Taste of Home Potluck

Not only do we have some great property management professionals here at Bell-Anderson, we have some good cooks too! Our December potluck was a "Taste of Home" theme, with every recipe chosen out of a Taste of Home magazine or cookbook. Here are a few pictures!

Shannon's Chocolate Peppermint cake

Stefanie's Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

Lots of good stuff!

Dawn's Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

“We Have Always Done It That Way”

Courtesy of Barker Martin, Attorneys: http://www.barkermartin.com

“We Have Always Done It That Way”  Is Not A Valid Answer. 

As a board member or a manager are you prepared to answer the question, “What entitles the association to do that?”  The variety of answers we have heard over the years is surprising and often wrong.  The most common wrong answer we hear is, “We have always done it this way.” As association attorneys, that type of answer makes us cringe.  Why?  Because that answer implies that the association did not consult their governing documents ahead of time to see if the action was allowed - and there is the very real possibility that the association has been acting improperly for a long time.

When it comes to the association’s authority to take action, ignorance is not bliss.  Board members and managers must be aware of what the association can and cannot do.  Board members are not expected to know all the state, federal, and local laws th“We Have Always Done It That Way”  Is Not A Valid Answer.

As a board member or a manager are you prepared to answer the question, “What entitles the association to do that?”  The variety of answers we have heard over the years is surprising and often wrong.  The most common wrong answer we hear is, “We have always done it this way.” As association attorneys, that type of answer makes us cringe.  Why?  Because that answer implies that the association did not consult their governing documents ahead of time to see if the action was allowed - and there is the very real possibility that the association has been acting improperly for a long time.

When it comes to the association’s authority to take action, ignorance is not bliss.  Board members and managers must be aware of what the association can and cannot do.  Board members are not expected to know all the state, federal, and local laws that may apply to their association, but they should understand the association’s governing documents.  Why?  Because you can bet that the owner who disputes the action taken by the association will go through the governing documents with a fine-tooth comb looking for ways to challenge the board’s action.  Understanding what authority your association has under its governing documents can help avoid unnecessary disputes and attorneys’ fees.

A cursory review of the governing documents is not that helpful.  We encourage managers and board members to review the documents with a purpose and highlight everywhere the words “shall” and “may” appear so that it is clear what the board and the association must do and what it has discretion to do.
Once the board understands the association’s authority it should cite to that authority (governing documents, statutes, or rules) whenever it takes formal action.  Doing so not only confirms the board’s authority before it acts, it documents that authority for owners who might otherwise have been tempted to challenge the board’s action.

Certainly, there are provisions in your governing documents that are subject to interpretation - and reasonable minds can indeed differ.  However, a solid understanding of the authority granted and restrictions imposed by your governing documents can avoid a multitude of problems.  Ultimately, the only time, “We have always done it this way” is a permissible answer is when if someone asks, “Why do board resolutions always list the basis for the board’s authority?”
at may apply to their association, but they should understand the association’s governing documents.  Why?  Because you can bet that the owner who disputes the action taken by the association will go through the governing documents with a fine-tooth comb looking for ways to challenge the board’s action.  Understanding what authority your association has under its governing documents can help avoid unnecessary disputes and attorneys’ fees. 

A cursory review of the governing documents is not that helpful.  We encourage managers and board members to review the documents with a purpose and highlight everywhere the words “shall” and “may” appear so that it is clear what the board and the association must do and what it has discretion to do. 

Once the board understands the association’s authority it should cite to that authority (governing documents, statutes, or rules) whenever it takes formal action.  Doing so not only confirms the board’s authority before it acts, it documents that authority for owners who might otherwise have been tempted to challenge the board’s action.

Certainly, there are provisions in your governing documents that are subject to interpretation - and reasonable minds can indeed differ.  However, a solid understanding of the authority granted and restrictions imposed by your governing documents can avoid a multitude of problems.  Ultimately, the only time, “We have always done it this way” is a permissible answer is when if someone asks, “Why do board resolutions always list the basis for the board’s authority?”

10 Tips for Tackling Stress

by Jeanne Faulkner, Contributor
From: Wellness Wire, myRegence.com

Feeling the pressure? Try these ideas for managing stress right now—and preventing it down the road.

