Introducing the Right Financial Partnership
In every industry, it is key to introduce the right partnerships to our customers. Recently, our Association Management team chose to partner with Pacific Premier Bank.
Pacific Premier Bank is ranked in 2020 as one of America’s Best Banks by Forbes and has received a 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial for the last 55 consecutive quarters. Pacific Premier is a Member FDIC bank.
Their specialists are experienced in Condominium, Townhome, Homeowner’s Associations, Community Associations and Planned Unit Development loan programs to meet the specific needs required.
While considering the best partnership for our customers, we were driven to ensure that the selection was a group that was forward-thinking, their services would integrate with our softwares and they had the capabilities for us to grow with.
In addition to meeting the aforementioned criteria and services, a primary focus was to find the banking relationship that efficiently and securely provided the following:
- Online payment channels for collecting homeowner assessments
- Integration with bill pay services to convert homeowner initiated payments to electronic transactions
- No bank service fees for the Association
- Positive Pay to protect the Association’s payables
- Bank data accessible through our management software to speed responsiveness to homeowners
- Enhanced authentication features to protect the Association’s accounts
- Integration to submit new account requests through the management software to streamline the account opening process
- Money market accounts at the most competitive rates; and one-stop investment options for reserves
- A dedicated HOA & Property Banking business unit provides banking services to thousands of HOAs with CAI designated bankers
Ease of access, reporting and most importantly the fraud and security protection tools Pacific Premier Bank tailors to meet the communities’ needs is sure to elevate the communities’ banking experience.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Gaughan Institute hosted an introductory educational event for our Boards and Community Managers. We are excited to share the benefits of this partnership and the momentum this change provides our communities.
Feel free to contact us for additional information.
Pacific Premier Bank is not an affiliate, subsidiary, related party, agent or fiduciary of Gaughan Companies and does not represent or warrant the validity, accuracy, content, completeness, legality or reliability of the information contained in this webpage.
Gaughan Institute Releases 2020 Schedule
Over the years, Gaughan Association Management has not only recognized the need to ensure their staff is well educated but also the knowledge the Board of Directors and Homeowners need to receive.
The more education provided to the Board and Homeowners, the more efficiently the associations can operate.
Each member of the Board of Directors volunteers their services while taking on significant responsibilities and liabilities. Through our educational sessions, the Boards can become more confident in their decisions. Educated Homeowners also feel secure in their Boards’ leadership.
Gaughan Association Management is excited to release the following schedule of educational sessions for 2020:
Board Basics Insurance: Types of Policies, Market Trends
Presented By: Eric Skarnes, Insurance Warehouse
When: Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Location: Water’s Edge Clubhouse in Hugo
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
HOA Lending Solutions
Presented By: George Toubekis, Pacific Premier Bank (PPBI)
When: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Location: The Tavern Grill in Blaine
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Roundtable Presentations & Discussions
Reserves: Components, Updates and Statutory Requirements
Presented By: Finn Jacobsen, Smith Jadin Johnson
Landscape – Winter Kill/Pet Damage/Grub Control/Chemical Applications
Presented By: Lunseth
Irrigation – Make Every Drop Count: The New Reality of Negligent Irrigation
Presented By: Matt Kuha, Irrigation By Design
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (D&O): Non-Monetary/Personal/Individual Protection
Presented By: Tony Ciro, American Family Insurance
When: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Location: Smith Jadin Johnson Conference Room in Bloomington
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Board Basics: Efficient Board & Annual Meetings
Presented By: Smith Jadin Johnson
When: Wednesday April 22, 2020
Location: Smith Jadin Johnson Conference Room in Bloomington
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Board Basics: Landscape & Snow Removal Contracts
Presented By: Birch, Inc
When: Monday, September 21, 2020
Location: Birch, Inc in Little Canada
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Roundtable Presentations & Discussions
Maintenance Obligations: Limited Common vs Common vs Unit – Who is Responsible?
