Creekstone Celebrates Summer with Neighbors



The Creekstone community in Franklin celebrated the July 4th weekend with a cookout sponsored by the home owners’ association.  This event featured plenty of good food, family games and activities along with a live concert performed by the musical duo, Jack & Dave.  Jack Grant, Community Association Manager for the Creekstone HOA, proves that he’s more than just a skilled manager, he sings and plays guitar as part of the concert.  The cookout promoted community spirit by giving neighbors and families a time to visit and get to know each other better.  

  Good food and fellowship highlight the cookout.  Community Association Manager  
 Jack Grant plays guitar at the free concert.

Community Board Members Take Advantage of Free Seminar



“Creating a Code of Conduct” was the topic of the August Lunch & Learn seminar for interested Board members.  Led by industry professional Kathy Sutherland, this presentation shares information about what the Code of Conduct should include and how it can help the Board function.  The fiduciary duty of the Board was also reviewed.  Questions and comments from those in attendance led to good discussion that benefited everyone in attendance.

This monthly seminar is provided as a complimentary service to Board members of communities managed by Ghertner & Company.  Lunch is provided along with the opportunity to meet some of the Ghertner & Company Team members in a casual atmosphere.

The next Lunch & Learn will be Wednesday, September 7 from 11:30 – 1:00.  Board members can make reservations by emailing Theresa Savich at Theresa.Savich@ghertner.com or calling 615.277.0346.

Comment from Board member:

 The Lunch and Learn Wednesday was really helpful. We want to adapt the Handout that starts, "WHEREAS..." for our community. We do not have such a document and we think it is important.


Common Area Improvements Create Safer Atmosphere





Security issues arose in the land around the pool at Cobblestone Landing and it was decided to add lighting to reduce these concerns.  Under the supervision of the Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling team additional wiring was run for three strategically placed light poles.  Not only did the lighting source provide illumination for the common area, decorative light poles were installed to enhance the appearance of these community improvements.  


Assisting Kids in Need

Two Ghertner & Company team members show care for fellow members of the Mddle Tennessee community, and especially the children who have unique challenges or situations.  
Rachel Brenner was recently honored for 20 consecutive years of volunteer work with Saddle Up!  A skilled equestrian, Rachel donates her time and skill to introduce children to horse riding and the joy associated with being around these animals.  Saddle Up! is the oldest and largest program of its kind in the region, and the only one exclusively serving children and youth who have disabilities. Find out more at www.saddleupnashville.org.
Rachel has held many roles over her 22 years with Ghertner & Company and currently works in the accounting department.
C:\Users\kevin\Downloads\Brenner.jpg
Rachel Brenner, second from the right, was honored for her volunteer efforts.

Community Association Manager Bob Welborn and his wife, Debbie, recently completed the 4.2 mile run/walk to benefit the charity, A Soldiers Child Foundation.  This organization seeks to serve the children of active duty personnel who have given their lives while defending the United States of America.  The funds raised provide special birthday parties for the children up to their 18th birthday, and also provide mentoring programs and college scholarships.  Learn more at www.asoldierschild.org.
Bob Welborn gained 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry before joining the Ghertner & Company team in 2013.  He lives in Murfreesboro, TN.


Bob Welborn and his wife, Debbie, at the starting line.

Key to Success: Manager Training



Community Association Managers are constantly honing their skills and one way is to participate in the Friday morning Managers’ training held onsite.  Led by experienced team members and outside industry professionals, Ghertner & Company’s community managers meet weekly in small groups to learn more about the important task of serving our communities with professional and practical leadership practices. 

Topics vary from understanding governing documents and contracts, architectural reviews and financial statements to establishing communication within the community and its boards.  Other important items of instruction and review include insurance, meetings and minutes, accounts payable, structural terminology and the development of properties. 

Pictured below Kathy Sutherland reviews processes for budget preparation, including calendars, governing document requirements and communication during a July session held in the training center at Ghertner & Company.





Leadership Team Promotions


Recognizing their strong management and customer service skills, along with their longevity with the company and consistent high performance, Ghertner & Company has recently promoted two managers to the Leadership Team.  Deborah Wallace has been promoted to Community Association Manager Team Leader and Jaye Kloss is now the Director of Compliance and Training.
                 
