About the Association’s Investment Policy

Just like homeowners, the association saves money to cover large future expenses—like new roofs. Because the association represents many homeowners, our savings are significant. We take advantage of that—up to a point—by investing the savings to earn a little extra money for the association. However, to protect the homeowners’ money, the association has an investment policy that guides the board in managing those investments.
Protecting the principle is the core of our association’s investment policy, and that requires the board to be conservative with the association’s resources. This protects the members from well-meaning board members who may have a high tolerance for risk or who believe themselves to be capable fund managers. In fact, the policy only allows the association deal with insured, licensed and bonded agents.
The investment policy requires the board to place all association funds in government-insured accounts or similarly protected investments, and it prohibits putting more money in one account than the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will insure.
And finally, the investment policy provides continuity from one board to the next, which ensures that association funds are managed consistently over time.

Curb Appeal Counts

Cleaning out and sprucing up your yard are good low-cost alternatives to major home improvement. Whether you hire a professional or have the skills and tools to do it yourself, here are some tips to improve your lawn and landscape:
 Weeding, edging, planting beds and mulching go a long way toward improving a yard’s look.
 Planting colorful annuals in beds or pots around the house and patio, in hanging plant holders or in flower boxes makes a house look cared for and cozy.
 To solve problems or add interest, plant new trees and shrubs to create focus areas, or to camouflage foundations and old fencing, or block unsightly views.
 Have your trees and shrubs professionally pruned, fix brown spots in the lawn and remove and replace diseased plants.
Homeowners who want help with their yard should seek an evaluation by a professional lawn or landscape firm. A professional can assess the health of the lawn, plants, trees and shrubs and offer recommendations for improvements.
For more information, visit www.landcarenetwork.org/findaprofessional.

What is a Board Resolution?

A board resolution is a motion that follows a set format and is formally adopted by the board. Resolutions may enact rules and regulations or formalize other types of board decisions. There are four types of resolutions for a community association:
1. Policy Resolutions affect owners’ rights and obligations such as rules for the use of common areas and recreational facilities, architectural guidelines and enforcement procedures.
2. Administrative Resolutions address the internal operations of the community association. Examples include operating procedures, collection procedures and where board meetings will be held.
3. Special Resolutions document board decisions that apply a policy or rule to an individual situation, such as a decision about an alleged rule violation.
4. General Resolutions involve routine events, such as adopting the annual budget and approving a contract.

Free Safety Information for Homeowners

The Institute for Business & Home Safety has published a series of free brochures for protecting property from hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, hail and freezing weather, water damage and floods, earthquakes and other disasters. A section on protecting your home has numerous publications on water intrusion, oil tank safety, tree pruning, leak alert systems, washing machine hose failure, home inspection checklists and more. Copies can be downloaded free at www.ibhs.org/publications.

What Do Residents Think?

You are among the more than 60 million Americans who live in homeowners associations and condominium communities. We think most residents are happy living in our community—and we certainly hope you are among them—but how do these 60 million residents feel about their own associations? Are they happy with their elected boards? How do they feel about the rules?
The Foundation for Community Association Research, an affiliate of Community Associations Institute (CAI), sponsored a national public opinion survey to answer these and other questions.
The research, conducted by Zogby International, shows that more than seven in 10 community association residents say they are satisfied with their community association experience. Only 9 percent express dissatisfaction, and 19 percent are neutral on the question.
Here are more findings from the November 2007 survey:
 88 percent of community association residents believe their association board members strive to serve the best interests of the community.
 73 percent say their professional managers provide value to their communities.
 77 percent say they get a good return for their assessments, while 20 percent expressed some level of dissatisfaction.
 74 percent believe their community association rules "protect and enhance" property values. Only 3 percent say rules harm property values, while about 22 percent see no difference.
According to Zogby, 86 percent of respondents said they knew they were moving into an association when they decided to purchase or rent a home in their community. For 61 percent, the existence of an association had no impact on their decision, but 30 percent said the association made them more likely to buy or rent. Only 9 percent said they were hesitant to join an association community. This finding should tell sellers and realtors that the existence of a well-run association can and should be part of the sales pitch.
While these findings are positive, we’d like to think that we would do even better than the national averages. If you don’t think that’s the case, we encourage you to bring your concerns to our manager or the board.
More survey results are available online at www.caionline.org/about/survey.cfm.

Protective Actions for Heat

List provided by the City of Alexandria:
1. Wear loose fitting, lighter colored clothing. Take a ride on the metro or bus which are air conditioned
2. If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public libraries, museums, movie theatres, or other public spaces that are cool.
3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
4. Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes. Avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar as these can increase dehydration.
5. Remember that the elderly, infants and those with chronic illnesses can dehydrate more easily and are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Observe for signs of heat-related illness such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
6. Observe infants for signs of heat related illness such as not producing tears when crying or fewer diaper changes.
7. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too. Give them plenty of water.