What's so bad about stress? When it's appropriate, it can be a healthy coping mechanism that keeps you safe, focused and aware. It's your body's emergency action plan so you can go, go, go. However, living in a state of constant emergency  can be hazardous to your health.

When stress levels are too high, your body sends signals telling you to take a break. If you don't listen, your body makes you pay attention with pesky symptoms like headaches, irritability, fatigue, confusion, high blood pressure and skin problems. If this goes on too long, it causes serious damage like cardiac disease, cancer and depression.

When you're stressed, stressed, stressed, you need a plan. We've got 10 tips for tackling stress right now--and preventing it down the road.

4 Tips for Fast Stress Relief

1. Take a walk: When you notice you're stressed--say, you're snapping pencils and getting snippy with your coworker--get up and walk out the door. Any type of exercise will do, but walking is usually immediately available. Studies show it only takes 25 minutes of exercise for your body to recover from a "stress attack." Exercise lowers cortisol and blood pressure and releases endorphins. Regular exercise builds up your stress immunity.
2. Take a breath: Deep breathing really works. It increases blood-to-brain oxygen and helps you calm down. Sit at the edge of your chair with your spine straight and shoulders back. Drop your hands onto your lap, and relax your belly--really let it bulge. Now breathe. Take 10 full, deep breaths. Once you're breathing deeply, you might want to go ahead and try meditation.
3. Make a call: Phone your friend, family member, significant other or an office buddy and vent. Verbalizing problems instantly relieves pressure. It's like taking the lid off your steaming pot of stress and letting some go. Don't abuse this, though, or friends will avoid your calls.
4. Take a stand: Or, as the song says, "Tell me what you want, what you really, really want." Don't just say what you think you can get. Once you actually say, "I want a new job and a day off," you'll likely be more focused. Knowing--and clearly stating--what you want can be an effective way to find solutions. You'll feel better just putting it out there.

6 Tips for Long-Term Stress-Busting Strategies

Missy Gerber, president of Organizers Northwest, has a motto: Less Mess. Less Stress. Better Life. "Clutter and disorganization cause stress [and] waste time and money," she says. "With a little focus and simple techniques, you'll create more time and space in your life."

1. Minimize multitasking: Gerber says: "We don't really multitask at all; we just switch rapidly from one activity to another. Our brain takes about 15 minutes to switch gears, so what we're working on takes longer, often with more errors." If you're focused for only 20 percent of an eight hour day, that's 96 minutes spent switching gears. Think what you could accomplish with 96 minutes of focused thinking.
2. De-clutter: According to Gerber, "Clutter happens because we put something down where it doesn't belong, just for now. Don't put it down--put it away. Work on reducing your clutter daily for 15 focused minutes. Don't know where it goes? Make a thoughtful decision on where it should live and label the space.
3. Structure sets you free: It may seem like to-do lists would add more stress to your life. Not so, says Gerber: "Checklists, processes and routines create new habits." Those habits will help you free up time to relax. Piggyback onto habits you already have. For example, brush your teeth, and then do a quick sweep of your bedroom to put things where they really belong. Create a filing system for incoming paper. Hanging files work best. At the end of each quarter, sort, toss and update your files. Come tax time, your information is in order.
4. Just say no: Stop adding more activities, obligations and commitments to your schedule. Instead: 
• Evaluate what you do and why you do it.
• Weed out time-wasters and events you really don't need to attend. 
• Don't underestimate the time you spend surfing the Internet (hello, Facebook). 
• Fill in free time with exercise and fun activities that reduce stress rather than adding to it.
5. Understand Your Brain: Try cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to see why you react to stress the way you do. According to Travis Osborne, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist at the Anxiety and Stress Reduction Center of Seattle, CBT involves practicing strategies to manage stress reactions, including relaxation exercises, prioritizing tasks, effective time management, identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns and changing behavioral patterns that cause chronic stress.
6. Take Small Steps: Procrastination provides temporary stress relief, but it makes things even worse later. Instead, Osborne advises approaching uncomfortable situations through a process called exposure, a step-by-step method for tackling stress triggers that makes them feel more doable. "Start with tasks that generate low levels of stress and work up to confronting more challenging ones," he says.

Other stress-busting ideas? It depends on what works for you. For many people, it helps to listen to music, dance, develop hobbies and hang out with friends. Make stress-management a priority before it becomes a serious problem for your happiness--and your health.

