History 2010 and 2011

Alliance Board meets with Delray Medical Center
Working toward quality living in South Florida and Linking the Community with its Hospital
Seated at conference table from left: Susan Zuckerman, Alliance President’s Assistant; Margie Walden, Alliance Executive VP; Bob Schulbaum, Alliance Pres.; Norma Arnold, Alliance Director; Mark H. Bryan, Delray Medical Center CEO; Dr. Lori Vinikoor, Alliance VP ; Charles Laufer, Alliance Director; Stanley Kalish, Alliance Treasurer; Stan Goodman, Alliance Director, Ed Berger, Alliance Director; Mickey Mazor, Alliance VP; Dick Herman, Alliance 1st VP PHOTO COPYRIGHT 2010 LORI VINIKOOR ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALLIANCE/DELRAY MEDICAL CENTER WELLNESS SCREENING EXPO WELL ATTENDED

Hundreds of Community Members Received Multiple Screenings

Healthy Cooking Demonstration with Samples enjoyed by visitors

The Alliance Board of Directors along with Delray Medical Center’s Staff worked to present an event that was of great benefit to the local community at the South County Civic Center on March 31, 2011

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

The Community Counselor

Written by Joshua Gerstin, Esq., the Managing partner of Gerstin & Associates, the Community Counselor is a question and answer column focusing on Florida homeowner and condominium association issues. The Community Counselor is a valuable resource for community association residents, officers, directors and property managers to stay up to date on the latest legal issues and developments effecting Florida community associations.

Joshua Gerstin, Esq. is the Managing Partner of the Gerstin & Associates law firm located at:
1499 West Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 412, Boca Raton, FL 33486.
To submit a question to the Community Counselor, you can call, write or fax at:
Telephone number is: (561) 750-0841, Fax: (561)750-8185, email: contact@gerstin.com.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. All information on this website is not legal advice, legal counsel or a legal opinion. All information provided on this website is provided for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon. For legal questions or, before taking any action, please contact your attorney.

The Community Counselor is presented by the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, Inc. (‘Alliance’) as a public service for general information purposes only. The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, Inc. makes no implied or express warranty or representation regarding its contents.

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

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

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 1st 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 35th 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.

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

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

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

P. B. County Sheriff’s Dept. Lt. Pete Ebel

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.

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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXwq7blBFM

Alliance President Bob Schulbaum Welcomes Ruth Rales to West Delray:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn59fF3iAO4

Commissioner Burt Aaronson Speaks to His Community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijRTx5kugKg

Senator Ted Deutch Acknowledges the Alliance of Delray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geyWNXhCwbo

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.

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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bFAnsOwwRA

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

EPA DELAY LETTER:

epa_delay_letter

CONGRESSMAN PUTNAM’S PRESS RELEASE:

putnam_news_release

Archive 2010 and 2011