Written by Mike Ramsey. Cultural clashes and potential fair housing disputes, including fights over the Confederate flag, are impacting the inclusive and supportive mission of communities. Most community associations may never see a Confederate flag in their midst, but legal experts say it behooves all leaders to think preemptively about visual cues and behaviors – […]
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“Membership Distinction,” Common Ground Magazine
A New Jersey bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on Sept. 30 explains which community associations have mandatory – as opposed to voluntary – membership for homeowners when it comes to assessment payments and other aspects of association governance, writes WRNJ. The new statute (S908/A2480) clarifies the 2017 Radburn Law, which defines members […]
Read More“Lawyer Up,” Common Ground Magazine
Some boards only engage legal counsel when a situation has become dire. Others are overly cautious and all the attorney at the drop of a hat, but unusually high legal bills often lead to membership scrutiny. More often than not, however, boards don’t consult legal counsel enough. It’s a dangerous way to do business since […]
Read More“On the Board: Privacy Protected,” Common Ground
Board members must navigate a number of responsibilities including legal issues. As a board member, do you know how to protect your privacy and avoid exposure when faced with a lawsuit? Becker Shareholder Jack Kallus shares his expertise for “On the Board,” a column in Common Ground: CAI’s magazine for Community Association Leaders. Jack offers […]
Read More“Armed and Dangerous,” CAI Common Ground
The increasing number of “active-shooter” incidents across the U.S. and abroad is creating troubling questions for community association boards. Is it time to think of the unthinkable? By Mike Ramsey Reprinted with permission from the May/June 2019 issue of Common Ground TM magazine, the flagship publication of Community Associations Institute (CAI). www.caionline.org IT WAS NOT […]
Read MoreFiduciary Fight
HE LATE-AUTUMN SUN hung low over the Gulf of Mexico. Looking south from the fourth floor breezeway of the Shores of Panama condominium tower, you could absorb the serenity of a North Florida sunset, inhale the cool, salt-charged air and understand the notion of timelessness. But none of the 100-plus people inside a ballroom took […]
Read MoreOn the Board: Doing Better
MANY COMMUNITY association board members have a strong desire to make their communities better places to live. For those who are both optimistic and strategic about the changes they can make in their communities, there are a few “must have” items that should be on your radar. Updating governing documents. An outdated set of documents […]
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