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A rooftop can be a power plant or a battleground. In this week’s Take It To The Board episode, we tackle a central question: should homeowners be able to use solar power without running into resistance from their own community associations? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger speaks with Ben Delman of Solar United Neighbors to break down where personal energy freedom bumps up against HOA oversight.

Donna and Ben explore the real factors behind a switch to solar energy—from hardware costs and permitting timelines to interconnection delays, SRECs, and the impact of net metering. If you’ve ever wondered what a typical home can offset via solar energy, how much a solar energy system costs, or how long it takes to recoup the investment, they’ll walk you through the numbers in clear, practical terms.

Donna and Ben are also joined by Dixie Koenemann, a homeowner from Ohio whose HOA pushed back at every step of her rooftop solar installation. She shares her firsthand experience navigating restrictive HOA rules and the strategy she used -- reviewing governing documents, tracking performance impacts, and citing state law-- to challenge vague or burdensome limitations that could have prevented her and her husband from enjoying the benefits of solar energy.

With the federal 30% tax credit ending, the conversation turns to what’s changing, what isn’t, and why local measures like faster permitting and fair interconnection policies are crucial to keeping solar accessible. 

Related Links:

• Podcast: Going Green Saves Some Green — with Nicolas Milo of KW Property Management
• Resource: Solar United Neighbors
• Article: What Can Be Done About Solar Panels?

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What if the secret to calmer board meetings, friendlier hallways, and fewer violation letters is simpler than passing another rule? In this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger invites nationally recognized etiquette consultant and author Jodi R.R. Smith to unpack how “etiquette is the younger sibling of the law” and why civility is a practical and effective leadership tool for community associations. From trash cans set out too early to pickleball at midnight, Donna and Jodi translate everyday friction into neighborly fixes that work in real life.

Donna and Jodi walk through a proven communication playbook for big projects like concrete restoration and roof replacements: communicate early and often, explain the process in understandable terms, invite questions before votes, and host town halls. You’ll learn how to structure meetings without turning rules into a weapon, why your strongest communicator should tackle major announcements, and how to take heated online threads offline into productive.

Donna and Jodi share clear guidance on shared spaces and pets—noise, waste, elevator etiquette, and the crucial distinction between service animals and emotional support animals. They also cover neurodiversity and cultural cues, showing how to adapt with kindness: narrate your intentions, choose the right medium for the message, and use asynchronous options when needed. Even travel gets a civility upgrade, with practical tips for surviving cramped flights.

Along the way, they revive two classic habits that still matter: RSVP promptly and send real thank‑you notes. Courtesy isn’t performative or old‑fashioned—it’s a scalable, repeatable method for reducing conflict, protecting and enhancing community value, and making shared living spaces more comfortable. If you’re a board member, manager, or resident who wants fewer blowups and better outcomes, this conversation is your field guide to civility. 

Conversation Highlights:

• Why etiquette still matters in an age that celebrates bluntness and “keeping it real.
• Practical meeting manners: How board and membership meetings can stay civil and productive
• Respectful communication during sales or rental screenings — for both interviewers and applicants
• Balancing ESA (Emotional Support Animal) rights with neighborly consideration
• Guest etiquette in “55 and over” communities — what visiting families should know
• Navigating the gray areas of shared amenities like gyms, pools, and clubhouses
• Pickleball diplomacy: showing courtesy when games go late or lights stay on
• Texting with tact — the essential “dos and don’ts” of modern communication
• When to overlook someone’s bad manners vs. when (and how) to gently correct them
• The one universal bad habit Jodi would fix with a magic wand

Related Links:

• Book: The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners
• Resource: Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting
• Online Class: Dealing With Difficult People
• Article: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills

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With Halloween right around the corner, in this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger and Dee Smith from NatureZone, a family-owned and operated pest control company, peek into the spookier corners of community association life: the creepy crawlies that make residents shiver and board members squirm. Together, they take a peek into what really moves through condos and HOAs: bed bugs that hitchhike on luggage, roof rats that turn trees into launch pads, and subterranean termites—now including a Formosan–Asian hybrid—capable of eating your equity faster than you’d ever expect. 

