Quorum April 2020

Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute

APRIL 2020

A Magazine for Community Association Volunteer Leaders, Professional Managers and Business Partners

SPRING Forward ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

____________________________ Creative Recycling ____________________________ Food Waste Composting for HOA Managers ____________________________ HUD Provides Clarity on Assistance Animals

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APRIL 2020

­CONTENTS 12 Pesticide Laws in Montgomery County…

And, Why Everyone Should Pay Attention

BY DAVE FOREMAN

16 Creative Recycling

BY BRITTANIE DAVIS MORGE, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

18 Hosting a PCAM Case Study…

What an Eye-Opening Experience!

BY STEPHANIE TURNER, CMCA, AMS

20 Sustainable Solutions to Landscaping Headaches

BY RENEE GREBE

22 Pool Preparation 101 — Getting Your Pool Ready for Summer Fun!

DEPARTMENTS AND MORE 5 Message from the Executive Director 6 Chapter Benefactor: FirstService Residential, AAMC 7 Welcome New Members 8 Upcoming Events 9 People & Places 36 Classifieds 37 Index to Advertisers 38 Cul-de-Sac: Celebrate Our Planet - Earth Day Turns 50!

BY MILAN STANKOVIC

24 Food Waste Composting for HOA Managers

BY KATHERINE ESPOSITO

28 Getting Ready for Summer: A Guide to Stormwater Facilities and Pond Maintenance

BY SCOTT PULLEN

30 How to Monitor Your Properties for Landscaping Distress

BY FRED PERATT

33 Water Conservation and You

BY MIRA BROWN, AMS

34 HUD Provides Clarity on Assistance Animals

WMCCAI MISSION STATE­MENT To optimize the operations of Community Associations and foster value for our business partners.

BY LESLIE BROWN, ESQ.

Reader comments and suggestions are welcome. Address your comments to: Quorum 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043

We also wel­come ar­ti­cle sub­mis­sions from our ­members. For author guide­lines, call (703) 750-3644 or e-mail publications@caidc.org.

Articles may be edited for length and clarity.

APRIL 2020

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President Airielle Hansford, CMCA, AMS, PCAM President-elect Michael Gartner, ESQ. Vice President Ruth Katz, ESQ. Secretary Sara Ross, ESQ. Treasurer Kristen Melson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Immediate Past President Rafael A. Martinez, CTP (EX OFFICIO) Executive Director Jaime Barnhart, CMP, CAE (EX OFFICIO)

D IRECTOR S Jennifer Bennett, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Leslie Brown, ESQ., Doug Carroll, Hilary Lape, AMS, PCAM, Judyann Lee, ESQ., Sara Ross, ESQ., Jon Stehle

CO U N C I L C HAI R S Communications Council TBD Education Council Kevin Kernan, ESQ. Member Services Council Bernie Guthrie, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

CO MM I T TE E C HAI R S Conference & Expo Donna Aker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM and Chris Goodman D.C. Legislative/LAC Scott Burka, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, and Jane Rogers, ESQ. Education Kathryn Hutchinson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM and Todd El-Taher Golf Adrienne Zaleski and Brian Lord, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Maryland Legislative Scott Silverman, ESQ. and Aimee Winegar, CMCA,

As I write this letter, we are experiencing a national health emergency. It is unprecedented and we are all living with a lot of unanswered questions, fear and anxiety. Life has changed as we know it – definitely right now and maybe forever.

Large gatherings are cancelled and by large, we mean 10 unrelated people.

Homeowners are self-quarantined in their homes. Employers are closing offices; people are working from home, if they can, or on leave until an undetermined date. Communities are much quieter with less neighbors meeting up for playdates or committee meetings or group activities.

WMCCAI is feeling the impact as well. Spring events and education sessions have been postponed at the time of this letter. Our office, usually active and full of members on any given day, is quiet. Staff is working remotely, continuing to provide excellent customer service to our membership.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

O FFICE R S

AMS, LSM, PCAM

Public Outreach Elisabeth Kirk and Kim Myles, CMCA Membership Jeffrey Stepp, CMCA, AMS, and Noni Roan, CMCA Quorum Editorial Christopher Carlson, PE, SECB and Liliana Martinez,

There are resources available to chapter members – we have gathered them and posted a new page on our website blog:

CMCA, AMS

Chapter Events Kristen Adams and Jen Ann Santiago, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Virginia Legislative Ronda DeSplinter, LSM, PCAM and William A. Marr Jr., ESQ.

QU O RUM Managing Editor Morgan Wright, mwright@caidc.org Design Six Half Dozen

www.caidc.org/news/coronavirus-alert-how-to-prepare This page is updated often so check back to see if there are new resources or news.

QU O RUM E DI TORI AL CO M M IT TE E Co-chairs Christopher Carlson, PE, SECB and Liliana Martinez, CMCA, AMS Members Michelle Baquero, CMCA, AMS, Dan Blom, ESQ., Mira Brown, CMCA, AMS, Leslie Brown, ESQ., Kristen Buck, ESQ., Doug Carroll, Deborah Carter, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Sara Castle, Traci Castrovinci, CMCA, AMS, Frannie Crouse, Brittanie Davis, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Katie Halfhill, CMCA, AMS, Iman Jackson, CMCA, AMS, Kevin Kelly, Richard Kuziomko, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Crishana Loritsch, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Liliana Martinez, CMCA, AMS, Kirby McCleary, Susan Miller, CMCA, AMS, Kara Permisohn, Tracy Plazyk, CMCA, AMS, Brandi Ruff, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Lauri Ryder, CIC, CRM, CMCA, Janet Smith, Gunnar Thompson, Susan L. Truskey, ESQ., Olga Tseliak, ESQ., Lee Ann Weir, CMCA, AMS, Doug White, P.E., Aimee Winegar, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM, Jim Wisniewski, Michael Zupan, ESQ. Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute, a 501(c)(6) organization, serves the educational, business and networking needs of the community association industry in 80 cities/counties in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Members include community association homeowner volunteer leaders, professional managers, association management companies, and other businesses and professionals who provide products and services to planned communities, cooperatives and condominiums. WMCCAI has more than 3,200 members including 300+ businesses, 1,100 professional managers from 85 management companies, and approximately 1,500 community association homeowners. WMCCAI is the largest of Community Associations Institute’s 62 chapters worldwide.

Quorum is the award-winning premiere publication of WMCCAI, dedicated to providing WMCCAI’s membership with information on community association issues. Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all presented facts in articles. WMCCAI does not necessarily endorse or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. This publication is issued with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services and nothing published in Quorum is intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied on as such. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought directly by the person requiring such advice or services.

Articles appearing in Quorum may not be reprinted without first obtaining written approval from the editor of Quorum. In the event that such permission is granted, the following legend must be added to the reprint: Reprinted with permission from Quorum™ magazine. Copyright 2019 Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute. Quorum is a trademark of WMCCAI. Receipt of Quorum is a privilege of WMCCAI membership for which $65 in nonrefundable annual dues is allocated. The subscription price for nonmembers is $75 per year; contact publications@caidc.org or call (703) 750-3644.

Social distancing is a completely opposite concept to what we, as a membership organization, exist to provide. We are restricted by regulation and government recommendation to limit in-person contact with you. Without the ability to connect our members face to face, we are looking for ways to pivot and evolve our offerings. Education sessions or networking events in the office or a local restaurant or hotel is not an option right now. The chapter staff is reviewing ideas and plans, including bringing education to our chapter members virtually to help fill the gap until we can be together in person again. We are learning new ways of conducting business remotely and using new technology.

WMCCAI is here for you. We will be here remotely for now and we cannot wait to see you all again at the chapter office, learning something new at an education session, or reconnecting with each other at a networking event.

We will be back in action – it’s just a matter of when.

Until then, email us. Join the Facebook and Linkedin pages. Connect with industry colleagues via email. We are in this together and we will see you in person as soon as we can!

JAIME BARNHART,

CMP, CAE

Jaime Barnhart, as the chapter’s executive director, is responsible for implementing the organization’s mission and goals, and managing its staff. Jaime has worked in non-profits/associations in the D.C. Metro area for over 12 years focusing on program management, events and trade shows, and marketing. She joined WMCCAI as the events manager in 2015.

To advertise in Quorum, e-mail publications@caidc.org.

For more information about Quorum or WMCCAI, visit www.caidc.org.

APRIL 2020

|5

CHAPTER NEWS

C H A P T E R

B E N E F A C T O R

FirstService Residential, AAMC 11351 Random Hills Road, Suite 500 Fairfax, VA 22030 Telephone: (703) 385-1133 Fax: (703) 591-5785 FirstService Residential has specialized in providing residential management services for community associations of all types in the Washington, D.C. area, including Virginia and Maryland, since 1980. Our management portfolio is diverse in both the services we provide and the communities represent. Whether we are providing financial or full-service management for a large-scale community, high-rise, homeowners association, lifestyle community or a condominium, we understand that our fundamental role is to support the board in its efforts to operate the association, while improving resident lifestyles and enhancing property values.

FirstService Residential is one of CAI’s most tenured members. We proudly support CAI as a benefactor, as well as through volunteerism. We also promote the education, training and industry awareness benefits of CAI to our associates and clients. FirstService Residential is an Accredited Association Management Company – a prestigious designation acknowledging us as one of the nation’s top community management firms. We are also a member of the Property Management Association.

FirstService Residential is a local company managed by executives who have spent much of their lives in the Washington, D.C. area. At the same time, we offer our clients the many benefits of being part of a national, resourceful and financially secure organization. FirstService Residential is the largest manager of residential communities in North America, overseeing more than 8,500 properties and 1.7 million residential units across the United States and Canada.

The scale of our local company coupled with our national platform allows us to provide cutting-edge technology, specialized product and service teams and industry leading educational programs. It also provides a forum for developing and promoting best practices among a diverse group of industry professionals.