                                Deborah Wallace                                                                   Jaye Kloss
Deborah’s role will be to train all new incoming portfolio managers. In this role, she is working one on one with new managers to ensure that they are adequately trained and tested in their role. She will also problem solve with them on a day to day basis.
  
Jaye’s new role is to work with current portfolio managers to assist in communication and implementation of best practices. She will work with fellow leadership on problem solving with managers and client relations.

Both Deborah and Jaye will keep a small number of clients, in addition to their new roles, in order to remain involved in the day to day operations of association management and stay close to the customer service facet of the industry.

Kathy Sutherland will continue in her role as Director of Training and Technical Services for company managers and clients.

Co-President Scott Ghertner states, “Given the growth of the company, it is necessary that Kathy have the assistance of two new team members to the leadership team. It is an incredible asset that both of these managers have been promoted from within the company after a long and successful tenure as portfolio managers.”

Honey bees safely relocated from clubhouse

Written by: Margo Rose Ghertner


It was a regular workday for Jason Johnson of Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling at a community clubhouse. Built in 1840, the clubhouse is a restored mansion residents in the community can use for social gatherings and physical fitness.
            Jason noticed that a group of bees were swarming from a pipe, which extended from a brick wall outside of the historical clubhouse:



Through efficient communication, Jason contacted Tim Struzynski, manager of the property, and eventually, Ghertner Maintenance and Remodeling contacted Patty Ghertner, beekeeper extraordinaire, to evaluate the situation.
            To her dismay, the bees were too high for her to reach, but instead she sent Kent Knapp of GMR information of how to appropriately preserve the safety of the mass of bees. This lead to the contacting of the notorious “Bee Man” of Hendersonville, who quickly returned Ghertner and Company’s request to take a look at the scene.  Cutting a large section of the ceiling out in order to access the bees, he describes the scenario as “the largest colony he’s ever seen,” consisting of about 160,000 bees.
            This year, the United States considered declaring the honey bee an endangered species, disappearing from 87% of its original range. This is why it’s so important to humanely remove such a high quantity of bees—which is exactly what the Bee Man did.
            After cutting open a 10’X2’ section of the ceiling, the Bee Man successfully vacuumed the bees and moved them to his location.
            After removing the bees, the Bee Man removed the honeycombs as many residents watched from a window in the mansion. He provided the residents with fresh honeycomb for everyone to enjoy.
            Thanks to the swift communication and desire to better our planet, Ghertner and Company successfully made sure that the endangered species and their residents were treated with care… and fresh honey. 


URGENT: Banks To Cripple Your Community, Cost You Money, If Legislation Passes


URGENT! From the Community Associations Institute - Tennessee Chapter

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

We need your help immediately! Please call, email, and even come down to Nashville and tell the House Business Utilities and Senate Judiciary Committees to OPPOSE HB 2401 and SB 2397.

HB 2401 and SB2397 are being pushed through the legislature by banks who are using false and misleading statements to confuse legislators and trick them into passing the bills.

That is why these legislators need to hear from you. They need to hear from their constituents and residents of Tennessee just how these bills will impact communities.

If passed HB 2401 and SB 2397 will:
  • Cripple your community's ability to reach financial stability. The bills allow banks to stall and continue to delay in perpetuity foreclosures creating further despair in the housing recovery efforts.
  • Force you to pay more assessments. Your assessments go toward maintaining roads, storm water control, public lighting, insurance and other services that protect your community, bolsters your property value and contributes to your quality of life; services once provided by your local government. When one of your neighbors fails to pay their assessments and abandon their property the burden shifts to others in your community to cover the costs through special or increased assessments. Current law provides your association a tool to recover a modest six months of those assessments prior to anyone else, keeping your assessments level. These bills bury that tool.
  • Decrease your property value. This bill strips banks' incentive to quickly foreclose on a property, allowing abandoned property in your community to stay abandoned. 
The banks are lying to legislators telling them that the federal government is pushing for this change. They are further saying the federal housing agencies will no longer back mortgages in states that have this law. This is completely false!

The federal government asked banks to work with your associations, not introduce laws that will cripple them. There are 21 other states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico that have this law. Are the federal housing agencies really going to stop backing mortgages in 22 states? No!

