COLUMN: Speeders respect speed bumps

Q. Speeding cars are a major concern in our small, gated community. The board is seeking a solution to this problem, and speed bumps seem reasonable but are unpopular. Would allowing the owners to park on the street help slow down these drivers? Also, if speed bumps were installed, would the association be liable for anyone injuring themselves or any cars being damaged because of them?

A. From experience, cars parked on the street do little to slow speeders, and stop signs and speed limit signs are equally ineffective against speeders within gated communities.

The simplest and most effective solution would be speed bumps. With careful planning, you can install the minimum number necessary in the most advantageous locations with the minimum height to slow traffic, yet not cause damage to vehicles that obey the speed limit.

If you choose this option, paint reflective stripes on the bumps so that they can be better seen at night. Signs warning of the speed bumps should also be installed, which would help reduce liability to the association. Parents can be notified through the community newsletter that they are responsible for their children improperly using speed bumps, which would also help reduce the association's liability.

An association's insurance company would cover claims for injuries to children and damage to cars (assuming the driver can prove he was not speeding). A number of years ago, a child's parents successfully sued an association over a speed bump hazard. However, there are many safety concerns regarding swimming pools and communities install them anyway. This is why associations purchase insurance policies.

Associations can fine residents for speeding, assuming that there is a security company or committee that can verify the speeding.

Q. Our management company has raised its fees. When I asked the board if I could see the company's contract, I was told I could review the document only during normal business hours and only in the association's office. What gives?

A. According to state law, the executive board of an association may, upon the written request of a unit's owner, make the association's books, records and other papers available for review during the regular working hours of the association. This does not apply to personnel records or records pertaining to other units.

You will probably find similar language in your association's governing documents.

Questions for Barbara Holland may be sent to Association Q. & A., P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759.

Barbara Holland, Certified Property Manager, is president and co-owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. She is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and is the author of two books on the subject. Holland is a past president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.

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