CAI-NJ May 2021

May 2021 Community Trends A G I N G I N F R A S T R U C T U R E

®

Luisrftc/ iStock/Getty Images Plus

In This Issue

• How to Read Engineering Plans • Preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) —ATutorial and Guide for CommunityAssociation Property Managers • The NewOld — Refreshing the Existing Multi-Family Lifestyle Experience • Perilous Neglection ....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

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How to Read Engineering Plans By Charles Witczak, PE Witczak Engineering Do One Thing Better: Scan Your Plans By Charles Witczak, PE Witczak Engineering Preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) — A Tutorial and Guide for Community Association Property Managers By Tage Franks Bello Casa

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21

22

21

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The New Old — Refreshing the Existing Multi-Family Lifestyle Experience By Neeraj Chander, AIA, LEED, AP The Falcon Group — Engineering, Architecture & Reserve Specialists

36

Perilous Neglection By Robert N. Roop, PE Lockatong Engineering, Inc.

44

22

Management Trends: “Aging Infrastructure” By Mary Barone, CMCA, AMS Access Property Management, Inc., AAMC, AMO

EXTRAS President’s Corner Looking Ahead

5 6 7 8

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CAI-NJ Upcoming Events

Legislative Update

Your Voice is Key for NJ-LAC and CA-PAC

11 13 14 15 27 31 37 43 45

Chapter Trends

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What Should You be Thinking About Right Now? Community Association COVID-19 Update

CAI-NJ Career Headquarters

2021 Dennis R. Casale Memorial Golf Outing — Save the Date

CA-PAC Top Golf Registration

CAI-NJ 2021 Conference & Expo — Save the Date

Welcome Back Party Registration

44

CAI-NJ 2021 Beach Party — Save the Date

2021 Webinar Wednesdays 49 LAC Virtual Roundtable Discussion — Save the Date 51 New Members 52 CAI Membership Application 53 2021 Ultimate Partner Listings 54 Business Partner Essentials Registration 57

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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, a subsidiary of PS&S, LLC

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

CAI-NJ TEAM

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

“Here comes the sun, and I say, it’s all right.” – The Beatles

Turning the Corner As we turn the corner deeper into the springtime, it seems that we are at last mov- ing toward happier and sunnier days ahead, starting with the chapter’s first in-person event in over a year! I am happy to announce that our Welcome Back Party will be on May 26, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten in Asbury Park. This event is for our 2020 partners and exhibitors as well as the first 100 managers or homeowner leaders to register. Details can be found on the CAI- NJ Website https://cainj.org/welcome-back-party/ Along with starting our in-person events, the chapter is continuing our ongoing virtual programs. In April we launched the Wednesday Webinar series with the chapter’s 2021 Ultimate Partners. Managers can receive one hour of credit towards their PMDP designations for each webinar attended. I am pleased to report that the first program launch had close to 100 attendees! These webinars will continue through September 22, 2021 on select Wednesdays each month. Links to all of the upcoming Wednesday Webinars can be found at https://cainj.org/wednesday-webinars/. In case you miss any of the webinars, the playback for all Wednesday Webinars will be available on our Webinar Library at https://cainj.org/webinars/. Also in April, from April 12th - 19th the chapter’s exhibiting partners hosted the pro- gram entitled “HOA Board 101: Guidance in Leading Your Community Effectively”. This was a very timely educational program presented exclusively for the chapter’s homeowner leader members. Another very well-attended April program was our Virtual Speed Networking event which was held on April 22, 2021. The chapter’s business partners, managers and homeowner leaders had a unique opportunity to network virtually face-to-face on a one-on-one basis with other attendees. This was a successful event for all who attend- ed and one which we will consider holding again in the future. One week later, our F.A.S.T. Committee held its Make-A-Wish Paint & Sip Fundraiser on April 29, 2021, which was not only a very fun virtual painting event, it helped raise money for a worthy cause. Thank you to all who participated and big thank you to our sponsors! Finally, our 2020 Awards Nominations process took place between April 9th and April 25th. Please be on the lookout for information on voting for our nominees which will be open shortly.

