March 2025 CT
March 2025 Community Trends ®
FORESIGHT TO FORTIFY FOUNDATIONS
In This Issue
A Mokhtari/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images
• Navigating Uncertainty in Construction Pricing for 2025 • The Community Wealth Preservation Program and the Foreclosure of Properties in Community Associations • How Engineering Services Add Value to Your Project and Can Save You Money • Electric Vehicles
... and more!
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The Community Associations Institute New Jersey chapter would like to thank its 2025 Ultimate Partners below. For more information on our sponsorships, please contact CAI-NJ at 609-588-0030 or info@cainj.org.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
THE CAI-NJ COMMUNITY TRENDS ® MAGAZINE CONTENTS 16 Navigating Uncertainty in Construction Pricing for 2025 By Ross Catanzarite The Accent Group, Inc.
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22 The Community Wealth Preservation Program and the Foreclosure of Properties in Community Associations By Kevin T. DelRocini, Esq. McGovern Legal Services, LLC
28 How Engineering Services Add Value to Your Project and Can Save You Money
By Kristy Winchock, EIT Morris Engineering, LLC
36 Electric Vehicles By Briana Arvay The Falcon Group
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EXTRAS President’s Corner
5
Looking Ahead
6
CAI-NJ Upcoming Events
7
High-Rise Site Tour
7
Legislative Update
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28
Conquer + Connect Registration
11
Jules Frankel Manager Assistance Program
12
Lunch with LAC Recap & Photos
21
2025 Dennis R. Casale Memorial Golf Outing — Save the Date
27
Board Leadership Development Workshop
29
PAC the Lanes Recap & Photos
34
CA-PAC Top Golf Fundraiser Registration
37
PAC the Haus — Save the Date
41
36
New Members
42
Request for Educational Speaking Proposals
45
2025 Online Directory Advertising Form
47
2025 Ultimate Partner Listings
48
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Write for Community Trends ®
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MARCH 2025
CAI-NJ BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH CHORBA, CPA WILKINGUTTENPLAN
PRESIDENT ELECT RYAN FLEMING, CIRMS, EBP THE BALDWIN GROUP
PRESIDENT STEVEN MLENAK, ESQ. GREENBAUM, ROWE, SMITH & DAVIS, LLP
SECRETARY CHERYL RHINE, CIC, CIRMS, EBP USI INSURANCE SERVICES
TREASURER MICHAEL FLIPPIN, CMCA, AMS, PCAM INTEGRA MANAGEMENT CORP., AAMC
BOARD MEMBERS
Mary Barrett, Esq. Stark & Stark, Attorneys at Law Business Partner Bruce Blum Canal Walk Homeowners Association Homeowner Leader Charles Lavine Traditions at Federal Point Condominium Association Homeowner Leader
Kristina Munson, PCAM RCP Management Company, AAMC, AMO Management Company Erin O’Reilly, CMCA, AMS, PCAM FirstService Residential Community Association Manager Robert Travis, CIRMS Long Beach Commons Condominium Association Homeowner Leader
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Christopher Nicosia, CMCA, AMS, PCAM RCP Management Company, AAMC, AMO
GENERAL COUNSEL Jason Orlando, Esq. Orlando Murphy LLP
GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Wendell A. Smith, Esq., CCAL Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Steven Mlenak, Esq. 2025 CAI-NJ PRESIDENT GREENBAUM, ROWE, SMITH & DAVIS, LLP
CAI-NJ TEAM
A s we age, the “years get shorter, but the days get longer.” Parents know this all too well. Just yesterday I remember bringing our daughter Mia home from the hospital. Now it seems that I’m being asked to chauffeur her around to Sephora, Ulta, and Bath and Body Works weekly! (And yes, I did have to look up how to spell “chauffeur”). Well, just as it feels that Mia was born yesterday, so too does it feel that I just wrote last month’s article yesterday and
ANGELA KAVANAUGH CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANGELA@CAINJ.ORG JACLYN OLSZEWSKI DIRECTOR, CONFERENCE & EVENTS JACLYN@CAINJ.ORG ROBIN SURGENT DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ROBIN@CAINJ.ORG BROOKE STOPPIELLO-NEVINS EDITORIAL & WEBSITE MANAGER BROOKE@CAINJ.ORG JOCELYN GARLOCK PROGRAMS & EVENTS COORDINATOR JOCELYN@CAINJ.ORG HELEN KIECHLIN MARKETING & MEMBER RELATIONS COORDINATOR HELEN@CAINJ.ORG
now this one is due! Fear not, loyal readers. I’m here for you. This month, I want to take a minute to expand upon the importance of board member education, the current resources available to board members that are members of CAI, and the steps that CAI-NJ is currently
“Volunteer board members play a pivotal role in overseeing the management and operation of a community association.”
