. It reinforced the value of being part of a vibrant professional community and left me with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future of community management.
Heather Killian CCAM-LS.PM.AA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM is a Regional Director at FirstService Residential, LLC. She can be reached at heather. killian@fsresidential.com.
LEGISLATIVE FEDERAL Update
BY: DAWN M. BAUMAN, CAE, COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE IN FALLS CHURCH, VA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION RESEARCH
REGULATORY NEWS
Mortgage Lending for Condominiums –Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to make minor modifications to their lending guidelines in condominium associations and housing cooperatives; including reserve studies and funding, inspections, and insurance requirements. If you are experiencing lender delays or rejections in your condominium or housing cooperative community, tell us about it so we can share the information with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Find our brief survey at www.caionline.org/takeaction.
Further, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have made information about their ineligible projects to boards and their designated agent. Visit our the CAI Advocacy Blog and search for Freddie Mac for more information. www.advocacy.caionline.org.
Corporate Transparency Act
The Corporate Transparency Act is still the law for community associations and compliance of filing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) will need to be completed by December 31, 2024.
There is a lot of activity in the courts, active legislation in Congress, and regulatory guidance from the Federal agency, FinCEN. I’ll break it down here.
THE COURTS
On March 1, the 3rd Circuit Federal Court in Alabama ruled the Corporate Transparency Act as unconstitutional. The plaintiffs in the case are a small business owner and the National Small Business Association. The defendant is The Department of Treasury. The Department of Treasury announced immediately that the court ruling applies to the NSBA and the members as of March 1. In other words, and importantly, the corporate transparency act still applies to community associations. As expected, the Department of Treasury appealed the court ruling and asked the court to expedite the appeal. CAI submitted an amicus brief in the case.
There are additional lawsuits that have been filed by other organizations that are pending. These lawsuits, as we’ve told Members of Congress and the Department of Treasury, has created chaos and confusion. Nonetheless, community associations must comply by December 31, 2024.
Congress
There are two pieces of legislation in Congress that, if passed before the end of the session, will help community associations.
Delay: S. 3625 , the Senate Companion bill to H.R. 5119 that passed the House of Representatives 400-1 is still in play. CAI continues to meet with the Senate Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee to urge them to hear Senator Sott’s bill, S. that will provide delay of implementation of the Beneficial Ownership Information filing by one year. The Senate Republicans are willing to pass this bill, but Senate Democrats haven’t been willing to budge.
Repeal: The House is frustrated by the Senate’s lack of movement, so they introduced another bill, H.R. 8147 that will repeal the Corporate Transparency Act. This bill is a Republican dominated bill in the House.
Visit www.caionline.org/takeaction to contact your Member of Congress today.
Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
CAI met with FinCEN, the Financial Network under the Department of Treasury in mid-April to discuss the exemption request for community associations that was sent to the Department of Treasury in December 2023. The FinCEN staff attending the meeting let CAI stakeholders know that no exemptions are being considered at this time. The Department of Treasury has received numerous requests by different groups requesting an exemption. We were told by the FinCEN staff that no additional exemptions have been authorized or approved by FinCEN. The staff believes Congress made the exemptions in the ACT extensive, 22 exemptions, and FinCEN is will “let things play out” with these extensive exemptions without approving additional exemptions. The staff at FinCEN made it clear that they are charged with carrying out the policy requirements of the ACT and that is exactly what they intend to do.
The day following the meeting, FinCEN released specific FAQs for homeowners associations that may be found here. https://www.fincen. gov/boi-faqs
The Bottom Line
As of now, most community associations must comply and be prepared to file by December 31, 2024; unless you qualify on an exemption (see note below), or are otherwise not incorporated in a manner that requires compliance (ask your attorney).
While CAI recognizes the many challenges related to these requirements, including the sharing of personal information in a government database, the burden on volunteer board members, the exposure to criminal penalties and fines, the one piece of positive news is that administrative filing process for boards is straightforward. Board members can obtain their own FINCEN number (like a tax id number), provide it to an individual (board member, management, attorney, consultant, the board’s chosen agent) to prepare the entire filing for the association.