We are on a daily mission of service excellence and know that we best serve our clients by recognizing the individuality of each association and working to build a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship. We understand the challenges faced by all types of communities and work closely with each client to identify their specific needs. Our expertise and guidance provide each community with a clear path for accomplishing short- and long-term goals.

Additionally, our commitment to providing our services in a manner that is professional, customer-service focused and value oriented is unwavering. Our promise to our clients includes:

• • • • •

Delivering Exceptional Service Elevating Safety and Mitigating Risk Improving Resident Lifestyle Enhancing Property Value Optimizing Operating Budget

By leveraging best practices and hands-on expertise, we offer the professional, personalized service found in smaller organizations with the depth of resources of a proven national leader.

We look forward to speaking with you about your association.

Contacts: Raymond.Tate@fsresidential.com

Article Submissions:

Are you interested in sharing your experiences and expertise with our readers? Quorum magazine is always seeking new article ideas, submissions, and content. If you have an idea or would like to submit an article for consideration, please make sure you contact us before you begin writing to see what our upcoming themes are. Questions and interests should be directed to Morgan Wright at publications@caidc.org or by phone at 703.750.3644.

Advertising:

For advertising, availability, rates, and specifications, please contact Morgan Wright at publications@caidc.org. Targeted advertising in WMCCAI’s Quorum, opens the door to thousands of prospective customers and contacts in the community association industry.

6 | QUORUM

CHAPTER NEWS

Welcome New Members WMCCAI proudly welcomes the following members who joined the chapter in February 2020.

Homeowner Leaders from the Following Associations Boston House Condominium Association Cardinal Glen Homes Association Carlton House Condominium Chantilly Park Condominium Association Exchange at Van Dorn Unit Owners Association Four Seasons at Historic Virginia Marwood Community Association Mayflower Square Section III Phylmar Plaza Condominium Association Port Potomac Homeowners Association Redland Station Homes Association Riviera of Chevy Chase Condominium Sheffield Neighborhood Association, Inc. Takoma Overlook Condominium HOA The Brownstones at Chevy Chase Lake Homeowners Association, Inc. Town Square Towers Condominium Association Unit Owners Association of Ryan Condominiums at Potomac Club V.N.N.C., Inc. Somerset House I Individual Managers S. Armbruster, Potomac Plaza Terraces, Inc. E. Carolina Bismarck-Ramos, FirstService Residential, AAMC Charita Broadwater Kiana R. Burke, CMCA, Summit Management Services, Inc. Alan Carrick, FirstService Residential, AAMC Danny Lee Fair, Jr., FirstService Residential, AAMC Wendy J. Garcia-Castaneda Carmen Gensmer, Landmarc Real Estate, AAMC Lynn Green, Hawthorn Condominium Rebecca P. Hale James Hames, Jr., Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC Laurice T. Harrison, Gates Hudson Community Management, AAMC Lara Hilliard, Legum & Norman, Inc., AAMC Julie A. Hoffmann, FirstService Residential, AAMC David Lawson, Landmarc Real Estate, AAMC Mary Lee, Flannery Property Management Jennifer Neundorfer, Landmarc Real Estate, AAMC Doris Serpa, Georgetown South Community Council, Inc. Kendra Stacks, National Realty Partners, AAMC Lisa Stocksdale, Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC Tiffany N. Strong, CMCA, Select Community Services Latashia Wilkey, Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC Alicia Wright, Overlook at Leisure World

Public Officials from the Following Organization Prince Georges County, The Office of Community Relations Common Ownership Divisions Management Company Just Management & Consulting Business Partners Cleaning Resources, Inc. Clippers Landscape Services Lambis Rank, LLC

Committed to our communities For 30 years, BB&T Association Services has provided solutions specifically designed to meet the needs of property management companies and community associations. You can count on us to be your trusted partner. BBT.com/AssociationServices

 Payment processing  Association Loans

 Payments by ACH and online  Coupon books and statements

Tavarious Butts, VP, Relationship Manager 703-284-0561 • Tavarious.Butts@BBandT.com

Branch Banking and Trust Company is a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

Loans are subject to credit approval. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. © 2019, Branch Banking and Trust Company. All rights reserved.

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APRIL 2020

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UPCOMING EVENTS

All chapter events originally scheduled for March and April 2020 have been postponed or canceled. Chapter staff is working to reschedule as many sessions and events as possible. Please visit the Events Calendar on www.caidc.org for the most up to date event information. If you have any questions, please email events@caidc.org.

APRIL 8

Best Practices Roundtable: The Mentoring Manager – Ask a PCAM! 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water in many situations? Do you feel like you are expected to perform at a level that you’ve not been adequately prepared? Our industry is a very demanding one and with a “sink or swim” culture, it can be difficult to flourish, even for very talented people.

Such can be the life of a community association manager, but it doesn’t have to be. A mentor can help you navigate the pitfalls of our industry, burnout and apathy, and provide you with the support necessary not only to survive but to thrive. And so we have gathered together a panel of successful seasoned managers with diverse career trajectories who are willing to share their experiences, insights and wisdom on various topics that you may be struggling with. If you’ve got questions and you just don’t know who to ask, this is a great opportunity to maybe get some answers! Light refreshments will be served. Worth (2) Two Credit Hours. For more information or to register, please visit www.caidc.org.

APRIL 18

Potomac Watershed Clean-up Day 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Event takes place across several locations along the Potomac River

Join WMCCAI as we do our part to clean up the Potomac Watershed and positively impact the communities where we work and live. Volunteer as a site leader and make this event a success!

The more leaders we have, the larger the event will be and the greater the impact. Interested in becoming a site leader? Have additional questions? Contact Liz Schell (eschell@caidc.org) or Elisabeth Kirk (elisabeth@tedrossconsulting.com) for more information. Please visit www.caidc. org for additional information.

MAY 7

Spring Fling Happy Hour @ The Farm Brewery at Broad Run 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.

The Farm Brewery at Broad Run The Tasting Room 16015 John Marshall Hwy, Broad Run, VA 20137

Who’s ready for a Happy Hour?! Join WMCCAI at The Farm Brewery as we kick off warmer weather and the Spring season at our upcoming Spring Fling Happy Hour networking event. Enjoy 15 types of beers, wine, wine slushies and cider. Indulge in some small bites while networking in a fun and casual environment alongside your association peers! Please visit www.caidc.org for more information or to register online.

MAY 8

CMCA Exam Study Group 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WMCCAI Chapter Office 7600 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043

Back by popular demand – now a full day program! Take the fear and anxiety out of taking the CMCA exam. Become familiar with the structure and content of the test in this interactive study session tailor made for managers and administrators pursuing the CMCA designation. Participants will be guided by a panel of professionals representing each of the knowledge areas covered in the exam. This session is not conducted as a lecture, but rather is a unique opportunity for participants to apply what they know in a discussion setting along with their peers and industry professionals. Continental breakfast and lunch provided! For more information or to register, please visit www.caidc.org.

MAY 20

2020 Community Association of the Year Orientation 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Fairwood Community Association 12600 Fairwood Pkwy, Bowie, MD 20720

What is the Community Association of the Year Award (CAY)? Do you live or work in a community that you think deserves recognition? Do you want to apply for the Community Association of the Year award but aren’t sure where to start? Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of the Community Association of the Year awards. Speakers will include several current CAY judges and past CAY winners. For more information or to register, please visit www.caidc.org.

For more information on WMCCAI meetings or upcoming events, contact the chapter office at (703) 750-3644, email info@caidc.org or visit www.caidc.org.

8 | QUORUM

Goldklang Group CPAs, PC is proud to announce the appointment of Anne Sheehan, CPA to the Virginia Common Interest Community Board. The Common Interest Community Board regulates common interest community managers, as well as, employees of licensed management firms. The Board’s authority also includes condominium and time-share project registrations. All members of the Board are appointed by the Governor of Virginia and the Board consists of eleven members.

Anne Sheehan, CPA began her career with Goldklang Group CPAs, P.C. in January 1991 and was admitted as a shareholder in January 2004. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from George Mason University. Anne has expertise in the auditing of common interest realty associations. She is actively involved in the audits of many of the largest and most complex associations in the Washington Metropolitan area. Anne maintains her CPA license in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Cardinal Management Group, Inc. Announces Team Promotions As Cardinal Management Group, Inc. enters a new decade and quickly approaches our 35th anniversary there is no better time to share and brag on our excellent team members. In the spirit of our mission - to create an empowered organization where every employee understands they are vital to our success and to the success of the communities we manage - we are dedicated to promoting from within and building leadership opportunities and career advancement.

With that said, we are honored to announce the following team member promotions and women leading the charge at CMG:

PEOPLE & PLACES

Governor Northam Appoints Anne Sheehan, CPA to the Virginia Common Interest Community Board

Ms. Candace Lewis, CMCA®, AMS® to Coordinator of Professional Certification & Education. After only a few short years with CMG, Candace has quickly jumped in feet first to her new role in leading Cardinal’s mission to enhance our partnership and support of WMCCAI. She will ensure our that our team of professionals remain some of the most highly educated and credentialed professionals in the industry.

Ms. Cynthia du Busc, CMCA®, AMS® to Corporate Training Manager. It didn’t take long at all for Cynthia to make her mark on CMG and reveal her strengths and passion for employee training & culture development.

As one of our newer team members at our corporate headquarters, Cynthia has been instrumental in developing and rolling out our highly intuitive and interactive employee training program providing even more excellence in service to our community partners.

Ms. Victoria Garner, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® to Executive Vice President.

Victoria has been a valued team member at CMG for almost 12 years now, has served the company in a multitude of ways, and held various roles during her tenure. Moving into this new role is a reflection of her hard work, dedication and overall leadership capacity where she will focus on the company’s mission and goals.

These women, along with all our other company leaders, executives, and team members including those in our corporate office and deployed on-site, make Cardinal a truly wonderful and rewarding place to work and leaders in the community management marketplace!