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

CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 61

www.youtube.com/ channel/UCuw0o4xfAO _wcKQM8V4rvwA

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LOOKING AHEAD ANGELA KAVANAUGH | CAI-NJ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

You are our community. Without you, there would not be a New Jersey CAI. Thank you for your loyalty to the chapter. A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you, our dear members, our partners, community association managers, homeowner leaders, service providers and professionals, for sticking by us over the past year. Finally, we are at a time where we can walk through the door and once again see each other in person. Event Reopening Task Force was created and is com- prised of CAI-NJ Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs, members of the CAI-NJ Board of Directors, and the CAI-NJ Team. The task force was charged with drafting guidelines that would ensure the events will be executed as safely as possible allow- ing our members to be comfortable attending. Currently, all events will be hosted outdoors, subject to change, based on the Governor’s Executive Orders for event reopening. The CAI-NJ Event Reopening Guidelines, detail the precautions that the chapter is taking and include social distancing and face mask requirements, adequate sanitizing, contactless registration, informational signage, venue capacity, food, and beverage safety as well as security compliance. The full guidelines are available on the events page of our website along with the COVID-19 Waiver, https://cainj.org/network-events/. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns as your safety and comfort level is my top priority. Vaccine Eligibility. As I am sure you are all aware, as of April 19, 2021, all New Jersey Residents over the age of 16 are eligible to receive the COVID‑19 vaccina- tion. Visit https://cainj.org/covid-19-resources-pg/ for our COVID-19 Resource Page with useful links including the New Jersey Vaccine Appointment Finder. Welcome Back Party will be the first event of the year, on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the Asbury Park Festhalle & Biergarten. This event will celebrate you, our

member managers, homeowner leaders, Partners, and Conference & Expo Exhibitors. We will be following our Event Reopening Guidelines, limiting registration so please register early as it will sell out. Save the Date for our upcoming in-person events. • CA-PAC Top Golf on Thursday, May 20th at Top Golf in Edison. Network with your colleagues and make new connections while supporting your CA-PAC. • Annual Golf Outing will take place on Tuesday, June 15th at the Forsgate Country Club. • Business Partner Essentials on June 21st, location TBD. This class will give our business partner members the opportunity to gain insight into what is expected of them from community association managers and board members. Those participating and passing the exam will earn the Business Partner Distinction. • Annual Awards Celebration will be a hybrid event this year with a virtual awards presentation the day prior and an in-person cocktail reception, on June 24th at the Mercerville Boathouse. Join us for both events to honor your peers and celebrate excellence in our industry. • Annual Beach Party is scheduled for Friday, September 17th at Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant. Join us at our end-of-summer bash as we host one of our best-attended events. • Conference & Expo. This two-day event will once again be at the Events Center at iPlay America in Freehold, scheduled this year for October 20-21. Visit with exhibitors and educate yourself on industry-related hot topics. I hope to see you soon. Additional in-person and virtual events are being added to our calendar. For registration and information for all our events, please visit the Events page of our website periodically, https://cainj.org/network-events/. n

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CALENDAR 2021 Events & Education

MAY

JULY

21

5 13 19

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

LAC Virtual Roundtable Discussion Virtual

AUGUST

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

4 18

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

20 26

CA-PAC Annual Top Golf Fundraiser Top Golf, Edison Welcome Back Party Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, Asbury Park

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

SEPTEMBER 1 17 22 OCTOBER Wednesday Webinar Virtual Wednesday Webinar Virtual

JUNE

2 3 9

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

Beach Party Martell’s Tiki Bar, Pt. Pleasant

SHE-Connects Podcast Discussion Virtual Community Association Virtual Roundtable Discussion Virtual Dennis R Casale Memorial Golf Outing Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Twp.