CAI will continue to request an exemption for community associations and urge Congress to delay or repeal this legislation for community associations.
Disaster Assistance Fairness Act
CAI continues to advocate for fairness to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources for community associations impacted by a disaster. Since Congress hasn’t moved much legislation this Congress, we are using the appropriations bill (funding the government) for 2025 to try to get support for community associations.
Stay updated by vising the Advocacy Blog at www.advocacy.caionline.org
Dawn Bauman, CAE, is Chief Strategy Officer at Community Associations Institute in Falls Church VA, and Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Association Research. She can be reached at dbauman@caionline.org.
WELCOME NEW CAI-GRIE MEMBERS!
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS
AD Magellan
Balcony1
CRT Roofing
Hook Private Security Services
Ideale Design-Build, Inc.
Pinnacle Financial Partners
REPIPE 1
ServiceFirst Restoration, Inc.
Spectrum Community Solutions
Strategic Reserves
Superior Gate Services
The McGowan Companies
US Landscape Inc.
USI Insurance Services
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS
Gabion Ranch Master Association
Jess Ranch Lakes RV Resort Association
K Hovnanian’s Four Seasons HOA
Morgan Hill Homeowners Association
Quail Run Estates Community Association
Solera at Apple Valley Community Association
Sun City Villas Homeowners Association
The Colony at California Oaks Homeowners Association
Wolf Creek Maintenance Corporation
COMMUNITY MANAGERS
Sara Alexander
Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Alfi Avila
Seabreeze Management Company, Inc. AAMC
Savannah Brown Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Jose Orozco Carreon
Adam Carrillo
Action Property Management, Inc. AAMC
Art David Seabreeze Management Company, Inc. AAMC
Stephanie Fitivale Professional Community Management
Theresa Frees
Jennifer Gomez Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Michael Hall Prime Association Services
Tiffany Hannah Prescott Companies
Rhonda James
Claudia Martell
Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Devon Morse Desert Resort Management
LaStacia Neat
Jade Ochoa
Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Matthew Parrish
Kaylin Porritt Keystone AAMC
Cheyenne Prokosh Ralston Management
Lea Thomas Action Property Management, Inc. AAMC
Audrey Tucker
Audrey Velazquez
Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Jennifer Williamson
Equity Management & Realty Services AAMC
Robert Witcher
Seabreeze Management Company, Inc. AAMC
INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNER LEADERS
Ellen Evans
TREE MAINTENANCE MATTERS: CUTTING LIABILITY RISKS (BUT NOT NECESSARILY THE TREES)
BY: SUSAN ELMORABIT, ACTION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
What were they thinking when they planted these trees?! Imagine you are managing a 20-year old community with over one million square feet of landscape. Common area trees, in some cases just inches away from and hanging over association walls, are dropping debris into homeowner pools, cracking the association-maintained wall, and wreaking havoc with city-maintained sidewalks. Frustrated homeowners want the trees removed. Per city planning, they can be removed but should be replaced with another tree. The Board is worried that removing too many of the trees will have a negative visual impact on the community. How can we responsibly approach the multiple layers of problems created by misplaced or otherwise problematic trees and assure beautiful and healthy aesthetics for generations of homeowners to come?
The Forest of Bureaucracy
It is easy to blame developers for overplanting a community but in reality, they are often required to install a quota as established by city planning departments. Thus, before contemplating any removals, it is important to find out if permission is required from the city and what other conditions may be imposed. It is not unusual for a city to require a tree removal permit and even replacement with another tree, unless there is immediate danger to life or property. Sometimes, municipal planning will negotiate with the association. For example, one community was asked to replace a rotting ancient white oak with 13 new trees, but there was no room on the already overcrowded landscape, so the association board offered to donate 13 trees for the city to plant on city property.
Administrative Branch
To avoid risk exposure, regular inspections by management are critical. Before undertaking tree maintenance, walk the property with the vendor. Some things to look for while inspecting:
• Do trees need trimming? “Wind sailing” can reduce the crown of the tree to allow more wind to move through it, lessening the stress on the tree and potential for falling debris in a storm.
