CAI-NJ February 2021

First page 1 Next page Last page

Please enjoy this issue of Community Trends with the theme, 'Defining Roles' with articles all dealing with defining roles within the community association industry.

February 2021 Community Trends

DEFINING ROLES

smagilov/iStock/Getty Images Plus

In This Issue

• Board Responsibilities & Roles • Roles of Professionals and Consultants During a Construction Project • Defining Roles and Managing Expectations Regarding Vendors • Keeping Your Association on the Right Financial Track • Code of Ethics: Does Our Community Need One? ....and more

The Community Associations Institute New Jersey chapter would like to thank its 2021 Ultimate Partners below. For more information on our sponsorships, please contact CAI-NJ at 609-588-0030 or info@cainj.org.

Becker & Poliakoff, LLP

T hank You Fo r You r Suppo r t !

THE CAI-NJ COMMUNITY TRENDS ® MAGAZINE CONTENTS

Board Responsibilities & Roles By Larry Thomas, PCAM Taylor Management Company, AAMC, AMO Roles of Professionals and Consultants During a Construction Project By Steven J. Morris, P.E., R.S., NAFE Morris Engineering, LLC Defining Roles and Managing Expectations Regarding Vendors By Katie Zsamba, CMCA, AMS Associa Community Management Corporation of New Jersey, AAMC

Keeping Your Association on the Right Financial Track By Michael Mezzo, CPA and Joseph Chorba, CPA, CFE WilkinGuttenplan Code of Ethics: Does Our Community Need One? By Martin C. Cabalar, Esq. Becker & Poliakoff, LLP

Management Trends: Using Our Influence to Embrace Change By Denise Becker, PCAM Corner Property Management, AAMC

EXTRAS President’s Corner Looking Ahead

5 6 7 8

CAI-NJ Upcoming Events

Legislative Update

Your Voice is Key for NJ-LAC and CA-PAC What Should We Be Thinking About Right Now? Community Association COVID-19 Update

13 14 16 22 36 38

Chapter Trends

Jules C. Frankel Manager Scholarship Information

Community Night Out Cooking Demo Wrap-up & Photos 2021 Live Stream Session Schedule

Education Proposal Forms Webinar Wednesdays

41 CAI-NJ Virtual New Member Meet-Up Save the Date 49 New Members 54 CAI Membership Application 41 Act Like a Lady | Think Like a Boss Retreat Registration 51 2021 Ultimate Partner Listings 56

vgajic/E+/Владимир Мелентьев; marekuliasz; porcorex; jacoblund/ /istock/sesame/DigitalVisionVectors/Getty Images Plus

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

CAI-NJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT ELECT JEFFREY LOGAN GUARDIAN SERVICE INDUSTRIES, INC.

PRESIDENT LOREN LIGHTMAN, ESQ. HILL WALLACK LLP

VICE PRESIDENT TONY NARDONE, MBA, PCAM CORNER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, AAMC

TREASURER CHRISTOPHER NICOSIA, CMCA, AMS, PCAM PRIME MANAGEMENT, INC., AAMC

SECRETARY BENJAMIN BASCH AMERICAN POOL ENTERPRISES

BOARD MEMBERS

Mary Barrett, Esq. Stark & Stark Business Partner Vanessa J. Davenport Regency at Quailbrook Homeowners Association Homeowner Leader Ryan Fleming JGS Insurance Business Partner

Charles Lavine Traditions at Federal Point Condominium Association Homeowner Leader Steven Mlenak, Esq. Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP Business Partner Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM RCP Management Company, AAMC, AMO Community Association Manager

GENERAL COUNSEL Jason Orlando, Esq. Orlando Murphy LLP

GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Wendell A. Smith, Esq., CCAL Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jennifer Nevins, CMCA DW Smith Associates, LLC