15 18 21

20 21

Pre-Conference Networking Reception Encore Event Center @IPA, Freehold

Homeowner Huddle Virtual

Business Partner Essentials Course Location TBD

Annual Conference & Expo Encore Event Center @IPA, Freehold

24 30

Annual Awards Celebration Boathouse, Mercerville

Wednesday Webinar Virtual

Register for these and other events at www.cainj.org. All events are subject to change .

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

A s the old saying goes…”there’s no rest for the weary…”. This aptly describes our life on the Legislative Action Committee lately… For the past year we’ve been focusing our consider- able energy and efforts on several important fronts... from addressing all the vast changes in our industry brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and state of emergency, to appealing the DCA’s onerous Radburn regulations, to employing a full court press to pass immunity legislation for common interest communities in New Jersey (speaking of which, see the important announcement in the shaded box below). Then, just a few short weeks before I sat at my computer to write this column, three (3) new bills were introduced in the NJ Assembly which have the potential to make significant changes in our industry. Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, a lawyer who lives in a common interest community, has introduced A5492 (which would institute mandatory board member training), A5493 (which would institute mandatory community man- ager licensing) and A5494 (which would provide for the imposition of a fine of up to $2000 against any associ- ation that did not timely provide their members access to board meeting minutes). Senator Loretta Weinberg just introduced companion bills in the New Jersey Senate. We expect these bills will not languish in our legislature but will advance fairly quickly. While it’s fair to say that the concept of well-trained man- agers and board members who are educated in the laws, regulations and policies which apply to community associ-

ation governance is one we can all support, the devil is in the details of such legislation. For instance, is it necessary to mandate such training, and if so, what will be the enforce- ment mechanisms put into place to ensure the requirements are met? Will it entail a cost, and if so, who will bear that cost? What entity will provide the training and administer the licensing process? We in the LAC and in CAI generally have offered our- selves as a resource to these legislators and hope to be able to share with them our knowledge and experience on “...is it necessary to mandate such training, and if so, what will be the enforcement mechanisms put into place to ensure the requirements are met?” how best to manage and operate the nearly 7000 com- mon interest communities in New Jersey while promoting the practices and policies of CAI’s National organization. Remember, legislation like this is often the result of bad situations either experienced by the legislators themselves or reported to them by their constituents. Let’s all do our best to avoid such situations by doing the right thing in our respective roles in the governance of our communities. We’ll keep you posted on these bills and their progress. n

Please take a few moments to contact your home district state legislators to express your support for A4879/S3584 (which provide immunity to CICs against COVID-19 related claims) and to ask for their support of these bills when they come to a vote. Simply click on this link for a quick and easy way to do just that: https://p2a.co/TzeMoFl Let’s do this!

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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, Esq. Robert Roop, PE Michael Ryan

HOMEOWNER LEADERS COMMITTEE Roslyn Brodsky — Chair Traci Benish

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Kathleen Radler — Chair Nichole Gist — Vice Chair Tara Baldwin, CPA Lysa Bergenfeld, Esq. Roslyn Brodsky Megan Elgard Nikolaos Haralambopoulos, CPA 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 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

Larry Thomas, PCAM Charles Witczak, PE 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, Esq. — Chair Jessica Baker, Esq. — Vice Chair Chelsea Donnigan

Thomas Asciolla Theresa Beckett Jose Elvir Carrie Fusella 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.

Eric Eggert Kristi Evans Shelby Evans, CPA, CMCA Ashley Gray, CMCA

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

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 Richard Milder Cheryl Palent J. David Ramsey, Esq. Edward San George, PCAM Board Liaisons:

Steven Kuhnert Regina Lebron Jessica Long Endrick Rodrigues

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 Paul Wojciechowski 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 Jessica Hatton Lirelle Klein

Board Liaisons: Benjamin Basch

Ryan Fleming Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Oskierko Robin Surgent CONFERENCE & EXPO COMMITTEE Jessica Kizmann, CPA — 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 Joely Phenes Board Liaisons: Ryan Fleming Jeff Logan Staff Liaison: Jaclyn Oskierko