APRIL 2020

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PREPARE, don’t panic.

Coronavirus Alert: WMCCAI’s Response to COVID-19 WMCCAI is monitoring the outbreak of the COVID-19 Coronavirus and its impact on our members. As we make changes to programs, we will post on our Resource Page at www.caidc.org/news/coronavirus-alert-how-to-prepare.

We encourage our members and the community associations industry in general to follow the latest guidance and updates issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CAI understands that members, homeowners, board members, community association managers, management company executives, and business partners may have questions about prevention, containment, classes, and events. It is important to recognize, however, that CAI, its chapters, and individual members are not health care professionals. The CDC and other qualified health officials should continue to be the primary source of current information and guidance.

Committee Meetings:

Chapter Office Operations:

Effective immediately, all chapter committee meetings will be held via conference call until further notice. The chapter staff liaison will be in touch to provide the conference call number before your committee meeting date. If you want to be added to a committee roster, please email eschell@caidc.org.

WMCCAI is adjusting to these unprecedented times related to the COVID-19 outbreak. As we continue to evaluate our chapter’s business continuity, staff health and safety, as well as the latest CDC recommendations limiting gatherings to less than 10 people, we have decided that all staff will work remotely effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Email info@caidc.org if you have any questions.

Programs and Events: All chapter events scheduled for March and April 2020 have been postponed or canceled. Chapter staff is working with our venues, speakers and sponsors to find new dates in 2020. Once the new dates are determined, we will notify all pre-registered attendees and update the chapter website and social media channels. Attendee registrations will transfer to the re-scheduled date. For questions about chapter events, email events@caidc.org. NOTE: Thus applies to WMCCAI chapter events only. For PMDP class status or other CAI national events, please visit www.caionline.org.

RESOURCES CAI’s Coronavirus Page: https://www.caionline.org/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston: Client Alert – Coronavirus https://www.wtplaw.com/news-events/client-alert-coronavirus

CAI: Coronavirus – Understanding Emergency Declarations, Tacking Guidance from Health Officials https://advocacy.caionline.org/coronavirus/

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston: Client Alert – COVID-19 Labor & Employment FAQ’s – You’ve Asked, We’ve Answered https://www.wtplaw.com/news-events/client-alert-covid-19labor-employment-faqs-youve-asked-weve-answered

Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Johns Hopkins: https://hub.jhu.edu/novel-coronavirus-information/ Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Interactive Map: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/?fbclid=IwAR2WQ8sIfbS962z0kLGMgy-gBXK0yTGVxc0LRkrC6mQXpyNi4AWModVvbZA Virginia Department of Health: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/ novel-coronavirus/ D.C. Public Health: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/ Maryland Department of Health: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus. aspx WMCCAI’s Quorum Magazine (February 2020 issue): https://www.caidc.org/worst-case-scenario-how-to-preparefor-emergencies-2/

Rees Broome, PC: Coronavirus and Your Community https://reesbroome.com/node/261 Chadwick, Washington, Moriarty, Elmore & Bunn, PC: https://www.chadwickwashington.com/2020/03/11/ covid-19-and-common-interest-communities/ USI Insurance: https://www.usi.com/public-health-emergencies/ USI Insurance: Employer Exposures and Protecting Your Business (FREE Webinars) https://zoom.us/webinar/register/4715834399721/WN_ K75nR8T0T5e2ZFJPubD1iA Segan & Mason, PC: https://www.seganmason.com/resources Jackson & Campbell: https://www.jackscamp.com/jackson-campbell-coronavirus-covid-19-updates/ Fairfax County Government: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus

Keep up to date at https://www.caidc.org/news/coronavirus-alert-how-to-prepare/

As the situation continues, we will be sure to update our COVID-19 Resources page on our website. Please visit www.caidc.org frequently for the latest information.

By Dave Foreman Dave is the Business Development Manager for Greenscape, Inc., a Massachusetts-based company that has been serving the DC Metro area for 10 years.

He joined Greenscape in the fall of 2018, bringing with him over 20 years of landscaping experience. Dave’s vast landscape knowledge and dedication to customer service is a huge asset to Greenscape’s clients and the people that he meets in his travels.

Pesticide Laws

IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY …And, Why Everyone Should Pay Attention

A

s I sat down to research and write this article, I had two thoughts: Either, I could make it fast and say it’s just not possible to treat lawns anymore. Or

I could write a sequel to Macbeth and bore us all into tears. Luckily, I opted for somewhere in between. To completely understand what’s going on we need to break this into 5

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I can promise you these restrictions weren’t put in place to annoy and confuse all of us.

As much as it seems. The idea behind all this is to legitimately reduce the environmental impacts. Which, even as a landscaper, I do agree with. Remember when blue crabs were cheap and plentiful? Back on topic… through many years of testing, Maryland has decided that the toxic chemicals can be detrimental to humans, the environment, and can have developmental effects on children.

It’s easy to say “oh jeez people are becoming such snowflakes,” however, it is becoming evident that the bee population has been in a serious decline, clean water has become more scarce (anybody want a nice cold glass of Lake Needlewood?), which has had direct links to very serious health effects like pediatric cancers, behavioral problems, and diabetes among many others. While I feel as though we went from one extreme to the next and the blame might have been put in the wrong areas, it has become obvious that something needed to be done to correct where we were headed.

So, what’s not allowed? Again, to keep this article short, nothing but fertilizer, and

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12 | QUORUM

categories. Those are divided into why the restrictions, what’s not allowed, vendor requirements, what are my organic options.

14/02/20 11:56 PM

organics. In all seriousness though if you have turf, playgrounds, mulched areas including parks, and childcare facilities then you need to know the requirements that apply to you. The law dictates that if there is an EPA registration number the contractor won’t be allowed to apply it. Unless the label also positively states “Allowed” then you are ok to use it. Confused yet? So am I...if you ever have questions on a specific product I would encourage emailing askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov The important thing to remember is that fertilizer is still allowed. In laymen terms, fertilizer is the equivalent to food for humans. You’ll still be fine when it comes to promoting healthy crop of turf, which means that not all hope is lost. I’ll get more into this in the “what are organics” section.

What does this mean for my landscape company or supplier of pest services? The most important thing for them to do and you as the customer is follow-up. This doesn’t just mean making sure they actually applied the chemical but instead letting everyone else know something was applied. This law has been around since I can remember but in Montgomery County it has become even more important to flag the treated areas. The flag can be as basic as a caution sign and as fancy as a miniature billboard for the company that performed the work. The important items to check for are the date the service was applied, the name of licensed applicator and a telephone number where the company can be reached. Should you have already begun applying organics it would be advantageous to make sure your company is also marking it as an organic treatment.

As this solves a lot of headaches in false reporting. Lastly, the flag should remain in the turf for 48 hours after application.

While I’m not in the business of telling people how to do their jobs, I would highly encourage more information over less. Make the community aware of what is being applied and when prior to any applications going down to prevent future headaches.

We all know that one resident who has sensitivity. They are encouraged to register through the Maryland Department of Agriculture which will help the state identify and inform those people individually.

So now that I’ve been told what’s wrong with chemicals, that I can’t apply anything, and if I do what I need to do, am I officially out of options? Will organics effectively work? Please know that not all hope is lost. The truest form of weed control is a healthy thick lawn. I have a friend who used to aerate his lawn once a month and watered once a week for 30 minutes each area. It was literally the healthiest and weed free grass I ever saw. This was a direct result of his lawn’s root system having air to grow stronger roots and allowed access to

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nutrients and water to reach those root systems. All of this resulted in thick blades of grass that wouldn’t allow weeds to flourish. Certainly not the most feasible option for all of us in the commercial world but it does show what is capable. As mentioned in this story, the most important thing to remember regarding lawn care is that you are rebuilding your soil structure. As I alluded to earlier, the soil structure will allow the root system to thrive and build a thick healthy strain of grass. The following are examples of ways to begin the process now. While they all aren’t completely cost-effective overtime, you will see results and reduced costs.

I continually ask customers why they want to aerate and seed for the sake of doing it. Instead I encourage communities to use that money in designated locations to add organic composted soil, then aerate and seed. Each fall pick a new location that the budget will allow for to perform this service. This alone will help to break up compaction and introduce organic matter and microbes back into your soil. One option I don’t hear as often is asking for grass to be bagged and allow the landscaper to finely chop leaves back into the soil. Both of these also allow organic material to get directly into the soil. Have your irrigation company change the watering to once or twice a week for longer periods of time as opposed to every day for short bursts. This will force the root system to look for the water growing longer and healthier. Pay less attention to mowing height and more attention to how much is being removed. For a typical mowing visit you don’t

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want to take off more than 1/3 of the blade of grass. At Greenscape we set our blades higher in the spring then we do the rest of the year for this exact reason. This is why our customers don’t see the yellow tint as a result of taking off too much at once. Enough about the grass, what about the weeds in the sidewalks?! I’ve heard vinegar and salt works?! This really needs its own article and an 8-hour class as opposed to a few words. In short, in the past I have used different organic chemicals that are available to contractors. Are they as effective as Round-Up? Absolutely not, but they do work and have their place if applied more frequently than the maintenance crew walking around at the end of each visit. Salt and vinegar at its core is a simple idea; the salt burns the leaf structure resulting in the browning of the leaves and the vinegar kills the root structure. Which would mean a weed free sidewalk in theory.

Unfortunately, it does require a lot more spraying/visits than what we are all accustomed to and the results take time. All organics at their core require time and patience. As we all move to more regulations across Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia, it is important to stay up to date on what is coming and how to get ahead of it. Organics are not designed to give you a golf course overnight but with proper planning, partnering with your contractor, and a willingness to change now for our future generations, not all hope is lost. I can promise that our children’s children will reap the rewards and that is why everyone should pay attention.

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By Brittanie Davis Morge, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Brittanie Davis Morge is the proud Community Manager of River Creek Owners Association located in Leesburg, VA. She has been in the industry for 15 years achieving the highest level of certification, her PCAM. She gathered the information for this article from her respected colleagues in the industry.