Please contact the House Business Utilities and Senate Judiciary Committees and tell them to oppose HB 2401 and SB 2397 today and every day for one week. The bills are being heard in Nashville Tuesday and Wednesday, March 22 and 23. Come stand with us and oppose these bills. Tell these legislators what is really going on.

Talk to your neighbors, friends, and anyone you know that owns a home within a community association in our state and direct them to contact these legislators.

Protect your home, protect your investment, and oppose these bills!


Tell these legislators to OPPOSE HB2401
Tell these legislators to OPPOSE SB2397
Representative Marsh
(615) 741-6824
rep.pat.marsh@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Kelsey
(615) 741-3036
sen.brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Calfee
(615) 741-7658
rep.kent.calfee@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Overbey
(615) 741-0981
sen.doug.overbey@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Daniel
(615) 741-2287
rep.martin.daniel@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Bowling
(615) 741-6694
sen.janice.bowling@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Doss
(615) 741-7476
rep.barry.doss@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Bell
(615) 741-1946
sen.mike.bell@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Dunlap
(615) 741-1963
rep.kevin.dunlap@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Gardenhire
(615) 741-6682
sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Gilmore
(615) 741-1997
rep.brenda.gilmore@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Harris
(615) 741-1767
sen.lee.harris@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Goins
(615) 741-6877
rep.tilman.goins@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Kyle
(615) 741-4167
sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Gravitt
(615) 741-1934
rep.marc.gravitt@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Roberts
(615) 741-4499
sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Hazlewood
(615) 741-2746
rep.patsy.hazlewood@capitol.tn.gov
Senator Stevens
(615) 741-4576
sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Representative Holsclaw
(615) 741-7450
rep.john.holsclaw@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Love
(615) 741-3831
rep.harold.love@capitol.tn.gov


Representative McCormick
(615) 741-2548
rep.gerald.mccormick@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Powell
(615) 741-6861
rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Reedy
(615) 741-7098
rep.jay.reedy@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Sexton
(615) 741-2343
rep.cameron.sexton@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Sparks
(615) 741-6829
rep.mike.sparks@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Swann
(615) 741-5481
rep.art.swann@capitol.tn.gov

Representative Wirgau
(615) 741-6804
rep.tim.wirgau@capitol.tn.gov


Representative Zachary
(615) 741-2264
rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov



Sincerely,

CAI Tennessee Legislative Action Committee.

Life at The Governors Club

A Salute to Margaret Tullis
This month the POA Board would like to spotlight Margaret Tullis, our Ghertner & Company On-Site Property Manager.
Margaret has been married to Reggie Tullis for 52 years. They have three sons and six grandchildren.  Reggie is a Portfolio Manager with Ghertner & Company. Reggie and Margaret live in Brentwood. Their son, Chuck, his wife, Keelie, and their 13-yr old twins, Madden and Macie, live in Hanover, PA, where Chuck is SVP of UTZ Snack Foods Co.  Greg, his wife, Lauren, and their children, Abbie, Parker, and Rylee, live in Conroe, Texas, where Greg has served in law enforcement for 11 years. Margaret and Reggie's oldest son, Butch, passed away in May 2000. Butch's son, Austin, lives in Franklin and is a freshman at Austin Peay in Clarksville. Margaret also has a miniature pinscher who she loves dearly.

Margaret has served in the hospitality and retail industries for 25 years. While in the hotel industry, Margaret worked with Drury Industries in Cape Girardeau, MO and Ramada Inn in Nashville.  Margaret was also a part owner/manager of small motel in Hendersonville.  During this time, Reggie changed careers, and they relocated to Birmingham, Houston, and back to Nashville.  Upon their return to Nashville, Margaret worked as a manager of the Bombay Co. Cool Springs store, where she received accolades for "Highest Sales in Southeast Region" for multiple years.

At the end of 2006 Margaret decided to retire.  Margaret quickly discovered that retirement was not for her and decided to seek part-time work.  Margaret says, "Be careful what you pray for, as it may come quickly." Reggie came home from work soon after and informed her that Ghertner & Company was looking to fill a part time job for an on-site manager of the Governors Club.  Margaret was quickly interviewed by Ghertner & Company and the POA board at the time and started as the on-site manager in March 2007.

