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Cllick here for STORM TRACKING: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Click here to MONITOR YOUR BEACHES: http://www.pbcgov.com/erm/beachcams.htm
NEXT MEMBERSHIP MEETING:
Wednesday October 6, 2010
Topic to be Announced
Also, status reports from County Administrators, Elected Officials and Current Information
Vital to Your Community
South County Civic Center
Jog Road, Delray Beach
Doors Open 9 AM
Meeting Begins 9:30 AM
The Public Is Always Welcome
COFFEE TEA AND BAGELS SERVED
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Alliance Presents: Highlights of US Senator Nelson’s Visit
August 19, 2010 Morikami Museum Auditorium in Delray Beach
Alliance Executive VP Margie Walden (at lectern) initiates the meeting. Seated from left: Congressman Ted Deutch, Commissioner Burt Aaronson, COBWRA President Ken Lassiter, WBCC President Sheri Scarborough, US Senator Bill Nelson. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
View US Senator Nelson’s Discussions on:
Afghanistan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMWvkvjB3kM
Gulf Oil Spill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ZVh9BvK90
Chinese Drywall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ANBhZYBGpg
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PRESIDENTS COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 5, 2010 HUGE SUCCESS
ALLIANCE AND JOSHUA GERSTIN, ESQ. PRESENT
2010 COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
AUGUST 5, 2010 PRESIDENTS COUNCIL MEETING FROM LEFT: JOSHUA GERSTIN, ESQ.; BARBARA ZEE, ALLIANCE VP LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS;
BOB SCHULBAUM, ALLIANCE PRESIDENT; MARGIE WALDEN, ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE VP. PHOTO: COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
2010 Community Association Legislative Update Primer:
http://allianceofdelray.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=23&title=Community+Counselor
SENATOR-ELECT SACHS VISITS ALLIANCE PRESIDENTS COUNCIL MEETING AND TALKS ABOUT HER DISCUSSIONS WITH COMCAST TO AID IN RELIEF FOR COA’S AND HOA’S IN FORECLOSURES AND COLLECTIONS. ALSO, SPEAKS ABOUT GIVING MORE POWER TO THOSE THAT LIVE IN CONDOS AND HOA’S. SEE THE VIDEO ON RETROFITTING SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKngQ-XZcLE
QUESTIONS FOR SENATOR-ELECT SACHS? E-MAIL HER AT:
Maria.sachs@myfloridahouse.gov
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ALLIANCE SPEAKS TO GOVERNOR CRIST DURING HIS VISIT TO DELRAY BEACH AND ASKS QUESTIONS ON ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY FOR FLORIDIANS.
WATCH GOV. CRIST GIVE HIS RESPONSE The “Wake Up Call In the Gulf” Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etVNgiT_g1E
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GOVERNOR CRIST THANKS THE ALLIANCE FOR ITS HELP
AT THE SIGNING OF SB1196
Photo: Governor Crist shakes Alliance President Bob Schulbaum’s hand and thanks him for the Alliance’s help with the momentous SB1196 which will bring relief to Condos and HOA’s. Also pictured on the left is Commissioner Burt Aaronson and on the right is Lori Vinikoor, Alliance VP Special Projects. Gov. Crist presented Pres. Schulbaum with a “signing pen” for SB1196. The event took place today, June 24, 2010, at Hagen Ranch Road Library in Delray Beach.