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

PRESIDENT’S CORNER Loren Lightman, Esq. CAI-NJ 2021 PRESIDENT HILL WALLACK LLP

CAI-NJ TEAM

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” – Edith Sitwell Connecting from Home Typically, this would be the time at which we would be anticipating our Annual Chapter Awards Celebration during which we would honor and recognize the con- tributions made by the chapter’s members over the past year. While we cannot get together at the present time, the chapter looks forward to holding this event when circumstances permit. In the meantime, the chapter is continuing to offer events that enable us to continue to connect from the warmth and comfort from our homes — and which allow us to enjoy good food and great company. On January 7, 2021, the CAI-NJ Women’s Leadership Committee presented a Community Night Out Cooking Demonstration hosted by CAI-NJ Immediate Past President, Jennifer Nevins. The event, at which nearly fifty people attend- ed virtually, began with a discussion about tips for entertaining at home and culminated in the creation of a delicious one pot – pasta meal by all the participants. It was won- derful to see so many of our members (and their kitchens!) and the Women’s Leadership Network is hoping to sponsor additional Community Night events in the future. Following up on the Cooking Demo, the NJ-LAC held a Virtual Roundtable Discussion on January 13, 2021. This timely and informative event, which attracted over 100 vir- tual attendees, included relevant topics such as immunity legislation for common interest communities and the status of the chapter’s appeal of the Radburn regulations. The chap- ter will look to hold similar events with the NJ-LAC so as to continue to keep our members updated with respect to ongoing legislative developments impacting our industry. Continuing Virtual Events I have been attending many committee meetings since the beginning of the year and am quite impressed with the high level of enthusiasm and the innovative ideas presented during each one. There is a lot to look forward to in 2021! As mentioned last month, CAI-NJ is continuing the 2021 calendar with a variety of virtual information and networking events. Last month, the chapter’s Virtual Conference & Expo Live Stream Sessions started rolling out and they will continue to run through April. Please view the Virtual Expo event page at https://cainj.org/live-streams/ on the chap- ter’s website in order to register for an opportunity to meet and interact with exhibitors each week about the products and services each exhibitor provides. The Live Streams are free to all homeowner leaders and managers, plus managers can receive one credit hour for their PMDP designations. The Women’s Leadership Committee is planning to hold a series of virtual events from March 8 through12 in conjunction with International Women’s Day with networking CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 58

ANGELA KAVANAUGH CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANGELA@CAINJ.ORG JACLYN OSKIERKO DIRECTOR, CONFERENCE & EVENTS JACLYN@CAINJ.ORG BROOKE STOPPIELLO-NEVINS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER BROOKE@CAINJ.ORG ROBIN SURGENT MEMBERSHIP MANAGER ROBIN@CAINJ.ORG JENNIFER FARRELL ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR JENNIFER@CAINJ.ORG

Contact CAI-NJ

ADDRESS CAI-NJ

500 HARDING ROAD FREEHOLD, NJ 07728 PHONE 609-588-0030 FAX 609-588-0040 WEB WWW.CAINJ.ORG EMAIL INFO@CAINJ.ORG

CAI-NJ on Social Media

www.facebook.com/ CAINJCHAPTER Community Associations Institute - New Jersey Chapter

@cainewjersey

5 www.youtube.com/ channel/UCuw0o4xfAO _wcKQM8V4rvwA

LOOKING AHEAD ANGELA KAVANAUGH | CAI-NJ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” – Henry Ford

W hat better example of teamwork could there be then the chapter volunteers that comprise our 12 committees? Each committee is tasked with their goals, working together for the benefit of the organization and its members. And every member of these committees brings their individual knowledge and expertise because it requires the team to accomplish great things. By this time, they have had their initial meetings for the year and plans are underway for their events and initiatives. Our 2021 calendar is full of optimism as we look ahead and plan the year, focusing on coming back together in person with members of our CAI-NJ family. Once allowed to be together again, it will be like seeing those family members that we have been separated from for far too long. Awards Committee On behalf of Jennifer Nevins, our Immediate Past President, they will create an event not to be forgotten, celebrating all the CAI-NJ members who went above and beyond for the chapter in 2020. We are hope- ful to be able to come together this Spring and recognize those that have made a significant positive impact on the chapter and its members. Golf and Networking Committees are planning our long awaited in-person events. These will include the Golf Outing, Beach Party and Winter Break Party. As soon as we can come together safely, we will once again host our events. Stay tuned for further information. We cannot wait to see all of you very soon. Conference & Expo Committee is currently present- ing the Live Stream Sessions through the end of March. Attend these sessions where you can come face-to-face with our exhibitors, get free advice, have your questions answered by experts in their fields and win great prizes.

The more sessions that you attend the more chances you will have to win one of three grand prizes at the end of all the Live Stream Sessions. Turn to page 36 for our exhibi- tor schedule and visit https://cainj.org/live-streams/ for more information and to register for each Live Streams. The committee is also planning our next in-person Conference & Expo. Information on this event will be available shortly. Business Partners, Managers and Homeowner Leaders are collaborating to bring you both virtual and in-per- son educational events. Some of the programs that they are planning are multiple Roundtables, five Lecture Series sessions, the Managers Leadership Workshop, Community Association Leadership Summit, Board Leadership Development Workshop and more! Editorial Committee brings the members articles on the hot topics affecting common interest communities. New to Community Trends ® , the committee will present, What Should You be Thinking About Right Now? — Community Association COVID-19 Update, a timely piece offering information and resources that are important to the community association industry which can be found on page 13. Interested in writing for Community Trends ® ? Visit https://cainj.org/community-trends/ for details. Legislative Action Committee, a devoted group of volunteers, working every day to improve the lives of those living in common interest communities. In addition, they will be hosting multiple Legislative Updates and Roundtables throughout the year, keeping us informed on important issues. Please support our LAC by donating through CA-PAC by visiting https://cainj.org/make-a-donation/ . Membership Committee connects with our members, keeping them abreast of all that CAI has to offer. In addi- tion, the committee members reach out to non-members that

CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 63

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

CALENDAR 2021 Events & Education MARCH FEBRUARY

2 4 9 11

2 4

Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual New Member Virtual Meet-Up Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual

Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual 2021 Act Like a Lady | Think Like a Boss Retreat Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Community Association Virtual Roundtable Discussion Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual

8- 12 9 11 16 17 18 23 25

12 16 17 18 23 25

SHE Connects, Podcast Discussion - Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones Virtual

Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual Virtual Expo: Live Stream Session Virtual

APRIL HOA BOARD 101: Guidance in Leading Your Community Effectively Virtual 12- 19 MAY LAC Virtual Roundtable Discussion Virtual 13

Details about our Live Stream Sessions can be found on page 36. Register for these and other events at www.cainj.org All events are subject to change.

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

GEORGE GREATREX, ESQ. PARTNER, HILL WALLACK LLP LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE CHAIR

Let’s not give our residents bad stories to tell…

W e’ve all seen the stories in the newspapers and in our online news feeds about another homeowner association board in America run amok …passing and enforcing unreasonable rules, failing to hold public meetings and annual elections, not being accountable for the money they spend, treating their members like villains instead of neighbors, and so on. Those stories have even been parodied in a recent series of television commercials for a national insurance company. Of course, those stories are rarely reported accurately or fairly… because they’re meant to be sensational so as to generate and increase readership. But let’s admit it folks…there is likely some element of truth in each of those stories…so to a certain degree we have ourselves to blame for the repu- tation common interest communities across the country have been saddled with over the past several years. We on the LAC read and see those stories too…but even worse, we also hear them from some of the legisla- tors we interact with in our roles as representatives of the 2000 or so members of CAI here in New Jersey. Some of those legislators have shared similar stories they hear from their constituents who live in common interest communities, ranging from their board’s failure to publish and explain a budget and how their money is spent, to the imposition of outrageous fines for relatively innocent infractions of the association’s rules. Some of these legislators themselves live in CICs and see such failures of governance first-hand. Not surprisingly, these constituent complaints and personal observations have led some to introduce legislation to address these perceived failures. When we have conversations with these legislators, we try to explain that most CICs in New Jersey are properly counselled and govern well, but the boards who are the

subjects of these stories likely are not members of CAI, and still more are not managed by professional community managers nor represented by experienced legal counsel. So they are not exposed to nor have access to the vast resources available through CAI and these CAI member professionals. While that’s not an excuse for bad gover- nance, it is at least a partial explanation. Recently, a bill was introduced by a legislator who was compelled to act on the stories she heard. This bill (A4787) “This bill (A4787) would, among other things, increase the reach and authority of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) over the operation of CICs in NJ...” would, among other things, increase the reach and author- ity of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) over the operation of CICs in NJ, and would also create an Ombudsman’s Office charged with the tasks of investigat- ing such complaints and enforcing the various laws and regulations that apply to CICs by imposing financial pen- alties and taking other injunctive action. We believe these mandates are unnecessary and are working with the bill’s sponsor to explain why. We have also learned that another legislator is intent on introducing a bill that would mandate some level of training for all CIC executive board members. While we are gen- erally inclined to oppose additional layers of regulations on our members, this proposal may have merit as a means of educating board members on how to govern both fairly

CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 59

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

2021 CAI-NJ COMMITTEES

AWARDS COMMITTEE Michelle Gadaleta — Chair Mary Visco — Vice Chai r

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Michael Mezzo — Chair Carol Shenk — Vice Chair Robert Arnone, CMCA, AMS Martin Cabalar, Esq. Don Cabrera, CMCA Neeraj Chander Melissa Lathrop, RS Nicole Martone, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Steven Morris, PE, RS Drew Podolski Robert Roop, PE Michael Ryan Larry Thomas, PCAM

HOMEOWNER LEADERS COMMITTEE Roslyn Brodsky — Chair Richard Pucciarelli — Vice Chair Traci Benish

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Kathleen Radler — Chair Nichole Gist — Vice Chair Tara Baldwin Lysa Bergenfeld, Esq. Roslyn Brodsky Megan Elgard Nikolaos Haralambopoulos Shannon Hill Debra Rizzi Steve Roderick Ken Shah

Jeanine Clark Drew Cowley Lindsay Cupples Kim Dempsey Annie Gonzales Kari Prout, CMCA Peter Shine Eileen Szelewicki, CMCA Paul Wojciechowski Sandi Wiktor Board Liaisons: Loren Lightman, Esq. Jeff Logan Staff Liaison: Jaclyn Oskierko BUSINESS PARTNER COMMITTEE Jessica Vail — Chair Lisa Wagner — Vice Chair

Salvatore Gurriero Vonetta Hawkins Richard Lans Deana Luchs Cheryl Palent Howard Straum Robert Travis, CIRMS Board Liaisons: Vanessa J. Davenport

Amy Shorter Mark Siwiak Briana Walsh Board Liaisons: Charles Lavine Steven Mlenak, Esq.