• Have your landscape company or arborist take inventory of the number of trees and various types. This will assist management and the board in scheduling maintenance, repairs, etc.
• Not all trees require the same level of maintenance. For example, some pines need to be pruned during the coldest months of the year to avoid a bark beetle infestation, which can kill the tree. Pines typically need pruning every two to three years, but palms may need twice-yearly pruning.
Have your tree trimming service provide a three-year plan for the board. This will provide “economy of scale” pricing while considering the needs of different species of trees. On the topic of tree pruning, sometimes the most expensive tree trimmers will be the regular landscape maintenance company. Consider getting bids from outside vendors but vetting them with references.
Getting to the Roots
Are roots lifting any concrete or asphalt? Are roots on the surface choking out other plantings? Some problems can be temporarily resolved by cutting offending roots but it may eventually be necessary to remove/replace trees with something more appropriate for the space. The larger a tree gets, potentially more expense and community pushback can happen when approaching removal. If privacy or shade is a concern, the community may find itself spending more money on the replacement trees.
Legal Limbs
Messing with trees (or not!) can have real legal considerations. Consider the following scenarios:
• An association tree falls on an owner’s car. It is the second such incident in the community in months. The manager should alert the board immediately, and the car owner should contact their insurance company.
• A tree in proximity to homeowner property is dropping debris picked up by the wind, that leads to higher pool maintenance costs and even a fire in the pool pump. The board in this case determined the association was not responsible and left the tree in place.
• A manager has the wrong tree removed. Walking with the vendor and a board member could have prevented this.
• The board approves emergency removal of a tree which one member was very concerned may fall on some homes in the upcoming stormy season. As it turns out, it was not on association property at all, but outside. The tree owner’s son was an attorney and the board almost immediately received a letter from him. In this case, the board ended up cutting a check for damages to the owner.
• A neighbor complains that another neighbor’s untrimmed trees are blocking his solar panels from receiving light. California Code §§ 25980-25986 prohibits someone from blocking 10% of a neighbor’s solar collector between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• One owner’s roots damage a neighbor’s swimming pool. Neighbor-to-neighbor dispute policy, anyone?
• An association ignores a letter from a homeowner who thinks a tall association pine might fall on his house. (Looking for trouble! Have your arborist on speed dial!)
• A historic white oak in a community was about to be featured in a local magazine. The board had their arborist check the health of the tree, whose largest limb extended over a community carport. Nothing appeared wrong on a visual inspection, even to the arborist. To everyone’s surprise, on a still, fall morning, the massive limb fell off the tree, badly damaging the carport. Fortunately, there were no injuries or car damage. There was rot occurring from the inside of the tree that may have been detected by taking a core sample or other technology.
• Management sends a violation letter to a homeowner, informing them they need to trim the tree in their front yard. It turns out the city owns many of the front yard trees throughout the community and fines the homeowner for following the management directive.
Solutions are not usually that complicated, but navigating conflicts can be. Keep calm and call the community’s legal counsel, when needed.
To avoid being lost in the woods, be sure to make use of your “team of experts” when handling tree maintenance issues and ask lots of questions. Your Board will be well informed when it’s decisionmaking time and as manager, you can help avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes.
Susan Elmorabit, AMS, PCAM, is a Senior Community Manager at Action Property Management. Her career roots stretch back to 2006 in a rain forest. She happily relocated back to the palms of sunny southern California in 2016.
BILL BRIEF INSURANCE UPDATES
BY: KIMBERLY LILLEY, CIRMS, CMCA, BERG INSURANCE AGENCY
So far in this legislative session we have only had a few insurance bills that specifically impact community associations in California, due to legislators and the Governor asking the Department of Insurance to take steps to improve the situation before the end of the session. Here are those bills:
AB 2996 (Alvarez) – FAIR Plan
This bill was originally going to codify the promise the DOI made that the $20 million dollar California FAIR Plan limit would apply PER BUILDING, instead of PER LOCATION (which would be the entire community association), dramatically increasing larger associations’ ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage. That has since been amended out of the bill. [NOTE: while the DOI has said that this per building coverage is available, it is not yet available in practice.]