YOU CAN VIEW THE VIDEOS:
Video of GOVERNOR CRIST BRIEFING THE ALLIANCE COMMUNITIES ON OIL SPILL: TELLS OF WHAT HE ASKED FOR IN HIS PHONE CALL WITH THE WHITE HOUSE THIS MORNING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZzNV0oin8U
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Video of MARIA SACHS SPEAKING ON SB1196, NOW CALLED “THE GOLDEN BILL OF THE SESSION,” AND THANKS GOV. CRIST AT BILL SIGNING TODAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-OW8aFAf30
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THE ALLIANCE SPEAKS AND GOVERNMENT LISTENS
EPA POSTPONES NUMERIC NUTRIENT CRITERIA ENFORCEMENT UNTIL 2011:
TAKES SECOND LOOK AT THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE WATER QUALITY CRITERIA WHICH
PERTAINS TO WATER BODIES SUCH AS SPRINGS, LAKES, AND FLOWING WATERS, ESTUARIES, AND COASTAL WATERS
JUNE 8, 2010 UPDATE FROM LWDD CONCERNING EPA NUTRIENT CRITERIA RULES:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=208&subtitle=JUNE+8%2C+2010+LWDD+UPDATE+ON+EPA+NUTRIENT+CRITERIA
EPA DELAY LETTER:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/epa_delay_letter.pdf
CONGRESSMAN PUTNAM’S PRESS RELEASE:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/putnam_news_release.pdf
Here is an Example of One of the Meetings that the Alliance Held Prior to the EPA's Delay Letter:
Alliance Membership Hears from
Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) on Really Hot Topic
with Great Potential Impact on YOUR COMMUNITY
ALLIANCE BRINGS THE EXPERTS TO SPEAK TO THE COMMUNITY March 3, 2010
Photo From Left: Mort Mazor (seated), Alliance 1 st VP; Bob Schulbaum, President Alliance; Patrick Martin, PE Director of Engineering LWDD; Ronald Crone, PE, Manager LWDD shown answering questions from the Alliance Membership on the potential impact of the EPAs Proposed Numeric Nutrient Criteria. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The EPA is proposing "numeric water quality criteria" pertaining to nutrient concentrations to protect aquatic life in lakes and flowing waters, including canals, within the state of Florida. In addition, the EPA is also proposing regulations to help Florida develop "restoration standards" for impaired waters.
NEED MORE INFORMATION, HISTORY/BACKGROUND/EXPLANATION? GO TO THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR A SYNOPSIS OF LWDDS PRESENTATION TO THE MEMBERSHIP on MARCH 3, 2010:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=162&subtitle=EPA+NUMERIC+NUTRIENT+REGULATION+INFORMATION+FROM+LWDD
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY?
Dollars and Cents:
It is estimated that residential water utility bills may increase six fold.
PBC Utilities estimates modifications needed to increase the treatment of reclaimed water could cost as much as $300 million for one 30 million gallons a day plant.
LWDD estimates it would have to establish 21,000 acres of stormwater treatment areas to meet the low EPA numeric standard for phosphorus.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Contact Legislators:
Request a halt to EPAs enforcement of proposed numeric nutrient low values.
Require EPA to conduct thorough scientific investigation as to the validity of established standards as applied to our area.
Require an economic impact study be performed.
Request that EPA continue working with FDEP and TAC to develop site specific water quality standards for Florida.
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ALLIANCE PRESENTED ANOTHER HUGELY SUCCESSFUL EVENT and
PERFORMED ANOTHER SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY with its
2010 COA AND HOA SUPPLIER EXHIBITION on February 26, 2010
COLLAGE OF PHOTOS FROM THE FEBRUARY 26, 2010 COA AND HOA SUPPLIER EXHIBITION
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Alliance Working for its Membership
Rep. Sachs Blue Ribbon Committees Meet Again Before 2010 Session Begins
Photo: From left: Lori Vinikoor, VP Special Projects discussing practical alternative power sources with Representative Maria Sachs in the February 19, 2010 Blue Ribbon Committee on Energy meeting. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FLORIDAs NATURAL RESOURCES ENERGY OPTIONS INCLUDE:
Wind Power
Solar Power
Cellulosic Ethanol (Biofuel)
Oil Drilling
Ocean Energy Technology
Another important goal concerning Energy is to promote investment in Florida renewable and alternative energy resources for electricity and transportation needs (ss. 366.92, 377.601, and 377.802, F.S.; Audubon, Florida Chamber, SACE). WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU?
Property tax assessment restrictions for renewable energy resources (Fld. Const.)
Tax credits for renewable and biofuels (ss. 220.191 220.193, F.S.)
Sales tax exemptions (s. 212.08, F.S.)
Electric Utility standard offer contracts (s. 366.91, F.S.)
Alliance Board Member Barbara Zee, VP Legislative Affairs, participates in the Blue Ribbon Committee on Disaster Preparedness.
Alliance Board member Ed Berger participates in the Blue Ribbon Committee on Education.
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Vital Information from Meeting with Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) February 9, 2010
Photo From Left: Murray Kalish, President, Board of Supervisors Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD); Ronald Crone, PE, Manager LWDD; Bob Schulbaum, President Alliance of Delray; Mike Baker, Assistant Manager/Director of Operations LWDD, shown discussing the potential impact of the EPAs Proposed Numeric Nutrient Criteria. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The EPA is proposing "numeric water quality criteria" pertaining to nutrient concentrations to protect aquatic life in lakes and flowing waters, including canals, within the state of Florida. In addition, the EPA is also proposing regulations to help Florida develop "restoration standards" for impaired waters.