You’ll learn how bed bugs actually spread in multifamily buildings, why foggers make them worse, and a simple hotel routine that uses a hairdryer and a bathtub to stop hitchhikers. Donna and Dee break down drywood termite myths, explain why subterranean baiting like Sentricon changes the game after heavy rains and floods, and map the entry points rats love most—soffit gaps where gables meet hips, open AC chases, and lush landscaping pressed against stucco. They also talk compassion and safety: handling hoarding cases without letting infestations jump through chases, relocating honeybees while decisively removing aggressive wasps, and using greener, microencapsulated products and inert dusts for residents with chemical sensitivities.

If you live in a condo, townhome, or HOA, this is your resident’s guide and board playbook in one. Expect field-tested tips, from shaving “boots” on cabbage palms and keeping bird feeders off structures, to recognizing termite pellets and swarmer wings before repairs get ruinous. 

Conversation Highlights:

• The ultimate Halloween pest — which creepy crawler gives even the pros chills?
• The most common pests found in South Florida condominiums and HOAs
• Why pests spread so rapidly in multifamily buildings compared to single-family homes
• When a small issue becomes a nightmare: how one infested unit can impact an entire building
• The most unusual or memorable pest situations from real community cases
• Safe and eco-friendly pest control options for residents concerned about toxicity
• Tenting vs. spot treatment: how effective are different approaches for drywood and subterranean termites?
• Preventative policies boards can adopt—from hygiene to landscaping—to stop infestations before they start
• Plants and trees to avoid: what attracts rodents to community landscapes
• Dee's journey into pest control and what keeps her passionate about the field
• How modern pest control has evolved with greener, less toxic technologies
• Practical advice for boards developing or updating their community pest control plans

 Related Links and Resources:

• Article: Pest Control Company finds success through focusing on client retention, not revenue
• Pest Control Resources: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
• Podcast: Pesky Critters in Your Community? Top Tips From Wildlife Expert and Trapper Todd Hardwick

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The landscape of community living is shifting as associations grapple with rising energy costs, climate pressures, and ever evolving resident expectations. In this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Nicolas Milo, Senior Director at KW Property Management, to explore how sustainability is more than just an environmental initiative -- it’s also a smart financial strategy.

No longer limited to “going green” for responsibility’s sake, today’s forward-thinking boards see that sustainability brings immediate cost savings, operational efficiencies, healthier environments, and stronger property values. Donna and Nicolas discuss the beauty of this approach and its flexibility where communities can start small by fine-tuning existing systems and then scale to more advanced technologies.

For boards wondering where to begin, Nicolas recommends a phased approach: first, ensure existing systems operate at peak efficiency according to manufacturer specifications. Then explore strategic upgrades like building management systems, water flow meters, or LED lighting with motion sensors. Low-hanging fruit includes domestic water filters to reduce plastic waste, comprehensive recycling programs that generate rebates, and community engagement initiatives like neighborhood cleanups or garden projects.

Technology is opening new doors for associations -- from EV charging stations with minimal upfront investment to advanced trash management solutions. Nicolas also shares personal insight from serving on his own condominium board, where a community garden and composting system has strengthened community bonds while reducing environmental impact and even food costs.

Whether you manage a high-rise condominium or a sprawling HOA, this episode delivers actionable strategies to create greener, more cost-effective communities. The bottom line: sustainability is good for residents, good for property values, and good for the planet.

Conversation Highlights Include

• Impactful and cost-effective upgrades for condos and HOAs
• Resident support for sustainability versus the need for persuasion
• Balancing upfront costs with long-term savings
• Real examples of green initiatives lowering utility costs
• Challenges unique to high rises versus large HOAs
• Keeping pace with Florida’s stricter building codes and energy requirements
• Resident involvement and the rise of green committees
• How sustainability boosts satisfaction and resale values
• The next wave of green living—solar, EV charging, water reclamation, and smart tech
• Bonus: The one sustainable feature Nicholas believes every condo or HOA should adopt if he had a magic wand

Related Links:

• Podcast: Revolutionizing Coastal Defense, 3D-Printed Living Seawalls with Anya Freeman of Kind Designs
• Podcast: Navigating the Negative Impacts of Sea Level Rise with Professor Harold R. Wanless and Dr. Esber Andiroglu
• Podcast: Successful Community Association Living Starts With the Purchase Decision with Marisa DiLenge, Founder, DiLenge Real Estate Team (Part I)

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Choosing the right attorney for your community association is about much more than comparing hourly rates. In this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Tana Bucca, Vice Chair of Becker’s Community Association practice in New Jersey, to explore what boards should really look for when hiring legal counsel.