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

Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Oskierko Robin Surgent

Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Oskierko Robin Surgent

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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

Accent Group Adamas Building Services All County Exteriors

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

PeopleFirst Property & Casualty Services Popular Association Banking Preferred Community Management Services, Inc., AAMC Professional Restoration Services

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 Dorothy Gale Roofing Group 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 L.N. Rothberg & Son, Inc. Lemus Construction, Inc. Mackoul Risk Solutions, LLC

Morris Engineering, LLC National Contractors, Inc. O&S Associates, Inc. Pardini R. Construction Corporation

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

Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, P.C. Hueston McNulty, P.C. Landscape Maintenance Services, LLC

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!

PLEASE NOTE: Sorry, CA-PAC cannot accept credit cards. Please make your CORPORATE or PERSONAL CHECK payable and mail to: CA-PAC, 500 Harding Road, Freehold, NJ 07728

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 $________

My supporting business is making a PAC gift of:

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

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:______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sorry, CA-PAC cannot accept credit cards. Please make your CORPORATE or PERSONAL CHECK payable and mail to: CA-PAC, 500 Harding Road, Freehold, NJ 07728

Management Company Name: _________________________________________ (Community Association’s Only)

DO NOT INCLUDE MY NAME OR COMPANY ON THE LIST OF CA-PAC CONTRIBUTORS

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

CHAPTER TRENDS Salvatore Sanft Promoted to Vice President of mem property management in New Jersey mem property management, co., inc. recently announced the promotion of Salvatore Sanft to Vice President.

agement company in New Jersey,” said Salvatore Sanft, “I look forward to furthering our company’s goal -- helping our residents enjoy their home.” Nika Postnikov joins the Morris Engineering and ME Architecture team! Nika is a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering and Construction Management from Carnegie Mellon

Previously, Sanft was responsible for Operations in mem’s Ridgefield Park office, responsible for the day-to-day

operations of a number of properties in North and Central New Jersey. In that role, Sanft demonstrated success managing and delegating mainte- nance staff and contractors, property repairs, property maintenance, and owner and board relations. As Vice President, Sanft will take

University. During her time at CMU, Nika held an intern position at the Port Authority of NY & NJ, where she assisted with the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, West Bathtub Vehicular Access and Harrison PATH station design. At Morris Engineering, Nika will

Salvatore Sanft

on even greater responsibilities across the mem property management residential portfolio and lead innovation and growth for mem’s newest business initiatives, like mem con- struction services,” said Martin H. Laderman, founder and CEO of mem property management, “we are very excited to have Salvatore join our executive team .” Sanft has over twenty years of progressively respon- sible property management experience, overseeing the daily operations of hundreds of condominiums, town- homes and single -family residences in New Jersey. Sanft holds the prestigious Certified Manager of Community Associations ( CMCA ) designation, an international certification program designed exclusively for managers of homeowner and condominium associations and cooperatives recognizing individuals who have demonstrated the fundamental knowl- edge required to manage community associations. “Salvatore is uniquely qualified to serve the residents of our residential properties throughout New Jersey and help mem property management further improve our operations with his years of experience serving the New Jersey residential real estate market,” said Laderman. “I am very excited to continue to work with the incredibly talented team of professionals at the best property man-

Nika Postnikov

assist with the investigation, evaluation, and design of repairs to existing buildings. She will support senior staff with CAD drafting and modeling, development of specifi- cations and construction administration services. Nika is an artist at heart and spends much of her free time drawing, painting, sculpting and cross-stitching. She is an avid plant collector and combines her love for art and all things green by sculpting and painting her own planters.

