Journal Notes – October 2021

by Michael Hamline, Editor / Published October 2021

     I’ve always loved the month of October. As a kid I enjoyed it because of my birthday and dressing up at Halloween to go trick or treat. I also loved the cooler temperatures and the fall colors. As an adult, I still love October for the fall foliage and cooler temperatures. I get to let my boys dress up and take them trick or treating (and they share some of their candy with me). But I love this month primarily because every October since 2007 I’ve been blessed to celebrate my wife’s and my wedding anniversary. She’s a gift from God!

     Moving past my personal life, October is an important month for community associations because it means the return of many of the snowbirds to their condominium and HOA associations. On page 8, we celebrate the snowbirds’ return. Community life with COVID-19 restrictions, a heightened awareness of the need to repair condominium structures in a timely manner, supply and demand challenges leading to increased prices, and the ongoing hurricane season are just some of the serious issues facing these communities, their boards, and their managers. It’s good to see the helpful best practices provided by many of the service providers committed to the industry.

     On page 22 another helpful article, “The CAM Employment Process—An Overview of the Board of Directors’ Role,” provides a long list of responsibilities that boards of directors hold. It’s not a job for the faint of heart; but it is a vital position, and Florida’s community associations need these dedicated volunteers to serve the best interests of their associations.

     There are several legal articles starting on page 32 that take a more in-depth look at the following topics: electric vehicles and the installation of natural gas fueling stations, privacy rights, a CAM’s responsibilities, correct procedures for amending and recording changes in the governing documents, and the importance of boards of directors checking their email.

     On page 56, Linda Johnson with LJ Services has written an article to assist associations in obtaining the right amount of insurance coverage for their communities.

     Mary King with Sentry Management has detailed the legislative changes from Senate Bill 56 that have modified the collection of delinquent assessment procedures. The article can be found on page 64.

     Finally, on page 74, Gary van der Laan with Leland Management assists associations in finishing out 2021 well with a fourth quarter checklist.

     Have a wonderful October!

Editor