Volume 1, Issue 1 March 2010 Volume 1 Issue 8 Summer 2009 . Volume 1 Issue 5- August, 2007 Don’t be a Discriminator! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives more than 10,000 complaints a year about discrimination. You would think that in the year 2010 we would not have to think about discrimination as an issue. Unfortunately, the world still is not perfect, so we must keep making a conscious effort to change. Getting Into Techno-Trouble Getting Into Techno-Trouble We all know of a certain Detroit Mayor that was involved in a texting scandal. He never thought that the text messages he sent would ever get him caught, or a certain football player that tweeted about his coach and then ended up sitting for the majority of the season, just to be traded to another team. Celebrities are constantly on twitter updating their status to the world, which has only gotten easier with today’s free technology at everyone’s fingertips. Going Green - Saves Green Whether you believe in global warming or not, the government is giving away benefits upon benefits to energy saving technologies. We all know that natural energy like wind, water, and solar are what our energy sources of the future will be. The newest incentives from the government are from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, along with the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.  These acts can save you green! How Much Debt Could a Woodchuck Chuck if a Woodchuck Could File Bankruptcy? According to the Bankruptcy Code, if the woodchuck is a member of a housing cooperative, he is not going to get to discharge all of his carrying charges, and if there is a possession judgment against him, the automatic stay may not protect him either. As part of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act of 2005, charges which accrue during the time the debtor physically occupies the unit, or, for as long as he holds a legal, equitable or ownership interest in the share of the cooperative are excepted from discharge. MAHC’s First Line The first line of MAHC’s mission statement is “To support and champion the cause of quality housing through education “. This is the part that I personally take seriously, which is the heart of MAHC. Members have been requesting more education, and thanks to Marlene Dau, Melanie Phillips and Dino DeMare, three new classes have been developed for cooperative living. Certified Cooperative Director, Manager and Maintenance. MAHC Proudly Welcomes Board Member  Anna Howard  My name is Anna Howard, and I have been graciously granted the opportunity to serve on the MAHC Board. I became aware of cooperative living in 1996 when I moved to Ash Street Cooperatives, in Illinois, with my children and grandchildren.  Throughout the years I became more knowledgeable about the advantages offered through cooperative living.  I found that the cooperatives offered affordable housing, maintenance—free conditions, as well as providing a strong sense of community relationships.  Above all, I learned that as a member, I was also an owner Polly wants a Crack at It? Cooperatives ban fur bearing animals for many reasons including health, safety and welfare of the members.  On the surface, pets are cute, fuzzy and adorable.  They cuddle with you and alert you to trouble. They provide the conversations a lot of us crave because they cannot talk back.  For all that cute fuzziness however, some pet owners just do not get it when it comes to pet care in a housing community making it necessary to limit types of pets and or all out banning pets What to Do If the Upstairs Neighbor Clog Dances and Other Trials of Community Living If you are like every other community, you receive complaints from Members spanning from noise to odor.  Understanding that people are unique and expect to be treated that way, a lot of communities struggle with how to handle arguments and disagreements between neighbors.  Rules are a good place to start. DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR “ESI” DATA IS TODAY BY RANDALL A. PENTIUK, ESQ. Perhaps you recall that radio commercial which ask "Do you know where your children are tonight?" Well now something else has come along that takes that question to the next level for cooperative housing and management agents. The question now being asked is: "Do you know where your email and electronic data are today?" If you don't, you could be in for a rough legal time when litigation comes knocking on your door. What brought about this concern for e-data anyway and why ought you be concerned? Intoducing new MAHC Board of Director Brenda McElhaney “The heart of education is with MAHC” My name is Brenda McElhaney and I have received the privilege to serve on the MAHC Board. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the members of MAHC MEMBERS ASKED FOR IT...MAHC DELIVERED IT  by MARLENE DAU The Midwest Association of Housing Cooperatives Board of Directors and staff have responded to overwhelming requests for new, improved, and extensive training for Directors and their staff The Midwest Association of Housing Cooperatives is pleased to announce that new classes they have been working on at the request of their members and comprehensive courses which offer certifications are now ready. The new classes are announced as follows: • Certified Cooperative Maintenance Manager (CCMM) • Certified Cooperative Director (CCD) • Certified Cooperative Manager (CCM). PLANNERS SHOULD LEAD THE WAY Low- Equity Cooperatives = Housing Solutions As federal housing policy continues its journey into the twilight zone, and the housing needs of low - moderate-, and now middle- income households become more acute, programs that supported low-equity cooperatives, the most successful federal housing programs in the nation's history, continue to lie dormant. SPIRIT OF COOPERATION Coops—Ultimate goal is not to make a profit; it's to provide benefits Don White's smitten with the Park Forest town house he and his wife: Susan, moved into last August. After the couple married in January 2008, they began looking for a home that could accommodate visiting grandchildren and also deliver economic sense as retirement neared. THE PERSONAL INTEGRITY DIET HOW TO LOSE THE DEAD WEIGHT IN YOUR LIFE BY: JIM JENKINS Spring is when we usually begin to shed our winter pounds. Everywhere I turn, I find people dieting, getting ready to look their best for the summer. And just as it’s important to make smart choices about the food you eat, it’s important to choose what kind of people you surround yourself with, and let yourself be influenced by. You can think of this as you would an Atkin's diet, which values an abundant consumption of proteins, a moderate consumption of good carbs, such as whole grains, and a reduction in bad carbs, such as white breads and sodas. In the spirit of spring, you should start to think not only about how to make your body look its best, but how to make your sense of self more healthy, both in and out of work THOUGHTS ABOUT A FASCINATING TRIP BY WILLIAM MAGEE, PRESIDENT, MAHC I did not rest well at all the night before April 25, 2009. My phone rang early in the morning; the person on the line was saying to me that it was time to get ready for my trip to the airport. I was glad and sad all at the same time that morning. Halfway to the airport I realized that I had left my ticket and passport at home. The driver had to turn around and take me back home to retrieve the documents before I could truly say that I was on my way. Once on the plane, I tried to sleep, but I could not because something within my mind kept whispering to me that this attempt to venture into a new direction for the organization could be a disappointment to all who were attending – MAHC’s Education on the High C’s. Would they feel that their money was spent wisely? Would they get out of it the increased knowledge they were looking for? ARE YOU READY FOR COMPANY? Company's coming!" In the small-town, pre-Internet, pre-videogame world that I grew up in, those words were almost always good news. It usually meant that friends or relatives were on their way, and that our family would enjoy visits with people of importance to us. Or sometimes, the company would be more official in nature, such as a local priest or minister, or someone calling from a community business. INTRODUCING TRACEY GOETSCH My name is Tracey Goetsch and I have had the privilege of being recently elected to the MAHC Board or Directors. I would like to introduce myself to the membership of MAHC YOU HAD ME AT “HELLO”! This famous line form the movie Jerry McGuire should serve as a mantra for our onsite managers throughout the Cooperative system. The greeting a person receives when entering our office, whether a member of the cooperative or a potential member, should make them feel immediately welcomed and comfortable talking with our managers. SECTION 504 AND PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY  EQUIREMENTS Part 1 Cooperative Housing Boards are often faced with difficult questions regarding compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. There appears to be confusion about the law’s application to different types of Cooperatives depending on whether or not they accept Section 8 funds, are built prior to 1973 or have their mortgages insured by HUD. This Article helps Managers and Boards be better aware of the law and what it requires of them in terms of a Cooperative’s duty to make physical alterations to their structures and units in order to comply with the law and accommodate members with disabilities. For specific legal advice, however, you should always consult your legal advisor TRANSFERRING RISK TO RESIDENTS Accidents happen; it’s a fact of life. Every day, residents inadvertently expose property owners and other residents in the community to a variety of risks. Some are life threatening—such as kitchen fires—and others are simple mistakes, such as accidentally overflowing a bathtub WRITING A DISASTER PLAN Every cooperative, regardless of its size, should