Community Association Boards
Did you know?
52,000 Minnesotans are elected to their community association boards each year. These board members provide an estimated $1.8 million in service to their communities. Thank a board member today!
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Investing in Employees
Investing in our employees is an important part of our company. In order to provide professional-grade service, we take the time to help our employees grow and learn in their fields.
Last week, two of our assistant project managers went to the first half of the 2018 ABC’s Project Management Institute at Purdue University. They spent the week studying tools and techniques for project management and general contracting in the construction industry.
They will head back to Indiana in April for the second half of the 2018 classes.
Winter Water Leaks
Do you have a water leak in your home? Is water dripping from your light fixtures or smoke detectors? If it is, one reason for this can be condensation.
As warm, moist air from inside the home rises up and comes in contact with a cold surface (like the underside of the roof deck), the air cools and moisture condenses out because cold air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air. That condensation forms a layer of frost on the cold surface.
When this frost builds up for weeks at a time and is followed by a warm day or two, it can melt all at once. Then, water will start running down the walls, out the bathroom and kitchen fans, through recessed light, out of door frames, etc.
People often jump to the conclusion that it’s a leak, even though it’s not raining and there isn’t too much snow to melt. But, what they are seeing is water that was already inside their home in the form of water vapor.
The best thing one can do to help this issue is control indoor winter humidity levels. If it’s 0°F outside, it’s best to maintain a humidity level of 20-25%.
WCCO recently released a story on this topic, too. Read more: http://cbsloc.al/2D6KxKi
Homeowner Hints: Humidity at Home in Subzero Temps
When the temperature outside is less then 10 degrees, run the bathroom vents during a shower or bath, and leave it run for 10 minutes afterwards. This will keep the warm, moist air from freezing onto the inside of the vent. Also, recommended humidity levels in a home during the winter should be 35 to 40%.
MN Snow and Ice is Hard to Avoid!
Even with contracted snow removal service, we still experience freeze/thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on our sidewalks and driveways. But there are steps you can take to avoid a fall.
1) Walk slowly and carefully.
2) Ever heard of the Minnesota shuffle? Take small steps.
3) Keep both hands free to allow for better balance or use of handrails.
4) Step out of vehicles, don’t jump.
5) Walk as flat-footed as possible.
6) Wear appropriate footwear for conditions.
If you do fall, you may be able to reduce any injury by;
1) Rolling with the fall. Relax as much as possible.
2) Don’t protect what you’re carrying! Protect yourself and toss anything if you need to break your fall.
Association Team Joins in for Toys for Tots
The Gaughan Association Management team attended the recent Community Associations Institute – MN Chapter holiday party. It was a great event to network with vendors, and we got to support a good cause by supplying donations for Toys for Tots. Happy Holidays!
Gaughan Chosen for Historic Prior Lake Listing
Gaughan Companies was recently selected to list 495 acres of land in Prior Lake, Minnesota. This historic property has been owned by the same family since before the Civil War. Zoned for residential, commercial, mixed use, and located only 20 minutes from Minneapolis, this land is in the optimal location for development. We are honored to be entrusted with this monumental listing and look forward to bringing phenomenal new development to Prior Lake!
For more information visit http://bit.ly/2AcKgUF
Gaughan Associate Elected to Chamber Board
Dave Galleberg, Commercial Brokerage Associate at Gaughan Companies, was elected as a board member of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce on December 7, 2017 at the Merry & Bright Winter Gala. Dave and the Gaughan Companies are grateful to serve on the board and help the local business community on the north side of the Twin Cities metro area.
Governing Documents: Who Leads?
Each Association has Governing Documents, which layout the operations for the community and any restrictions. But did you know there are different levels of hierarchy?
– Federal, State, and local ordinances always lead.
– Recorded plat, map, or plan.
– Declaration of Covenants or CC&R’s and any supplements to this document
– Articles of Incorporation
– Bylaws
– Rules and regulations
– General Resolutions
When creating rules and regulations or general resolutions, keep in mind they cannot conflict with any document that is higher on the pyramid!
Gaughan Companies Blessed to Serve the Poor
Our team members volunteered at Sharing and Caring Hands this November and December by preparing and serving lunch meals to the poor. We look forward to these events every year.
We are thrilled to be able to support this organization because the work that Founder Mary Jo Copeland and her team does makes an impact on the less fortunate. She provides a safe and engaging environment in which people can help others who lack basic resources. Over 94% of money raised for the organization goes directly to the poor.
Learn more about Sharing and Caring hands at sharingandcaringhands.org.