Charles Lavine Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Oskierko Robin Surgent LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE (LAC)/PAC George Greatrex, Esq. — Chair Matthew Earle, Esq. — Vice Chair Joseph Chorba, CPA — Treasurer Michael Pesce, PCAM — Secretary Elizabeth Comando, CMCA, PCAM — PAC President

Charles Witczak Board Liaisons: Mary Barrett, Esq. Benjamin Basch Staff Liaison:

Staff Liaison: Robin Surgent NETWORKING EVENTS COMMITTEE

Brooke Stoppiello-Nevins F.A.S.T. COMMITTEE Nicole Miller — Chair Jessica Baker — Vice Chair Chelsea Donnigan Eric Eggert Kristi Evans Shelby Evans, CPA, CMCA Ashley Gray, CMCA

Thomas Asciolla Theresa Beckett Carrie Fusella Frank Gencarelli Dawn Kearney

Freedom Hildreth — Chair Daniel Reilly — Vice Chair Cathy Brennan Dean Catanzarite Diane Cody, CMCA, PCAM Rhett Cowley Janice Ellery Gary Gleitman Pam Illiano Richard Lang Jessica Marvel Debbie Pasquariello, CIRMS

Paul Raetsch — PAC Vice President James Rademacher — PAC Committee Barbara Drummond, CMCA, PCAM A. Christopher Florio, Esq. Eric Frizzell, Esq.

Terry Kessler Toni Licciardi Mike Luzzi Kim Manicone Jill Nappi Herman Shauger David Velasco Michael Vennitti Gregory Vinogradsky

Steven Kuhnert Regina Lebron Jessica Long Endrick Rodrigues

Vincent J. Hager, CIRMS Sue Howe, AMS, PCAM Karyn A. Kennedy Branco, Esq. Christine F. Li, Esq. Jim P. Magid, CMCA, PCAM Thomas C. Martin, Esq. Glen A. Masullo, CMCA, PCAM J. David Ramsey, Esq. Edward San George, PCAM Board Liaisons:

Sam Schneider Lauren Vadenais Gabe Vitale Kristy Winchock Jose Romero Board Liaisons: Jeff Logan Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaisons: Brooke Stoppiello-Nevins Robin Surgent GOLF COMMITTEE Tom Witkowski — Chair Ross Rutman — Vice Chair Chris Belkot Harold Berlowe Scott Brandle Keith Giliberti, RS Fred Hodge Sal Iozzia Paul Migliore Mike Polulak David Shahrabani Jasmin Shelton Ryan Weiner Board Liaisons: Tony Nardone, MBA, PCAM Chris Nicosia, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaison: Jaclyn Oskierko Hank Johns Lisa Komitor Karl Meth

Chris Rosati David Ross Melissa Volet Erica Taras Kasey Ronan Board Liaisons: Charles Lavine Chris Nicosia, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaison: Jaclyn Oskierko WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Cheryl Rhine, CIRMS — Chair Martinia Heath, CMCA, AMS — Vice Chair Karen Carway-Meehan, CMCA Holly Foley, CMCA Jessica Hatton Lirelle Klein

Board Liaisons: Benjamin Basch

Ryan Fleming Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Oskierko Robin Surgent CONFERENCE & EXPO COMMITTEE Jessica Kizmann — Chair Jackie Thermidor, CMCA, AMS, PCAM — Vice Chair

Vanessa J. Davenport Steven Mlenak, Esq. Staff Liaisons: Angela Kavanaugh Robin Surgent MANAGER COMMITTEE Denise Becker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM — Chair Dawn Mackanic, CMCA — Vice Chair Raymond Barnes, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Mary Barone, CMCA, AMS Robert Davidson Chuck Graziano, PCAM Erin O’Reilly, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Vincent Rapolla, AMS David Salter, CMCA Kerri Stimpson, CMCA, AMS Elaine Warga-Murray, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Board Liaisons: Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Tony Nardone, MBA, PCAM

Donna Belkot Joe Bonafede Jay Burak Nicole Camarota, CMCA, AMS

Ellen Comiski Catherine Daly John Echelmeier Saher Gouda Janice Heussler Dorothy Nicklus Kevin Oliver Scott Palmieri Jeff Pane Board Liaisons: Ryan Fleming Jeff Logan Staff Liaison: Jaclyn Oskierko

Georgette Kyriacou Kristin Marzarella Carol Nickerson, CMCA Nicole Skaro Mariaellen Varelis Board Liaisons: Mary Barrett, Esq. Loren Lightman, Esq.

Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Oskierko Robin Surgent

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

CAI-NJ 2021 PARTNERS

FWH Associates, P.A. G&C Electronics GAF Hill Wallack LLP Kipcon Inc. McGovern Legal Services, LLC mem property management, co, inc, Rezkom Enterprises, Inc. Taylor Management Company, AAMC, AMO

Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC Associa Community Management Corp., AAMC Becker BELFOR Property Restoration Brown & Brown Insurance of Lehigh Valley C & L Services Pavement Maintenance Corner Property Management, AAMC Denali Property Management, Inc. DW Smith Associates, LLC a Subsidiary of PS&S

Technocality, Inc. WilkinGuttenplan

The Falcon Group - Engineering, Architecture & Reserve Specialists

Popular Association Banking Preferred Community Management Services, Inc., AAMC Professional Restoration Services

Accent Group Adamas Building Services All County Exteriors

FirstService Residential, AAMC Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP Guardian Service Industries, Inc. Griffin Alexander, P.C. Hillcrest Paving & Excavating, Inc. Jesan Construction and Maintenance

Alliance Association Bank Amco Pest Services, Inc. Apex Contractors, LLC Becht Engineering BT, Inc. Buckalew Frizzell & Crevina LLP Cowley’s Termite & Pest Control Services Curcio, Mirzaian & Sirot, LLC Cutolo Barros, LLC Dior Construction, Roofing, and Siding Environmental Designers Irrigation, Inc.

Quality 1st Contracting, Inc. Rainbow G & J Painting, LLC Regal Restoration RMG, Regency Management Group, Inc., AAMC SageWater Stark & Stark USI Insurance Services Valley Bank Witczak Engineering

JGS Insurance Services Lemus Construction, Inc. L.N. Rothberg & Son, Inc. Mackoul Risk Solutions, LLC

Morris Engineering, LLC National Contractors, Inc. O&S Associates, Inc. PeopleFirst Property & Casualty Services

Accurate Reconstruction AR Management Company EOSSO Brothers Paving Felsen Insurance Services, Inc.

Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. Hueston McNulty, P.C.

Radom & Wetter Attorneys at Law The Rahn Companies Renda Roads South Shore Construction, LLC Wilkin Management Group, Inc.

MyPropertyBilling.com, LLC National Cooperative Bank

YOUR NJ-LAC & CA-PAC WORKING HARD PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

Walk the halls of our capitol in Trenton and you see a lot of doors… doors to legislator’s offices… doors to committee rooms… doors to the Assembly and Senate chambers. It takes a lot to get through those doors. You’re not just invited in. You need a key. With a key you’re taken seriously. With a key, you get things done. THAT’S WHY CAI-NJ CARRIES THREE KEYS: • Your Legislative Action Committee (NJ-LAC): Your key eyes, ears, legs and voice in the legislative process. • Your Political Action Committee (CA-PAC): Your key contributions to support elected officials who aim to strengthen your community. • Your Professional Lobbyists: Your key, full-time pros retained by the LAC who know government’s ins and outs, advise us on who to see and when, and how to connect . WHAT CAN YOU DO?: • Take Action – Your voice is key! After meeting with elected officials and clarifying our position on pending legislation, we will alert you to the most crucial actions you can take. By calling or writing your officials, you ensure that your voice, and our agenda, is heard. • Give – Your donations are key! Supporting the PAC with your donations shows legislators that you’re serious, and that our cause counts. • Promote – Your personal influence is key! Talk about CAI-NJ’s legislative engagement in your community and business. Let fellow residents know that we’re fighting for them and their communities!

The keys only work with your support.

Make your gift to the CA-PAC today!

Yes, I’d like to support CA-PAC with a pledge!

I AM A...

____ Community Association Manager. You represent a company or association who manages CAI-NJ communities.

____ Community Supporter. You represent a business that supports CAI-NJ communities with services or products.

____ Community Resident. You live in a CAI-NJ community and want to see it grow strong.

My Association/Management company is making a PAC gift of:

___ $250 ___ $500 ___ $1000 or $________

___ $100 ___ $250 ___ $500 or $________

My supporting business is making a PAC gift of:

I am personally making a PAC gift of: ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ $250 or $________

Community/Company: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Individual Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ MailingAddress:______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP:______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________________________Fax: ________________________________________________ Email:________________________________ Occupation:______________________ Employer:_____________________________________ Employer Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP:______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Management Company Name: _________________________________________ (Community Association’s Only) DO NOT INCLUDE MY NAME OR COMPANY ON THE LIST OF CA-PAC CONTRIBUTORS

Please make your CORPORATE or PERSONAL CHECK payable and mail to: CA-PAC, 500 Harding Road, Freehold, NJ 07728

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission requires us to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of the employer of contributors whose contribution exceeds $300 in a calendar year. Contributions to CA-PAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are not limited to suggested amounts. CA-PAC will not favor nor disadvantage anyone based upon the amounts or failure to make PAC Contributions. Voluntary political contributions are subject to limitations of ELEC regulations. CA-PAC contributions are not considered payment of CAI dues.

