I just wanted to acknowledge what a terrific event  we sponsored last evening with Heather Gillespie, Ombudsman for the Commonwealth Of Virginia Common Interest  Community Board.  Ms. Gillespie’s presentation was both practical and informative.  During the Q and A it was apparent that the clients and other professionals in attendance had learned something and  found the information useful.

It was all very professional and a really great night for CMG.  Thanks to everyone that worked so hard to put on the event.  GO CMG!

Thomas Mazzei, CEO – Cardinal Management Group, Inc.

Your Community, Your Call:  Assessment Collections in Challenging Times will replay on Monday nights on Fairfax County Government Channel 16 and is also available by Video on Demand at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cable/channel16/asx/your_community.asx .

Your Community, Your Call is a bi-monthly program for homeowner and condominium association directors, managers, and members featuring industry professionals. The most recent program featured Michelle L. Thompson, Consumer Affairs Branch; Donna M. Mason, Attorney with the law firm of Segan, Mason & Mason, P.C.; and Thomas Mazzei, CEO of Cardinal Management Group, Inc.

Homeowner Rights & Responsibilities

As a homeowner in your association, you have certain rights—and responsibilities.

You have the right to . . .

• A responsive and competent community association.
• Honest, fair, and respectful treatment by community leaders and managers.
• Attend meetings, serve on committees, and run for election.
• Access appropriate association records.
•  Prudent financial management of fees and other assessments.
•  Live in a community where the property is maintained according to established standards.
• Fair treatment regarding financial and other association obligations, including the opportunity to discuss payment plans and options before the association takes any legal action, and the right to appeal decisions.
• Receive all rules and regulations governing the community association—if not prior to purchase and settlement, then upon joining the community.

You also have the responsibility to . . .

Maintain your property according to established standards.

• Treat association leaders with honesty and respect.
• Read and comply with rules and regulations of the community and ensure that your tenants and guest do too.
• Vote in community elections and on other issues.
• Pay association assessments and charges on time.
• Contact association leaders or managers, if necessary, to discuss financial obligations and alternative payment arrangements.
• Request reconsideration of material decisions that personally affect you.
• Provide your current contact information to the association so you receive all information from the community.

Cardinal  Management Group, Inc. is proud to announce Windsor Plaza has been awarded the CAI 2011 Medium Community Association of the Year.  

Congradulations CMG and the Windsor Plaza team!

A national CAI webinar included a presentation by Don Mazzei, Corporate Operations Officer of Cardinal Management Group, Inc. and Stewart Carter, Vice President of Operations of Cardinal Management Group, Inc. – Florida.  The presentation highlighted the use of mobile computing and how it is affecting the community management business.

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We are proud to announce that our very own Sr. Portfolio Manager Sarah Elise Gerstein, CMCA^®, AMS^®, PCAM^® has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan chapter of the Community Association Institute (WMCCAI).

Sarah was elected in a run-off election after being in a three way tie in the first round of balloting.

CONGRATULATIONS, SARAH!

FHA Backtraks on Fidelity Bonds

FHA released guidelines in June that included a mandate that professionally managed condominium associations compel their management companies to carry fidelity bonds in amounts equal to the associations’ budget and reserves. In addition, all condominium associations would be required to carry fidelity insurance to cover board members and association employees.
FHA representatives indicated in September that the agency would back off its requirement that management companies carry fidelity bonds. Instead, the FHA will allow associations to obtain policies that cover their management companies. FHA’s reversal will save management companies and homeowners money and allow more condominium associations to meet FHA mortgage requirements.

If you’re considering running for the board, we ask that you take a few moments to ask yourself the following three questions:

Do I have the time? –  As a board member, you will need to devote at least several hours of your time each month to association business. In addition to regular monthly board meetings, you will need to be active in email discussions and occasional special meetings. During special projects, you may need to spend a little extra time on association business. Some board members may also spend a little more time than others if they work with a committee. 

Can I make tough decisions when it’s required? –  The primary role of the board is to conduct the business of the association. This doesn’t just mean approving the budget, but also developing and enforcing policies. Board members are required to step outside their immediate circle of family and neighbors and make decisions based on the greater good of the community.

Can I do all this and have fun, too? – It isn’t all about policies and tough decisions. Our community is only as good as we make it, and establishing and maintaining a sense of community is a part of a board member’s responsibility. Planning and attending functions such as our picnics and being a presence in the community are as important as any policy decisions you may make.

Being a board member can be frustrating at times, but it may also be one of the most rewarding ways you’ll find to volunteer your time.  If you’re interested in running for the board or would like more details about board’s responsibilities, please contact the manager or a current board member.

Community Associations Institute

Cardinal Management Group, Inc., recognizes our property manager Rick Balzhiser, CMCA, AMS for his hard work and assistance to our client community, Talltree South Condominium Association which was awarded “Community Association of the Year” (medium) by the Washington Metropolitan chapter of Community Associations Institute.

Read below attached article.

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