taking to bring board member education to a whole new level this summer. Volunteer board members play a pivotal role in overseeing the management and operation of a community association. While these individuals are often residents with a shared interest in their community’s well-being, their responsibil ities extend far beyond casual involvement. It is essential that volunteer board members be trained on a range of important topics to ensure the effective, legal, and ethical governance of the community. Training in areas such as applicable laws, proper meeting protocols, the fiduciary duty, ethics and conflicts, and the relationship between the board and property management, not only protects the association but also upholds the interests of the residents they serve. One of the most critical reasons for board member education is to ensure they are knowledgeable about the laws governing common interest communities. Associations are subject to a complex web of local, state, and federal regula tions that can significantly impact how associations operate. These laws cover a wide variety of topics, including: • New Jersey-Specific Laws: Including the Condominium Act, the Radburn Act, and the Non-Profit Corporations Act. • Contract and Procurement Laws: Board members must understand how to properly negotiate contracts, including those with service providers, and ensure the association follows best practices in terms of procurement of ven dors and project oversight.
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
CONTINUES ON PAGE 40
CAI-NJ
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MARCH 2025
LOOKING AHEAD ANGELA KAVANAUGH | CAI-NJ CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
an even more effective board member. The program instruc tors will be Harold Berlowe, Jessica Kizmann, CPA and Andrew Podolski, Esq. The two-day, in-person program will be presented free of charge for homeowner leader mem bers at the CAI-NJ Headquarters in Freehold and is limited to 20 participants. For further information and to register, visit, https://cainj.org/education-events/ . March 27th, The Eighth Annual CA-PAC Top Golf Fundraiser. Join us for an evening of food, bev erages, and networking with your colleagues, all while supporting the CA-PAC. Your contributions assist elected officials who strengthen your community. For further infor mation on this event and to learn more about the CA-PAC, visit, https://cainj.org/make-a-donation/ Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program provides scholarships to member community association managers. There is still time to submit your request. If you are planning to take the M-100, or any 200 or 300 level courses in 2025, apply for a $250 reim bursement per course. To apply for the scholarship please visit https://cainj.org/2025-jules-frankel-program/ and to also learn how to obtain your industry designations such as the CMCA, AMS and PCAM, visit, the manager resource page, https://cainj.org/manager-resources/. Now accepting education proposals. Industry professionals, the chapter staff is looking for experts in the industry to share their expertise with our members. Please consider submitting an education proposal by visiting, https://cainj.org/education-proposals/. For further information and to register for all our upcoming programs, please visit, for networking events, https://cainj.org/network-events/ and for educational pro grams https://cainj.org/education-events/. Thank you to all of our Board of Directors, committee members and partners. You are the foundation of our chap ter. It is because of your support and dedication that we are able to offer the benefits and resources to our members. n
Community Associations Institute advances community association
T his is the mission statement of Community Association Institute (CAI). Community association managers and homeowner leaders, build your solid foundation through education and resources available through your chapter membership. It will allow you to endure challenges and create long-term success for yourself and the commu nities that you serve. As Steve Mlenak, Esq. stated in his article on page 5, “Training in areas such as applicable laws, proper meeting protocols, the fiduciary duty, ethics and conflicts, and the relationship between the board and property management, not only protects the association but also upholds the interests of the residents they serve.” To help our members obtain the much-needed knowledge, there are many opportunities to take advantage of this month. March 6th, The High-Rise Site Tour. Community association managers and board members join us for our new event, an in-person look at Crystal Pointe Condominiums, 42 stories of luxury condo residences in Jersey City, to learn about the preventative maintenance and structural components of a high-rise, including the park ing garage, mechanical room, and elevators. The tour and discussion will be led by the community’s attorney, engi neer, insurance, and amenities professionals. Following the tour the attendees and our business partner members will have the opportunity to network at Hudson & Co., across the street for a casual happy hour. For further information and to register, visit, https://cainj.org/education-events/ March 19th & 20th, Board Leadership Dev elopment Workshop. This program, created specifi cally for homeowner leaders, will instruct you on how to be governance, management, and quality of life by inspiring professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship.
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MARCH 2025
2025 Events & Education Calendar MARCH Thursday, March 6th High-Rise Site Tour Crystal Point Condominiums, Jersey City Wednesday, March 19th - Thursday, March 20th Board Leadership Development Workshop CAI-NJ Headquarters, Freehold Thursday, March 27th CA-PAC Top Golf Top Golf, Edison SEPTEMBER Thursday, September 11th Beach Party Martell’s Tiki Bar, Pt. Pleasant OCTOBER Wednesday, October 15th Conference Kick-Off Sheraton Edison Thursday, October 16th Conference & Expo New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, Edison
APRIL Tuesday, April 8th Conquer + Connect Wilshire Grand Hotel, West Orange
Register for these and other events at www.cainj.org All events are subject to change .
