Immediately following the devastating collapse of the Champlain Tower South Condominium in Surfside, Fla., CAI’s Government and Public Affairs Committee convened a special meeting with expert attorneys, builders, reserve specialists, and insurance professionals. Three task forces were appointed with the purpose of identifying recommendations for public policies, changes and updates to best practices, and guidance for local, state, and federal legislators as they discuss solutions to prevent this type of disaster in their districts.
The three working groups were given a 30-day goal of producing their first piece of work. The task forces were focused on:
Building inspections and maintenance. Led by Robert M. Diamond, a fellow in CAI’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL); Mitch Frumkin, RS, a professional engineer (PE) licensed by the National Society of Professional Engineers; and Stephen Marcus, a CCAL fellow.
Reserve study and funding plans. Led by Robert W. Browning, PCAM, RS; Mitch Frumkin, PE, RS; and Lisa Magill, a CCAL fellow.
Insurance and risk management. Led by Jennifer Eilert, CIRMS; Phil Masi, CIRMS; AJ Scott, CIRMS; and Cliff Treese, CIRMS.
Each task force engaged between 50 and 300 participants from across the country and from different disciplines. Reserve study providers made up the majority of the participants in the reserve study task force. The insurance task force consisted mostly of insurance professionals.
The task forces met weekly for the past four weeks. In addition, the team leaders connected weekly to ensure their work was not overlapping and to share progress. Since there were so many people involved in the activities, surveys were used to capture support of positions. There was a tremendous amount of conversation and different perspectives, which we believe contributed to the quality of these recommendations.
The CAI Board of Trustees, Government & Public Affairs Committee, and members of legislative action committees were presented with the task forces’ public policy recommendations during the CAI Annual Conference and Exposition: Community NOW in Las Vegas this week.
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