HOW WILL THIS IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY?
The Following University of Florida article: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss528 will help you to understand the issues on EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria.
PUBLIC HEARING DATE
By sharing your opinions and ideas with your elected officials, you can help them decide what to do about the issues and pending regulations that affect all Floridians.
Time: Thursday, Feb. 18. Session 1: 12-5PM; Session 2: 6-10PM
Place: Holiday Inn, 1301 Belvedere Road, WPB, FL 33415
Process: Sign-in upon arrival to receive a # of your speaking order.
To Pre-Register on Line here is the link: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/
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ALLIANCE ATTENDS BRIEFING CONDUCTED BY STATE ATTORNEY MICHAEL McAULIFFE AND HELPS IDENTIFY AREAS NEEDING ATTENTION AS PART OF THE STATE ATTORNEY ADVISORY BOARD
Photo: Taken in West Palm Beach Commission Chambers January 26, 2010. State Attorney Michael McAuliffe meets with Alliance and other Community Leaders. Seated far right: Alliance President Bob Schulbaum. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ISSUES DISCUSSED
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The reorganization of Economic Crimes into a White Collar Crime Section Including a specific attorney handling Crimes Against the Elderly and aggressively prosecuting cases of crimes against seniors -
A Public Integrity Unit Addressing Public Corruption -
Progress on the Predator Unit which works out of Boca Raton: now on its 35 th defendant with a full investigative staff and its own prosecutor -
Legislative Front: Activity in the attempt to pass legislation related to anti corruption, official misconduct, and bribery laws -
Striving for a high standard of performance and accountability by having all attorneys in the Office of the State Attorney produce Annual Performance Plans and conducting Written Performance Evaluations -
Gang and Gun Unit Update: proceeding full speed on all R.I.C.O.-nature cases -
Repeat Offenders: continual improvement in identifying violent repeat offenders and being very aware of not letting repeat offenders slip through the cracks. There is also a commitment to identify repeat offenders in lifestyle crimes, i.e. trespass, nuisance, subsidized housing fraud, by working closely with neighborhood and community leaders, city officials, and local law enforcement. -
Pill Mills and Prescription Drug Abuse: there will be increased focus and increased prosecution in the future concerning this by replicating a task force similar to that of the Gang and Gun Unit, by working with County Commissioners on regulating efforts, and by conducting a summit in the Spring which will include community leaders, officials, and health care professionals to address this issue.
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ALLIANCE LEADING COMMUNITIES IN EFFORTS TO PROVIDE AID TO HAITI
Photo: Taken in front of the United Haitian Baptist Church, West Palm Beach Sunday January 24, 2010. Rep. Sachs and other community leaders provided instruction and information regarding travel to Haiti and other important benefits for the Haitian Community during this time of sorrow. Pictured from left: Alliance VP Special Projects Lori Vinikoor meeting with Rep. Maria Sachs and Ronald Hirschel, US Deputy Ambassador for Human Rights 1978-1979. PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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ALLIANCE AMONG REPRESENTATIVE SACHS' "NINE EXPERTS" FOR SOLUTIONS TO CONDO AND
HOA FORECLOSURE CRISIS
 
First photo: Briefing before the Power Meeting Alliance President Bob Schulbaum pictured with Representative Maria Sachs. Second Photo from left: Scott Tennell, Florida Mortgage Professionals Association; Rep. Sachs; and Robert Rubinstein, Attorney from Becker and Poliakoff. Photos copyright 2009 Lori Vinikoor All Rights Reserved.