JUNE Wednesday, June 4th PAC the Haus Beach Haus Brewery, Belmar Tuesday, June 17th Dennis R. Casale Memorial Golf Outing Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Twp.
HIGH-RISE
CRYSTAL POINT CONDOMINIUMS, JERSEY CITY THURSDAY, MARCH 6 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM 4:30 PM *CASUAL HAPPY HOUR MEET-UP WITH BUSINESS PARTNERS AT HUDSON & CO. 2 CEUS TO BE PROVIDED FOR COMMUNITY MANAGERS CLICK HERE OR SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DETAILS
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MARCH 2025
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
MATTHEW Z. EARLE, ESQ. KATES, NUSSMAN, ELLIS, FARHI & EARLE, LLP LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE CHAIR
W e are pleased to inform you that our “Lunch with LAC” event on February 4, 2024, was very successful, and we were able to raise significant funds due to our generous sponsors and the packed house. At that event, Greg Vinogradsky, Esq., EBP, Steven Mlenak, Esq., John Reichart, CMCA, AMS, Ed San George, PCAM and I provided updates on Structural Integrity and Reserve Funding, Manager Licensing, Board Member Training, and other hot topics, and I thank them for their participation. We are in the process of arranging for a legislative update event in North Jersey, so be on the lookout. A few bullet points for you to be aware of: • We continue our efforts to protect the structural integrity and reserve funding bill from various legislative challeng es and have been conducting an enormous amount of both educational outreach to those in the industry and constituent outreach to those impacted by the law who have lodged complaints with their legislators. Hopefully, these efforts will be successful in tamping down some of the legislator’s concerns about the bill based on com plaints arising out of a few communities. • We have submitted alternative language for manager licensing and board member training to Assemblywoman Quijano and eagerly await her feedback on same. • There is an upcoming deadline of April 15, 2025, when new mulch regulations will come into effect. These regulations require that combustible mulch be at least 18 inches away from combustible building materials. However, please note that it is our understanding that
these regulations do not apply to single family homes and what are referred to as “single-family attached” homes, generally meaning townhomes. However, THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE ! If your community has combusti ble mulch, you should speak with your local fire official, the Department of Community Affairs, and your asso ciation counsel to determine whether these regulations apply to your community.
“If your community has combustible mulch, you should speak with your local fire official, the Department of Community Affairs, and your association counsel...”
• There has been significant movement on various pieces of legislation regarding Accessory Dwelling Units. These laws are intended to increase housing supplies by mak ing it easier for owners to construct additional dwelling areas on their property. We have submitted comments indicating the urgent need to take into account the par ticular interests of community associations. • We are giving significant consideration to A3538, a bill concerning creating a homestead and bank account exemption to protect certain real and personal property of debtors. Our goal is to seek certain amendments to this law to protect the rights of associations to collect their fees. n
Stay up-to-date on legislative issues at www.cainj.org.
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MARCH 2025
2025 CAI-NJ COMMITTEES
AWARDS Lindsay Cupples, EBP — Chair Christine Maldonado — Vice Chair Kim Dempsey Michael Bedziner Liz Bonafide Jeanine Clark, Esq. Drew Cowley Kristi Evans
EDITORIAL Casey Noon — Chair Damon Kress, Esq. — Vice Chair Pushpa Agrawal Justine DelVecchio David Dockery, Esq. Steven Mackoul Nicole Martone, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Michael Mezzo, CPA, MBA Steve Morris, PE, RS Andrew Podolski, Esq. Patricia Polak Kerri Stimpson, CMCA Board Liaisons: Mary Barrett, Esq. Erin O’Reilly, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaison: Brooke Stoppiello-Nevins EVENTS Randy Vogel — Chair Anthony Gjergji, Jr. Freedom Hildreth Jaclyn Kavendek Neil Lehane Maria Mikowski Bob Morrison, MBA, EBP Debbie Pasquariello, CIRMS, EBP Evelyn Quiles Jessica Rauch Laura Seeley Melissa Volet, Esq. Matt Wright Jill Zulin Board Liaisons: Charles Lavine Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Nicole Ancona Arun Ayyagari Tim Bruchez Dean Catanzarite Diane Cody, CMCA, PCAM Marty Conway Frank Fasolo, IV Clarissa Garito
