Thank you for reading our newsletter to all homeowners in Associations managed by Sharper Management. The goal of this newsletter is to touch on general ideas and helpful topics as they relate to living in a common interest community. We hope you find this information useful.

June 2017 is living up to the idea that, if you don't like the weather in Minnesota wait 5 minutes because it will change. During that change in weather conditions, you may find yourself unexpectedly in a dangerous weather event.

Thunderstorms with high winds and tornadoes are two of Minnesota's most dangerous weather situations that both can occur with little warning.
Some tips to remember if you ever find yourself caught in one of Minnesota's weather tantrums include;

General Storm Tips:
Avoid wires and water. If you're in a building that is struck by lightning, be aware that the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. By merely touching a toaster that is plugged into the wall outlet, you could get zapped. The same holds true for running water. If your building has been struck, use only wireless devices, and avoid using the water tap until you know it is safe.

Lighting and Trees. Trees are a common victim of a lightning strike because they are generally taller than their surroundings. A tree conducts potentially deadly current into the ground and can even explode from a bolt's extreme heat. This effect coupled with strong winds make trees a serious risk for you in a storm.

Tingly Hair? Beware. A sign that a lightning strike is imminent is a buzzing sound or if your hair becomes tingly and full of static. If you sense this situation is happening to you, experts say to crouch low to the ground with your feet and shoes touching the ground. Tuck and cover your head and ears. This position provides some protection from a direct lightning strike. When the "electric" sensation passes, keep moving to a building or a car for better protection.

Find Shelter - Your Car. In a tornado, your car is not the best option, but in a lightning or thunderstorm your car is a good choice. Inside the vehicle is safer than outside and it is not because the tires are made of rubber. The car's body protects you by conducting electricity around the cabin of the vehicle and then into the ground. You should be mindful to avoid door handles and other metal components such as the radio dial as they will also conduct electricity.

Puddles are Tricky. In a heavy rainstorm, puddles can form in areas where roadways may have been washed away making them very dangerous. Even a regular puddle that is a mere 6" in depth can stall a car engine. A stalled car is vulnerable in the event of a flash flood. Avoid large puddles by driving around them or finding another route.

Tornado Tips:

• Go to a windowless interior room on lowest level of your house. Go to a storm cellar or basement if your house has one. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
•  If your building has a designated storm shelter area, go to it.
• Get away from the windows.
• Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they tend to attract debris.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
• Use your arms to protect head and neck.
• If you are in a mobile home, get out and find shelter elsewhere.

If You are at Work or School During a Tornado:

• Go to the basement or to an inside hallway at the lowest level.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it.
• Use your arms to protect head and neck.

If You are Outdoors During a Tornado:

• If possible, get inside a building.
• If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Beware of flood waters which may also fill low areas.
• Use your arms to protect head and neck.
• If you are in a car during a tornado:
• Never try to drive faster than a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
• Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
• If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
• Do NOT get out of a vehicle and climb up under the embankment of a bridge or overpass.   This often increases your risk.

We wish you all a safe and joyful summer! Safely enjoy one of the best seasons Minnesota offers.

Summer storms in Minnesota are shaping up to be a regular occurrence in 2017. The June storm that caused significant damage in the northern metro prompted us to review a few things you may want to know about storm damage and living in an HOA.

First off, all HOAs have their own set of governing documents that dictate protocol for things such as external maintenance and restoration. Generally, your HOA's insurance protects the exterior of your home (studs out) while your homeowner's policy will cover the interior (studs in). This may differ in townhome associations that are free-standing (those with no shared walls or roof lines).

With that being said, in the event of a major storm that creates exterior damage to your HOA such as hail damage, loss of roofing, trees falling on your home etc., the Association's policy covers your exterior. What may be confusing is coverage for damage on the inside of your home as the result of storm damage. An example of this is water damage caused by a hole left in the roof after a storm. Your insurance (you) are responsible for the water damage inside your unit.

Restoration companies that specialize in 24-hour response are critical in mitigating further damage from a storm event. When we look for storm damage companies, this is one of the first things we ask of the restoration company. What mitigation and temporary things do you put in place to minimize further damage.

Keep in mind an emergency response to the situation is not the final restoration. Do not expect a team to completely replace your Association's roof the next day. The emergency response will secure the property against the elements. It will stop the rain, wind, and heat/cold from entering your home.

Sharper Management also looks for companies with good reputations. Online testimonials, membership in local and national organizations, and being a member of the BBB are all pieces we consider when bringing companies to the table for your Board to review. The company offering the bottom line price may not be the best choice for your restoration project.

When a restoration project is to start, Sharper Management works with your Board to notify residents of the project schedule. Sometimes it is necessary for work to begin in the early morning to ensure timely completion. This becomes a significant consideration when many properties in an area have been damaged. A little inconvenience, such as a 7am start, is worth it in the long run to restore your home as quickly as possible.

As the Sharper Management family continues to grow, we're happy to introduce two new members of our staff.

Todd Essig has joined the Sharper Management team as Accounting Manager.

Essig is an analytical financial management professional who possesses expertise in areas including finance operations, corporate accounting management, and large-scale financial accountability.

Essig's experience lies in accounting management in the real estate industry and as a controller for local companies and non-profits such as the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.

His proven success in analyzing process constraints, margin analysis, and tracking costs back to underlying activities are key qualities Sharper Management was seeking for this position.

"Todd's expertise in process and cost analysis are wonderful strengths that will allow Sharper Management to continue bringing the highest level of service to our clients. We are happy to have him on our team," states Nick Shilling Partner and Chief Technology Officer.


We also welcomed Isaiah Vigil in May. Isaiah has joins the Sharper Management team as a Community Manager.

Vigil brings a background in the hospitality management world to his new role with Sharper Management. A dedicated professional, his positive attitude and a true dedication to working with others in a team as well as family environment are things that attracted him to the company.

"We are thrilled to add Isaiah to the Sharper family.  His aptitude for this industry coupled with his professionalism and customer service have proven to be great assets.  We are already receiving compliments from properties he manages," states Candy Lee, Director of Community Management.

Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the Twin Cities!
We've highlighted some of the things we think will be fun. We've also included a link to the City of Minneapolis for upcoming local events. Enjoy!

http://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/seasonal-highlights/summer/

Click the link above or the photo to the left to find a comprehensive list of all of the July 4th activities in the Minneapolis area!

Happy Independence Day to you and your family.



ARTCRANK

ROCK THE GARDEN

GREASE
Chanhassen Dinner Theater
March 3-October 28
After a decade, the #1 best-seller in Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' history returns to the Main Stage!

Join Sandy, Danny and the rest of the Burger Palace Boys and Pink Ladies for an affectionate satire of high school life in the 1950's.  Don't miss the unforgettable tunes like: "Summer Nights," "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "We Go Together," "Greased Lightnin'," "Beauty School Dropout," AND added songs made popular in the beloved film: "Grease (Is The Word)," "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want."  It's a high-octane rock 'n' roll party packed with explosive energy!
https://www.chanhassentheatres.com/