FOR COMPLETE SUN-SENTINEL ARTICLE, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING OR COPY AND PASTE THE LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER ADDRESS BAR:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-sachsgroup-condocol-20100112,0,6339874.column
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Alliance Membership Briefed by State Attorney
December 2, 2009 South County Civic Center: State Attorney Michael McAuliffe discusses crime, anti-corruption, gangs, special victims unit, and recent cases. Seated to his left are Mickey Mazor, Alliance 1 st Vice President and Margie Walden, Alliance Executive Vice President. Photo copyright 2009 Lori Vinikoor All Rights Reserved
Rep. Maria Sachs, PBSO Lt. Pete Ebel, and Special Presenter on Foreclosures Joshua Gerstin, Esq. at December Meeting
Photos copyright 2009 Lori Vinikoor All Rights Reserved:
  
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ALLIANCE PARTICIPATES IN REP. MARIA SACHS BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEES
and brings the information back to its members
Discussions on November 19, 2009 Center on Education, Health Care, Energy, Disaster Preparedness, and Human Trafficking
 
First Photo: From left: Alliance VP Special Projects Dr. Lori Vinikoor discusses auto industry conversion technology in Rep. Maria Sachs Blue Ribbon Committee on Energy with Rep. Sachs listening and encouraging the participants to discuss ideas to resolve problems which affect Floridas energy needs. Second Photo: Representative Maria Sachs (third from right) with her Blue Ribbon Committee on Energy.
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT 2009 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Alliance VP Legislative Affairs, Barbara Zee participated in the Blue Ribbon Committee on Disaster Preparedness
ALLIANCE BRINGS THE INFORMATION BACK TO ITS MEMBERS: Note regarding future improvements you may make to your home involving renewable energy sources and storm-related improvements:
Effective January 1, 2009, thanks to Rep. Sachs House Bill 229, Tax Credits for Renewable Energy Technologies, the Property Appraiser is prohibited from assessing the value of hurricane shutters or other storm-related improvements made to rental homes, second homes and homestead properties. Her bill also exempts the value of renewable energy source devices such as solar water heating systems or solar power panels.
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GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE NEW RUTH RALES JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE SENIOR CENTER COMING SUMMER 2010 TO WEST DELRAY
 
First Photo: Dignitaries Don Their Hard Hats. From Left:Ivan Gefen, Past President Ruth Rales; Commissioner Burt Aaronson; Senator Ted Deutch; Alliance President Bob Schulbaum; Ruth Rales President Larry Blair. Second Photo: Physically Breaking the Ground to Begin construction of the 12,000 square foot Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County Senior Center Coming the Summer of 2010. Photos Copyright 2009 Lori Vinikoor All Rights Reserved
TO SEE VIDEOS OF GROUNDBREAKING AND HEAR DIGNITARIES SPEAK, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
Shovel goes into ground to begin construction:
Alliance President Bob Schulbaum Welcomes Ruth Rales to West Delray:
Commissioner Burt Aaronson Speaks to His Community
Senator Ted Deutch Acknowledges the Alliance of Delray
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Alliance Board met October 21, 2009 with Elected Officials on Issues Vital to our Community
 
First Photo: Palm Beach County Clerk Sharon Bock (seated at head of table) brings the vital issue of Independence of Public Records and Public Funds to the Alliance Board. Second Photo: Alliance Board goes to the County Administrative Offices to discuss ordinances for a County Commission on Ethics and selection of an Inspector General. Pictured in the County Administrative Offices meeting room from left: Assistant County Attorney Lenny Berger, County Attorney Denise Nieman, Commissioner Burt Aaronson, Alliance President Bob Schulbaum.
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT 2009 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY OCTOBER 15, 2009
Pictured from Left: PBSO Deputy R. Duran; Alliance Director Charles Laufer; PBSO Lt. P Ebel; Alliance 1st VP Mort Mazor; PBSO Capt. J. Calise; Alliance Pres. Bob Schulbaum; ADL Regional Director Andrew Rosenkranz; Detective Ryan Miller.
PHOTO: 2009 COPYRIGHT LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED****************************************************
ALLIANCE PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE AT SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 MEETING: BATTALION CHIEF TOM TOLBERT SPOKE AND HIS EMERGENCY RESCUE TEAM PRESENTED A LIVE DEMONSTRATION.