This bill DOES continue to codify exactly how the FAIR Plan will assess member carriers in the event a large loss exceeds the amount of money the FAIR Plan has to pay out on claims, and it provides a provision for them to sell bonds to pay for those assessments, which provides a bit of relief for over-exposed carriers in the California insurance market.
This also removes “Diligent Search” requirements, which means there is no need to exhaust every admitted option before moving to the FAIR Plan. Insurance experts advise that you will likely want to exhaust every other option (even non-admitted) before going to the FAIR Plan because the coverage is typically inadequate for community associations in California, without additional coverage purchased elsewhere. Additionally, the cost is quite high.
SB 1060 (Becker) – Risk Modeling
This requires a property insurer to employ risk models for underwriting purposes that account for wildfire risk reduction associated with
hazardous fuel reduction, home hardening and defensible space creation. This would force carriers to include discounts for actions that may keep people safe but may in no way reduce the cost that the carriers will ultimately bear in a loss. Also, these factors are already being considered to some extent, as these factors are used in fire modeling (i.e., “fire scores”) used by the carriers to underwrite risks.
Ultimately, just as community associations often have difficulty with sweeping laws that treat every association the same, no matter the size, makeup, etc., this would paint carriers with a large regulatory brush that may encourage carriers to stay OUT of the market, instead of coming back in.
AB 2260 (Calderon) – FAIR Plan Reporting
This requires the CaliforniaFAIR Plan, until December 31, 2027, to provide reporting about policies and clearinghouse programs to the DOI, the Assembly and Senate Committees on Insurance, and to have a public posting on their website on a quarterly basis. Since we have a goal of moving policies out of the FAIR Plan and back into the admitted market (those communities that have done mitigation work get to be the top of that list), we want a way of tracking how successful we are at it. This is a way of keeping track.
We continue to attend hearings and workshops and meet with legislators to discuss what moving forward might look like. We will also be involved in helping to create and launch insurance education for legislative staffers to be sure they have the resources they need to provide the best advice to their legislators.
Kimberly Lilley, CIRMS, CMCA, is the Director of Advocacy, PR and Marketing for Berg Insurance Agency in partnership with LaBarre/Oksnee and may be reached at kimberly@berginsurance.com.
ACHIEVING HOA RENOVATION SUCCESS: THE POWER OF A DEDICATED TEAM
BY: DENNIS BROOKS, DESIGN BUILD ASSOCIATES
Renovation projects in homeowners associations don’t just happen, they are accomplished when a team of individuals recognizes a need and makes the project a priority. Over the past 40 years working as a construction manager and consultant in the HOA industry I’ve witnessed a spectrum of outcomes, ranging from highly successful endeavors to unfortunate failures. Undoubtedly, the success or failure of any project hinges largely on the strength and commitment of the team involved. Let’s take a closer look at the essential attributes that contribute to a successful team.
Firstly, is the team committed to the needed repairs? When I say “committed” I am not just talking about the fact that they understand that something needs to be done. True commitment extends beyond mere acknowledgment of the need for action; it entails a dedication to executing the project correctly, with a focus on preserving property longevity and enhancing values. Is the team committed to this kind of focus? Will they persevere in the face of vocal opposition to the project, or will they falter? The most successful projects we have been involved with have always had one thing in common: a strong and committed team of board members.
Secondly, is your team receptive to learning about the intricacies of successful project management? Everyone has ideas about how a project should be accomplished, however, few board members possess comprehensive experience in construction project development
and execution. Board members who are open to guidance from experienced experts tend to fare much better in steering projects to a successful conclusion. However, it is also crucial that the “expert” remains open to input from the board, fostering a collaborative atmosphere conducive to site-specific knowledge, history, and ultimately an understanding of what success looks like for the board and the community.