Margaret's main objective is to provide daily on-site man­ management assistance and to support homeowners with any questions or needs that they may have.  She ensures that the property is being taken care of appropriately by all vendors who support the neighborhood- security, landscaping, ARB professionals, pool maintenance, mansion maintenance and repairs, fitness center maintenance, building sites, relations
 with Kemper, etc. Margaret can be seen daily driving the neighborhood to ensure everything is in order and ensure there are no issues in the neighborhood.  She is an unbelievable asset to this neighborhood. The POA board greatly appreciates all that she does. She is very organized and communicates and handles issues very efficiently.

In her leisure time Margaret enjoys travelling to Pennsylvania and Texas to visit her grandchildren and taking cruises. Her favorite place to visit is Hawaii. Reggie begged Margaret for years to travel to Hawaii, and on their 40th anniversary, their children surprised them with a trip to Hawaii. Since then they have traveled to Hawaii three times. Margaret also enjoys reading, working in the yard and, of course, shopping. She enjoys watching her favorite football team in the fall - the Tennessee Vols. Margaret and Reggie attend Brentwood Baptist Church. "Margaret is thankful to God, Reggie, and the residents of TGC for allowing her the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community, which she appreciates regardless of the situation or issue." 

Margaret -We sincerely appreciate all that you do for this community. You are a joy to work with and a fantastic asset to this neighborhood.


Article courtesy of Molly Catino, POA President and n2 Publishing

Short Term Rentals

On December 1, 2015, Herbert H. Slatery III, Attorney General and Reporter of the State of Tennessee, Office of the Attorney General, issued an opinion regarding taxes for individuals who rent their homes, apartments or rooms to guests on a short-term basis on websites such as airbnb.com and vrbo.com. Click here to view the opinion.

For additional information regarding short-term rentals and permit requirements in Davidson County, click here.

Severe Weather Alert





As winter weather is again approaching with sub-freezing temperatures predicted for much of December, we wanted to advise you of some precautions to take to prevent pipes from bursting and other potential hazards.

Ghertner & Company’s Homeowner Service Center is available to help you should you need assistance during office hours of Monday-Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, and can be reached at 615-277-0358. Our 24 hour emergency number is 615-255-4736.

If you live in a condominium or town-home community, know who your neighbors are that live next door, and above or below you.  Share your contact information with them and ask for their contact information in case of an emergency due to a busted water line, etc.  Also, check your unit’s insurance policy, so you know what is covered, and the amount of any deductibles.  Your association’s policy also has a deductible, and you may be responsible for anything below that amount.

If your Association has parking areas, roads, or common walking areas salted, be aware that when the temperature reaches a certain point salting does not work.  Please take precautions if you are walking around the community. 

Below are several helpful suggestions to help you prepare for dangerously cold weather:

Keep your pipes from freezing
Take precautions now to ensure your home is ready for the extreme cold temperatures.   When the mercury dips well below freezing, pipes can freeze under your home.
Ø  Make sure all your foundation vents are closed, so cold air is not getting in.
Ø  Make sure your crawl space door is closed and sealed properly. The main thing is keeping the wind out from under your house.
Ø  In order to keep your water pipes from freezing, allow a steady drip of water from an interior sink to drip while the outside temperature is sub-freezing approaching zero degrees.
Ø  Unhook garden hoses from spigots and cover exterior faucets with insulating material to prevent freezing
Ø  Know where the main water shut-off is located in your home in the event of a broken pipe so the water can be shut off to minimize damage.
Ø  If your outside lawn & landscape irrigation system has not been winterized, know where the shut off valve is for that system in case a broken irrigation pipe occurs.

Other precautions and considerations
Ø  Avoid body exposure to prevent frostbite and hypothermia
Ø  Use electric heaters carefully so as to avoid any combustible materials within 3-4 foot radius; use only electric heaters with an automatic shut-off
Ø  Indoor gas, propane, kerosene space heaters can be deadly if not completed vented and monitored continuously; heaters not used and tested for some time should not be used until safety is confirmed; Carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly or unvented space heaters is extremely dangerous.   If any feeling of confusion, dizziness, or nausea occurs while using a vented heater, shut it off and seek immediate fresh air.

Protect animals from life-threatening cold

Keep pets inside.  If animals can't be inside, provide a warm, comfortable place.  Face shelter away from wind and provide a flap or door to help keep the animal's body heat inside.