GOLF OUTING Jasmin Shelton — Chair Sal Iozzia — Vice Chair Chris Belkot Martin Cabalar, Esq. Bill Cohen Lorenzo Cullari, AICP Chris Fernandes, EBP Donna Fiore, CMCA Kristin Guinan Jenny Hollingsworth Lisa Komitor Cathy Mango, EBP Kristin Marzarella-Amato Paul Migliore Tony Nardone, MBA, PCAM Matt Pfister Michael Polulak, Esq. David Shahrabani, EBP Michael Sturchio Ryan Weiner Paul Wojciechowski Andrew Woller Board Liaisons: Cheryl Rhine, CIC, CIRMS, EBP Robert Travis Staff Liaisons: Jocelyn Garlock Jaclyn Olszewski HOMEOWNER LEADER Thomas Krieger — Chair Barbara Finn — Vice Chair Gerald Bajc Roz Brodsky Todd Edelman Marty Ehrlich
MANAGER Mariaellen Varelis, CMCA — Chair Erin Spilliotopoulos, CMCA, AMS — Vice Chai r Raymond Barnes, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Jacqueline Grant, CMCA Chuck Graziano, PCAM Katherine Henriques Richard Mattalian, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Laurie Nieliwocki, CMCA, AMS Danyel Penix, CMCA Scott Shelby Elaine Warga-Murray, CMCA, AMS PCAM, MA Board Liaisons: Michael Flippin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Erin O’Reilly, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Olszewski Robin Surgent MEMBERSHIP Steve Roderick, EBP — Chair Melissa Lloyd, CMCA, AMS — Vice Chair
Anthony Farber, Esq. Robert Galano, R.C.S Nick Haralambopoulos, CPA
Kari Prout, CMCA Ross Rutman, EBP
Jodi Smallwood, EBP, RS Eileen Szelewicki, CMCA Board Liaisons: Ryan Fleming, CIRMS, EBP Steve Mlenak, Esq. Staff Liaisons: Jocelyn Garlock Jaclyn Olszewski BUSINESS PARTNER John Prisco, Esq., EBP — Chair Donna Meyer, EBP — Vice Chair Joe Bonafede Jason Ciavarro, EBP Glenn Fedale, Sr., EBP Carrie Fusella, EBP Frank Gencarelli Cory Haynes Dave Kiessling, RS, EBP Sally McCray Francis McGovern, Esq. Chris Merkler Christopher Lugara, Esq., EBP Jonathan Moscou Michael Vargetto David Velasco, EBP Gregory Vinogradsky, Esq., EBP Board Liaisons: Joe Chorba, CPA Ryan Fleming, CIRMS, EBP Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Olszewski Robin Surgent CONFERENCE & EXPO John Echelmeier — Chair George Caso Martinez — Vice Chair Shelia Adams, CMCA, AMS Tom Anzalone Tavarious Butts, EBP Ellen Comiski, CMCA Saher Gouda, EBP Helene Kelly Heather McLean, Esq. Jerome Quagliozzi Holly Teufel, CMCA, AMS Board Liaisons: Bruce Blum Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Brian Aubrey, PCAM Martin Bahner, EBP Marie Bridgeforth Jay Burak Jordan Burkhalter, CPA
Tara Baldwin, CPA Andrew Batshaw Elysa Bergenfeld, Esq. Megan Brazil, EBP
Jeffrey Cuevas Tony DeBlasio Nikki Gist Nat Ismaeil
Kim Manicone, EBP Francisco Marcucci Andrew Newman, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Kathleen Radler Michael Ragusa Brent Rivenburg, EBP Michael Ryan Lawrence Sauer, CMCA, PCAM, CPM
Charles Fredericks Kenneth Freeman
Denise Schiera Ryan Trembley Board Liaisons: Joe Chorba, CPA Charles Lavine Staff Liaisons: Robin Surgent
Lois Gerber Carl Kentzel
Marcia Klioze Richard Lans Cheryl Palent Hazel Thomas-Ryan Board Liaisons: Bruce Blum Robert Travis, CIRMS Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Olszewski Robin Surgent LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE (LAC)/PAC Matthew Z. Earle, Esq. — Chair Edward San George, PCAM — Vice Chair Jackie Thermidor, CMCA, AMS, PCAM — Secretary Mohammed Salyani, CPA — Treasurer Elizabeth Comando, CMCA, PCAM — PAC President Andrew Podolski, Esq. — PAC Vice President James Rademacher, EBP — PAC Committee Jennifer Alexander, Esq. Roslyn Brodsky Barbara Drummond, CMCA, PCAM Mitchell Frumkin, RS Karyn Kennedy-Branco, Esq. Terry Kessler, Esq. Richard Milder Christopher Nicosia, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Cheryl Palent
Staff Liaisons: Jocelyn Garlock Jaclyn Olszewski F.A.S.T
NORTH JERSEY REGIONAL Vincent Rapolla, AMS, PCAM — Chair Michael Luzzi, CIRMS, EBP, CPIA — Vice Chair Robert Arnone, CMCA, AMS, MRSE, CPM Bill Beyer David Cerqueira, Esq. Cara Landolfi, Esq. Rick Lang Stacey Patterson, Esq.