TO DONATE TO CA-PAC, SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO: CA-PAC, 500 Harding Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 | or visit: www.cainj.org/capac

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE THINKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW? COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COVID-19 UPDATE CAI-NJ Editorial Committee

New Monthly Feature for 2021! The Community Trends ® What Should You be Thinking About Right Now? — Community Association COVID- 19 Update will be a new monthly feature in every issue in 2021. While upcoming issues of Community Trends ® will include featured articles relating to COVID-19 and its impact on community associations in New Jersey, the Community Association COVID-19 Update will provide direct, bullet-point style updates of the latest relevant COVID-19 information available at the time of publica- tion. For the most up to date official information relating to COVID-19 in New Jersey, readers are encouraged to visit the State of New Jersey’s dedicated COVID-19 Information As New Jersey begins to administer COVID-19 vaccina- tions, the state’s goal is to vaccinate 70% of the adult popu- lation (approximately 4.7 million adults) by summer 2021. The state will be administering vaccinations in phases, with recipients’ eligibility determined by certain priority criteria. As of publication, the following groups are eligible for Phase 1A and 1B vaccinations: • Healthcare personnel • Long-term care residents and staff • First responders • Individuals at high risk (including people age 65 and older or adults with medical conditions including cancer, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart conditions, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, sickle cell disease, down syndrome and smokers) Visit the State of New Jersey COVID-19 Information HUB https://covid19.nj.gov/ for information regarding further HUB at https://covid19.nj.gov/. Updates for February 2021 VACCINATION ELIGIBITY

vaccination eligibility, vaccination application process and locations of vaccination administration. SOCIAL DISTANCE PROTOCOLS FOR COMMUNITY LIVING The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub includes safety guidelines for those living in shared or congregate housing, including apartments and condominiums. These guidelines include maintaining at least 6-feet distance from other residents, wearing masks in all common areas (including outside areas), postponing or canceling indoor community activities where social distancing and mask wearing is not possible, etc. PUBLIC RECREATIONAL BATHING INFORMATION & RESOURCES For the latest information and requirements for operat- ing swimming pools in New Jersey during the COVID-19 Pandemic, be sure to check out the New Jersey State Department of Health Website: https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/sanitation-safety/prb.shtml This is a great resource for community associations and it is updated regularly. FUTURE UPDATES Future COVID-19 Updates, in addition to featured arti- cles, will include specific information relating to reopening of clubhouses, pools and other common area amenities, as well as any additional relevant community association information that are consistent with the latest information and guidelines from the CDC and State of New Jersey and Federal Government. CAI-NJ would like to thank this month’s contributors Editorial Committee Member, Andrew Podolski, Esq., Stark & Stark – Attorneys at Law and Editorial Committee Liaison, Board of Director, Benjamin Basch, American Pool! n

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

CHAPTER TRENDS The Falcon Group Welcomes Julio C. Ravelo, R.A. The Falcon Group is excited to announce the addition of Mr. Julio C. Ravelo, R.A., Director of Forensics/Claims to our Litigation Department. Mr. Ravelo is a Registered Architect with over 36 years of experience

Chapter Trends Editorial Guidelines

• All submissions must come from and be about: - A member of CAI-NJ (Manager, Management Company, Board Member, Business Partner or Business Partner Employee) in good standing. • Companies/Communities are permitted four (4) announcements per calendar year. • Submissions are limited to 150 words. - Members are responsible to condense the information appropriately, as CAI-NJ will not do so. Any submissions over 150 words will not be published. • Submissions may include (1) image. • Submissions should not be advertorial in nature. Please note, CAI-NJ reserves the right to edit any submissions. The chapter reserves the right to omit information as necessary. CAI-NJ has the exclusive right to refuse to publish any submissions for any reason. For questions regarding the Chapter Trends section of Community Trends ® , please contact brooke@cainj. org or 609-588-0030.

in the Architecture and Construction industries, with an emphasis on litigation support services, historical preservation, building envelope restoration, new construction and project management services. Mr. Ravelo had successfully represented owners, pro- fessionals and other litigants in a wide variety of litiga-

Julio C. Ravelo, R.A.

tion cases throughout New York and New Jersey. He has the ability to see the issues from both sides of the table, as both a Design Professional and a Forensic Investigator. Mr. Ravelo has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Pratt Institute. His certifications include, Registered Architect, Restore- Certificate in Masonry Preservation & Restoration, American Management Association- Leadership & Business Management. Mr. Julio Ravelo, R.A., Director of Forensics/Claims, will be a fantas- tic addition to our Falcon team in 2021! n