Creative Recyc T

he world of recycling has changed dramatically over the last few years.

With higher tariffs being imposed on recyclables, and in turn our waste management contractors changing their strategies, Residents are left with wondering “What is Recyclable?” Additionally, certain counties in the DMV are changing what they will and will not except in terms of recyclables.

Some communities are going the extra mile and getting creative with their Recycling.

Here is a spotlight on some outstanding associations that have done something out of the norm that you may want to consider for your community.

in Leesburg, VA decided to replace their Confluence Park Playground. Instead of trashing their old playground, they donated it to Kids around the World. KATW were able to come out, dissemble the old equipment and ship it to Haiti to be used for native school children. This was at no cost to the Association and the playground is able enjoy a second life.

Reuse/Repurpose: Tartan Village, located in Alexandria, VA,

decided to recycle their old staircase railing by donating them to a local construction project. This meant that they did not incur a disposal fee and the railings could be used again elsewhere. Additionally, after their community yard sales, they also collect items and donated them to local organizations.

Take a Seat: When choosing new benches for their Community, Trailee HOA in Fairfax, VA decided to make an eco-friendlier purchase

Bags to Benches: Broadlands Association Inc., located in Ashburn, VA is running a plastic bag recycling program. For every 500 pounds of plastic bags the community collects they be awarded a high-performance composite recycled bench from Trex. Their first bench which will be donated by Broadlands Community Outreach to Loudoun County Public Schools. They are eligible to receive up to two recycled benches per year. Their Plastic Bag Recycling Program will continue on an ongoing basis and single use plastics will be collected daily at the Nature Center. Plastics include grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap (like the plastic over a case of water), dry cleaning bags, produce, ice and wood pellet bags, newspaper sleeves, salt bags, cereal bags, Ziploc and any other types of single use plastics.

Let’s Play Again: In 2018, River Creek Owners Association 16 | QUORUM 994817_Segan.indd 1

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cling by choosing benches made from recycled material. These benches have the look and feel of traditional benches but are created from recycled plastics.

Welling with Pride: Potomac Green Association, located in Ashburn, VA, irrigates most of the common areas, keeping their grounds in pristine condition at all times. This, in turn, amounts to hundreds of thousand of dollars in water expenses. Potomac Green decided to invest in multiple ground wells in order to utilize ground water for their irrigation needs. Not only did this effort reduce expenses but it also recycles a natural resource.

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A Soft Landing: At their playground, The Greens at Fairlakes, located in Fairfax, VA installed recycled rubber mulch as opposed to shredded wood.

This material offers more longevity and a softer landing surface.

Fun for all!

Not only are these efforts good for the environment but can also be tax deductible. So, the next time your community is considering a capital improvement or is saddled with an unusual disposal need, dig a little deeper and see if what you are trying to get rid of can be used by someone else.

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By Stephanie Turner, CMCA, AMS Stephanie is an on-site community manager at the Villages of Urbana in Frederick, MD. She is currently serves as the liaison between the residents and the Covenants and Design Review Committee. Stephanie is also an active member of the Chesapeake Chapter of CAI’s Education Committee.

Hosting a PCAM Case Study ...What an Eye-Opening Experience!

I

n July 2019, The Villages of Urbana, in Frederick, MD was chosen for the October 2019 PCAM case study. As the PCAM is the highest professional designation available to community managers, our staff felt it was an honor to be a host community for this case study.

snow removal contractors, and the financial advisor. This part of the exercise was refreshing, as so many of them were eager to talk about their role and experiences with association, and they genuinely seemed willing to be part of this process in a positive way on behalf of the community.

This incoming group of prospective designees were coming from all over the country and devoting two full days in The Villages of Urbana to learn about all aspects of the community, including a bus tour, and then 30 days following the case study to work on their final paper. This was going to be an excellent learning experience for the PCAM candidates, but we also felt that it was going to be a great learning experience for our community as well.

Finally, as the case study dates were growing closer, we did the final preparation work to make sure the community looked outstanding for the tour that the candidates would be

As a host community, you do not know in advance what questions will be on the case study; therefore, you are required to provide numerous documents such as the governing documents, audits, meeting minutes, financial documents, community communications, committee information, etc. This was a big undertaking, but at the same time it was a benefit to staff because it gave us a chance to review a lot of documents and procedures which we normally wouldn’t take the time to sit down and do.

Next, we needed to set up key personnel to meet with the candidates during their visit for a question and answer session about The Villages of Urbana. This included the association’s attorney, various board and committee members, our insurance agent, accounting team members, landscape and

taking. Our staff takes great pride in making the community look wonderful for our residents, but at this time everyone pitched in to make sure it looked the absolute best that it could for our upcoming visitors.

The first case study day finally arrived.

After introductions were made the study facilitator asked each candidate to rate their current level of anxiety between a 1 and a 10. Most ranked in the 7-10 range, which wasn’t surprising. Although our

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staff was not asked what our level of anxiety was, it was easily around a 3 or 4, however ours was a combination of both anxiety and excitement. We were eager and excited to show the candidates our beautiful community, so that was the easy part.

Our anxiety was due to the fact that we had no idea what these candidates would be asking us and we needed to be prepared to answer anything that they wanted to know. It felt similar to being on a job interview and you have no idea what the interviewer is going to ask you.

All of these candidates were at the top of their game and had fantastic questions. The unique part about being the host community

is that it gives you the opportunity to truly look at your community through a complete stranger’s viewpoint. It was so interesting to see and hear the different things that they picked up on that maybe we haven’t noticed before, or perhaps drive by every day and take for granted. Many of them gave feedback on how things are done in their own communities which was both interesting and helpful at the same time, which seemed like a win-win situation for our staff and community.

Overall, being a host for a PCAM case study was very beneficial to our entire staff. We would strongly recommend the entire experience to any other community that might be thinking about it!

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2020-02-07 8:47 AM

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By Fred Peratt Fred is president of Environmental Enhancements Inc., an award-winning landscaping company serving the DC metro area since 2001. Fred is wellknown in the landscaping industry for his dedication to innovation, teamwork, and the highest standards of workmanship. His role as Advisory Council Chair for the National Association of Landscape Professionals provides insights and best practices that enable Environmental Enhancements to offer industry-leading service to commercial, HOA, and residential clients.

How to Monitor Your Properties for

Landscaping Distress

C

ompliments are hard to come by, aren’t they? When a property is welltaken-care-of, people don’t often make an effort to tell you how impressed they are. But when a branch falls across a walkway, a tree looks sickly, or a light bulb is busted, tenants and residents are quick to let you know. And if the entire property looks rundown?

Let’s just say you’ll hear about it.

Without proper maintenance and updating, properties begin to look—and feel—tired.

Just by driving into the parking lot, visitors can tell something’s not right. But more importantly, after leaving, they might not be inclined to come back.

7 Key Areas to Monitor for Landscaping Distress 1. Start with the obvious. Check for debris, especially in early spring, when dead foliage might look like the normal fallout from winter.

2. Plantings and lawns develop ‘holes’ over time. Sometimes these holes are hard to see—especially before and during early-growth periods—so be sure and take a top-down view. At a time when landscaping enhancements can make your buildings ‘pop,’ you don’t want to enter late spring and summer with unsightly gaps and spotty beds.

3. Mulch is your friend, but it can easily wash

First impressions are lasting. As a property manager, it’s advisable to take an objective measure of how ‘fresh’ your properties’ landscaping is. A great time to do this is in early spring, which allows you to fix problems before the season kicks into high gear.

Schedule an afternoon to walk your properties—preferably on a sunny day—and try to imagine how it would feel to step onto each property for the first time.

I recommend you take a landscape professional on your ‘walk-around’ to help you make an accurate assessment. But armed with a few key indicators, there is a lot you can determine on your own.

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away. For a crisp, neat presentation, refresh mulch and consider adding it to additional areas. Also be on the lookout for over-mulching, which can be harmful to plants. If your provider is adding new lay-

ers of mulch each year without removing the old, tell them to stop it!

4. O rnamental trees often grow tall and scraggly. Plus, nearby offspring can shoot up (seemingly overnight), which makes even a well-groomed lawn appear wild.

Suckers (extra branches growing at the base and hanging from branches) also look sloppy and need to be removed.

5. Shrubs are critical for defining areas of your property, but they can only do that if they are themselves well-defined. Be generous with your pruning; your shrubs don’t need to dominate an area and for most varieties, new growth comes in quickly.

6. Consider changing your plantings with the season rather than relying only on a late spring/early summer show. An experienced landscaping company can make your property shine all year round.

7. Was your landscaping design developed over years? If so, each addition should have been part of a master plan. If you worked with multiple vendors and installed ‘onesies and twosies,’ your property might benefit from a more coordinated effort. Your landscaping company should be able to help you pull together a cohesive, phased strategy that fits within your budget.

After your walk, continue your exploration off the property. Familiarize yourself with commercial landscaping trends to determine areas on your property that could use refreshing. For ideas, peruse design magazines. Contact other properties you admire and find out who their landscaping providers are. (Don’t be shy— it’s a compliment!)

Commercial establishments have a limited number of years before they fall behind the latest trends. But fortunately, you can extend that window by keeping your landscaping healthy, interesting, and vibrant. Breathing new life into your outdoor spaces not only attracts people to your properties, it also saves you money by forestalling a more costly redesign on your buildings.

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By Renee Grebe Renee Grebe is the Northern Virginia Conservation Advocate for the Audubon Naturalist Society, leading efforts in Northern Virginia to protect watersheds and to respond to the climate emergency. Renee serves on Fairfax County’s Environmental Quality Advisory Council, is trained as a Master Naturalist and has considerable experience volunteering on conservation projects, including removing invasive plants from parkland.