Brian Weaver Earns PCAM Designation Brian Weaver, Vice President of Wilkin Management

Group, has just completed his Professional Community Association Manager ( PCAM ) Certification. The PCAM designation is the highest pro- fessional recognition available nation- wide to managers who specialize in community association management. Congratulations to Brian on this great achievement! n

Brian Weaver, PCAM

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WHAT SHOULD YOU BE THINKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW? COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION COVID-19 UPDATE CAI-NJ Editorial Committee T he Community Trends ® What Should You be Thinking About Right Now? — Community Association COVID-19 Update is a new monthly feature in every issue in 2021. While upcoming issues of Community Trends ® will include featured arti- cles relating to COVID-19 and its impact on community associations in New Jersey, the Community Association COVID-19 Update provides direct, bullet-point style updates of the latest relevant COVID-19 information available at the time of publication. 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 HUB at https://covid19.nj.gov/

UPDATE FOR MAY 2021:

Vaccinations: Earlier this year, Governor Murphy communicated his goal to have approximately 4.7 million adults fully vacci- nated by June 30, 2021. As of April 15, 2021, the state is just shy of reaching approximately 50% of that goal, with a total of approximately 2.3 million adults having received the full dose of their COVID-19 vaccinations. Effective April 19, 2021, eligibility to receive a COVID vaccination was opened to all individuals aged 16 and older. Visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine for more informa- tion on eligibility and scheduling of vaccination appointments. Opening Amenities: As the weather warms and spring fever sets in, many boards are navigating the challenges of deciding whether or not to open common amenities such as pools, clubhous- es, etc. Some important keys to remember include: • Educating yourself on the requirements and mandates of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), as well as any local or state governance • Consider all costs associated with opening the ame- nities and ensure that the budget can handle any cost increases. This can consist of additional cleanings, staff, signage, sanitizers, etc.

• Work with professionals such as your attorney and insur- ance provider to ensure that the Association is protected, and in compliance with all regulations governing the site Another key topic of discussion has been whether com- munities can require their residents to provide proof of vaccination to use the common amenities. It is important to note that this is not allowable, as it violates privacy laws. Keeping Everyone Informed: The most important part of navigating this pandemic, is realizing that there is no “one size fits all” answer. Each site must weight the benefits, risks, and costs associated with opening their amenities, as these factors will be unique for each individual site. Keeping residents and owners informed of these factors will help everyone to understand the reasoning behind the decisions made. Posting this information on a site’s website, monthly newsletter, or email blast will help keep residents and owners informed on the latest status. In addition, these communications can also be used to inform residents of the health protocols in effect for each site as well, such as mask mandates, location of sanitizing stations, social distance requirements, etc. n

CAI-NJ would like to thank this month’s contributor, Editorial Committee Member, Michael Mezzo, CPA, MBA, WilkinGuttenplan.

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Find & Post Opportunities for Free!

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HOW TO READ Engineering Plans By Charles Witczak, PE, Witczak Engineering

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W hen an engineer presents a set of plans to the planning board, they are showing a check list of items, and that the work is being performed in accordance with the controlling construction code and other applicable rules. These plans show the path for how a project is going to be built so it meets all municipal requirements. By contrast, as-built plans show what has already been built and provide valuable information when undergoing a renovation project that requires permits. They are also useful after the project has been completed for the owners and tenants of the property to see what has been built and locate and identify important items and building system components. Always Refer to the Title Block and the Legend Every set of plans must have a title block, which is generally located on the bottom or right-hand side of the plan sheets. The title block identifies the project location, the name of the development, block and lot of the property and in what municipality this project is located. This is especially important because the rules with each municipality may include different zoning regulations and building codes.

The title block and legend also provide important infor- mation such as the name and location of the project, the project’s scale and what the symbols and abbreviations represent. The notes section is important as it includes additional information about special conditions and disclaimers that apply to the site. For example, they may include informa- tion about the elevation of a property and indicate flood zones or wetlands. What type of plan is it? There are two main types of plans: original construction plans for improvements to the site and the “as-built” plans. A construction plan is presented to a planning board for their approval, while an as-built plan confirms what has been constructed on a given property. There are typically two different color sets in plans. Items illustrated in light grey represent what is already built and existing, such as existing buildings and ground topographic contours. Darker, bolder lines and notes indicate what is to be built. CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 18