August Volunteer Leadership SeriesCode of Conduct for Board Members


Kathleen Sutherland led the monthly Ghertner & Company Volunteer Leadership Series to a packed crowd of Board members and associates at the August 5th lunch & learn held at Ghertner & Company’s training center. 

Homeowners have a variety of motivations for serving on the Board of Directors, but it is still important for all the Directors to be on the same page regarding their basic fiduciary duties to the Association. For this reason it is helpful to adopt a written code of conduct, also known as a code of ethics. After the code is adopted by a vote of the Board, it should be signed by each of the Directors.

These workshops are one of the benefits of management by Ghertner & Company.  If you are a Board member who is interested in learning more about our management services, please contact Kathleen at Kathleen.sutherland@ghertner.com or 615-277-0314.

(L-R)  Board member at Mansker Farms and Deborah Wallace, Community Association Manager, catching a few minutes to talk before the lunch & learn.

We always have room for more!  Please join us for our next workshop in September. 


Recreational Water Illnesses



We're experiencing a very hot and humid summer this year in Tennessee.  Many of us are frequenting swimming pools more often to cool off, and enjoy time with family and friends. Before you head out to the pool or water park, consider the information and precautions below provided by Langley & Taylor Pool Company.
Swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans are all potential sources of water recreation illness. Recreational water illnesses typically affect a person's stomach and intestines, skin, or respiratory system.

Every year, we hear about stories in regards to Recreational Water Illness (RWI’s). Certified Pool Operator/National Swimming Pool Foundation and The Center for Disease Control recognize RWIs as the following:
  •    Cryptosporidium
  •    E-ColiLan
  •   Giardia
  •    Hepatitis
  •    Shigella
  •    Norovirus

Just to name a few..

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Certified Pool Operator Handbook/National Swimming Pool Foundation; it can take up to several minutes or hours to de-activate or “kill” these bacteria and viruses that cause fecal borne illness.  For example, the deactivation time for Cryptosporidium is 12 hours when the Free Chlorine level is 20 (twenty) PPM.  Increased problem awareness, prompt response to fecal accidents, and proper water quality maintenance are vital to the prevention of RWIs and related adverse health effects.

This is why the health department states: “Take a shower before entering a pool” AND “persons with communicable diseases, do not enter the pool”

Furthermore, a pool does not need to be considered a cleansing bath that “heals” people of virus and bacteria. People CAN pass virus and bacteria to others in a swimming pool even though it is properly sanitized.

Parents, please make sure that if your child is sick, or just over coming an illness to not let them swim in the pool until they are completely healthy.

Handrails, ladders and pool furniture can also be an area that sick people touch and come in contact with bacteria or virus. 

A properly sanitized pool is pro-active care, BUT it does not negate the fact someone can become ill as others can introduce bacteria and virus and the chlorine takes time to kill them. In fact, without your help, even the best-maintained pools can spread illness.  

Think Healthy,

Be Healthy,

Swim Healthy!

Clear and Clean


Healthy water quality in community pools requires careful vigilance.
As clear and refreshing as swimming pool water looks, particularly on a sweltering hot day, it can harbor bacteria, viruses and para-­sites that can cause what the Center for Disease Control (CDC) call recreational water illnesses. Instances of these ailments, which include ear and eye infections and respiratory, intestinal and skin diseases, are dramatically on the rise according to the CDC; reported cases have more than tripled in the past 20 years.

Even if the community you manage has one swimming pool or several, indoors or out, salt water or fresh, Olympic size or a wading pool-even hot  tubs-it's important  that the water in which residents swim and relax won't make them sick. And community managers and pool maintenance staff, as well as municipal and local governments, can do a lot to minimize outbreaks of infections.

Pool Rules are Essential

Whether a community's pools are maintained and staffed by the association or a contractor, managers should work closely with pool personnel to make sure every one who uses the pool observes certain procedures.

It's essential that dressing rooms, bathrooms, showers and pool decks are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Pool users should be educated about why hygiene is a critical element in maintaining healthy pool water and why diapered children should be changed well away from the pool and the surrounding decks. All swimmers should be encouraged to take  frequent bathroom breaks and reminded not to swallow pool water. And urge swimmers to shower with soap each time they enter or leave the pool. Anyone – residents, guests, children, adults and employees – who has an infection or illness should be refused entry to the swimming or wading pool area. Also develop a disinfecting policy for responding to contamination.