Process and Procedure Matters

Courtesy of Barker Martin, Attorneys: http://www.barkermartin.com

Associations need to take note:  Process and Procedure Matter.  A Florida homeowner association was recently reminded of this fact when it was ordered to pay an owner $85,000 in damages. The owner is seeking an additional $220,000 in attorney fees.  The dispute stemmed from a $2,212 landscaping bill for replacement of the owner’s lawn.  See the related news article at: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/new-tampa-homeowner-wins-judgement-against-homeowners-association/1253895.

In ruling against the Association, the Court made the following findings:

• The Association replaced the owners' lawn when it was not the only yard affected by the drought.
• Three Deed Restriction Committee members never inspected the property before the board authorized the work as required by governing documents.
• The person who installed the sod was an officer and board member of the Association. Governing documents prohibit board members from receiving remuneration without a unanimously adopted resolution, which did not happen.
• The fraudulent lien prohibited the Owners from selling their home, which they had purchased as investment property and rented out. At one point, when the home was valued at $215,000, they had an interested buyer. The property is now worth $100,000, according to the court order.

Keep in mind a couple of things that the Court did not find:

• The Court did not find that the Association acted unreasonably in determining the lawn should be replaced.  To the contrary, the Court found it was not the only yard affected by the drought.
• The Court did not find that the Association lacked authority to replace the lawn. To the contrary, it appears the Association did have authority replace the lawn and had specific procedures for making such a decision that included an inspection of the property by three committee members.
• The Court did not find that the officer/board member could not perform the sod replacement.  The Court ruled that the Association’s governing documents require a unanimously adopted resolution and the process was not followed.

Boards sometimes get into the mindset that so long as they have the authority to make something happen, the process and procedure of getting to that end is largely irrelevant.  The Florida association in this case almost certainly argued that any procedural failure does not change the fact that the lawn needed to be replaced and the Association had the authority to replace it. Based on the Judge’s findings, it seems like the Association had a decent “no harm – no foul” argument.  The importance of following your governing documents cannot be overstated.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Associations lose lawsuits when they don’t follow the proper process and procedures. Obtaining sound legal advice to keep you OUT of court is far more cost effective than the alternative.

Demystifying Board Member Conflicts

Courtesy of Barker Martin, Attorneys: http://www.barkermartin.com

“The greatest crimes do not arise from want of feeling for others, but from an over-sensibility for ourselves and an over-indulgence to our own desires.”
- British Statesman Philosopher Edmund Burke.

People run for the board of directors of their association for many reasons.  Some see the position as a way to get more involved with their community or to meet new people.  Some join out of a sense of duty or to correct perceived problems with prior boards.  Some see board membership as a networking opportunity or to get directorship or management experience.  Regardless of why someone joins the board of directors, the bottom line is that once a person becomes a board member, he or she has very clear duties to the association as a whole.  Keeping this duty in mind may help board members avoid conflicts of interest – or even the appearance of a conflict.

Both the HOA Act and the Condominium Act provide:

the board of directors shall act in all instances on behalf of the association

and that board members have duties of care and loyalty to the association.  RCW 64.38.025(1); RCW 64.34.308(1).  In Oregon, these same duties are contained in the Nonprofit Corporation Act at ORS 65.357, which is cited by both the Planned Community Act and the Condominium Act.  These provisions not only define the governing authority of an association; they are an edict that the board of directors shall always act on behalf of the association, the corollary being that no board member should be acting on his or her own behalf.  Acting in your own or anyone’s interest other than the association’s is the very definition of conflict of interest.  Simply put, a board member must place the interests of the association above (not merely equal to) all interests, including their own. 
Some board member conflicts are obvious.  When a board member exploits his board membership to prevent enforcement action against him, most boards and managers have no trouble requiring the board member to recuse himself from any decisions relating to his own violations of the governing documents.  But other conflicts can be more difficult to identify and therefore, harder to enforce.  Even the issue of self-dealing (where a board member wants the association to hire her for some purpose) can be difficult to identify as a conflict because the board member often feels that the association benefits from the arrangement as well.  In these circumstances, there is still a conflict.  There is also the appearance of impropriety, which should be avoided because it causes erosion of the membership’s faith in the board.