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READ PLANS... from page 16.

a checkerboard), which is usually located at the bottom of the plans to understand the relative size of a plan. In addition to scale, most plans will have an ornate, north-pointing arrow to orient the viewer with respect to direction. Read the wording of the north arrow to determine if the plan is drawn to “true north” (which would be relative to the Earth’s actual magnetic orientation), or “project north” (which would just give a direction relative to the project improvements). Know the Difference Between a Map and a Plan A map is prepared by a land surveyor and simply serves as a reference to show existing buildings, amenities or land features. The plans are prepared by a Professional Engineer. Plans provide information on what is to be built and to what specifications. The Engineer’s plans will also reference what products and materials should be used. As to not favor a specific brand or manufacturer, “X Brand” or “approved equal” term is often used. This allows a builder to use prod- ucts of the same structural requirements and integrity but not CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 20

If you want to know what currently exists on your site, you will need to refer to an “as-built plan.” There are multiple types of plans in a set that generally refer to each building trade’s scope of work. Some exam- ples are architectural, civil site work, mechanical/engineer- ing/plumbing (“MEP”), landscaping, storm drainage and utility plans. Site engineers will always measure to the 100th of a foot (.01) while architects and other trades within the building structures typically measure in whole feet and inches. Plans are drawn to “scale”, which is a proportional enlargement or reduction from real life so that the depicted structure or component will fit on an actual plan sheet. Some typical scales that appear on engineering plans are 1 inch = 50 feet or 1 inch = 100 feet. Architectural plans might use a different scale, such as one-half inch = 1 foot. Do not always rely on the written numbers of the scale as they may have been enlarged or reduced by a copy machine. Always refer to the graphic scale (a symbol that looks like

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READ PLANS... from page 18.

necessarily brand specific that could otherwise result in collusion or inflated product costs. What to look for? Plans will generally include a cover sheet, project notes, zoning require- ments and an index of drawings which will tell you what is included on each drawing. Specific construction trade elements are typically broken into sepa- “Having an engineer who understands the zoning

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rate sheets for clarity, such as electrical, plumbing, site utilities or landscaping. Zoning Requirements Zoning requirements will provide information on what the existing plot of land has been approved for in terms of types of buildings. For exam- ple, a particular plot of land may be zoned for residential buildings and homes only, whereas another plot of land may be zoned for industrial or commercial use. Having an engineer who under- stands the zoning requirements for a specific township or region will help in getting a project’s plan approved with the planning board. A land use ordinance is a public rulebook avail- able to engineers and site planners to

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Scan Your Plans! By Charles Witczak, PE Witczak Engineering

assist in developing correct plans for each municipality. What am I looking at? “Plan view” is the most common ori- entation of structures on a plan, and essentially depicts the given structure as though one is looking down on it from above. “Cross-Section” view is also used, and this orientation depicts a structure as though one is looking at it from the side — also referred to as “elevations” on architectural plans. When looking at a construction plan, one cannot be certain that everything was ultimately built exactly as it was shown. Best case scenar- io is to get an as-built map. In the absence of an as-built set of plans, a surveyor can be retained to inspect and remeasure the site to make sure everything is built properly with the right dimensions. Plans are legally required to show the initial date they were created along with the date of each plan revision. Specifications Plans also dictate the exact materi- als and methods in which something should be built. Specifications are vital, because if a specific material is swapped out for something else, it could bring potential catastrophe to the building and site. Specifications are sometimes free-standing docu- ments that give written descriptions of the required features of an item. It is more common to find this information included in the plan sets as “construc- tion details,” which are a pictorial representation of the item to be built. If the correct material is not used, it could result in failure of a structure, physical injuries or a lawsuit. CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 58

I t will greatly benefit the community association to have scanned and electronic versions of construction and “as-built” plans. As time passes, original paper plans for projects will often become lost because the larger size sheets cannot be easily stored in conventional filing cabinets. Older paper plans will degrade and fall apart. Your community engineer will have the equipment to scan or copy the larger sized sheets typically used for construction plans and turn them into digital copies that can be stored on your network or cloud.