Eric Eggert, CIRMS, CIC, EBP — Chair Chelsea Brodmerkel, EBP — Vice Chair
Adara Azeez Jon Cairone Melanie Donnoli, EBP Rebecca Gavin Sean Kovatch Steven Kuhnert Mary Ellen Liberatore, Esq. Will Meola, RS Jessica Long Matt Manners Marian Miawad
Nika Postnikov Frank Santiago Jason Sponzilli Board Liaisons: Joe Chorba, CPA Michael Flippin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Olszewski Robin Surgent WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP Linda Courain, CMCA, AMS — Chair Nikki Schillaci, EBP — Vice Chair Briana Arvay Catherine Brennan, Esq. Jennifer Carr Jamie Cullen-DeVries, CMCA, AMS Beth Duffy, CMCA Dena Hendry Jessica Kizmann, CPA Lirelle Klein Shannon McCormick Tricia McMahon Rachel Neves, EBP Anita Rothery Board Liaisons: Mary Barrett, Esq. Cheryl Rhine, CIC, CIRMS, EBP Staff Liaisons: Jaclyn Olszewski Robin Surgent
Nicole Miller, Esq. Jen O’Brien, CMCA Jose Romero, EBP Dan Schweitzer Dharmi Shah Peter Shine, EBP Lauren Vadenais, EBP Kristy Winchock, EBP Tayler Young Board Liaisons: Holly Stimmel Jimmy Stovall
Staff Liaisons: Jocelyn Garlock Jaclyn Olszewski
J. David Ramsey, Esq. Lisa Rayca, CMCA, AMS John Reichart, AMS Cheryl Rhine, CIC, CIRMS, EBP Gregory Vinogradsky, Esq. Board Liaisons:
Michael Flippin, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Staff Liaisons: Brooke Stoppiello-Nevins Robin Surgent
Steven Mlenak, Esq. Robert Travis, CIRMS Staff Liaisons: Angela Kavanaugh Robin Surgent
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MARCH 2025
CAI-NJ 2025 PARTNERS
Alliance Association Bank Anchor Pest Control Ansell.Law Apex Air Duct, Dryer Vent & Chimney Cleaning Associa Community Management Corporation, AAMC Becker BELFOR Property Restoration Brown & Brown of Lehigh Valley Corner Property Management Company, LLC, AAMC Denali Property Management, Inc. The Falcon Group
FWH Associates, P.A. GAF Roofing Material Manufacturer Griffin Alexander, P.C. Kipcon, Inc. McGovern Legal Services, LLC Professional Restoration Services LLC DBA PuroClean Hoboken PS&S, LLC Rezkom Enterprises, Inc. Taylor Management Company, AAMC, AMO Technocality, Inc USI Insurance Services WilkinGuttenplan
Accent Group Acrisure LLC Adamas Building Services All County Exteriors AMCO Pest Solutions, Inc. The Baldwin Group Becht Engineering BT, Inc. Buckalew Frizzell & Crevina LLP
Environmental Designers Irrigation, Inc. Eosso Brothers Paving First Onsite Property Restoration Fox Chase Contracting Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP Hill Wallack LLP
O&S Associates, Inc. Parallel Architectural Group Pardini R. Construction Corporation Popular Association Bank Quality 1st Companies Rainbow- G&J Painting, LLC Regal Restoration USA Republic Services SERVPRO of Howell, Wall, Spring Lake, Asbury Park Stark & Stark Attorneys At Law Valley Bank Wilkin Management Group, Inc., AAMC
The Jesan Companies KPI 2 Enterprises Inc. Lemus Construction, Inc. Mackoul Risk Solutions, LLC Morris Engineering, LLC National Contractors, Inc. National Cooperative Bank
CCA Construction Consultant Associates, LLC CertaPro Painters of Central & Lower Bucks Clearview Washing Cowleys Pest Services Cutolo Barros, LLC
FirstService Residential Garden State Pavement Solutions Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Homestead Management Services, Inc., AAMC Hueston, McNulty, P.C. Kept Companies Landscape Maintenance Services, Inc. L.N. Rothberg and Son, Inc. Preferred Community Management Services, Inc., AAMC
Prendergast Landscape Contractors, Inc. Radom & Wetter Reino Construction, Inc. Renda Roads, Inc. SERVPRO Team Fox Smartstreet Powered By BANC of California
Accurate Reconstruction APC Hospitality, LLC AR Management Association Advisors Association Reserves, Inc.