Once a conflict is identified by either the association manager or one or more of the other board members, it can be just as difficult for the remaining members of the board to decide what to do about the conflict.  That is why we recommend that boards adopt a board member Code of Ethics that spells out potential conflicts and prohibits certain actions by board members with conflicts.

Adopting a Code of Ethics can easily be done under the board’s rulemaking authority.  The best time to adopt such a code is before a conflict arises because most people will agree with the set of principles in the abstract, but may have difficulty adopting a set of rules that seems targeted at their own behavior.

The provisions of the Codes can vary but the terms should be specific.  The Code can flat out prohibit any board member from accepting compensation from the association for any reason.  This would avoid not only actual conflicts but would also avoid perceived impropriety.  On the other side of the spectrum, the Code can require disclosure of even potential or minor conflicts to avoid the appearance of impropriety.  For example, the Code could require mere disclosure by a board member who rents her unit when discussing changes to rental cap provisions, but require disclosure and recusal of board members who are delinquent in paying assessments from voting on issues relating to not only their own delinquency but all delinquencies.  The Code should also prohibit use of information to which the board has access, such as list of homeowners, for purposes unrelated to association business so that board members cannot use such access to solicit clients for his or her business.

Having a Code of Ethics in place not only allows the manager or other board members to point to the violation of a concrete rule when a director starts acting in their own self-interest, it also serves as an excellent reminder for existing board members and those seeking board positions as to the true purpose of the board – to act in all instances on behalf of the association.

And, as always, do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions or need assistance on any community association legal matter.

Best regards,

    Your Team at Barker Martin

Dishwashers recalled due to fire hazard

from The Seattle Times Website

More than a million GE dishwashers are being recalled due to fire hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday the voluntary recall includes about 1.3 million GE, GE Adora, GE Eterna, GE Profile and Hotpoint dishwashers. The machines' heating elements can fail and cause fires. GE has received seven reports of fires, three of which caused extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The dishwashers were sold nationwide from March 2006 through August 2009 for $350 to $850. They came in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel colors and finishes.

The government said people should stop using the dishwashers and immediately disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker. The government said not to return recalled dishwashers to stores where they were purchased but that GE will provide free repairs or rebates toward new dishwashers.
In a speech Thursday at the National Press Club, CPSC chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum urged people to respond right away.

"My message to consumers is to immediately stop using these recalled dishwashers and disconnect the power supply to the unit," Tenenbaum said.

Tenenbaum credited a new consumer safety law with making people safer. The 2008 law and its implementation have "created one of the strongest product safety systems in the world."

For more information on the dishwasher recall, people can contact GE at (866) 918-8760 or visit GE's website at http://www.geappliances.com/recall.

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2018882175_apusdishwasherrecall.html

Giant sandbags along Green River levees are coming down

Source:  http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/content.aspx?id=21572

KENT, Wash. – June 27, 2012 – After nearly three years, removal of the giant sandbags from the Green River levees will begin in mid July. 

AGR Contracting, Inc. of Monroe, Washington won the contract after submitting the lowest bid of just under $900,000 to remove the nearly 20,000 bags, each weighing one and a half tons.

The bags were placed along 12 miles of Kent’s levees to protect the community after the 2009 announcement by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that severe flooding was possible due to a damaged Howard Hanson Dam embankment.

“Finally we will have our Green River Trail back,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke.  “We all want to see these sandbags removed as fast as possible.  Now that the Dam is operating at full capacity, getting them down is a top priority.  I will be so glad to see Kent stop looking like a war zone.”

According to Kelly Peterson, the city’s manager of the project, the first bags to be removed will be between S. 200th and S. 212th Streets and a portion of the Horseshoe Bend Levee.  “The bags in these areas are being removed first to make way for other levee improvements currently underway.”

“After these areas are cleared, the contractor will remove the remaining bags in the most efficient and cost-effective manner,” Peterson said. 

Peterson said the goal is to have all bags removed by the end of September.  “It may take longer, however, to fully open the Green River Trail if the sandbags caused damage that needs repair, but once the bags are gone, we can make that assessment.”

Since the Corps’ announcement last September that repairs had been completed at the Dam, the city received numerous suggestions from residents about how to use or dispose of the sandbags. 

According to Peterson, the material inside is low grade fill, and is not marketable as premium sand. It isn’t suitable for sanding streets, gardens, sandboxes, or constructing sidewalks and patios.