Donna and Tana discuss why specialized experience in community association law often saves time and money, how firm size and bandwidth can impact service—particularly for smaller associations—and why rushed “cattle call” interviews rarely lead to the right fit for either side. Instead, thoughtful conversations that go beyond canned responses are the key to finding true compatibility.  

This episode also covers red flags that some association attorneys and vendors overlook in their zeal to sign a new client.  Tune in and learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ask the right questions during your interview.  This episode offers practical insights for board members, managers, attorneys and other vendors alike—emphasizing that the most successful attorney-client relationships are built on trust, expertise, and respect.

Conversation Highlights:

• The importance of credentials like Board Certification in Condominium & Planned Development Law or membership in organizations like CCAL and why more boards don’t ask about them
• Questions boards should ask in an initial interview to reveal the most useful information about a lawyer’s style, competence, and approach
• The importance of responsiveness, educational outreach, litigation philosophy, or experience with regulators and legislators
• Red flags attorneys see in potential client associations that may signal problems ahead
• How both sides can determine if there’s a genuine “fit” during that first consultation
• When it is appropriate for a board to terminate legal counsel
• When lawyers should terminate a client
• The number one ingredient required for a productive attorney-client relationship

Related Links:

• Podcast: A Board Members’ Guide to Unexpected Issues – Your Questions Answered
• Podcast: Addressing Florida’s Condo Crisis and How to Fix It

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What's the point of gates, guards, and security cameras if you're letting hundreds of unscreened workers into your community?  On this week’s episode of Take It To The Board podcast, host Donna DiMaggio Berger talks with security expert Mark Hall to reveal the alarming blind spot in most residential communities' protection plans.
 
After spending over two decades in law enforcement, Mark identified a critical vulnerability: communities invest heavily in perimeter security while opening their gates to thousands of unknown service providers each year. This realization, coupled with a horrifying incident where an air conditioning technician with a criminal record took a family hostage, led him to create the Safe Communities Vendor ID Program.
 
The program's findings are eye-opening. Since 2016, they've identified and prevented 81 registered sex offenders and over 900 recently convicted burglars and thieves from accessing participating communities. 

Donna and Mark walk listeners through the program's three-tiered screening protocol, which includes five-year bans for theft-related offenses, ten-year bans for violent crimes, and lifetime bans for sexual offenders and homicide perpetrators. They explain how the program accommodates immigrant workers through foreign government ID verification, addresses identity verification challenges, and operates without cost to associations or residents.
 
 If your community is serious about security, listen now to learn how you can close this critical gap. 

Conversation Highlights Include:

• The security gaps in the marketplace that inspired the creation of the Safe Communities Vendor ID program
• Details on the program’s screening protocols
• How Safe Communities communicates with vendors after screening employees, including reports and follow-ups
• Addressing concerns about second chances for individuals with prior convictions
• The frequency with which employers fail to use rigorous screening protocols
• Training programs and ongoing evaluations offered to vendors to stay updated on best practices
• Safeguards in place to avoid mistaken identity and minimize legal liability
• How the program has grown since its inception in 2016
• Vendor screening expansion into industries beyond community associations

Related Links:

• Podcast: Checking In On Background Checks: What’s In, What’s Out and What’s Questionable? with Robert E. Sanchez of Sarma | Becker & Poliakoff
• Article: Law.com Op-Ed: Smile, You’re on Condo Camera—Florida’s New Law on Recording Zoom Board Meetings | Becker & Poliakoff

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Various types of casualty events, including fires, floods, explosions, windstorms, and even the unavoidable burst water pipe, will likely occur at some point in your community's lifespan which means your board will have to submit an insurance claim. That process can make your association feel as if you're going through a second disaster while you're trying to recover from the first one. Host Donna DiMaggio Berger and guest Ken Shriberg, a public insurance adjuster with a track record for turning underwhelming settlements into substantial lifelines, will arm you with the knowledge to face insurance challenges head-on. 