Core Maintenance & Construction Down To Earth Landscaping Inc. Felsen Insurance Services, Inc. First Citizens Bank
South Shore Construction LLC Towne & Country Management
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025 8:00AM TO 4:00PM THE WILSHIRE GRAND WEST ORANGE
ALL REGISTRATIONS INCLUDE: A FULL DAY PASS TO ALL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, SWAG BAG AND GIVEAWAYS, ENTRY TICKET FOR DOOR PRIZES, DIRECTORY LISTING OF ALL REGSITERED ATTENDEES AT PROGRAM, BREAKFAST & LUNCH, ACCESS TO VENDOR TABLES, AND FIVE (5) HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS.
Address Company : :
MEMBERS: $125 ; NON-MEMBERS $215 Ultimate Partners and Elite Partners receive 1 ticket.
Registrants:
Name (1) :
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Name (2) :
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Name (3) :
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Name (4) :
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TOTAL
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By registering for a CAI-NJ event, the registrant acknowledges that they are responsible to pay the full registration fee at the time of registration. Registrations will not be processed until all previous outstanding balances are paid in full. Cancellations must be made by April 1st for a full refund to be provided. Swaps can be made at any time.
Check payable to CAI-NJ, mailed to: CAI-NJ, Attn: 2025 Conquer + Connect
500 Harding Road Freehold, NJ 07728
Pay by credit card. Please login to your member account at www.cainj.org or call the CAI-NJ Office at 609-588-0030 for assistance.
*CAI-NJ advises that for training, marketing or other purposes, this event may be recorded, videotaped and/or photographed. By attending this event, the registrant(s) consents to the use of his/her image by CAI-NJ and agrees to waive any claim for the use of his/her image, including without limitation, the appropriation of his/her image for commercial purposes or the invasion of his or her privacy.
To Register Online Visit www.cainj.org/network-events
For more information or to submit registration, contact events@cainj.org.
Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program Community Associations Institute NJ Chapter 2025 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 the New Jersey chapter in 2000. Jules also received the follow ing awards from CAI-NJ: Speaker of the Year in 2003, Author of the Year in 2004 and the Jerry Fien Distinguished Service Award in 2015. 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, utilize the QR Code or visit the link below to 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
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 25 th , 2025. • 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 two (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 28 th , 2025 in order to be considered for a scholar ship award. Selections will be made no later than April 25 th , 2025. 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 course reimbursement requests must be submitted by December 31 st , 2025. To apply, fill out the application on the following pages. Community Associations Institute, New Jersey chapter
500 Harding Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 Tel: 609-588-0030 | Fax: 609-588-0040 Email: info@cainj.org
Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program Community Associations Institute NJ Chapter
MANAGER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION - 2025 The information provided on this page will remain confidential until recipients are selected. Please complete the application and contact the chapter office if you have any questions. APPLICANT INFORMATION Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Work Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City/ State/ Zip: ____________________________________________________________________________ Mobile Phone No: _________________________________________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION Current Employer: __________________________________________________________________________ Number of Years in the Industry: _____________________ CAI Member Since: __________________________ Current CAI Certification/ Designations: ____ CMCA ____ AMS ____ PCAM ____ LSM To ensure confidential and anonymous selection, please provide a confidential four-digit code that will be printed on your entry. ____ ____ ____ ____ (Please avoid something like “1234” to avoid duplicating another entrant’s code)
Jules C. Frankel Manager Education Assistance Program Community Associations Institute NJ Chapter
MANAGER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION - 2025
Please provide your four-digit code here (from previous page) ____ ____ ____ ____ I am applying for the following PMDP class (or classes): Course Name and Number Location (or online) Date __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Please provide answers to the following questions in essay form. Each answer should be 500 words or less. Please number your answers, and attach the separate page(s) to this page. 1. What personal and professional attributes make for a solid and effective community association manager? 2. The community association management field is constantly evolving. Please provide an example of a lesson-learned that has enabled you to grow professionally in the field and how that has allowed you to become more effective in your role. 3. Briefly explain why you make a good candidate to receive the manager scholarship and explain how the scholarship will foster the development of your career as a community association manager. 4. (Prior recipients only) How does applying for this scholarship benefit you and what would you tell others who would be interested in advancing their careers? Please list all of the CAI events (in-person or virtual) that you have attended in the twelve months prior to this application. Also list any other CAI involvement during the last 3 years (committees, etc.) 1. _______________________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________________________
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Navigating Uncertainty in Construction Pricing for 2025
By Ross Catanzarite, The Accent Group, Inc.