Thirdly, is your team willing to take an active role in contributing to the project’s success? Successful projects have board members who are willing to attend meetings with their experts, have an open mind, work to educate themselves on the pertinent issues, and then collaborate with fellow board members to arrive at a common-sense solution. The assimilation of that information, along with the collaboration of common thoughts, coupled with expert
input, guidance and direction, generally lead to successful strategies and successful projects. When the board members are committed and convinced that the project is headed in the right direction, they will be much more likely and capable of helping the entire membership understand the needs and benefits of the project. Completing a project successfully includes having a membership within the association that is pleased and recognizes the value that the project has brought, or will bring, to the property.
Conversely, dissent or a lack of commitment among directors can spell doom for a project. A project can also fail when the board of directors knows a project needs to be accomplished and starts the process, but somewhere along the line they give up or give in. This can leave the completion of the project to new board members who may not have been involved or educated on the original issues. Many times, these half-finished projects are taken over by the same vocal opponents to the original board, and the new directors may attempt to sabotage the project. If it’s not too far along, the project may be canceled altogether. If the project is already underway, the new board may decide to reduce the project scope based solely on cost. This typically leads to a shortsighted “band-aid” approach that does not have the same life cycle or value that was originally intended.
In this edition of Connect Magazine , we are discussing the acronym TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. However, I would propose that it also encapsulates Time, Energy, Attention, and Money. Establishing a dedicated team can help everyone achieve more, but also, can optimize the utilization of critical resources - all of which are important for the eventual success of any project.
Time – Invest time wisely to achieve a quality outcome. Make that time count by seeking valuable knowledge from experienced experts in the industry.
Energy – The board and individual members only have a certain amount of energy to put into such a project. Use the collective synergy of your team to accomplish all the necessary tasks required to move the project forward.
Attention – Assign team members to specific tasks and maintain prompt decision-making processes, which are vital to prevent project stagnation.
Money – While finances are always a major consideration, a well-informed team can weigh their options and can generally make good decisions that will benefit the financial health of the association well into the future.
When a team is committed and focused, Together Everyone will Achieve More and the project will more than likely be a great success.
Dennis Brooks is the president and founder of Design Build Associates, Inc. in Westlake Village, CA. He can be reached at dennisbrooks@dbuild. com.
Since our inception in 1993, Horizon Lighting has maintained electrical and lighting systems for commercial properties and Homeowners Associations. Our regions include Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Northern California, Inland Empire and Coachella Valley.
Please contact our Corporate Office: (949) 336-4336 • 2351 McGaw Avenue, Irvine CA, 92614 • marketing@horizonlightinginc.com Our Specialty Services Include:
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• Meter Pedestals
• Electrical Construction
• Infrared Panel Inspection and more
Complete the CAI Board Leader Certificate Course to receive your certificate and be recognized in your community and on the CAI website. Learn more www.caionline.org/BoardLeaderCertificate
Managers are required to recertify every 2 years and pay the maintenance fee each year. of continuing education must be completed within this twoyear recertification cycle.
16 hours
16 hours
Credit hours must either: Pertain to community association operations or management
Credit hours must either: Pertain to community association operations or management
Contribute to the professional development of the CMCA
Contribute to the professional development of the CMCA
1,000
1,000
There are more than pre-approved continuing education courses. continuing education
No classes in your area? Online Courses can help you complete your requirement. Online courses must provide proof of participation.
Courses related to buying and selling real estate are not acceptable.
Courses related to buying and selling real estate are not acceptable. There are more than pre-approved continuing education courses. continuing education
No classes in your area? Online Courses can help you complete your requirement. Online courses must provide proof of participation. Managers are required to recertify every 2 years and pay the maintenance fee each year. of continuing education must be completed within this twoyear recertification cycle. Visit
for a
list of preapproved continuing education.
Visit CAMICB.org for a full list of preapproved continuing education.
5029 La Mart Dr, Ste A Riverside, CA 92507-5978
info@CAI-GRIE.org www.CAI-GRIE.org
