Livingston Reporting - page 324

Freight Management Solutions

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Business models of all sizes have complications. The goal of businesses in terms of logistics basically narrows down to having what the consumer desires, at a price they are willing to pay, in the quantity they wish for when they want it.  That isn’t too much to ask right?  Companies with issues in logistics are continually searching for freight management solutions often times turning to companies that specialize in providing this service for companies big and small.

This is done in one of two different ways; third party logistics or fourth party logistics.  Third party logistics uses outside companies to carry out the various logistic operations that have are accustomed to being done internally.  An example of this is when a company that has its own storage facility decided that it will now use an outside transporter to carry out distribution.  Distribution was previously done by the company but in evaluating it was determined to be more cost effective to bring in a third party for this sector of the supply chain.  This was determined to be an effective freight management solution.

Fourth party logistics is somewhat of a new concept.  This is when a company determines that the freight management solution they desire is one in which the whole logistics procedure is outsourced to another party.  This company has a sole purpose of providing logistic solutions to companies.  They bring together their companies resources and technology and pair it with other organizations to plan out, operate and maintain a fully functioning supply chain.

The main difference between the two; third party logistics and fourth party logistics, is that the third party is specifically targeting one function of the supply chain solution where as with fourth party they manage the entire process from beginning to end.  In general a fourth party logistics provider is a contractor serving the entire logistic needs for a company.

Fourth party logistic providers are the future of freight management solutions.  Consulting companies are now offering so much in the way of cost savings and services to companies that they are becoming hard to live without.  It is easy to see how needed a fourth party logistics company is when examining inbound logistics and outbound logistics.  In smaller companies especially it is important to have support that specializes in all aspects of logistics.  To pay specialized logistic personal to be on staff would not be nearly as cost effective as hiring companies, with a system already in place to help manage that piece of the business puzzle.

Inbound logistics is a basic process in the business equation which includes purchasing, arranging the movement of materials coming in, parts and finished inventory from suppliers to manufacturers, assembly plants and stores.  Outbound logistics is related to storing and moving the end goods and information from the end of production to the end user.

The field of logistics is complex and absolutely integral to a business’s success.  Without the proper logistics in place a company could be losing money with increased shipping costs or improper communication throughout the supply chain.  In order to give the client what they want, when they want it, at an acceptable price and time a highly functioning freight management solution should be maximized.

Rock Solid Business Solution

Caring For Carpet

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When carpet is purchased many manufactures state that carpet is only warranted if care is provided by professional carpet cleaners.  This is becoming more important now that carpet cleaners are able to be rented throughout grocery stores, home improvement and hardware stores.  Doing it yourself is not an option for many reasons.  That is just one.

The reason that do it yourself carpet cleaners are not an option is because the equipment cannot be properly adjusted.  This can cause issues with the amount of detergent verse water released into the carpet.  This can lead to a residue being left on the carpet fiber leaving the texture forever ruined.  Another problem that do it yourself machines have is that the suction is not great enough to suck out all of the water and will lead to saturation and over-wetting.  This then can lead to re-soiling of the carpet, fiber damage and discoloration.

It is best to call in the professionals when tackling a job of the proportion.  It is an expensive mistake to make if done incorrectly and not able to be reversed without replacement.  To keep carpets fresh in between cleanings a bit of precaution can help.  Throw rugs, entrance mats and a shoe free policy can all help with this.  Cleaning up spills as they happen with cleaning solutions appropriate for the type of carpet will increase the time between professional cleanings.

There are several options available in professional carpet cleaning methods.  It is important that the professional carpet cleaner employed goes through what type of carpet you have verse the method used.  Different carpet fibers use unique cleaning methods.  The options are; carpet shampooing, dry chemical, absorbent pad or hot water extraction.

The method used for your carpet will depend on several factors.  The material, pile, amount of soiled debris and the wear & tear of the carpet will affect the professional’s choice of methods that are to be used on your particular carpet.  It is important that the choice that they use does not damage the carpet fibers which will in turn shorten the life span of the carpet.  It is also important that a residue/film is not left once the carpet is cleaned.  This defeats the purpose of cleaning the carpet as it will easily become soiled once again.

A typical house should have its carpets cleaned every twelve to eighteen months. This will be determined solely on the amount of activity within the home.  It is also important to remember the type of activity too.  If for instance the home is filled with animals the carpet should be attended to more often as they attract dirt and leave hair residue.  Also, the color of carpet is important.  Lighter colored carpet is more apt to show dirt where as darker carpets may hide it better.  Blends are notorious for hiding grime and therefore can go longer between cleanings.  Although it is important to have the carpets attended to before the soil and damage is too embedded within.

Saniglow

Luxurious Automatic Gates – A Staple For Home Safety

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Automatic gates and fenced in yards are a great luxury.  Many people use fences and gates to keep animals and children from escaping and to keep wild animals and intruders out.  Automatic gates are safe in general.  Problems can occur during installation and after however with proper installation and care gates and fence systems should withstand the test of time.

Many questions come about when thinking about fencing in a yard.  The first thing to consider is regulations with putting in the fence and gate.  Make sure the community you live within allows for this and ask about specific height regulations, design regulations and other specifications that must be met.  It is important to have a permit for the installation of an automatic gate and fence.  An inspector from the city will come out and evaluate the property.

It is imperative that the use of an automated gate does not hinder access to the property for emergency vehicles.  The gate must open wide enough for these vehicles to enter without issue.  It is also important that the fence stays within community standards and does not inhibit the view of oncoming traffic and allows for a safe exit and entrance to the property.