Sustainable Solutions

TO LANDSCAPING HEADACHES

I

s your community association dealing with erosion or flooding? Does your management company pay to maintain a lot of lawn that is not being used? Is your landscaping committee looking for ways to beautify community property while supporting pollinators?

Unused lawns. Impervious surface. Heavier rainstorms. Unnecessary use of lawn-care chemicals. These are just some of the reasons our suburban and urban environments are degrading. But community associations can be part of the solution as they seek solutions to some common landscaping issues. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, here are some ways to help heal the earth in your own community.

Investing in Sustainable Solutions Too frequently, landscaping is neither sustainable nor functional. As simple as it sounds, planting native plants and trees can help address these landscaping problems while, at the same time, improving the overall beauty, sustainability, and ecology of common community property. Indigenous native plants have evolved to support the local ecosystem in which they exist, and often address some of the most common landscaping problems, for example: 22 | QUORUM

Erosion One of the best things you can do to prevent erosion is to ensure the at-risk ground contains plants with strong root systems. Too often turf grass get worn away, its small root systems not strong enough to hold the topsoil in place. But native plants, such as longer-stemmed native grasses, can often thrive in tough places and through short hot-spells that may otherwise kill turf grass. Give the mower a break and let native plants thrive in these problem areas.

Excessive Water Runoff Too much water can attract breeding mosquitoes, cause property damage, or initiate “ponding,” which is unsightly. Communities can better manage the flow of the water by identifying the sources of problem area and brainstorming “green infrastructure” solutions such as vegetated bioswales or rain gardens. Planting native plants in these installations will slow down the whooshing water of rainstorms and their root systems will absorb far more than turf grass.

Too Much Mowing If your grassy areas aren’t getting used by residents, why spend money to mow them? Why not transform them into beautiful, ecologically beneficial gems in-

stead? You’ll attract birds and pollinators to these rich areas while also allowing more absorption of stormwater, as mentioned above. Even a small patch of grass converted to a native flower garden can have a big impact on the beauty, function, and ecology of an area.

Get Money to Help Pay for Sustainable Solutions Across the metro area, various locales have programs that provide financial support and grants to help pay for these kinds of sustainable solutions. Not only can apply for these cost-share programs, but you can leverage these projects to build a stronger sense of community via a community planting day, educational signage, or simply the beauty off a new type of sustainable landscaping. A few examples of funding sources include: District of Columbia • The Community Stormwater Solutions Grants through the Department of Energy and Environment Virginia • Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) through your local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), such as

Fairfax County’s Northern Virginia SWCD, Loudoun SWCD, or Prince William SWCD • Arlington County’s StormwaterWise Landscapes Program Maryland • Montgomery County’s Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program through the Department of Environmental Protection • Prince George’s County’s RainCheck Rebate program, through the Chesapeake Bay Trust

Where Can I Learn More?

The Audubon Naturalist Society works with Plant NOVA Natives, a coalition of local non-profit, governmental, and private groups, to reverse the decline of native plants and wildlife in Northern Virginia (NOVA). Native plants across the DMV area share ranges and habitat preferences, so even if you’re not in NOVA specifically, their website can be an incredible resource for how to implement some of these projects. See their “HOA and condo associations” page at www.plantnovanatives.org/hoa-and-condo-associations for more information.

Attend Workshops and Community Talks Get inspired by coming out and learning about these concepts firsthand. Signing up for Audubon Naturalist Society’s Action Alerts is fast and easy: input your zip code and get relevant updates when there is a workshop, talk, or symposium near you on topics like this.

You’ll also get other relevant conservation-oriented news and updates as well. www.anshome.org/sign-up-for-ans-action-alerts APRIL 2020

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By Milan Stankovic Milan Stankovic is a pool professional with 15+ years of experience in the industry. He is currently the Regional Manager for High Sierra Pools.

Pool Preparation 101

Getting Your Pool Ready For Summer Fun!

M

arch is the month to begin preseason preparation, including inspection, pool preparation and ordering supplies.

inspection for these elements. By identifying potential problems in the preseason, there’s time to make necessary repairs and open the pool on time.

The first step in spring pool preparation is to inspect pool components and identify what tasks need to be done before opening day. Special consideration should be given to potential winter damage. Items to inspect include:

• Safety equipment - Is all required safety equipment – safety ropes, ring buoys, backboards, rescue tubes, first-aid kits and perimeter fencing – in good working order

and meeting government requirements?

• Recirculation system - Inspect the motors for any damage. Does the impeller spin freely? Are the gaskets, valves and gauges in good working order? Is there any evidence of a pipe break (water leaking or a visible cracks)? Are all the winter plugs still in place or have some been re-

• Pool shell - Is there any evidence of frost heave or freeze damage? Areas to check closely include coping, walls, tiles, expansion joints, light niches, inlets and the main drain covers. Visible signs of damage include spalling, cracking or a change in elevation.

• Pool deck - Have the concrete slabs shifted, exposing edges that are easy to trip on?

Have unsightly cracks or areas that will hold water and dirt developed, resulting in a hazardous surface?

• Deck equipment (lap lines, poles, vacuum hoses and vacuum heads, leaf racks ext.) - Is the deck equipment clean and in good working order for opening day?

Identify those items that need to be repaired or replaced.

• Diving boards, slides and stands. Are the platform/stands structurally intact? Are mounting bolts free of corrosion or need tightening? Do any stands or pool features have paint pilling off?

Every pool facility should have an ongoing 24 | QUORUM

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moved where water could get in the lines? Inspect the filter tanks for integrity? Are the supports corroded? Are there any rust spots in the system? Check on filter cartridges or filter sand.

• Supporting areas - Check bathhouse walls, ceilings, windows and doors for any kind of damage. Itemize paint requirements. Inspect floors for potential slippery surfaces and any sharp edges or objects. Verify that all drain grating is securely in place. Inspect the fresh water plumbing system, including the hot water heater (make sure heater is set to the proper temperature to meet government requirements), mixing valves, traps and fixtures for any breaks.

Once all inspections are completed, it’s time to prepare the pool for use. An aquatic facility’s winter environment greatly impacts the amount of preparation and the types of tasks required.

Throughout the winter months, pools without covers are open for leaves, dirt and animals. The pool surfaces have also been attacked by winter elements and must now be restored to operating condition.

• Remove winterizing plugs from skimmers and inlets – we use these plugs to prevent water from penetrating water lines and causing freeze damage. In the skimmers, these plugs also work as a buffer by absorbing the power of ice and releasing stress on the skimmer body, preventing it from cracking.

• Empty the pool.

• Verify hydrostatic valve to prevent hydrostatic damage – The hydrostatic valve is located on the pool floor, usually hidden in the main drain sump. This really small piece of plastic plays a very important role in preserving the pool structure. It is basically a one-way valve used to balance underground water pressure on the pool structure.

If this valve is inoperable such that it can’t release underground water into the pool, this might cause pool structure cracking. On the other hand, if this remains open for some reason (a piece of plaster is slipped and has kept it open, for example) pool water might be leaking through it and cause a higher than usual water bill.

• Clean debris from bottom of pool.

• Clean pool surface with muriatic acid solution.

• Rinse down pool surface.

Pool Preparation Punch List:

• Re-plaster and patch to prepare pool surface as needed.

• Remove pool cover – clean and store.

• Paint depth markings, lane lines and warning marks as needed.

• Assemble water supply to the pool – There should be separate systems to supply the main water to the pool and to the bathhouse. If bathroom and pool lines are separate, the pool water line should be re-connected and tested for leaks. If the bathroom and pool water supply lines are connected to each other, then the entire bathroom water supply network should be connected (all faucets, toilet’s, sinks, showers) together with the pool water line and tested for leaks.

• Replace drain grates, skimmers baskets and inlets.

• Reassemble recirculation system, including pumps, pipes, meters and filters – It is highly recommended that the system be disassembled (filter plugs off and filter left free of water, cartridge filters opened and cartridge’s stored, pump plugs removed and pumps left free of water ext.) before the winter due to fact that the entire Continued on page 27 APRIL 2020

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circulation system is full of water in an enclosed system. If this is left undone and the system remains assembled over the winter, remaining water in the system can freeze and damage filters, pipes, pumps, etc.

• Reassemble chlorinators, controllers, chemical feeders – just as with the recirculation system, the disinfection system can be damaged by freezing. All tubing must be disconnected and left free of chlorine for the winter.

• Fill pool.

• Start recirculation system.

• Balance water and adjust sanitizers to appropriate levels.

• Install ladders, rails, slides and diving boards.

• Take furniture out to the pool deck.

Last, but not least, every year pool main drain covers should be checked for any damage and to make sure they are still in compliance with VGB law. Different covers have different life spans and it is in the pool owner’s highest interest to make sure covers are in compliance.

Failure to comply can result in citations from the health department and the inability to open the pool on time.

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APRIL 2020

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By Katherine Esposito Katherine holds a biology degree and is the lead parent volunteer for the composting effort at a Frederick County, Maryland elementary school.

FOOD WASTE COMPOSTING for HOA Managers T

he process of composting food waste matter is an increasingly growing trend in the greater metropolitan Washington, DC area, and it should be considered by anyone responsible for maintaining a community in the 2020s.

What is Composting?

Composting refers to the aerated degradation of organic material, such as food waste and scraps, into nutrient rich humus. For numerous reasons, composting food waste matter is preferable to landfilling the same material.

Notably, when food in a landfill rots, it does so anaerobically (in the absence of oxygen).

A byproduct of that rotting food is methane,

which is an extremely potent greenhouse gas, 34 times more effective over a hundred-year period at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. As noted in the book Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever to Reverse Global Warming, composting also sequesters carbon into stable soil that retains water and nutrients.1 There can be economic benefits as well. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates 22% of municipal solid waste is food waste matter;2 the United States Department of Agriculture estimates food waste comprises 30-40% of the total food supply.3

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Noni Roan, CMCA, Vice President 301.639.5503 | 866.800.4656 x7479 | Noni.Roan@cit.com ©2020 CIT Group Inc. All rights reserved. CIT and the CIT logo are registered trademarks of CIT Group Inc. MM#7205

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Reducing what goes to a landfill can result in a lower frequency of trash pickups.