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program Community Associations Institute NJ Chapter 2021 PROGRAM

Jules C. Frankel was a long time member of CAI and was a key figure in the success and growth of our chapter. Jules was President of our chapter in 2000. Jules also received the followings awards from CAI-NJ: Speaker of the Year in 2003 and Author of the Year in 2004. Jules was inducted in the CAI-NJ Hall of Fame in 2003. Jules was a staunch advocate for manager education and training and was always willing to help with seminars and industry educational programs. The Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program (MAP) was developed to assist New Jersey managers in the common interest community industry in furthering their educational and professional development goals. The MAP provides the opportunity to any CAI-NJ manager member in good standing to apply for a scholarship. CAI-NJ will provide a fifty percent (50%) reimbursement per course to selected managers for any of the 100, 200, or 300 courses offered by CAI. More than one award may be given per applicant. To view available virtual courses, visit the link below to schedule: CAI-NJ will be hosting the following courses in 2021: • M-204 June 10 to June 11 Asbury Park, NJ • M-100 July 15 to July 17 Red Bank, NJ • Virtual Classes Schedule: https://www.caionline.org/LearningCenter/Education-for-Managers/Pages/default.aspx

All awards must be approved by the CAI-NJ Board of Directors. Accordingly, a submission does not guarantee any applicant assistance. Awards are at the sole discretion of the CAI-NJ Board of Directors.

Please review the attached guidelines and application. If you have any questions, please contact the CAI-NJ office at 609-588-0030 or info@cainj.org

2021 Jules Frankel Program.indd 1

1/20/2021 1:01:05 PM

Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program Community Associations Institute NJ Chapter GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION PROCESS

AWARD: • The MAP awards a deserving candidate $250 per course (100, 200 and 300 level courses) towards the PMDP course of his/her choice. More than one award may be given during a calendar year. • The Scholarship Review Group will award scholarships once per year no later than April 30 th , 2021. • Scholarships must be used for PMDP courses offered by any CAI Chapter or CAI National. All courses may be in person or online. ELIGIBILITY: • At the time of the application and the reimbursement, you must be a member in good standing with the Community Associations Institute and the New Jersey chapter of CAI. • You must have attended at least 2 CAI-NJ events during the last 12 months. (in-person or virtual) • You may be asked to provide a follow up piece that will be printed in the Community Trends ® magazine that summarizes your experience with the MAP and the ways that it has allowed you to advance your professional goals. CAI-NJ reserves the right to modify any content prior to print. DEADLINES: • All applicants must submit entry no later than March 30 th , 2021 in order to be considered for a scholar- ship award. Selections will be made no later than April 30 th , 2021. PROCESS: • Interested candidates must fill out the attached application and answer the questions for review prior to dates. All entries must be typed and complete to avoid disqualification. Entries must be mailed to the chapter office or printed to PDF and emailed to info@cainj.org. • Anonymous essays are evaluated and award recipients will be selected by the Scholarship Review Group. Should there be a conflict on the committee (meaning that a company representative is evaluating an entry for the same company), that committee member will remove themselves from the process and not participate in the review/selection of the candidates. Since this is an anonymous process, the Chapter Executive Director will inform the Scholarship Review Group members of the conflict. • Selected managers must submit verification of course completion to the CAI-NJ office within 30 days of conclusion of the course to receive the scholarship reimbursement. • All classes must be completed by December 31 st , 2021.

To apply, visit www.cainj.org/map Community Associations Institute, New Jersey chapter

500 Harding Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 Tel: 609-588-0030 | Fax: 609-588-0040 Email: info@cainj.org

2021 Jules Frankel Program.indd 2

1/20/2021 1:01:06 PM

BOARD Responsibilities & Roles By Larry Thomas, PCAM, Taylor Management Company, AAMC, AMO

vgajic/E+/Getty Images

A considerable factor in determining whether a community association will be successful can be attributed to the relationship between the manager (or management company) and the board of directors/trust- ees. This relationship is the key connection, and every effort

is the “quarterback”. The president (or coach) must assume the role as leader and make sure the board members are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Just as important is for everyone to fully appreciate their limits as it pertains to their positions. Too often these conversations do not take place, and due to a lack of discussion and direction, the leaders and management team get off track, wander out of their lanes and put the association in a non-productive and/or counterproductive position. It should be established early on that one of the presi- dent’s key roles is as the main contact with the manager and the manager is the main contact with the management team. The most successful communities are those that follow a “policy governance” philosophy. Meaning, the board determines policy and the management team executes these policies. Once the board determines to advance a CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 20

should be given to make sure the responsibilities among the board and the managing agent are fully understood by all parties. This understand- ing also includes the resi- dents, vendors, committees, and every other party that interacts with the association.