“Because of the weight of the bags, they can only be loaded into dump trucks with heavy equipment such as an excavator. Using the wrong equipment could damage the thin asphalt trail, or the levees themselves,” Peterson said.  “We also need to be mindful of the location of these bags.  Accidentally breaking or spilling them into the river could violate state and federal laws, causing even more expensive cleanup costs and potential lawsuits for damaging endangered fish habitat.” 

The King County Flood Control Zone District will pay for the project cost through delaying other levee projects along the Green River.

AGR Contracting, Inc. will deliver the fill material to Cedar Grove Composting, who will evaluate the material for its best use in their operations.

Peterson said the Green River Trail will reopen for full use when all the work is completed, though some segments may open sooner.  “While we don’t anticipate any road closures during this project, we ask the community for patience as this work gets underway.  We want to restore the Trail for full use as soon as possible.” 

Contact:
Michelle Wilmot, Community & Public Affairs
253-856-5709
mwilmot@kentwa.gov

Word of the Day: Volunteer

There are a lot of volunteers in condo and homeowners' associations who work hard to help their communities run smoothly. Have you considered helping out in your community? Even if you are not living in an association, there are plenty of neighborhood groups and community organizations that could use a hand. Here is John Maxwell with some thoughts on volunteering

10 Tips for Improving Board Discussions

•  Stay engaged. Avoid side conversations and other distractions.
•  Listen with an open mind. Try to understand others' perspectives.
•  Consider two or more alternatives simultaneously.
•  Don't debate—discuss.
•  Separate facts and opinions: Discuss the facts. Vote your opinion.
•  Address interests, not positions.
•  Move the deliberations forward. Don't repeat what has already been said.
•  Judge ideas, not people. Phrase feedback constructively.
•  Identify options on which the group can reach consensus, but don't minimize legitimate disagreements.
•  Consider the interests of the community as a whole.

January/February 2009 Common Ground

"Wake Up Money" - Understanding Market Conditions Seminar

Residential Property Manager Dawn Hardley, RMP will be speaking as the "Rental Industry Professional" at this informative seminar presented by Windermere Real Estate in Bonney Lake. Join us!

Preparing Rental Properties - Curb Appeal

House-hunters typically begin their inspection of a property by previewing its "curb appeal." A surprising number of homes are eliminated from consideration before potential renters get out of their car because they find the exterior appearance unsightly or uninviting.

Following are some basic suggestions for improving the "rentability" of your home.

• Examine the lawn and flower gardens, making sure the lawn is mowed and free of drainage problems. Colorful flowers and shrubs can enhance the home's attractiveness.
• Check the sidewalks and driveway to make sure they're free of weeds and clutter.
• Inspect the home's exterior, looking for loose, missing or damaged siding and brickwork, a cracked and uneven foundation, and gutters, downspouts or fences that are in disrepair. Paint or repair any problem areas.
•  Clear the decks! Clean decks, patios and steps, removing unnecessary furniture, toys and debris. Tidy up any pet areas.
• Inspect the front door. A fresh coat of paint or stain and a clean doormat can help create an inviting "first impression."
• Check lighting, making sure pathways and entry have adequate illumination.

Inside the home, you should conduct an equally thorough inspection, since potential renters are likely to open doors and cupboards, look into, look behind and operate everything to make sure the home offers the space, layout and features they need. Extensive redecorating isn't usually recommended, but all rooms should be clean and clutter-free. Think "light," "bright," "open" and "airy."

• Clear rooms (including closets and storage areas) of everything but the basics. Arrange furniture so rooms look spacious.
• Remove clutter from the basement and garage. Sweep floors, degrease spots and dust.
• Have carpets and drapes professionally cleaned.
• Patch walls and ceiling cracks, then repaint or wallpaper, using neutral shades.
• Check the basement for musty smells and signs of mildew or leaks, correcting any defects.
• Inspect bathroom and kitchen fixtures to make sure they sparkle, are leak-free and are otherwise functioning well. Remove stains from countertops, sinks, tubs and showers.
• Test major mechanical components, including the furnace, water heater and electrical system.
• Make sure windows and doors open and close easily. Replace cracked or scratched glass.
• Be aware of the amount and type of insulation. 