Not only can reduced trash pickups lead to real savings for a fiscally minded HOA, but emissions generated by trash pickups could be reduced.

Additionally, completed compost itself is a saleable commodity, preferred by gardeners who are willing to pay for it.

Furthermore, according to the Institute for Self Reliance, community composting promotes social inclusion and empowerment, enhances food security and results in fewer food deserts, and increases knowledge and skills within a community.4

How Can I Encourage Composting in my Community?

There are numerous ways to promote composting within a community.

1. Have a dedicated space within the community for the collection and maintenance of compostable materials. Like community gardens, planners may dedicate specific space within the community for compost collection. Should the community undertake composting itself, Master Gardeners may be able to assist

in planning such a space. Loop Closing,5 a Washington DC based business, offers services to help communities implement composting solutions.

2. Encourage residents to undertake composting themselves at the household level. While anyone can compost without specialized training, some communities offer free composting classes, such as the Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management.6 Frederick County also offers subsidized compost bins to county residents to incentivize participation in composting. Other resources may be available. Of note, in order to serve all residents in a community, HOA rules may need to be reconfigured in order to best encourage community composting. For example, the Villages of Urbana, a 3,000+ household community located in Frederick County, Maryland, recently adopted more permissive composting guidelines after a petition was generated by residents.

3. C ompost pickup options also exist. A handful of area businesses offer residential, commercial, and/or special event compost pickups. These companies include Compost Cab,7 Compost Crew8, Veteran Compost,9 and Key City Compost.10 Residents may prefer an organized community wide pickup, which may require HOA involvement. Residents could pay for such a service, and/or the service could be provided using funds offset from reduced landfill trash pickups.

4. E ducation matters. Another approach at community composting is currently underway with the smallest of consum-

ers, schoolchildren. The Lunch Out of Landfills! initiative, a collaborative effort between the Southern Frederick Rotary Club, Maryland’s Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), and Key City Compost, launched in the fall of 2019 at 15 schools within the FCPS system. The children at participating schools divert compostable material from the waste stream through the simple placement of food waste in a separate bin. Children as young as five and six years old are able to easily understand the separation tactics.

The results speak for themselves. Instead of sending 70+% of lunchroom waste by weight to the landfill, schools are now keeping those percentages from landfills.

The goal is a countywide — and perhaps even statewide — expansion of the program in the near future.

Few other environmental actions are as personally and frequently actionable as composting. Drawdown refers to composting as “the win-win-win of cost savings, fertilizer production and reduced emissions.”11 Is your community ready to reap the benefits?

1 https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/food/composting 2 https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/ sustainable-management-food-basics.

3 https://www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste/why 4 https://ilsr.org/composting/what-is-community-composting/ 5 https://www.loopclosing.com/ 6 https://frederickcountymd.gov/3730/Composting-at-Home 7 https://compostcab.com/ 8 http://compostcrew.com/ 9 https://veterancompostindc.com/ 10 https://keycompost.com/ 11 https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/food/composting

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By Scott Pullen Scott is a Business Developer and Storm Water Expert at BrightView Landscape Services. Coming to the company with several years of experience, he enjoys assisting communities in bringing the goals and visions to life through innovative solutions and quality landscape services. In addition, he enjoys The Ohio State football and running in his free time.

Getting Ready for Summer: A Guide to Stormwater Facilities and Pond Maintenance The Science

Soil erosion, the detachment and transport of soil particles by raindrops, water, or wind, is a significant issue for the development, maintenance, and sustainability of landscapes. Weather, specifically rain, is the main contributor for soil erosion. Raindrops have the potential of striking soil surfaces at rates up to 30 mph (Pimentel et al. 1995), dislodging soil particles that are then transported downstream by surface water runoff.

Landscape designers/developers and planners are required to develop and implement storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) and obtain permits (NPDES or SPDES) for construction sites that disturb one or more acres. Fines for non-compliance with agency-approved SWPPPs can range up to $37,500/violation/day (NYSDEC 2007). Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to minimize the amount of soil erosion from project sites, both during and after construction, and to be able to communicate the effectiveness of designs to planners, regulators, community managers and homeowners.

Once project sites are completed, the communities must maintain the stormwater management facilities to ensure they work properly. If the facilities are not properly maintained, the following issues could arise and be costly to fix.

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1. Slope stabilization is lost and/or turf filter dies out and is not reestablished.

increase the water holding time and allow for more infiltration.

2. Debris in facilities can block outlets and clog underdrains which will prohibit the facilities to drain properly.

Purpose: Conveyance of water of away from critical structures [buildings/roads] is a requirement of development. Bioswales aid conveyance features by treating the water and decreasing the amount of sediment and pollution entering our natural waterways.

These facilities can be found in open areas, or restricted areas like parking lots. They are typically in the form of dry swales and wet swales. Both of which produce water quantity control, and water quality treatment.

3. Sediment accumulates due to erosion and decreases the water holding capacity of the facilities.

4. I nvasive plants crowd out native plantings

The Design Most SWM facilities needing maintenance are either in the form of the bio-retention swales/cells, or wet ponds. These facilities are prevalent at commercial sites, as well as HOA communities and retail centers.

Bioswales at a Glance: Typically Constructed as Grass Swales, or Mulched Beds with Plantings Bioswales are stormwater management features that are integrated with parking lots and installed along road medians or parallel to other roadways to help infiltrate and treat runoff from storm events. Often, the systems are incorporated with existing swales to increase water holding and water treatment capabilities. Systems where the soil is well-drained, placing plant material or weirs perpendicular to the flow in the channel will

Maintenance Regime Storage capacity and functional integrity must be maintained during large rain events.

Monthly inspections must be conducted and any deficiencies in the facility must be corrected. Infiltration rates should be checked yearly and sediment removed, if necessary, based on the inspection and testing results.

Proper maintenance [pruning/trimming] must be done yearly to the plant material in the facilities in your communities.

Ponds at a Glance: There are two types of ponds needing maintenance in communities. Dry ponds [detention] and wet ponds [retention]. Dry ponds are typically dry, until a rain event occurs.

The initial flood of water inundates the fa-

County Inspectors will routinely inspect ponds to make sure the invasive plant communities are managed, ensure there is no vegetation within 25’ of concrete structures, and all inflow and outfall pipes are clear of debris. Your landscape maintenance contractor should provide guidance to HOA community managers, boards, and residents to provide maintenance schedules to ensure these items are managed on a monthly basis. cility, then it allows the water to flow downstream while removing sediment pollution.

Wet ponds capture runoff from our roadways, roofs, driveways and other impermeable surfaces to allow for sediment and pollutants to settle out prior to entering our natural waterways. Wet ponds capture water during rain events and slowly let the water downstream over a long period of time to decrease erosion issues. Wet ponds are prevalent in housing communities, and commercial sites.

J O B

By not performing the required maintenance on SWM facilities/swales/ponds in your communities, facilities are at a high risk of failing functionality, and inspections from the county. Be prepared for the summer and work with an experienced team to ensure your facilities and ponds are compliant with state codes to prevent costly fines in the future. In addition, develop a maintenance plan over the course of several years to ensure high functionality of the facilities in your communities.

P O S T I N G

On Site Community Manager Comsource Management, Inc. is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, organized, energetic, and dedicated Community Manager to manage a beautiful large-upscale community association located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. As a valued member of our great team, there are opportunities for advancement and continuing education.

Responsibilities of the Position Include: • Serve as an effective communication liaison between the Board and homeowners • Knowledgeable in all phases (financial, administrative, and facilities) of community association management • Budget management (Review, code, and process bills and invoices for payment) • File management (electronic and paper) • Maintain property repair and replacement list • Conduct weekly routine inspections of homes and the community common property. Make sure inspections of all common ground areas, swimming pool facilities and landscaping are receiving adequate care and maintenance • Supervise all contractors • Professionally handles issues with homeowners • Quick-learner and ability to meet deadlines with accuracy • Strict enforcement of covenants and design guidelines • Working knowledge of community contracts and specifications that governs how the contractors do business with the community • Newsletter preparation • Attend Board meetings

Requirements for this Position are: • Excellent organization, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills • Strong administrative and time management skills • Ability to multi-task, set priorities and follow up to ensure work is completed • Must be extremely well organized and detail-oriented • Microsoft Office experience preferred and highly recommended • CMCA or AMS designation preferred • Customer service attitude. In addition to being friendly, approachable and receptive to complaints, must be capable of actually solving problems • Minimum two years’ experience as a Community Manager Company: Comsource Management, Inc. Location: Upper Marlboro, MD Job Type: Full Time Industry: On-Site Community Association Management Job Level: Mid-Career Salary: $65,000 – $70,000 TO APPLY: Please submit resume and cover letter to Gary Simon at gsimon@comsource.com.

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BRINGING COMMUNITY TO

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We provide the full suite of services every community needs to thrive, including top-tier management, comprehensive maintenance and a customizable menu of additional services. Our local, qualified staff are committed to being your trusted advisors every step of the way.

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month, 12,000 gallons per year.

By Mira Brown, AMS Mira Brown is a Senior Property Manager and Team Leader with EJF Real Estate. In addition to the management of a portfolio of properties in Washington, DC she also serves in supervisory functions and capacities at EJF. She has been a CAI member for over 15 years and has been an active member of the Quorum Editorial Committee for over 5 years.