“The most successful communities are those that follow a ‘policy governance” philosophy.’”

Running a community association is a team sport. The president of the association is the “coach” and the manager

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

STRONG ADVOCATES LISTEN ATTENTIVELY WORK RELENTLESSLY RESOLVE CONFLICT

NORTHERN NEW JERSEY 973-366-1188 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY 732-514-6601 SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY 856-533-2379

NEW YORK 212-374-9790 PENNSYLVANIA 973-366-1188

Experienced attorneys providing the right moves towards achieving your endgame

attorneys @ lawgapc.com www.lawgapc.com

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES... from page 18.

Service is our specialty ; protecting you is our mission ® Leadership and innovation in community association insurance With JGS, you get the benefit of our extensive experience in community association insurance. We work with the nation’s top insurers to design competitive programs that address your needs. Let us show you your options.

project, it should be clearly defined to the manager, and the manager kicks off the project. This may mean contacting vendors, creating an RFP, and soliciting bids. During the entire process, the manager needs to keep the board up to speed with any updates. Once all the legwork is completed, the manager presents the findings to the board and the board decides on a direction. Where con- fusion comes into play is when a board or committee member takes it

“One major emphasis during the first month of a new board should be dedicated to establishing roles and defining responsibilities.”

upon her/himself to get involved in the project without the knowledge or consent of the board. This is a recipe for disaster and the start of creating a failed operation. One major emphasis during the first month of a new board should be dedicated to establishing roles and defining responsibilities. This will elim- inate a lot of confusion and will get your community, your management team and all your volunteers off on the right foot. Committees can be a great tool in creating unity within your community. Every committee should have a charter and a mission statement that lays out

Proud members of

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

their purpose and limits. Also, every committee should have a meeting with the board at the start of their term to completely spell out these responsibilities and boundaries. A board and staff liaison should be appointed as non-voting members and attend every meeting and make sure the committee stays within what they are permitted to do. The committee liaison should be the conduit both from the board and to the board concerning the activities and progress of the committee. Dedicated time should be set aside at every board meeting for “committee reports” where the liaison gives a brief update concerning his/her assigned committees. According to Paul Raetsch, Past President of Woods Landings in Mays Landings, often boards do not explain and monitor the proper role and responsibilities of commit- tees. Frequently, if the mission or role of the committee is not completely understood by its members, things can quickly get off track. This can create hard feelings, and sometimes committee members may resign feeling that their efforts and involvement aren’t appreciated, or the board is not backing their ideas or actions. Another problem is the possibility of

committee chairs or members dealing directly with vendors, and possibly amending contracts without board approval. Often board and committee members, as well as the management team, aren’t fully clear as to what their role is within the administration and operation of the community, leading to confusion and disgruntled committee volunteers. During my 40 years of community management involve- ment, I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum as far as well-run communities to extreme cases of dysfunctional governance. The best run communities are always the ones where the boards and committee members roles are defined, and responsibilities are documented and presented clearly to everyone involved. Boards should encourage and support their management teams, committees and volunteers. In sports, teams win because all the players know their roles and what they are responsible for. This winning philosophy holds true in the operation of any community association. Define roles, clearly explain and document every party’s involvement and you and your team will win the game every time. n

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN SERVICES MEP & ENERGY CONSULTING DRONES / AERIAL IMAGING FACADE & BUILDING ENVELOPE EXPERTS

EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES CAPITAL RESERVE STUDIES TRANSITION REPORTS STORM DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FORENSIC ENGINEERING www.falconengineering.com info@falconengineering.com (800) 839.7740

682 Highway 202/206 Bridgewater, NJ 08807

F E B R U A R Y , 2 0 2 1

With Jennifer Nevins, DW Smith Associates, LLC a Subsidiary of PS&S Community Night Out COOKINGDEMO

On Thursday, January 7th, 2021, the Women’s Leadership Network hosted its first, Community Night Out: Cooking Demo sponsored by DW Smith Associates, LLC a Subsidiary of PS&S event where attendees had a fun and educational virtual cooking demo! All ingredients for our one-pot Italian style pasta meal for four were hand-delivered directly to those registered in a beautifully put together package from DW Smith. We were all ready for an exciting evening! Jennifer Nevins guided us through putting together our dinner, right on camera, not before giving us a wonderful introduction including putting together beautiful cheese platters and spreads for entertaining. In addition, she raffled off several of her books and we had an opportunity to ask questions through preparing our meal. This was certainly a night to remember! Thank you to all who participated in this event and a big thank you to our sponsor, DW Smith & Associates, LLC a Subsidiary of PS&S, and Jennifer Nevins for guiding us in preparing such a delicious meal!