It really doesn't take much to enhance curb appeal, and the payoff can be huge in terms of higher rent or moving a tenant in sooner. The professionals at Bell-Anderson are ready and waiting to help  and are more than happy to show you how to improve the curb appeal of your rental home!

Always Nice to Hear!

Kind words from a homeowner in a condo association that we manage: "Wow, that was fast!  BTW, we all love the change we made to Bell-Anderson and all my neighbors are pleased with everything.  What a huge change/difference from our last company.  I had some recent issues with my roof and the timing of the repair and follow up calls from both the contractor and your staff made a huge difference.

Bell-Anderson Bomb-Bastic Ice Cream Cake

Adapted from another recipe and re-magicked by Stefanie Octave, Condo AP Bookkeeper

• 16 ice cream sandwiches
• 2 (8 ounce) containers of Cool Whip whipped topping
• 1 (12 ounce) jar chocolate fudge topping, room temperature
• 1 box of devil’s food cake cookies
• 1 small box of chocolate instant pudding (prepare as on box)
• 2 standard Hershey Bars

Directions

1. Place ice cream sandwiches & cookies side by side in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cut, shape and chisel if necessary to fit the bottom of the dish. Just make certain that the bottom is completely covered with CHOCOLATE!!!
2. Make pudding as stated on box (Mix with two cups of milk)
3. Next mix pudding with 1 tub of Cool Whip. 
4. Drizzle ice cream sandwich/cookie layer with half of the hot fudge topping (warm in the microwave for 35 seconds or so if necessary), then cover the fudge layer with the whipped cream/pudding topping. Yummmmm…try to resist the temptation of taste testing…….
5. Cover and put in freezer for an hour or so - during this stressful hour or so of WAITING – watch a little bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or perhaps do some Yoga -after an hour or so- mix 1 tub of Cool Whip with the 95% of the remaining hot fudge warmed up a bit (leave 5% of hot fudge topping for decorating)
6. Remove cake from freezer and top with cool whip/chocolate fudge topping. Drizzle remaining hot fudge on cool whip/hot fudge topping and swirl a bit with spoon!
7.  *Bedazzle* with rainbow sprinkles and frame this masterpiece with Hershey chocolate squares (see picture)
8. Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving. Keep unused portion covered and frozen.
9.  Hold on to your boot straps – loosen your belt and enjoy this Bell-Anderson family recipe!!!!
10.  Suggestions – use different pudding flavors/ice cream sandwich flavors/caramel topping instead of chocolate….be creative =) ENJOY!!!!

And now for the photograpic evidence:

Tacoma Concert Band - April 28th

Come cheer on Condo A/P Bookkeeper Stef Octave at her last concert of the year! Break a leg Stef

Crime Prevention Update from Kent Police

Here are few tips from Kent Police about common crimes they are seeing in the Kent area. Thank you to the City of Kent and Kent Police for this info:

Save Your Honda
This last week we saw another upswing in the trend of stolen Hondas, especially overnight. Vehicle thieves and prowlers look for any opportunity; don't give them one. If you own a Honda, or any car, it is important to do all you can to prevent it from being stolen or prowled. Please follow these prevention tips:
Install and USE a club - clubs can be purchased through the Kent Police Foundation

• Park in well lit areas
• If car has an alarm, be sure it works and is on
• Remove all valuables ALL the time
• Park close to entrances of stores or apartments
• If you park outside your garage, be sure to park in drive way and install motion lights or keep outside of house well lit.

For more information visit www.kentpoliceceu.com

Residential Burglaries of Asian Family Homes Continue

This past week there were 4 residential burglaries of homes of Asian families. These have occurred during the daytime and early evening hours. In all cases, windows by the front door or rear sliders were smashed. We have learned that suspects of residential burglaries look for indicators that homes are owned by Asian families. They look for shoes piled outside the front door or Asian yard/home decorations. In some instances, electronic equipment was stolen, but almost always jewelry and cash. One of the first places they go is to the master bedroom. Please pass the word along to your block watches and other residents that would be interested. It is important to remove shoes from the front porch and to keep jewelry and money in a safe or other secure location. Document serial numbers for all electronics and take pictures of jewelry and keep in a secure location.

