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| 2017 Premium Partners Platinum Alliance Association Bank Benson, Kerrane, Storz & Nelson, P.C. Chaparral Management Company, Inc., AAMC Daughtry & Jordan, P.C. Greater Houston Pool Management, Inc./Greater Houston Pool Builders, LLC Holt & Young, P.C. Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey PC Triquest Management Services Diamond Terra Management Services WaterLogic, Inc. Gold AAA Plumbers Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, Inc. C.I.A. Services, Inc Creative Management Company LMS Inc., dba Landscape Management Services McKenzie Rhody, LLP Mutual of Omaha Bank,CondoCerts
PCMI/Severn Trent, AAMC
RealManage Sears, Bennett & Gerdes, LLP The Urban Foresters Tu, Payne & Associates, PLLC Silver Allied Universal Aquatic Management of Houston, Inc. Bartley & Spears, P.C. Best Plumbing, LLC Brick Restoration, Inc.
Canady & Canady, P.C. Church Services
Crest Management Company, Inc., AAMC D & C Contracting, Inc. Earthcare Management, Inc. High Sierra Management, Inc., AAMC Hoover Slovacek, L.L.P. J.Q. Brick Repair and Restoration Services, LLC Lambright & Associates, PLLC Masonry Solutions, Inc. Merit Service Solutions, LP North Law, P.C. Pools by Dallas, Inc. Preferred Management Services, AAMC Property Services SCS Management Services, Inc. Sterling Association Services, Inc. Tuttle Construction Union Bank Homeowners Association Services Yellowstone Landscape Bronze BB&T Association Services Brookway Horticultural Services
Cox CPA Services, Inc. Goodlife HOA Management, LLC I.M.S. Landscape Services, Inc. Kilowatt Partners, Inc Kraftsman Commercial Mainscape Playgrounds & Water Parks Pampered Lawns, Inc. Ted W. Allen & Associates, Inc. Silversand Services, Inc. Sweetwater Pools Ted W. Allen & Associates
The Spencer Company Treece Law Firm VanMor Properties, Inc. Your name here in 2017 |
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Professional Management Development Program
2017
CASE STUDY
July 27-28, 2017
M-201 Facilities Management
December 7-8, 2017
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March 27, 2017
TCAA Capitol Activities
The Texas Legislature has passed the halfway point of this legislative session, and the number of bills being passed out of committees is picking up considerably. The TCAA team is closely watching these committees for bills that might impact community associations.
TCAA Capitol Rally Day
March 28, 2017
Community association advocates will meet with key legislators and staff, and hold a media rally to show their support for Texas property owners' associations.
For more details on TCAA Capitol Rally Day and other TCAA events, please visit the TCAA website: www.txcommunityassociationadvocates.org
Bills of Note
The House Business & Industry Committee met on Monday, but only considered bills related to the minimum wage and employment issues. Still pending before the committee are HB 522 relating to regulation of religious displays, and HB 923 relating to the reasonableness of certain fines. TCAA has worked extensively with the sponsors of each of these bills, and hopes to find a compromise that protects both community associations and homeowners.
The House Transportation Committee on Thursday considered HB 561 relating to the operation and regulation of commercial utility vehicles. TCAA has concerns with this bill and is actively working with the bill sponsor and stakeholders to improve the bill.
HB 1053 by Rep. Meyer relates to statutes of repose for certain claims involving the construction or repair of an improvement to real property or the attachment of equipment to real property. This bill reduces from ten years to five years the statutory period to bring a claim against a defendant after substantial completion of an improvement to real property. This legislation would impact suits against persons furnishing construction or repair of improvements, and also architects, engineers, interior designers, and landscape architects furnishing design, planning, or inspection of construction of improvements. HB 1053 is being considered by the House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee in Capitol Room E2.026 on Tuesday, March 28th at 2pm (or upon final adjournment of the House). That is the same day as TCAA Capitol Rally Day if community association supporters want to watch the proceedings.
SB 1506 by Sen. Hinojosa, relating to liens by a mechanic, contractor, or materialman, was referred to the Senate Business & Commerce Committee. The House companion bill, HB 3065, has not yet been referred to committee. This legislation primarily addressees the procedures associated with mechanic and materialmen liens, however, it also makes an important change that will affect condominiums and condominium owners.
The proposed legislation provides that a lien for work on the common elements of a property extends to each unit owning an interest in the common elements, apportioning the lien among the units based on their interest in the common elements. This provision has the effect of directly extending the liability for a condominium association's failure to pay a contractor to the unit owners themselves. TCAA has concerns about the impact of this legislation and will work with the House and Senate sponsors to address those concerns.