“Geopolitical issues, changing economic policies, natural disasters...could cause sudden and substantial price increases...”
I f there’s one lesson that the community association industry learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s to expect the unexpected. That lesson will be particularly important to remember this year as we look at the construction pricing landscape. After the pandemic rocked global supply chains start ing in 2020, prices of more than 80 percent of construc tion materials rose sharply over the next three years — with an average jump of 19 percent, according to data from Gordian, a construction cost analytics firm. While costs have been relatively stable since then, signs point to the year ahead being quite unpredictable. Geopolitical issues, changing economic policies, natural disasters (including the recent California wildfires) and other unforeseen factors could cause sudden and substantial price increases in construction materials. In these uncertain times, it’s critical for community association property man agers and board members to stay informed about factors affecting the price of construction materials. Keeping in
mind lessons learned during the pandemic, it’s also essential to work proactively with your partners to develop strategies that can help mitigate potential increases. What Do We Know About Pricing in 2025? From our research and conversations with multiple sup pliers and manufacturers, it’s challenging to predict precise ly where prices are headed in 2025. Gordian projects 4-5 percent annual cost increases for many material categories this year. That’s in line with the normal price increases we tend to see annually for roofing, siding and lumber, absent any unexpected factors. Let’s look at what we’ve learned so far about these three key materials for 2025. ROOFING Price increases and shortages in asphalt roofing over the past few years have mainly been driven by demand out weighing supply. Roofing prices are also affected by other factors, including rising trucking rates, warehouse expenses and labor costs.
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NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY... from page 16.
Due to demand outpacing supply, asphalt shingle manufacturers have announced a 6-10 percent price increase taking effect in April. A sec ond increase is likely in the fall. There also may be limited color availability and shortages this year if demand remains high. Many customers ask why asphalt roofing costs have not dropped even as oil and gasoline prices have decreased recently, given that they are petro leum-based products. One factor is that improvements in the oil refining process have enabled producers to yield higher amounts of fuel products, leaving less byproduct available to create asphalt. In addition, the vast majority of asphalt is used in road projects, putting more price pressure on shingle producers because they represent a smaller piece of the overall asphalt market. SIDING Vinyl siding prices increased slightly heading into 2025, but there’s not expected to be much cost volatility through the rest of the year. A key component in vinyl siding — acrylo nitrile styrene acrylate, or ASA, made mainly of recycled materials — comes largely from Mexico, so prices could be impacted by potential U.S. tariffs imposed on that country. But even so, such increases would likely be margin al. In addition, PVC trim prices project to be relatively stable this year. LUMBER The most commonly used lumber in decking work for community associa
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NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY... from page 20.
2. PRE-PURCHASE MATERIALS Consider pre-purchasing materials to lock in current pricing and offset the impact of potentially significant cost hikes. Keep in mind, however, that suppliers generally will not be able to store materials and deliver them as needed. Key questions to consider include: Do you have secure, cost-effective storage areas on your premises? How long would you need to store the materials and how long are they viable? Can you insure the materials to avoid addition al costs in case of damage? 3. MAKE SURE YOUR CONTRACTS ARE CLEAR Cost escalation clauses have long been common in con struction contracts. They allow for annual price adjustments based on market conditions, usually ranging from 3 to 5 percent. The COVID-19 pandemic was such an unprece dented jolt to the global supply chain that many community associations and their contractors needed to adjust their agreements so both sides could absorb some of the pain from massive price increases. Standard cost escalation clauses have become business as usual again as market conditions have mostly stabilized. But with many uncertain CONTINUES ON PAGE 40
tions — Southern Yellow Pine — is American made and will not be affected by the much-discussed potential tariffs on Canada (which supplies much of the softwood lumber used in homebuilding). However, the devastating wildfires in California will likely boost demand for all types of lum ber as the area rebuilds, affecting supplies and pricing nationwide. Although we are now in wait-and-see mode regarding lumber prices, there are steps that you can take to help manage issues that may result in cost increases for key materials in the year to come. How Do You Prepare for the Unknown? 1. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PROJECT PARTNERS Property managers and board members should com municate regularly with your contractors, engineers, and attorneys to stay informed about potential price increases. Regular communication ensures that everyone is aware of the latest market trends and can make informed decisions.