Donna and Ken walk through the hidden damages that can derail recovery efforts, emphasizing the significance of exhaustive inspections and the transformative impact a public adjuster can have on your recovery. They recount real-life tales from the field, illustrating how an eagle-eyed adjuster can turn a modest $2 million claim into a $28 million game-changer, emphasizing the importance of expert evaluations in rectifying overlooked destruction.

Donna and Ken also tackle the often-overlooked challenges that association boards face, from understanding convoluted insurance policies to the art of negotiation, and how these hurdles can impact the rebuilding process. They debunk the 10X sales mentality, advocating for collaboration and exceptional customer service as the cornerstones of a successful recovery. By the episode's end, you'll be equipped with a view of how seasoned professionals, from adjusters to attorneys, play a pivotal role in guiding communities through the aftermath of casualty events, ensuring a fair and comprehensive path to restoration.

Conversation highlights include:

• How the role of an independent public insurance adjuster differs from the insurance company's adjuster and other professionals in the insurance industry
• Evaluation tools used to assess the extent of damage in community association insurance claims
• Challenges and issues community associations often face when dealing with insurance companies after a loss
• Timeline of a typical community association windstorm claim, from the initial report to the final resolution
• Red flags or warning signs that community associations should be aware of when dealing with insurance claims
• Key considerations for boards when selecting an insurance policy and how can they maximize their coverage
• When it's time to call in an attorney to pursue a Bad Faith Claim

Related Links:

• Podcast: Storm-Ready in Seconds: How Shark Tank’s StormBag Is Changing Hurricane and Severe Weather Prep | Becker & Poliakoff
• Article: Becker Expands Association Adjusting Firm with Additions of Ken Shriberg and Chris Cury | Becker & Poliakoff
• Resource: Association Adjusting - Serving Community Associations Throughout Florida and New Jersey

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"Most people don't read the fine print until it's too late." This warning from Take It To The Board host, Donna DiMaggio-Berger sets the stage for a crucial conversation with guest and Becker shareholder James Robert Caves about common contract mistakes threatening community associations across Florida.

Drawing on decades of experience drafting, negotiating, and untangling problematic contracts, Donna and Rob reveal why the distinction between proposals and contracts matters, and how seemingly innocent "boilerplate" language can become a community's worst nightmare. The discussion exposes how vendors strategically include provisions that protect their interests while limiting their liability – often capping damages at the contract amount regardless of the severity of potential future harm.

Among the most dangerous contract provisions are those related to termination rights. Rob strongly advises against agreements that automatically renew and can only be terminated for cause, creating what he calls an "endless loop" where associations remain trapped in unsatisfactory and even dangerous relationships. 

Their conversation tackles particularly problematic contract types – telecommunications agreements with decade-long terms, elevator maintenance contracts with right of first refusal clauses, and the emerging trend of non-competition provisions appearing in landscaping and pool maintenance agreements. Through real-world examples, including a $2,500 maintenance contract that resulted in $100,000 damage, Donna and Rob demonstrate why contract review priorities should be based on risk assessment rather than contract value. 

Providing practical negotiation strategies while identifying must-have provisions you need inserted into your contracts, this episode delivers essential knowledge for board members and managers who want to protect their communities from costly contractual disasters.

Conversation Highlights: 

• How boards can ensure the proper legal entity is signing a contract—and why that’s critical
• The difference between apparent authority and actual authority when directors or managers sign agreements
• Key clauses every vendor or service contract should include
• Termination clause traps and what to watch for
• Common red flags that pop up in community association contracts
• The enforceability of non-compete and non-solicitation clauses in vendor agreements
• What makes a contract “illusory” and how to avoid them
• A practical rule of thumb for deciding which contracts require attorney review—beyond just the dollar amount

Related Links:

• Article: Association Contracts
• Online Class: Condo/Co-op Board Certification Class
• Podcast: Mastering Construction Contracts: Essential Insights with Steve Lesser

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It’s common knowledge that Florida is one of the hottest markets in the U.S. – whether you’re considering a personal lifestyle upgrade or a new environment for your business. But that influx of people and industry, coupled with the state’s numerous sunny days, is a recipe for an extreme heat event and can spell disaster for an unprepared infrastructure.