have an emergency disaster plan which addresses that property’s needs. It is the road map by which the membership responds to the crisis, both during and after the specific event. The Board of Directors responsibility is two-fold. First, to protect the lives of the occupants, and secondly, to protect the investment of the membership. SECTION 504 AND PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Part 2 Cooperative Housing Boards are often faced with many questions regarding compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This Article is the second in a series that helps Managers and Boards be better aware of the law and what it requires of them in terms of a Cooperatives duty to make program changes in order to comply with the law and accommodate members with disabilities. For specific legal advice, however, you should always consult your legal advisor. COOPERATIVES COME IN ALL SHAPES! As we all know, Cooperatives are formed for many uses; agricultural, retail, grocery, and of course some of the most beautiful properties in the world. They come in all shapes and sizes; high rise buildings, senior communities, town home communities, and much more. FIRE SAFETY The following list was generated by the National Fire Protection Association. It provides insight as to why, each year, hundreds of people die inside their homes trying to put out fires instead of getting out. CHAOS OR COMMUNITY Where do we go from here? As a community, we must remember the guidelines of a “higher and better way—the way of shared prosperity” as we seek to improve the lives of all Americans. I believe that a combination of sound, political and business leadership is key to that achievement. Organizational Success Every organization regardless of how large or how small they are is measured by its success.. “Success is a peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Organizational success is dependant upon its leaders. Always remember that while ability may get you to the top—character will keep you there. Preparation is a key part of how organizational leaders are measured. Are you prepared? Animals Within A Corporation’s Structure 1. Shark—The shark is constantly in motion, always looking for something or someone to devour. 2. Crocodile—Patiently waits in the drinking pond for its prey. The crocodile drags its victims down with it and may slowly devour its victim over a long period of time 8 Ideas to Manage Controversies in Meetings Inevitably, any organization will encounter controversies with respect to issues or changes under consideration. Controversy as such is not bad, but the way it is handled can determine whether your organization will emerge from the discussions bruised and divided or healed, confident and united Highlights of the 2007 MAHC Annual Conference More than 262 participants from nine states convened in San Diego, California May 13—May 17 for the Annual Conference.     We offered two extra events for 2007: the City Tour and a Casino trip. The City Tour was an early bird special for members that arrived early for the conference. We filled five buses with 218 people for the Casino trip on Monday . Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and Scams Scams are everywhere. However, identity theft and its evil twin, phishing, have become major problems. Strictly, identity theft occurs when someone literally steals your identity. They set up bank accounts, take out credit cards, and borrow money in your name. But related scams include someone using your credit card number illegally, or stealing your PIN and looting your bank account. Water Quality for You and Your Neighbors Cross Connections  A cross connection is an arrangement of piping which could allow undesirable water, sewage, or chemical solutions to enter your drinking (potable) water system as a result of a backflow. Cross connections with potable piping systems as a result of backflow have resulted in numerous causes of illnesses and even death. The Devil is in the Details Dealing with Co-op Vendors Cooperative Boards, in discharging their duties, usually award contracts to low bids. They also try to cut corners in entering into contracts with bidders. Obviously, the motivation is to keep costs down for the benefit of their members. That is what they perceive as their job, and they are correct—in part.             But the rest of the story needs to be told. Sometimes the low bidder is not an established, reputable businessperson. Sometimes, the low bid means cutting corners. Sometimes, it spells disaster for the Cooperative. Highlights of the 2006 Midwest Association of Housing Cooperative’s Annual Spring Meeting Once again, this year's Annual Meeting held at the Jacksonville Hyatt Regency Hotel on. Sunday, May 19, 2006 was a great success with a turnout exceeding 200 attendees, We also had a "filled-to-capacity" turnout of vendors in our exhibit areas, which fortunately not only bring benefit to the Association but benefit to Association attendees as well. A testimonial to our growth and popularity over the years. Say It Mean It Do It! Getting Involved in Your Community I have lived my entire life along the philosophy that if you say something it should be more than just mere words, it should translate into meaningful actions, as the old saying goes, "action speaks louder than words". Cooperatives Offer Alternatives Living in cooperative housing is the best of both worlds, according to Blaine Honeycutt, president of the board of directors at Georgetown Place Cooperatives.             