Water

I

f you live in a multiunit dwelling like a condominium, one of the ways that you can help keep your condo fees down is to pay attention to your water usage. While your electricity and gas may be individually metered, most condominiums in this area have a master meter. This means that you are paying for a portion of everyone in your community’s water usage. There are many ways that you can personally help keep these costs down. For example: • Turn off the water during your morning routine. Leaving the faucet running while you brush your teeth is four gallons of water going down the drain per minute. Two

Conservation and you minutes per brushing, brushing twice a day, that’s eight gallons a day or 2,920 gallons per year per person. Leaving the water on while shaving can result in 100 gallons per week being wasted. That’s 5,200 gallons per year, between brushing your teeth and shaving, that’s 8,120 per person a year that can be saved just by turning off the faucet.

• Check for leaky faucets. A single dripping faucet can drip 140 gallons per week which can cost you 7280 gallons per year. If your kitchen and bath are leaking, that adds up to 14,560 gallons per year.

• Only use your dishwasher and washer/ dryer when they are full. Washing your clothes only when your washer is full can save you up to 1,000 gallons of water per

• Check for leaking toilets. There are two easy ways to do this. First, if your toilet takes more than one minute to fill, you may have a leak. If you’re still not sure, you can pick up a dye tablet to test this. Drop the tablet in your tank at the back of the toilet. If the color seeps down into the bowl of your toilet, you have a leak. You can Google “toilet dye tablets” to find products for this.

• Consider water conservation for your landscaping or balcony plantings. If you have an irrigation system, make sure that you are checking this system periodically for leaks. Particularly on a balcony or terrace in a mid- or high-rise building, it is very easy for this type of system to spring a small leak that can really add up cost-wise if left unaddressed.

• Speaking of irrigation systems, you should consider installing a rain sensor on your system. There is nothing more wasteful than an irrigation system running in the rain.

• If you live in a garden-style community with shared landscaping, encourage your Board to consider the use of rain barrels to provide your community with water to keep your plants thriving.

In a condominium, your board of directors may want to consider instituting an annual or semi-annual leak check to minimize these kinds of small leaks that add up. Either get a group of volunteers together to go door to door and check the fixtures in each unit, or hire a plumber for the day to check and make basic repairs. The long-term savings will most likely be worth it when compared with the costs of these leaks.

When you live in a master-meter community, this is a team effort. Conservation may not be at the front of everyone’s mind. Gentle reminders posted periodically can help keep this on your community’s mind. Consider adding a section or addendum to your House Rules or Welcome Packet with information about water conservation so when you have resident turnover, the new resident will be made aware of the role that they play in this important effort. At the end of the day, in a master-meter community, your conservation efforts can help your personal bottom line.

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By Leslie Brown, ESQ. Leslie is Counsel with the law firm Rees Broome, PC, representing community associations and other non-profit and business entities in the D.C. area. She was appointed to the WMCCAI Board of Directors in 2020, previously served as the Communications Council Chair for the Chapter in 2019, and was the cochair of the Quorum Editorial Committee in 2014.

HUD PROVIDES CLARITY ON

O

Assistance Animals

n January 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) issued guidance aimed to assist housing providers, including community associations, in evaluating a person’s request for an assistance animal in order to reasonably accommodate a physical or mental disability under the federal Fair Housing Act.1 The Guidance accomplishes a number of objectives.

Distinguishing Between a Service Animal and a Support Animal In the Guidance, HUD clarifies that the term “assistance animal” can be used to describe either a “service animal” or a “support animal”. Pursuant to the same analysis used

under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a “service animal” is a dog (or, in some cases, a miniature horse) that is individually trained to perform specific tasks to benefit an individual with a disability.

On the other hand, a “support animal” (also referred to as a “comfort animal”, “companion animal”, etc.) provides support to alleviate a symptom of a disability, which can include emotional support.

When the disability or the need for the service animal is not readily apparent, it’s permissible for the housing provider to ask 1) whether the animal is required because of a disability and 2) what work or task is the animal trained to perform? Common tasks that service animals provide are guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a wheelchair, providing stability or balance to an individual, detecting seizures, reminding an individual to take medicine, etc.

Either way, the Guidance provides that a housing provider is permitted to treat an animal that is not either a service animal or a support animal as a pet for purposes of the housing providers rules and polices.

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1 https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/HUDAsstAnimalNC1-28-2020.pdf 996901_Williams.indd 1

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Verifying the Disability for Support Animals When the request is for a support animal, the Guidance clarifies that where the disability or the need for an accommodation is not obvious, the housing provider has the right to obtain information to verify the disability or the need for the accommodation. Such information may include a determination of disability letter from a federal, state or local government agency, receipt of disability benefits (such as social security disability income, veterans disability benefits, etc.), eligibility for housing assistance (like a housing voucher), or information confirming the disability from a health care professional, such as a physician, optometrist, psychiatrist, psychologist, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse.

Associations should be aware that simply because a person does not qualify as having a disability for purposes of a benefit or program does not necessarily mean the individual does not have a disability under fair housing laws.

Documentation from the Internet

HUD recognizes that some websites sell certificates, registrations and licensing documents for assistance animals to anyone who answers questions, for a fee. HUD has determined that such documentation is not, by itself, sufficient to reliably establish that an individual has a disability or a disability-related need for an assistance animal. However, HUD also recognizes that in some cases, legitimate health care providers may deliver services remotely, including over the internet.

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Unique Animals The Guidance gives housing providers permission to conduct a further inquiry when the animal being requested is not an animal commonly kept in households. Dogs, cats, small birds, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, other rodents, fish, turtles, and other small, domesticated animals are traditionally kept in homes for pleasure, as opposed to commercial purposes. Associations should limit their inquiry when these types of animals are involved in the request.

However, when the animal in question constitutes a “unique” animal, meaning, an animal that is not commonly kept in a household, then the requestor has the “substantial burden” of demonstrating a “disability-related therapeutic need” for the specific animal.

But HUD warns that even a “unique” animal may be acceptable if it is 1) individually trained to perform a certain task, 2) supported by documentation from the health care provider, and 3) able to be kept in an appropriate area, such as a fenced-in, outdoor area. The example HUD gives in the Guidance is a monkey that can perform tasks for a person with paralysis caused by a spinal cord injury, such as retrieving a bottle from the refrigerator, unscrewing the cap, inserting a straw and placing the bottle in the holder so the resident can get a drink of water, or tasks such as switching lights on and off and retrieving items from cabinets.

Requests for Multiple Assistance Animals The Guidance briefly touches on requests for reasonable accommodations involving more than one animal, such as a person claiming a disability-related need for multiple assistance animals, each treating a different condition, or two people living in a dwelling, each needing a separate assistance animal. The decision-making process issued in the Guidance can be used in evaluating requests for multiple assistance animals as well.

Other Guidance The Guidance reaffirms that an individual doesn’t need to use a specific form in making a request, or use specific terminology, such as the words “reasonable accommodation” or “assistance animal”.

Furthermore, requests need not to be in writing, although HUD recommends that requests be submitted in writing in order to avoid miscommunications. Requests may be made at any time throughout the residency, and are not contingent upon someone’s move into a community. Associations should engage in a good-faith dialogue, referred to as the “interactive process”, with the requestor and provide the requestor with a reasonable opportunity to provide documentation in support of the request. The Guidance restates that a reasonable accommodation does not need to be made where it would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals or if it results in substantial physical damage to the property of others. HUD advises housing providers to maintain the confidentiality of information provided in connection with a request and only share it when necessary to further evaluate whether to grant or deny a request. Lastly, HUD recommends that the housing provider respond to requests within 10 days.

The Guidance does not create new law. Rather, it is meant to be read in connection with existing HUD regulations. It serves as a set of “best practices” for housing providers, including community associations, to comply with the Fair Housing Act when assessing requests for assistance animals to reasonably accommodate a disability. Of course, whenever a disability-related matter is presented, the association should also ways consult with its legal counsel.

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Directory and Classifieds AMUSEMENT & PARTY RENTALS

INSURANCE

MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CONT’D)

Fantasy World Entertainment 124 Jibsail Drive T: (800) 757-6332 Prince Frederick, MD 20678 www.fwworld.com Brooks Grady brooks@fwworld.com

Griffin Owens Insurance Group www.GriffinOwens.com 847 Station Street, Herndon, VA 20170 T: (571) 386-1000 Offices also located in Falls Church & Manassas Daniel Flavin, CIC, CRM dan@griffinowens.com

Cardinal Management Group, Inc., AAMC 4330 Prince William Parkway, Suite 201 T: (703) 569-5797 Woodbridge, VA 22192 www.cardinalmanagementgroup.com cardinal@cardinalmanagementgroup.com Thomas A. Mazzei, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

ASPHALT PAVING/MAINTENANCE/REPAIR

JANITORIAL

Brothers Paving & Concrete Corporation 9469 Hawkins Dr T: (703) 393-1927 Manassas, VA 20109 F: (703) 393-1928 Paul Battista info@brotherspaving.com

Clean Advantage Corporation 9701 Philadelphia Court, Suite G-7 T: (800) 315-3264 Lanham, MD 20706 F: (301) 595-3331 www.cleanadv.com info@cleanadv.com

Espina Paving, Inc. Asphalt/Concrete 15441 Farm Creek Drive T: (703) 491-9100 Woodbridge, VA 2191 F: (703) 491-9101 Serving: MD, DC, VA info@espinapaving.com ATTORNEY

Thomas Schild Law Group, LLC www.schildlaw.com 401 North Washington Street, Suite #500 T: (301) 251-1414 Rockville, MD 20850 Thomas C. Schild, CCAL tschild@schildlaw.com Scott J. Silverman ssilverman@schildlaw.com BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES

BB&T Association Services www.bbt.com Let us save you time and money with our lockbox processing, ACH, coupon book, statement printing and transmission services.