Monitor Chemicals Closely

It's important to check water pH and chlorine levels regularly, particularly during the weekend or other busy times.  Also, managers and pool staff should be aware that while chlorine is an effective disinfectant, it doesn't kill germs immediately, and some viral and bacterial strains resist chlorine altogether. For instance, E. coli bacteria can be eliminated in less than a minute by normal disinfectants, but Giardia, which is a parasite, requires nearly an hour. The virus that  causes Hepatitis A survives in chlorine for only about 15 minutes, but the parasite Cryptosporidium can live in chlorinated water for more than a week before it's destroyed. Any of these organisms can cause mild to severe fatigue, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Strep and other bacteria that cause colds and car infections also can spread freely in swimming pools. 

The chemicals used to sanitize pool water are themselves toxic if used, stored or applied improperly, so make sure they are always handled by properly trained personnel. The association also should keep records of pool maintenance, disinfectant use and pH measurements.

Get More Information

The CDC released the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) in September 2014 as guidance for local governments, pool programs and others who have vested interest in "improving the health and safety at public aquatic facilities." This code is available on the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/mahc/about.html. 

A complete checklist of critical steps to take to ensure pool water safety is available at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/resources/operating-public-swimming-pools-factshcet.html. 

Swimming pools are a great source of recreation,  exercise  and  relaxation-and managers should do everything possible to ensure they won't make swimmers sick.


Did you know that grills are prohibited at most Condominium and Town-home communities?

August 11, 2014

TO:          Multi-Family Dwelling Complex Managers

FROM:    Al Thomas
                Fire Marshal
                Nashville Fire Department

RE:          Grills on Balconies

The Metropolitan Council has adopted the "2006 edition of The International Fire Code" with some local amendments as Davidson County's fire code. There are some changes in the previous law concerning grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The new fire code states that open flame cooking devices are not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction unless the building and the deck is protected with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.

The second section of the code states that even when grills are allowed because of construction or fire sprinklers LP gas fueled grills can't have storage cylinders with a water capacity larger than 2.5 pounds.  Typical residential propane grills meet this definition.

IFC
308.3.1 Open-flame cooking devices.
Charcoal burners and other open-flamed cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
     Exceptions:
  1. One- and two-family dwellings.
  2. Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 
308.3.1.1 Liquefied-petroleum-gas-fueled cooking devices.
LP-gas burners having an LP-gas container with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds (nominal 1 pound (01454 kg) LP-gas capacity) shall not be located on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 MM) of combustible construction.
     Exception: One- and two-family dwellings.

Good fire prevention practices should always be used when operating a grill. Always have a way of extinguishing the fire and never leave the grill unattended. Remember that your actions may have an effect on several.  Always think fire safety.



Circumstances that Prohibit Grills, Fire Pits and Recreational Fires at Condominium and Town-home Communities

Things to think about....


Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal's Office









Fire Pits and Recreational Fires


Everyone enjoys roasting marshmallows over an open fire in the fall.  The thing to remember is to be safe and follow the rules. First of all we will define a recreational fire and then give you some guidelines.

RECREATIONAL FIRE:


An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height  for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.

Recreational fires in an approved container should be not less than 15 feet from any structure.  An example of an approved container would be the commercially produced fire bowl/pits.

Recreational fires placed on the ground should be 25 feet from all structures.


SAFETY:


Recreational fires should constantly be attended and a method of extinguishing the fire should be on site. That could include a garden hose, fire extinguisher, etc.



PROBLEMS: 


 Any recreational fire that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when the atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make it hazardous are prohibited.


Grills in Multi-Family Dwellings


Charcoal and other open flame cooking devices are not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction unless the building and the deck are protected with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system or if it is a single family home or duplex.

LP gas burners with a gas cylinder larger than 1 lb are also not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The exception to this rule is for single family homes and duplexes.






Major Appliance Care & Maintenance


While appliances make our lives much easier, they also pose significant risks if not maintained properly. Here are some helpful maintenance tips and replacement recommendations to ensure the longevity of your major appliances.


A/C Problems? Check Your Condensate Line 
When you see water running from the area of your 
furnace and air conditioner, chances are there is a
clog in your condensate line.

