Spring time is around the corner and the community pools will ready for the summer season. Homeowners Associations and Condominium Associations that own swimming pools, wading pools, or spas need to be aware of new requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). In July, 2010, the Justice Department issued new ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which include mandates for removing barriers to access to pools and spas. These new Standards apply to any private entity that operates a “place of public accommodation,” which may include an association. If an association limits use of its pool to its members and their guests, its pool does not fall under the requirements of the ADA. However, if an association allows non-members of the association to use its pool in exchange for some form of compensation, its pool may fall under the definition of a public accommodation. If it does, the association will have to comply with the new ADA Standards no later than March 15, 2012.

Continue reading “HOAs and Swimming Pools–Do you need to be ADA Compliant?”

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The 2011 Virginia Leadership Retreat was held this past weekend at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia.  The Virginia Leadership Retreat is the leading educational and networking forum for community association professionals in Virginia. This was the 3^rd annual retreat and it was a great success!  The attorneys at Tarley Robinson, PLC participated in many events at the Retreat. From teaching to sponsoring to working at the VLR, our attorneys devoted dozens of hours to this event.

Susan Tarley serves as a member of the Virginia Leadership Retreat Committee.  The Committee is comprised of members of the Washington Metro, Central Virginia and Southeastern Virginia Chapters of the Community Associations Institute.  Susan is a representative of the Central Virginia Chapter, serving on the Board of Directors as well as the Virginia Legislative Action Committee.

Both John Tarley and Susan Tarley presented educational sessions that provided community association managers with their annual continuing education credits.  Susan’s topic was Protecting Confidentiality:  The Attorney Client Privilege.  The importance and purpose of the privilege for homeowner and condominium associations was discussed along with best practice tips to protect the privilege. We have blogged many times on this important topic.

John’s area of expertise in social media provided the backdrop for his presentation on how to use social media, including Facebook, Twitter and blogging to help move management companies to the forefront in the industry. John provided a roadmap on how to implement social media into a business, and related the benefits that gained as a leading professional in the field.

The keynote speaker was one of Williamsburg’s own Deborah Reeser McKinnon who presented an inspiring session on leadership.

John, Susan and Philip Chapman, also attended the educational forums and retreat events.  The event includes many industry professionals. We find that sharing information and socializing with colleagues is a tremendous learning experience, helping us provide even better service for our clients. Pictures will follow!

Tarley Robinson, PLC, Attorneys and Counsellors at Law

Williamsburg, Virginia

John Tarley

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Susan B. Tarley will be presenting Deed Restrictions for the Advanced ABC’s course for the Central Virginia Chapter of CAI.  This is the third and most advanced track of CAI’s Homeowner Education Curriculum.  Date:  November 13, 2010 from 8;30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  at Brandermill Clubhouse in Midlothian. Two other components are being presented – Building Community and insurance Matters.  Contact CVC-CAI Executive Director, Stacey Drayer at sdrayer_cvccai@verizon.net or 804-739-7655 to register. We’ll post an outline of the presentation.

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February Tarley Robinson Newsletter

Topics include a discussion of email scams. Also, we’re sure that you have already made your diet or exercise New Year’s Resolutions. Hopefully you are still on track! For your homeowners association, here’s a simple, but effective and invaluable list of suggested New Year’s Resolutions.

Today’s collection of notable legal stories we tracked.

1. Ex-Texas Tech coach Mike Leach sued his former employer. But he does not believe that little fact is impacting his job search. Reality check here Mike, Maryland hired Randy Edsall whose team lost to Oklahoma by 48-20. In your last game against the Sooners, your team beat Oklahoma 41-13. Suing your former employer is usually a bad career move and it makes it less likely a new employer will take a chance on you.
2. We represent a number of community associations, but not this one. A blind man, Tim Spencer, is fighting complaints and fines stemming from his guide dog’s barking. The Chicago condominium association where he lives has scheduled a hearing to resolve the $300 in fines. I do not know all the facts, but it does not take a legal genius to figure out that suing a blind man because his guard dog is barking is not going to look good.
3. A Virginia judge assessed attorneys’ fees and costs against Westmoreland County officials for holding a closed meeting in violation of the Freedom of Information Act. Ironically, the officials met secretly to discuss a contract with The O’Gara Group, many of whose employees and leaders are former CIA.

Susan B. Tarley will be one of the presenters for Collections, Bankruptcies and Foreclosures, Oh My! sponsored by the Central Virginia Chapter of CAI. Join us on November 10, 2010.  11:30 a.m. registration.  Noon presentation with lunch.  Location:  3901 Westerre Parkway, Ste. 100, Richmond, VA.  RSVP to attend to sdrayer_cvccai@verizon.net. We’ll post an outline of the presentation.