Presented By: Nancy Polomis, Hellmuth & Johnson
Surplus Funds/Minutes and Conducting Reviews/Audits
Presented By: Michael Mullen, Michael P Mullen CPA|PLLC
Insurance: Crime/Fidelity/Employee Dishonesty
Presented By: Jake Nelson, Wise Insurance Agency
Slip & Fall Liability
Presented By: KC Ahrens, Hellmuth & Johnson
When: Saturday, November 7, 2020
Location: Hellmuth & Johnson in Edina
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Contact us today to register for one or all of the sessions.
We look forward to you joining us!
What to Expect in Heavy Snow Conditions
While every provider has slightly different rules when it comes to snow removal, here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind during the winter season:
Trigger Depth:
Each association will decide their trigger depth for when the provider will begin services but on average, trigger depth is 1.5” to 2”.
Open-Ups:
An open-up is when the snowfall has accumulated more than 4” to 5” (and hasn’t yet stopped) prior to the morning or evening commute. An open-up is a pass or two of the plow on the walkway side of the driveway and middle of the private streets. This is done to allow emergency vehicles access. Open-ups do not include snow removal from the sidewalks. One the snow has stopped, the provider will return to do a thorough cleanup of the contracted areas.
Blizzard Conditions:
During blizzard conditions, any time winds exceed 25 to 35 MPH or temperatures/wind-chill are below -15 degrees F, the deadline for shoveling services will be extended until conditions are safe. In many cases, if MN Dot closes freeways due to inclement conditions, the provider will resume once it is safe to travel.
Parked Vehicles:
Often times driveways and/or other areas with vehicles parked in them during snow removal services will be skipped. Some providers will remove snow from the driveway with a parked vehicle but will stop 2 feet away from the vehicle. If the provider is asked to return to plow these areas at a later date, there will likely be an additional charge for this service.
Proper Communication:
It is important to keep in mind that communication to the snow removal crews must go through the proper channels. The crews in the field are instructed to only take direction from their supervisor and supervisors communicate through the assigned community contact, which is the community manager and/or an assigned board member.
Tips to Prevent and Deal with Pipes Freezing
This past Thursday, our Senior Community Manager, Kari Ross, attended the Community Associations Institute (CAI-MN) education session “WHAT TO DO BEFORE WINTER STRIKES!” The session focused on ways for community managers and homeowners to prepare for Minnesota’s frigid winter season and presented tips to prevent and deal with pipes freezing.
PREVENTION TIPS FROM ALL WAYS DRAINS
Guest speaker Justin Moe of All Ways Drains provided these prevention tips:
• Stop cold air from coming in where the pipes are located.
• Insulate as necessary, taking care to insulate the room and not the pipes.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
If you fear a risk of pipes freezing, leave a small trickle of water running from one of your faucets. Fun fact: Hot water freezes faster than cold water. Running the water is cheaper than a frozen pipe and emergency plumber bill!
Are you a snowbird or taking a trip? Keep your kitchen cabinet doors open as that also allows heat inside your cupboards.
Winters with lots of snow are better than those with less snowfall, as snow provides a nice blanket of insulation on the ground for underground pipes.
Finally, it’s always good idea to keep garage doors shut as it’s common for pipes to run under garage floors. Leaving your garage door open for just 10 minutes on a very cold day can cause water to start freezing.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE
• First, turn the water off.
• Turn the faucet on to allow somewhere for the water to drain out once thawed.
• Heat the area where the pipe is frozen but do not risk fire!
• Hair dryers are better than heat guns.
• Call a professional.
If your pipes freeze and burst, it is important to call a professional immediately. Water can cause damage in a very short period of time. In addition, check with your individual insurance provider about your insurance limits for “sewer backup.” According to Paul Davis Restoration, the minimum average cost for sewer backup is about $10,000.
Gaughan Companies offers expert, comprehensive community and association management services, including facilities maintenance with 24-hour emergency service, routine inspections, and preventative maintenance plans. Contact us to learn how we can help ensure the safety, longevity, and appeal of your property and community.
GAUGHAN INSTITUTE: First Training Session!