Tavarious Butts T: (703) 284-0561 Tavarious.Butts@BBandT.com ENGINEERS

ETC Engineering and Technical Consultants Inc. Water intrusion, roofing, exteriors, windows, balconies, property studies, structural & architectural services www.etc-web.com T: (703) 450-6220 Mindy Maronic mindy@etc-web.com The Falcon Group www.falconengineering.com 7361 Calhoun Place, Suite 325 Rockville, MD 20855 T: (240) 328-1095 Stew Willis info@falconengineering.com GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Ploutis Contracting Co, Inc. T: (703) 360-0205 8365 Richmond Hwy F: (703) 360-5439 Alexandria, VA 22309 info@ploutiscontracting.com Stella Ploutis www.ploutiscontracting.com

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LAUNDRY ROOM EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Caldwell & Gregory, Inc. Your Commercial Laundry Professionals 129 Broad Street Road Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103

T: (804) 784-6100 F: (804) 784-7418

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Associa Community Management Corporation, AAMC 4840 Westfields Blvd, Suite 300 T: (703) 631-7200 Chantilly, VA 20151 www.cmc-management.com John Tsitos, CMCA, AMS, PCAM jstitos@cmc-management.com Barkan Management, LLC AAMC 8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 885 T: (703) 738-2501 Tyson Corner, VA 22182 F: (703) 388-1006 Michael Feltenberger, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Senior Vice President CAMP, AAMC (Community Association Management Professionals) www.gocampmgmt.com T: (703) 821-CAMP 4114 Legato Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22033 hgraham@gocampmgmt.com 209 West Street, Suite 302 Annapolis, MD 21401 sblackburn@gocampmgmt.com Capitol Management Corporation 12011 Lee-Jackson Highway, Suite 350 Fairfax, VA 22033 L. Peyton Harris Jr., CMCA, CPM lph@capitolmanagementcorp.net

T: (703) 934-5200 F: (703) 934-8808

Capitol Property Management Corporation, AAMC 3914 Centreville Rd, Suite 300 T: (703) 707-6404 Chantilly, VA 20151 www.capitolcorp.com Jeff Lawrence, CMCA, AMS, PCAM jlawrence@capitolcorp.com

CFM Management Services, AAMC 5250 Cherokee Ave, Suite 100 T: (703) 941-0818 Alexandria, VA 22314 F: (703) 941-0816 Christiaan Melson, AMS, PCAM c­­­­­­­­melson@cfmmanagement.com Comsource Management, Inc. AAMC www.comsource.com 3414 Morningwood Drive T: (301) 924-7355 Olney, Maryland 20832 F: (301) 924-7340 Gary M. Simon, CMCA, AMS, PCAM gsimon@comsource.com FirstService Residential DC Metro LLC, AAMC 11351 Random Hills Road, Suite 500 T: (703) 385-1133 Fairfax, VA 22020 Robert Teeling robert.teeling@fsresidential.com KPA Management, AAMC www.kpamgmt.com 6402 Arlington Blvd., Suite 700 T: (703) 532-5005 Falls Church, VA 22042 F: (703) 532-5098 Offering personalized service Ed Alrutz, CPM, CMCA, PCAM ealrutz@kpamgmt.com Legum & Norman Inc. AAMC 3130 Fairview Park Drive Ste 200 T: (703) 600-6000 Falls Church, VA 22042 www.legumnorman.com Marc B. McCoy, CMCA, AMS MMcCoy@legumnorman.com

­­INDEX TO ADVERTISERS A Associa-Community Management Corporation, AAMC....................................................................32 B Barkan Management, LLC, AAMC..................................................................................................14 BB&T Association Services...............................................................................................................7 Brothers Paving & Concrete..........................................................................................................1, 4 C Caldwell & Gregory, Inc...................................................................................................................18 Capital Painting Co.........................................................................................................................21 Cardinal Management Group, Inc...................................................................................................23 MANAGEMENT SERVICES (CONT’D)

Sentry Management www.sentrymgt.com 7619 Little River Turnpike, Suite 210 T: (703) 642-3246 Annandale, VA 22003 602 South King Street, Suite 400 T: (540) 751-1888 Leesburg, VA 20171 Dave Ciccarelli, AMS, PCAM dciccarelli@sentrymgt.com Sequoia Management Company Inc., AAMC 13998 Parkeast Circle T: (703) 803-9641 Chantilly, VA 20151-2283 www.sequoiamanagement.com Craig Courtney, PCAM ccourtney@sequoiamgmt.com

CIT - Community Association Banking & CondoCerts......................................................................28 Clean Advantage Corporation T/A Condominium Cleaning Service..................................................40 D DoodyCalls.......................................................................................................................................9 E Environmental Enhancements........................................................................................................29 F Fantasy World, Inc. dba Fantasy World Entertainment.....................................................................24

PAINTING SERVICES AND RETAILERS

Capital Painting Co. www.capitalpainting.net 5520 Oakwood Road T: (703) 313-0013 Alexandria, VA 22310 F: (703) 922-1826 George Tsentas george@capitalpainting.net Reston Painting & Contracting 619 Carlisle Drive Herndon, VA 20170 David Hamilton

The Falcon Group...........................................................................................................................39 FirstService Residential DC Metro, LLC, AAMC................................................................................27 G Gardner Engineering, Inc................................................................................................................15

T: (703) 904-1702 F: (703) 904-0248 dave@restonpaint.com

RESTORATION SERVICES

Titan Restoration Co Warrenton, VA T: (540) 349-1503 www.titanrestoration.com F: (540) 349-1512 Anita Puckett apuckett@titanrestoration.com

M Miller-Dodson Associates................................................................................................................33 P Ploutis Contracting Co., Inc.............................................................................................................39 R Reston Painting Company................................................................................................................2

ROOFING

S TWC Services, LLC PO Box 150277 T: (703) 971-6016 Alexandria, VA 22315 www.twcserv.com Linda Walker info@twcserv.com WINDOWS & DOORS

Windows Plus, LLC 4321 Markham Street T: (703) 256-0600 Annandale, VA 22003 F: (703) 942-6987 Kimberly Wayland kknight@windowspls.com

Segan, Mason & Mason, PC...........................................................................................................16 Sentry Management, Inc.................................................................................................................13 Solitude Lake Management............................................................................................................17 T Titan Restoration Co........................................................................................................................19 TWC Services.................................................................................................................................35 W Williams Professional Painting ........................................................................................................34 Windows Plus, LLC.........................................................................................................................21 WINTRUST Community Advantage Bank.......................................................................................12

APRIL 2020

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CUL-DE-SAC

By Kara Permisohn, EBP Kara has worked in business development for Minkoff Company, Inc. since 2004.

She is a past president of the Chesapeake Region Chapter of CAI (CRCCAI), has served on both WMCCAI and CRCCAI Boards of Directors, is an Education Business Partner (EBP), and is active on committees in both chapters.

celebrate our planet

Earth Day Turns 50!

W

ednesday, April 22, 2020 represents the 50th anniversary of the inception of Earth Day. Originally Earth Day helped unify 20 million Americans (which accounted for approximately 10% of the population in the U.S.) by offering an opportunity to flood the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities protesting ways to improve our environment for the future. Earth Day launched what is now considered the planet’s largest civic event.

As a result of the first Earth Day in 1970, a wave of action was implemented in favor of environmentally friendly laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created. The doors first opened at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a result of the first Earth Day. Today the movement continues to hold a significant international impact as many countries have also adopted more laws favoring the betterment of our environment.

The 2020 theme for Earth Day is “Climate Change.” How can you and your community get involved to help? Proudly, our very own Washington Metro Chapter of CAI (WMCCAI) has created the Watershed Cleanup Committee. We are partnering with the Alice Ferguson Foundation (AFF) which benefits the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup.

To learn more about volunteering or getting your community involved, go to the chapter website www.caidc.org and click on the Watershed Cleanup button.

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What can you do in your own neighborhood? Here are five basic ideas that we can all implement to help protect and restore our planet and reduce our personal carbon footprints. A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon that we emit from daily tasks like energy use, pollution we give off, and wasted natural resources. First, educate yourself and your community by learning the 5 R’s: Refuse by declining single use plastic bags.

Reduce – downsize and be mindful of what you purchase. Reuse – find ways to repurpose or repair items and keep them out of landfills. Rot – set up a compost system for food scraps at your home or neighborhood.

Last recycle – research your state’s recycling laws and practice them completely.

Second, consider biking more and driving less which includes the option of public transportation. Install bike racks in the community. Perhaps even offer bike rentals as an amenity. This reduces the amount of exhaust that goes into the air. These toxins are dangerous to human health. Besides, you’ll get a good workout! Install walkways or stairs on property that lead to sidewalks and public bus stops. Walking reduces pollution compared to driving.

Third, conserve water and protect the amount of pollution that gets into our waterways. Our fresh-water sources on Earth are limited and water cannot be created or destroyed but it might not always be where we need it. We have all the water we will ever

have on our planet. The Watershed Cleanup and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are excellent examples of protecting our waterways from plastic toxins and other garbage. Turn water off when you brush your teeth, take shorter showers, and use toxin free soaps that won’t pollute our water sources. Consider designing your landscaping to be beneficial for water collection and reuse.

Fourth, eat seasonal produce that’s locally grown. Plant based foods are better for the environment because they breakdown and replenish nutrients in the earth. Consider that local produce won’t take as much travel time or exhaust fumes. Plant a community garden and sustain yourself. It can be rewarding and delicious! Skip the plastic bags for each item by bringing reusable bags or burlap to bundle your groceries.

The fifth suggestion is on a larger scale when taking into consideration for community associations. Switch to sustainable, clean energy such as installing solar panels or wind sources like windmills. Water and geothermal power are other methods to consider. Our natural resources like oil, coal, and natural gas emit toxins that breakdown the environment.

With these basic principles in mind you can educate and implement an Earth friendly program in your community. If everyone does their part, then we will extend the life of our planet.

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2020 CHAPTER BENEFACTORS

ASPHALT & CONCRETE

WMCCAI 7600 Leesburg Pike Suite 100 West Falls Church, VA 22043 www.caidc.org (703) 750-3644

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID ALEXANDRIA, VA # 5659

OUR MISSION To optimize the operations of Community Associations and foster value for our business partners.