WATCH LIVE PALM BEACH COUNTY FIRE RESCUE DEMONSTRATION FROM TODAYS ALLIANCE MEETING. CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK:
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ALLIANCE DISCUSSES PROPOSED BUDGET WITH SHERIFF RIC BRADSHAW
QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED
Highlights from August 24, 2009 Meeting
Above: Alliance President Robert Schulbaum (left) and Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw with graph demonstrating increase in number of PBSO armed calls for service from 2004 to 2008. 2009 "armed calls for service" is expected to be higher. Photo 2009 by Lori Vinikoor All rights reserved
Highlights
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When you hear about Overtime this can refer to any of four types of Overtime 1. Required Court Appearances/Liaisons/depositions 2. Hospital/transportation of inmates 3. Contracts (which are fully reimbursable) 4. Service Calls -
The Sheriff has successfully reduced overtime by 1.5 million dollars this year -
Any rank above Captain does not receive overtime (Deputies, Corporals, Sergeants, and Lieutenants receive overtime) -
The PBSO is a revenue-generating agency which has doubled its revenue in the past four years -
Types of revenue include fingerprinting fees, booking fees, medical treatment of prisoners, daily subsistence fee of prisoners, fees that cities pay, i.e. contracts between the PBSO and cities for services -
Last year the PBSO generated approximately 68 Million Dollars in revenue which went back to the Countys fund -
Pursuant to the back-to-back hurricanes a few years ago, the PBSO is still awaiting 6 million dollars in reimbursement from FEMA -
With the ankle-bracelet program, for every 25 participants, one correctional deputy is required -
When calls for service involve a gun, 3 deputies must be sent -
The take-home car program benefits the county. The officers using the cars contribute financially to this program. Nearly every dime of cost is returned. There is a law enforcement presence in the neighborhoods, there is no cost for prep time when an officer is called, and there is faster response to emergencies.
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ALLIANCE WORKS FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP ON FORECLOSURE ISSUES AFFECTING ASSOCIATIONS
Highlights of Meeting with Rep. Maria Sachs and PBC Chief Judge Peter Blanc
At Palm Beach County Courthouse on July 21, 2009
  
Photos: Palm Beach County Courthouse 7/21/09 ; Center Photo: Rep. Maria Sachs in briefing session which took place in the Law Library of PBC Courthouse Seated are Katerina Draganova, Assistant to Rep. Sachs and Samuel Golden, Esq. Foreclosure Attorney ; Last Photo: Chief Judge Peter Blanc discussing the Foreclosure issue in Judge Blanc’s Administrative Office PBC Courthouse. Photos 2009 by Lori Vinikoor All rights reserved
STATISTICS DEMONSTRATE THE PROBLEM
Recordings of Foreclosure Certificates (titles):
2006: 665
2007: 1836
2008: 4203
First 2 ½ months of 2009: 1198
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NUMBER OF FORECLOSURES FILED IN JUNE 2009: 2376
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The discussion with Judge Blanc and Rep. Sachs on how to get foreclosure numbers under control included:
How the courts, while working in their own boundaries, can help Associations expedite foreclosure actions
Moving to fill several judge vacancies which have arisen in the past few months
Asking judges to volunteer to take on more foreclosure cases
Utilizing law school interns to assist where applicable
Burden on Associations and fixed-income residents when assessments remain uncollected
Balancing to assure that one group, i.e. litigant/bank/COA/HOA does not benefit to the detriment of another
Changes in legislation needed to ease the burden on Associations
Rep. Sachs presented the idea of developing a pilot program demonstrating some kind of positive response from the Court on handling what is becoming an avalanche of foreclosures. This program could be an example for other Florida counties.
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ALLIANCE ATTENDS PRESS CONFERENCE
PRESIDENT SCHULBAUM VOICES CONCERNS OF MEMBERSHIP
REPRESENTATIVES CALL FOR GOVERNOR CRIST TO APPOINT A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS VETOED SB 714
SB 714 WOULD HAVE:
· repealed the changes made last year to Chapter 718 relating to individual HO-6 condominium policies
· provided financially struggling high-rise associations with more time to retrofit their common areas with sprinkler systems
· provided other associations with relief from having to purchase elevator generators and alarm systems
Among the burdens that Associations and their Memberships will have to endure are: older high-rises will need to retrofit their common areas with sprinklers by 2014; condominium boards will need to inquire at least once a year as to whether or not each owner has H0-6 coverage; boards can force place such missing policies and specially assess for the costs of same; condominium owners will still need to add the association as an additional insured and loss payee on their individual policies. Supplemental information provided by CAN (Community Advocacy Network) ************
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF 2009 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE WHICH INCLUDES IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS INCLUDING THE "ELDER HOTLINE":
http://stats.211pbtc.org/PBCSGQuickRef.pdf
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HAPPY 100 TH BIRTHDAY PALM BEACH COUNTY...CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR CENTENNIAL EVENTS
www.pbcgov.com/100
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Contact us:
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Suite 203-212
Delray Beach, Fl. 33446
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Phone: (561) 495-9670
Fax: 561 495-0888
Mail to: rschulbaum@hotmail.com
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