Gaughan Association Management launched Gaughan Institute to a full house this past Saturday! Our team has been working together for the past few months to put together a training format and content that we feel will be extremely relevant and helpful to what volunteer board members deal with on a regular basis.The first session, held at the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, featured speakers Gretchen Schellhas of Chestnut Cambronne, Karly Kauf and Anthony Smith of Smith Jadin Johnson and Amanda Glader of Gaughan Association Management. Topics of discussion included items such as board member roles, responsibilities and liabilities; Duty of Care; association records and minutes; enforcement of governing documents; and understanding your financial reports.
We are in the final planning stages of our next session which is scheduled for early March. As soon as we have our speakers confirmed, we will circulate the invitation and begin accepting RSVP’s. Please email us at associations@gaughancompanies.com if you are interested in receiving notifications for upcoming GAUGHAN INSTITUTE events.
Gaughan Association Management Accepts AAMC Award at National Conference
Earlier this month, Gaughan Association Management was able to attend a great educational conference hosted by Community Associations Institute (CAI). This national conference provided key educational sessions that delivered information to allow our team to continue to improve and grow.
Our team was also recognized for receiving AAMC accreditation. We are thankful to participate with an organization that continues to strive to educate managers and leadership throughout our industry.
Thank you to CAI for a great conference, and we look forward to another educational year with our local chapter, CAI-MN, as well!
Gaughan Represents at Chamber Golf Tournament
We were honored to be a sponsor at the 30th annual MetroNorth Chamber Golf Tournament to help raise money for their mission of strengthening business in the community.
Our team had a blast staffing a hole and playing a round of golf with other chamber members and guests at Majestic Oaks Golf Club! We always enjoy events held by the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce and are pleased to be a member. We are excited about the growth in our communities and the active role that the MetroNorth Chamber plays in the community.
Gaughan Association Management Awarded the Accredited Association Management Company Designation
Gaughan Association Management recently joined an elite group of community association management companies that have earned the Accredited Association Management Company (AAMC®) credential from Community Associations Institute (CAI). To earn the AAMC credential, a management company must have three years of experience in community association management and at least 50 percent of its managers must have earned professional designations.
Gaughan is one of six association management companies in Minnesota to receive the AAMC designation. Fewer than 250 management companies worldwide have earned the highest level of professional recognition in the community association management field.
Gaughan Association Management will be inducted during the Opening General Session of the upcoming CAI Annual Conference and Exposition in Washington, DC on May 9-12, 2018.
Association Team Runs for Funds
Despite the chilly temperatures, we were out at the 4.01k Race for Financial Fitness on Friday, April 6 to help raise funds for Special Olympics Minnesota.
As a company, we are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community and were happy to join other sponsors in this run/walk!
Gaughan Director of Association Management Receives AMS Designation
Gaughan Association Management is pleased to announce that Amanda Glader, Director of Association Management, has been awarded her Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation from the Community Associations Institute (CAI).
The Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Association Management Specialist (AMS) designation says a lot about community managers who have earned this highly respected credential. It says they have the training and knowledge required to provide professional service to their community association clients. It says they understand the nature, importance and unique challenges of community association management. It says they are committed to excellence and continuing education. Employing a manager who has earned an AMS means you are committed to preserving the character of your community, protecting property values, and meeting the expectations of your owners.
To earn the AMS credential, managers must have at least two years of experience in community association management and complete advanced course work. In addition, they must have already earned the basic industry certification for managers—the Certified Manager of Community Associations credential.
“Professionals who earn CAI credentials maximize the value they can provide to their community association clients,” said CAI Chief Executive Officer Thomas M. Skiba, CAE. “Not only have these professionals demonstrated a personal commitment to self-improvement, but they have also elevated their practical knowledge and expertise. That’s what all community associations need and what board members and residents deserve.”
Professional managers provide administrative, operational and managerial counsel to the boards that govern homeowners and condominium associations. Managers typically are responsible for managing budgets and contractors, directing association personnel, and overseeing compliance with association covenants and restrictions.
Congratulations, Amanda! We are proud of your commitment to our clients and the community management industry!