When your air conditioner is operating correctly, the temperature difference causes moisture to accumulate on the coil. That moisture has to drain away from the unit and condensate line is what takes the water to the outside of your home.

In a perfect world the water would be completely clean and flow freely through the condensate line forever. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. The water can contain algae, dust, and other debris that will clog the line. Removing the clog is a simple procedure and is usually a part of the seasonal service you receive from your HVAC contractor.


Replace Washing Machine Hoses Every 5 Years to Avoid Disaster



 The washer supply and discharge hoses are often overlooked, but they are all too common culprits of water damage.  These hoses usually fail at a specific place – the coupling.  Standard hose couplings are rolled and stamped from thin sheets of copper, inserted into the hose ends and then crimped. Over time, flowing water polishes the metal coupling edges to a razor sharp edge. Those edges then cut the hose inside and outside where it bends at either end. If it has been more than 5 years, you are gambling!  You don’t want to wait until water shoots out the sides to find out. If it 
has been more than 5 years, go ahead and replace the washing 
machine hoses while everything is dry. While you’re changing 
out the washer supply hoses, install a new discharge hose, too.

Have Your Dryer Vent Cleaned Annually

Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer hose and vent duct, reducing air flow, backing up exhaust gases and eventually creating a fire. These hazards can be avoided by thoroughly inspecting and cleaning your dryer vent every year. Not only are you reducing the risk of fire, you’re also putting money back into your wallet by improving the dryer’s efficiency.  
Signs of a Blocked Dryer Vent

·        Lengthy drying times.
·        Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the dry cycle.
·        Dryer deactivation due to high temperatures
·        Increased heat and humidity in the area of the dryer.
·        Flapper on vent hood does not open when dryer is on. 






Common Water Heater Problems and Signs You Might Need a New Unit

Other than a fire, nothing causes more damage to the inside of a property than leaking water. Like any appliance, water heaters break down over a period of time.  No one enjoys taking a cold shower, so ideally you’d like to be able replace your water heater before it completely stops working.  If you wait too long it may lead to bigger problems as well, such as large leaks and water damage to your home. So how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? Here are a few signs:


Age

The older a water heater gets, the more likely it’s about to break down. Electric water heaters generally last 8-10 years, while gas water heaters may only be good for 6-8 years. If your water heater is any older than this, it may be time to check for some of the symptoms below.
Rust and corrosion
Check your tank for any rust or corrosion, particularly the area around the temperature and pressure relief valve and the inlet and outlet connections. Also check your water to see if it’s turning a rusty color, which could mean there’s rust inside the tank. Unfortunately, rust and corrosion can’t be fixed. Once it starts it’s only a matter of time before the tank is leaking and needs to be replaced.
Unable to drain water through the drain valve
Over time, sediment builds up inside a water heater. Flushing your water heater once a year will help solve this and extend the life of your water heater. However, if this task isn't performed for an extended period of time then the sediment build-up will eventually reach a point where it can no longer be resolved. At this point a water heater replacement will be necessary.
Your hot water tank is leaking
A leak from your hot water tank is usually caused by an internal problem and is rarely fixable. If you spot a leak anywhere on your water heater it’s quite likely your water heater needs to be replaced.
Your water is lukewarm or cold
If your water isn't as hot as it used to be, or isn't hot at all, then there is likely something wrong with your water heater.
Check for any of the symptoms above. If you find any of them then it is likely your water heater is beyond repair and will need to be replaced.

March Volunteer Leadership Series

Bids, Contracts and Maintenance

Presented by Kent Knapp, Director of Ghertner Maintenance & Remodeling 

L to R: Kent Knapp, Bridgemill at Providence Board member




Kent spoke to a full room of Board members and Community Association Managers at the March 4th Lunch & Learn held at Ghertner & Company’s learning center.  Discussion included the importance of a maintenance plan for routine, preventative, emergency and deferred maintenance.  Recommendations for creating a bid schedule to obtain proposals for services based on detailed specifications; and what to consider when choosing a bid prior to signing a contract for services or planned projects.

If you are a Board member who is interested in learning more about our management services, please contact Kathleen Sutherland at kathleen.sutherland@ghertner.com or 615-277-0314.


L to R: Kathleen Sutherland, Saundersville Station Board member


L to R: Paul Matthys, Community Association Manager, Hermitage Meadows Board member