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Having extra copies of designs and plans available can be used as a base for upcoming construction projects or other activities. These maps provide future value to plan onsite events. They can also be a great asset for development projects such as: adding more parking spaces, a new clubhouse and/or other amenities.

“Having plans for a quick reference can add to your familiarity with the community and help in answering questions.”

Having plans for a quick reference can add to your familiarity with the community and help in answering questions. This will give your board greater confidence in the management of their communities. The quicker you can determine the scope of a project through the use of available plan information, the quicker and more efficiently the work can get done. n

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Preparing a

A Tutorial and Guide for Community Association Property Managers By Tage Franks, Bello Casa

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W hen work needs to be performed at a community association, the Request for Proposal (RFP) is one of the most important items of the project. Boards and managers should think of an RFP almost as manage- ment software for a community -- associations should begin with the most accurate information possible to achieve success, get exactly what they want and be organized (garbage in = garbage out). The RFP process ensures the association receives the correct service at the right price and all proposals received are comparable (i.e. “apples to apples”). The following guidelines outline an effective RFP procedure that associations should follow: Hiring an Engineer: Rule #1 - When in doubt, call on professional partners, such as an engineer, attorney, insurance broker, and trusted contractors. There are vari- ous types of projects in which associations would be best served by engaging the services of a professional engi- neering firm. A few examples are: • Major construction projects – roofing, siding, drainage, structural • Projects with which the board members and/or property management team lack prior experience

An engineer can insulate both management and the association from liabilities, create the specifications, draft necessary plans for the bid process and township permits, potentially provide oversite of the project and much more. The following information should be included and are intended to guide you through creat- ing an association’s RFP document: 1. Legal Name of Association: (Example: ABC Condominium Association, HOA, etc.) 2. Address: Include both the address where the propos- al is to be delivered, as well as a GPS address within the community so that the contractor(s) can physically review the work to be proposed. 3. Contact Info: manager information and/or home- owner information. If the bidders need to enter a residence for inspection, then be sure to provide homeowner contact number and/or email with the homeowner’s consent of course. If the bidders are visiting the community, request that the bidders contact the manager to schedule a site visit, so that the manager can walk through the project details with the bidder and ask any questions.

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4. General Overview of Project: Example: ABC Condo- minium Association is requesting a proposal for the power washing of the entire community, which consists of 14 residential buildings. 5. Due Date: When is the proposal due? Provide ample time for the bid- ders to be able to review the project, obtain material & labor pricing, and understand that bidders most likely have numerous RFPs that they are working on. Two weeks would be the minimum turnaround time. Depending on the scope of the project, you could allow up to a month. You do not want to rush this process if you can help it. 6. Timeline: Provide the bidders with an approximate date of when CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 24

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RFP... from page 23.

you would like the project to begin (Example: Spring of 2021). You can also ask the bidders how long it will take to mobilize once the agreements have been signed and their deposit check has been received, as well as approximately how long will it take to complete the project, which can then be compared in the proposal selec- tion process. 7. Detailed Scope of Work: Each scope of work will obviously vary, depending on the project, but make sure you are as detailed as possible with the scope of work. This is where you can also utilize your rela- tionships with your vendors to assist you with generating a detailed scope of work. If you are unsure of how to write the scope, you can potentially ask a contractor vendor if they would be willing to provide you with the first proposal for your project, which would then be used as the RFP spec- ifications for all other bidders. You should be open and honest about this favor you are asking of that vendor, as contractors often put a lot of time and effort into their proposals. If appli- cable, you can also provide a com- munity map and pictures with your detailed scope, which will help with the accuracy of the RFP/proposal. • Helpful hint: Google Earth Pro can be downloaded for free. You can enter an address in the Google Earth Pro search bar and take a screen shot of an ariel view of your community and/or the project area. The program is very user

CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 26

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