SB 1542 by Sen. Kolkhorst relates to a requirement that a condominium receive prior approval from a county prior to its creation. The bill provides that a county may require the county clerk to obtain prior approval from the county before allowing a developer to create a new condominium in the county. Though the bill gives a county discretion to disapprove the creation of a new condominium, it does not include a list of reasons or examples of why a county may disapprove of a new condominium. TCAA is concerned that SB 1542 could be problematic and will continue to monitor the bill.
SB 2234 by Sen. Menendez (and House companion HB 3528 by Sen. Menendez) relates to the collection of past due assessments and other charges by a property owners' association. Among its numerous provisions, SB 2234 imposes limitations on interest, late fees, collection costs, methods of payment, and attorney's fees. This bill is problematic for property owners' associations governed by Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code. The negative economic impact resulting from this bill could be passed onto the homeowners that it is attempting to protect, in the form of increased assessments or reduced amenities and services. It is likely that annual increases in assessments would be necessary to keep landscaping beautiful, maintain amenities, and protect property values. If owners are not required to invest in their communities by paying assessments in a timely manner, the natural consequence will be a reduction in the services and amenities that families have come to expect and enjoy.
TCAA is concerned that SB 2234 is overly complicated and so vague as to lead to unnecessary disputes and litigation over compliance. Though it seems aimed at protecting consumers from being overcharged, the bill also poses a potential problem in that it attempts to retroactively modify the rights and obligations of the restrictive covenants to which property owners have consented by accepting title to their property.
The bill also uses an owner's "understanding" as a measure of compliance with association fees and costs, meaning an owner could indefinitely keep requesting documentation because they do not yet "understand" their account. Without an objective standard measuring when the association's duty has been affirmatively met, there is potential for abuse. The legislation also imposes new requirements for the content and manner of delivery of a collection letter sent by an association. Any deficiency in the content of the letter would arguably form the basis for an owner's challenge to an association's authority to collect certain collection costs or to an association's authority to foreclose its assessment lien.
SB 2234 goes on to limit what may be included in a lawsuit to collect past due assessments and caps various amounts that may be collected in such a lawsuit, removing a task historically performed by judges and placing it in the hands of the legislature to be applied with a broad brush. The bill also prohibits foreclosure by an association unless the owner's debt exceeds $5,000, which may have the effect for many associations of ending foreclosure entirely. While TCAA supports fair and reasonable fees for collections, this bill substantially erodes the ability of property owners' associations to hold an owner accountable for the assessment obligation that funds the services and amenities of the community.
Contacting Your Legislator
The Texas Legislature Online features a "Who Represents Me?" system that provides information about current members of the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives. You can search by street address, ZIP code, county, and city. The system is found at http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
For legislator telephone and e-mail information, as well as biographical information on members of the Texas Legislature, see the Texas Senators and House Membership web sites:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/
http://www.senate.texas.gov/directory.php
You may mail a letter to your legislators at the following addresses:
The Honorable (insert name of Senator)
Texas Senate
P.O. Box 12068
Austin, Texas 78711
The Honorable (insert name of Representative)
Texas House of Representatives
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, Texas 78768-2910
Stephanie Ferrante
Chapter Executive Director
stephanie@caihouston.org
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Texas Community Association Advocates
Legislative Advocacy and Rally Day
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Tuesday, March 28, 2017 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
State Capital -
Austin Texas
The Bus will leave from the Sam Houston Race Track, 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas 77064 at 7:30 AM
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM - First United Methodist Church, 1300 Lavaca Street (2nd Floor) Sign in
11:30 - 11:45 AM Schedule Overview
11:45 - 12:30 PM Lunch and Team Briefing
12:30 -1:30 PM Rally on South Steps of Capital
1:00 - 1:30 PM - Press Event
1:45 - 4:00 PM - Legislative Visits
4:30 PM Buses Depart Austin
TCAA volunteers and supporters will gather from across the state of Texas to advocate for Texas homeowners and the professionals who serve them. Your participation will make a difference in making sure our voices are heard and our strength of numbers is known at the Texas Capital. CAI Houston will secure bus transportation to and from Austin.
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Grow your Business
Sponsorship Drawing and Auction
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Thursday, March 30, 2017 1:30 PM -4:30 PM
Cadillac Bar
1802 Shepherd, Houston, Texas 77077
Larger sponsorships for all GHC-CAI Events will be sold in a live auction format, the lower priced sponsorship will be offered as drawing. See a clearly laid out menu of all your opportunities to grow your business.