Host Donna DiMaggio Berger and featured guest Jane Gilbert – the world’s first Chief Heat Officer – explore the dangers posed by extreme heat in highly urbanized areas and discuss how municipalities around the world are collaborating on solutions to protect both present-day and future communities.  

Highlights include: 

• How Jane’s recent experience as a Chief Resiliency Officer prepared her to serve as the first-ever Chief Heat Officer and what this new role means for communities in Florida and beyond;
• Defining the ‘urban heat island’ and how the green street vision for Miami-Dade helps reduce this;
• Why awareness of the risk associated with extreme heat needs to be increased and whether naming heat waves would emphasize the importance of safety during rising temperatures;
• How community association boards can adjust governing documents to encourage energy efficient practices – green spaces, reflective roof surfaces, upgraded A/C units, indoor/outdoor lighting choices, building weatherization, etc.;
• Strategies when considering how to address the disproportionate impact of heat waves on already vulnerable communities, including seniors on fixed incomes, socio-economically disadvantaged, etc.;
• Expansion of existing directives to ensure evacuation shelters have adequate backup power for cooling in the event of a widespread outage;
• The connection between extreme heat and rising sea levels, and how Florida has integrated its climate action strategies to address both;
• How community associations, local businesses, and incoming corporations can collaborate with Jane’s office to identify ways to protect outdoor workers in the construction, tourism, trade & logistics, public safety industries; and so much more. 

BONUS: Donna and Jane share a little about what to expect from the county’s three-year action plan, scheduled for release in May 2022 and recommend viewing the Miami-Dade County’s Extreme Heat Toolkit for ways you can stay safe in South Florida. 

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In an emergency, timing is everything. What if a resident collapses on the pickleball court, suspicious activity is spotted near your property, or a crisis unfolds when you least expect it? The traditional safety net of gates, guards, and cameras falls short without one critical element: immediate, reliable communication.

In this week’s episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger talks with Geno Roefaro, the CEO of SaferWatch, a cutting-edge safety app transforming how residential communities respond to emergencies. Developed in the aftermath of national tragedies like the Pulse nightclub and Parkland School shootings, this innovative platform functions as a digital panic button connecting users directly to local law enforcement while simultaneously alerting the entire community as a disaster unfolds. Unlike group texts or emails that might go unnoticed, SaferWatch delivers unmistakable alerts demanding immediate attention.

Donna and Geno discuss the practical, legal and even emotional implications of using technology to enhance safety where it counts most-in our homes. Customizable for each community's needs, SaferWatch addresses everything from severe weather or medical emergencies to suspicious activities, providing not just immediate response capabilities but also valuable data management tools for tracking incidents and improving security measures over time. 

If you're a board member, manager or resident concerned about community security, you won't want to miss this conversation

Conversation Highlights:

• Key differences between SaferWatch and consumer security apps like Ring and Nest
• Integrating SaferWatch with existing security infrastructure like cameras, gate systems, and smart building technologies
• What successful SaferWatch implementation looks like in a large residential building (e.g., 300 units)
• Addressing privacy and data protection concerns associated with the platform
• Personal inspiration behind SaferWatch, including the impact of the Parkland shooting
• How the app has evolved from use in large public venues to serving residential communities like condos and HOAs
• SaferWatch’s role beyond safety threats, including medical emergencies like cardiac events and drownings
• Strategies for balancing frequent alerts with preventing notification fatigue among residents
• Advice for associations exploring this type of technology, especially when dealing with skepticism or budget limitations

 BONUS: Donna describes alligator sightings in her HOA community  

Related Links: 

• Resource: SaferWatch Website
• Podcast: Eyes Everywhere – Understanding Community Surveillance Options with Louis DiGioia of IC Real Time