It many cases, it is less costly than buying a house or a condominium, and it provides for a level of homeownership that apartments do not, he said. Introducing Hope Turner MAHC Board Director Hello, let me introduce myself, I’m Hope Turner. I was recently elected in May to the MAHC Board at the Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.   I am the President of the Concord Consumer Cooperative in Trenton, Michigan where my children and I reside Thinking of Refinancing? Questions to Ask Potential Lenders A large number of Cooperative Boards are presently exploring the option of refinancing their existing mortgage. Whether motivated by a desire to get rid of HUD, to take advantage of relatively low interest rates, a soft market for construction, a need to improve the property, or any combination of these considerations, the Board must do a lot of homework. We have listed some vital questions that should be answered by the prospective lenders before a selection is made Take The Boring Out of Board Meetings It’s  a board meeting day. You’re expected to participate in discussions or give an update about a new initiative or some committee work.             What kind of thoughts run through your mind? “Wow. This is going to be a great day!” “I can’t wait to tell them all about the task force results.” “Board meetings make my day.”   Or is your thinking more like this: “Oh no, another board meeting.” “I hope we can get a decision.” “I wonder if we’ll get anything done this time.” Directors and Officers Liability Congratulations! You’ve volunteered and have now been elected to your housing cooperative’s Board of Directors. Your civic duties will be rewarding but could be a source of unforeseen liability. Disgruntled shareholders in your cooperative may not be appreciative of your efforts and decisions while on the board or acting as an individual officer. Finding and Electing Good Directors Central to the success of any cooperative is a board of directors that represents all the members. The board is also responsible for the co-op’s long-term future. This makes it vital that directors be free from conflicts—personal, financial or other.             The board is also responsible for the co-op’s long-term future The President Speaks As volunteer leaders we are an integral part of the game plan of our Association, helping it to grow and providing an objective sounding board for the implementation of the association’s agenda to move ahead. In realizing the extent of leverage, it is incumbent on us to use our consensus building skills to help the association reach its goals and objectives. Indeed, the grown of an association is directly proportionate to the collective strength, willingness and ability of its board-the volunteer leaders who truly set the wheels of change in motion. Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams What is phishing (fish’ ing)? Phishing is a type of fraud designed to steal your identity, it is the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate business in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. In phishing scams, scam artists try to get you to disclose valuable personal information by convincing you to provide it under false pretenses. For example; an e-mail directs the user to a visit a web site where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, which the legitimate organization already has. Letter from the Editor Everybody I have talked to about the upcoming annual MAHC Conference being held this year in Jacksonville, Florida has expressed a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement about being in one of Florida’s most beautiful cities, especially since the weather promises to be perfect for the occasion and may I add, just in time for those of us who are suffering from a large dose of “cabin fever” at this particular time, due to the harsh weather we have all suffered through this winter.  