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education
turn the page: communication
sponsored by benson kerrane storz and nelson, p.c.
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Thursday, April 6, 2017 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The Hilton Houston Westhcase
9999 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77042
Focus on effective and efficient avenues of communication that best engages the community.
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topgolf
Sponsored by Triquest Management Services
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Tuesday, April 11, 2017 3:00PM - 6:00 PM
TOPGOLF
1030 Memorial Brook Blvd, Houston, Texas 77084
Anyone can play TOPGOLF, from aspiring pros to those who have never walked 18 holes.
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Roy Hailey Memorial Education Foundation
Sporting Clay Tournament
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Tuesday, April 18, 2017 12:30 PM Check in
Greater Houston Gun Club
6700 McHard Road, Houston, Texas 77063
Roy Hailey was an extraordinary individual, attorney and advocate who died too young. To honor his memory the Roy Hailey Memorial Education Foundation has been established to provide educational opportunities and scholarships to managers of community associations working towards industry certifications as well as the volunteers that serve them.
Learn how to become a sponsor
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Kid's Meals Volunteer Day
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Wednesday, April 19, 2017 9:00 AM - Noon
Kids' Meals
330 Garden Oaks Boulevard,
Houston, Texas 77018
Lunch bag by lunch bag we can help make a difference. Not just preparing sandwiches, we will be making memories while giving back to our community.
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CAI Annual Conference and Exposition
Las Vegas
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Wednesday, May 3 - Saturday, May 6, 2017
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
It's a sure bet! Cash in on new ideas, play to win by networking with the best of the best, and raise the stakes on your career at the CAI Annual Conference and Exposition, May 3-6, at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. This year we're "All In To Win," upping the ante as we share best practices and lessons learned for community and career success.
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Education
How to Eat an Elephant:
Taming your E-Mail Box
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Thursday, May 11, 2017 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The Hilton Houston Westchase
9999 Westheimer, Houston, Texas 77042
This is a very practical session that assists managers in dealing with and organizing the many emails that fly back and forth in association management.
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2017 Legislative Session Update
Presented by Texas Community Association Advocates
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Thursday, June 8, 2017 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The Sam Houston Race Track - Winners Circle
Main Building, Second Level
7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West,
Houston, Texas 77064
Find out how the changes from the 2017 Legislative Session will affect your community, management company or business.
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Business Partner Exchange
Reverse Trade Show
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Thursday, June 8, 2017 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
The Sam Houston Race Track - Winners Circle
Main Building, Second Level
7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West,
Houston, Texas 77064
Managers and homeowners get a quick 3 minute opportunity to network directly with our trusted business partners, and find new solutions, services and products to benefit their communities and companies.
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Professional Management Development Program
Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) Case Study
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hursday, July 27 - Friday, July 28, 2017
The final step toward earning the PCAM designation.
The PCAM Case Study is a comprehensive examination of an actual community association, combining classroom discussion with an extensive on-site inspection. You'll explore the community in depth, reviewing its administrative procedures, legal documents and communications; meeting with its manager, board members and key personnel; and learning about the local area. You'll be encouraged to ask questions and openly discuss issues faced by the association.
To register for the PCAM Case Study, you must successfully complete the prerequisite courses (
all 200-level PMDP courses) and receive written confirmation that your PCAM application has been approved within the previous year (other requirements apply).
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| CAI C.a.r.e.s. Community Association Recognition of Excellence in Service |
| CAI wants to celebrate your company's or community association's accomplishments, unique activities and events and spread the word so other community associations can use your great ideas and other companies can share your spirit of giving. Once a quarter, we honor the best of the best with special awards and recognition for the community and the submitting party. Share your story |
| Committee Information - Get involved |
| Do you have a great idea? Can you think of a way to make our events more successful? Join the fun, learn new skills and make new friends - it's as easy as joining a committee. Find your committee |
| Educated Business Partners |
| CAI has created an online course for business partners new to the community association industry. To learn more |
| Homeowner Hotline 832-251-1874 |
| The Greater Houston Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) has a free HOA Hotline, Submit a question |
| Job Postings |
| Would you like to post a job opening on our chapter website? Job postings are complimentary to GHC-CAI members. Click here |
| CAI Course Results and Course History |
| CAI course results and course history for our members are now available online by visiting CAI's website (www.caionline.org). Learn how |
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If you have any questions or comments about Chapter Activities, or if you'd like more information, please contact us:
Greater Houston Chapter - Community Associations Institute
9525 Katy Freeway, Suite 303
Houston, Texas 77024
Building Better Communities
713/784-5462
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