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W hile foreclosure is a major collections tool for community associations across New Jersey, many board members and industry professionals may be unaware that New Jersey’s foreclosure law has just undergone its most significant change in living memory. On January 12, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Assembly Bill A5664/Senate Bill S4240, commonly known as the “Community Wealth Preservation Program” or “CWPP.” This sweeping legis lation fundamentally changes how foreclosure sales are conducted in several ways, most significantly the rights it affords to so-called “Nonprofit Community Development Corporations” at sheriff’s sales of foreclosed properties. When a property is foreclosed, it is sold at a “sheriff’s sale” — a public auction conducted by the sheriff of the county in which the property is located. The goal is for the property to be bid on by members of the public, ideally to be sold at or around its fair market value. The CWPP allows certain corporations to eliminate the bidding process by purchasing foreclosed properties outright at the foreclosing party’s “upset price” – an amount that generally reflects what the party is owed. In many cases, the “upset price” is far less than the fair market value of the property. Consider the example below: The Community Wealth Preservation Program and the Foreclosure of Properties in Community Associations By Kevin T. DelRocini, Esq., McGovern Legal Services, LLC
“The CWPP allows certain corporations to eliminate the bidding process...”
1. Party A forecloses on a mortgage. At the time of sheriff’s sale, Party A is owed a total of $100,000. Party A’s “upset price” is $100,000. The foreclosed property is valued at $500,000. 2. The property is announced at sheriff’s sale. Corporation B announces that it is exercising its right to buy the
property under the CWPP. Corporation B pur chases the property for Party A’s “upset price” of $100,000. No public bidding takes place. One thing should stand out in this exam ple: Corporation B purchased the property for a steal — $400,000 cheaper than its
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COMMUNITY WEALTH... from page 22.
talization through the restoration of vacant and abandoned property to create or preserve affordable housing.” Noble as the legislature’s intentions may have been, the CWPP has caused serious concern among many in govern ment and the private sector who are familiar with the fore closure process. Sheriff’s sales have seen an onslaught of “Nonprofit Community Development Corporations,” many of which satisfy the minimal requirements of the CWPP, but whose actual motives are less clear. The concerns are so great that, as of this writing, two counties (Ocean and Atlantic) have stopped applying this section of the CWPP entirely. Regardless of whether “Nonprofit Community Develop ment Corporations” truly exist for “community revitaliza tion,” the CWPP has at least two significant implications for community associations. The first is financial. Community associations often record liens against properties when the owners are delinquent. When a property is sold at sheriff’s sale and the sale price exceeds the upset price, the differ ence between the sale price and the upset price is held by the state as “surplus funds.” Associations that recorded
fair market value. This is a simplistic illustration, but count less similar circumstances have unfolded across the state since the CWPP went into effect in January 2024. The legislative goal behind this section of the CWPP is to allow qualifying “Nonprofit Community Development Corporations” to acquire foreclosed properties at a reduced price, so that they can either permit the former owners to
continue living there, or lease or sell the property subject to affordable housing restrictions. To qual ify, a corporation must be a tax-exempt nonprofit entity under Section 501(c)(3) of
“...the CWPP has at least two significant implications for community associations.”
the Internal Revenue Code, and its IRS filings must indicate that the mission of the corporation includes “community revi
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COMMUNITY WEALTH... from page 24.
ment Corporations” to purchase prop erties at the upset price. This prevents any surplus funds from being generated and, as a result, eliminates what is often the association’s most feasible method of recovery. Since the CWPP went into effect, several associations, as well as lenders who have been
similarly deprived of access to surplus funds, have taken to court to challenge the constitutionality of the CWPP for this reason. As of this writing, this litigation remains unresolved. The second major implication is less immediate, but possibly even more far-reaching. The CWPP requires that, if a property is purchased by a “Nonprofit Community Development Corporation” and then sold or leased, it must be deed-restricted as affordable housing. Affordable housing deed restrictions mean that only purchasers or renters below a certain maximum income can buy or rent the prop erty. Many community associations have a certain number of affordable units; others have none. Regardless, as properties within associations are sold under the CWPP and converted to affordable housing, the number of affordable-housing units will gradually expand. The long-term effects of this development are uncertain, but it has the potential to drastically alter the socioeconomic composition of many community associations across the state. The phenomenon of “Nonprofit Com munity Development Corporations” spawned by the CWPP is only one piece of this paradigm-shifting legisla tion. Its full story is yet to be told, as we await decisions of the courts and pos sible legislative action to amend the law. For now, community associations are left to contend with a foreclosure process that is far removed from what it was little more than a year ago. n “The second major implication is less immediate, but possibly even more far-reaching.”
liens on the property can then apply to obtain those “surplus funds” and be made whole. Recall, however, that the CWPP allows “Nonprofit Community Develop
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