Board Training Seminar: Mock Board Meeting

by Maria Garcia, Maintenance Coordinator

Our first Board Training Seminar of the year was a great success!! The topic of our training seminar was “Conducting a Successful Board Meeting”.  We had David Batchelder, owner of David’s Roof Service, sponsor our meeting. He graciously provided sandwich fixings, potato salad, macaroni salad and beverages.  Also in attendance was Gil Price, Executive Director, and Jennifer Hill, Attorney, from Condo Law Group.  During our meeting we explained the roles and duties of a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary, as well as how to conduct a meeting. With our presentation we conducted a mock board meeting about how to avoid letting a meeting get out of control. Jennifer Hill answered many legal questions for board members on disclosure, executive sessions and financials.  At the end of our presentation we gave away door prizes: two attendees walked away with a copy of the Vickie Gaskill’s book “Community Associations, A Guide to Successful Management” and one lucky winner got away with a $50 gift card to Home Depot.

Thank you to all our board members that attended and we hope to see you at the next one!  We also owe a big thank you to Jennifer Hill, Gil Price and David Batchelder for your participation and contribution!

View more pictures of the event at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150641194573462.400340.92113323461&type=1&__adt=2
 

Team Cookie - Big Climb 2012

On March 25^th, three members of the Bell-Anderson staff will be climbing the 1,311 steps of the Columbia Tower, the tallest skyscraper in downtown Seattle, to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Condo AP Bookkeeper Jen Corp and Residential Property Managers Dawn Hardley and Kasey Medina are part of a 18-person team climbing in loving memory of Cookie Collins, Jen’s mother, who passed away in 1999 after a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. While we welcome the challenge of 69 flights of stairs, we are doing this to fight blood cancers so other families don't have to go without their mothers, sisters and aunts. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Team Cookie or find out more about the event, you can do so at this link: http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?team_id=41581&pg=team&fr_id=1230

Thanks for your support!

   

 

Why Renters Rule U.S. Housing Market

Check out this article re-posted from Bloomburg about some factors affecting the rental housing market. Written by A. Gary Shilling.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-22/why-renters-rule-u-s-housing-market-part-1-a-gary-shilling.html

"...It also means the addition of 3.9 million new renters, or 780,000 per year. This doesn’t suggest that we are becoming a nation of renters. Instead, it reflects the elimination of the widely held belief that house prices always rise and the end of loose lending practices that drove the homeownership rate to its 2004 peak."

Redenck Potluck

When the idea of a redneck potluck was first raised at Bell-Anderson, it was met with a few nervous chuckles and a "really?" stare from Vickie, the Broker. It soon proved to be one of the most hilarious potlucks on the books. Thank you Vickie for being gracious enough to let us transform your conference room into the back woods. For more pictures, visit our facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BellAndersonPM

Reminder: Board Training Event Coming Up!

Join us as Tuesday, March 20th at 6:30pm pm as we discuss the role of board members with a mock board meeting.  Our broker, Vickie Gaskill, will walk you through the process and help you learn to be a more effective association. The best way to limit your liability is through education and training, so sign up today! Anybody is welcome, you do not need to be a client of Bell-Anderson to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Agenda:
Code of Conduct
Job Descriptions of Board Members
Mock Board Meeting

For more information or to RSVP, click here! Or you can e-mail Condo Support at jmccurley@bell-anderson.net.

Wood debris recycling events set at Russell Road Park to help Kent residents with storm clean up

If Mother Nature’s rampage during last week’s snow and ice storms left your yard with a pile of tree limbs and branches, free disposal is available!  King County Executive Dow Constantine signed an Emergency Declaration making Kent eligible for the service. 

Dumpsters will be available Saturday and Sunday,  February 4 – 5 at Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Road (across from the golf course), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to Gina Hungerford, Kent’s Conservation Coordinator, workers will be on hand to assist in unloading the materials. 

“To help speed up the process, we ask that participants please lay a tarp under the material for ease of removal”, Hungerford said. 

This collection is only for wood debris.  Stumps, logs and limbs no longer than six feet in length will be accepted. 

The following will not be accepted:  brush, leaves, grass clippings, sod or soil.  People bringing wood debris are reminded to cover their loads.  Road litter from unsecured loads is not only unattractive, it poses a serious hazard. 

For more information on what to bring to the collection event, visit KentRecycles.com or call 253-856-5549.