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House
of Representatives Kevin C. Ambler Representative,
District 47 |
Article Courtesy of The Tampa Tribune Published: Jun 29, 2006 NORTHDALE - For two hours, they talked about rules, regulations and enforcement. In the end, 75 homeowners and homeowner association board members came to similar conclusions: There are some good homeowner associations, but more needs to be done to correct the bad ones. The participants met Monday night for an "Idearaiser" hosted by state Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz. The goal, Ambler said, was not to hear a litany of complaints, but to get suggestions for ways to improve associations. Most association board members are trying to do a good job, said Steve Dackson, who has served on the board in Cedar Creek for three years. The problem, he said, is a lack of training. "The board members, though very well-meaning, don't know what their responsibilities are," Dackson said. There is no state-mandated training program for association board members, and Ambler said it was unlikely the legislature would approve one. For Barbara Gugliotti, who recently moved out of her association-run community in Riverview into an association-free neighborhood in Hernando County, quality leadership is key. "What makes a difference is who the people are who are in charge," she said. Many boards are too quick to rely on lawyers and property management companies to solve problems, Gugliotti said. If more disputes were handled face-to-face, she said problems would be more likely to end amicably and stay out of court. Keeping homeowners from paying exorbitant court fees and getting caught up in lengthy legal battles is part of a bill Ambler plans to file during next year's legislative session. The bill, dubbed "Home Court Advantage," would create magistrates in each county, specifically designed to handle homeowner association disputes. By paying a $75 fee, both homeowners and association boards can file claims and receive a hearing within 45 days. Neither party would need a lawyer, and Ambler said the focus would be on mediation. Ambler filed the Home Court bill during this year's session, but it did not make it out of the committee process. Residents who were unable to attend Monday's meeting can post suggestions at www.100ideas.org. |
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House
of Representatives Kevin C. Ambler Representative,
District 47 |
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REPRESENTATIVE AMBLER INVITES NORTH TAMPA RESIDENTS TO IDEARAISER ON THE TOPIC OF: HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION ISSUES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jenna Labadie, Legislative Assistant (813)
558-1333 June 13, 2006
NORTHDALE – Representative Kevin Ambler (R-Tampa) is pleased to announce that he will host an “Idearaiser” on:
15550 Spring Pine Drive, in Tampa. The
focus of the meeting is to stimulate discussion and brainstorming on ways
to improve and streamline dispute resolution between residents and their
Homeowners/Condo Owners Associations.
Rep.
Ambler will be joined by House Speaker Designate (2008-2010) Rep. Ray
Sansom for this event. Community leaders, association property managers
from around the state and board members are also expected to attend. An
“Idearaiser” is designed to foster an open forum for attendees to
freely discuss and express concerns and solutions on current issues. “It
is imperative with all of the new development in District 47 that
neighborhoods are able to easily work with their associations and can
freely discuss ways to improve the quality of life in their deed
restricted communities,” Rep. Ambler said. All
members of the public are invited to attend. Guests are asked to come with
constructive ideas on how to improve public policy in the area of
homeowners and condo association rules and regulations. Speaker Designate
Sansom said, “We need great ideas that come from our communities and
people living in the real world, not from special interests—and that’s
exactly why “Idearaisers” are
so essential.” For those who have great ideas on this topic but cannot
attend, you can participate by visiting www.100ideas.org
and posting your suggestions. |