I know that I am looking forward to being there and hope that I will be seeing you there, as well AUDIT COMMITTEES FOR NON-PUBLIC COOPERATES The origin of the modern audit committee dates back to 1939 when the New York Stock Exchange recommended that public companies have an audit committee. The role of the audit committee has evolved over time, and not the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires public companies, including cooperatives that register their stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission, to have an audit committee THE LEGAL COUNSEL CORNER Question: My Coop Board is confused about proxies and absentee ballots. What is the difference? Can we use either or both? Are they used at membership meetings or board meetings, or both? . VOTING PROCEDURE AT THE NAHC ANNUAL MEETING There was some confusion and uncertainty at the last NAHC Annual Meeting on how MAHC casts its votes. The Bylaws Committee has taken the initiative of addressing this issue and will be discussing ways to improve the process so that no cooperative within the MAHC membership feels disenfranchised. We are presenting a proposal for approval at the Annual Membership Meeting in May. 50 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR RESIDENT RETENTION Be nice to the residents. Residents pay the salaries of all onsite employees, like it or not. Keep the community clean. Pick up all trash or debris. Notify residents immediately when their Patios or balconies are not in compliance with the policies of the community. COMMUNITY CHECK UP Any community can become depressed, listless and out of sorts. Good health is often only a prescription away. Here are some that might improve the overall health and happiness of your community Share Loans With increasing interest, Cooperative Boards are asking us about share loans. These are loans that are made by a third party lender to a member usually for the purpose of purchasing a membership share in the cooperative. First Time Buyers See Dreams Fade Rock-bottom interest rates and low-down-payment mortgages have allowed more first - time home buyers to fulfill the American dream in recent years, hut some say the dream has turned to nightmare. A number of inexperienced buyers now face foreclosure, complaining they didn’t realize the high cost of home ownership everything from adjustable rate mortgages to hidden taxes to construction detects HUD Focusing New Attention On Co-op Housing Q & A Allen H. Jones was sworn in as senior adviser and special assistant for cooperative housing in the department of housing and urban development in may 2003. Reporting to the federal housing commissioner, Jones serves as HUD’s point person for cooperative housing issues and policies, he’s the first to fill the position in many years. Jones answered questions on housing issued for cooperative business journal. Message from the President Happy New Year! 2004 has gotten off to a great start for the Midwest Association of Housing Cooperatives and I want to share with you some of the things we are working on to improve services to our membership MOLD At the various sessions, a common theme emerged, especially from the attorneys. Don’t ignore a leak. Act on a leak and drying conditions within 48 hours. Act on resident complaints of smell or odor. Have an operations and maintenance plan for mold and moisture control. Cooperator’s (Renters) Insurance: Why Our Residents Need It! “What would you do in the event of a fire? How would you replace your personal property?’ If you ask your members those questions, how would they respond? Mortgage Refinancing A large number of cooperatives are contemplating refinancing their existing mortgages. Several reasons exist for this. First, interest rates are at an uncommonly low level which makes it rather advantageous to take out a loan, While the existing mortgages are typically low, the rates now are extremely attractive and may not last much longer, Evaluations Create More Effective Boards Some years ago a board member said to me, “I’ve been on the board for 21 years. That doesn’t mean I have 21 years of experience. It means I have a one-year experience 21 times.” The President Speaks Some Thoughts For The New Year Dear MAHC Members and Friends, As President of MAHC, let me take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to everyone for your continued loyalty and untiring dedication to helping us in the continuation of MAHC’s very important educational programs, as well as all of the other work we do in an effort to make the housing Co-op lifestyle an even more affordable, safer and more enjoyable experience. Keynote Speaker Address From NAHC We, as members of a world community, have been caught up with remembering the tragic events of 9/11; and here I am one day after the anniversary of that deadly event, undertaking to define the significance of cooperative principles in a world of insatiable greed. You will have to judge the success of my endeavor. What is the Real Cost of Resident Turnover? Too often we only consider the “hard” or obvious costs associated with completing the make-ready. There are many hidden costs you need to be aware of when you lose a resident. Have you considered the following costs? To support and champion the cause of quality housing through education, legislative actions, partnership, and advocacy for housing cooperatives. Volume 1 , Issue 7 - Winter 2008 Volume 1 , Issue 6 - Spring 2008  Volume 1, Issue 4- October, 2006 Volume 1  Issue 3 - Spring  2006 Newsletter articles that go back to 2003  37140 Goddard Romulus,   Michigan, 48174  -   734-955-9516