Issues arise with the installation of the gate and fence when improperly grounded.  It is imperative that the company installing the electric gate and fence is the use of grounding rods.  If left improperly installed it can be a safety hazard for pets and humans alike.

Automatic gates have been known on occasion to experience technical issues because of interference.  Issues that can arise include loss of electricity or a spike in electricity.  Automatic gates can lose the ability to open and close if the power is out through a technical difficulty.  This is rare however can happen and is an issue to think about when considering an automatic gate.

Another drawback to fences and automatic gates is that it does not teach children and animals safe boundaries.  This is important because the fence could accidently be left open and then clear boundaries for staying within the yard are not present.

The pros however are significant when considering installation of a fence and automatic gate.  Automatic gates do offer security and peace of mind.  They make a home less of a target to break into because of the extra security present in the presence of the fence and gate. It also offers security in the sense that children can play outside without parents worrying about strangers entering the premises or children exiting.  Fencing puts a solid barrier between the outside world and the home.

When thinking about an automatic gate you will need to look at two very different gate operating systems the slide gate and swing gate.  Both have advantages and drawbacks.  Swing gates give a more elegant look and feel and require less maintenance overall.  However, slide gates offer less ability to enter a residence by force and offer more options in how the gate is accesses.  It is important to think about the space in which the fence and gate will be installed and purchase accordingly.

When looking at the expense of a fence and automatic gate it is important to remember you will recoup money from the fence purchase in the resale value it adds to your home.  Consumers who have installed fence and gate systems have seen property values rise anywhere from ten to twenty percent.  This is a home renovation that will add value through extra protection for your family and financial gain upon selling.

SAC Fence

Fixing The Damage From A Flood

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When a flood occurs it is never a minor issue.  Water creates a path of destruction and disaster throughout the affected area.  In your home it can create issues with the structure of the home, family’s personal artifacts and the health of those inside the home.  Water from floods is often full of contaminants and sludge.  Items throughout the home, no matter their value, are susceptible to the flood water whether it is one inch or ten.  Carpets, walls, electric appliances and expensive furnishings can be destroyed with just an inch of water. Whereas deeper flooding will wreak havoc on the systems contained within the home. The more substantial the flooding the more likely the ducts, heating & cooling systems, homes structure and well could be affected.

Cleaning up after a flood occurs takes time, patience and proper technique.  It will not be a process that happens overnight.  Sanitation and cleansing processes should be attempted in more serious flooding by restoration professionals.

When you contact your insurance agent, which should happen immediately after you notice a flood has occurred in your home, they will put your in contact with restoration professionals.  The damage will be assessed and pictures taken to help value the damage in financial terms.  Complete records are a must. Photo or video documentation is necessary in order to apply for assistance, claims in insurance and tax deductions.

When the home floods it will not be chlorinated pool water.  The water will be sludgy and a mix of mud and water will be throughout your home.  The first thing that will occur is the removal of this substance.  It can be shoveled out and then sprayed down to release dried mud for removal.  This will be a long exhausting process.

Every surface will need to be sanitized and disinfected.  This can be done using several different solutions.  The one recommended is to begin with a hot water and bleach solution.  A quarter cup of bleach should be diluted with each gallon of water.  This combination of chemicals is sure to rid breading bacteria from surfaces.  It is important after an initial clean to go room by room and do a thorough cleaning. Below is an example of what should be done for an individual room.

Kitchens

  • Wash all cupboard contents, even if not directly affected by flood waters.  This is important because the bacteria are breeding in the standing water and then floating through the air.  It will land amongst plates, dishes and cupboard contents. Wash with a solution of 2 tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water, rinse and air dry.
  • Metal pots, silverware and metal utensils should be boiled for ten minutes.  Using bleach on metal is not advised as it will turn the metal dark and tarnish it forever.
  • All cupboards and counters should be disinfected and then rinsed before dishes are allowed to be put back in them.  These steps will ensure that bacteria from the flood waters is not sitting in the kitchen, baking into food and living on plates that will be used at meal time.

It is advisable to hire a restoration firm that deals in water restoration.  Flooding can cause major damage to the home.  Professionals know exactly what to look for in cleaning up to prevent issues from occurring later on such as mold.  Floods can occur from storm damage, faulty plumbing, broken pipes and events Mother Nature herself brings us such as snow and heavy rains.  No matter the size of the flood damage a professional restoration company can come in and restore your home and lives within a few weeks where as doing the cleanup on your own won’t be nearly as thorough or fast.  Time is not on your side when dealing with water extraction.  Mold and mildew start within twenty-four hours and spread through the air causing more headaches later on down the road.

Go Maher

The Wave Of The Future – Windows With Built In Blinds

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Thinking about replacing those drafty windows with windows with built in blinds?  Households where cleaning mini-blinds is a bi-annual tradition have probably contemplated a better option.  A look into windows with blinds between the glass will prove to be exactly what any family that has dealt with the hassles of mini-blinds desires.

Window with built in blinds are a concept that has been with us for the past decade.  As with all new technology it starts out quiet expensive but as it become integrated and more economically produced they settle into a more reasonable price point.  The basic principal of these specialty windows is that they feature blinds, shades or grills sandwiched between two panes of glass.  The blinds raise, lower or tilt using a slider that guides them.  This is also true in door walls that feature blinds between the glass.  This feature is especially appealing for door walls and patios because homeowners don’t have to mess with traditional blinds and needing to open and close them before having access to the door.

Advantages of Built In Blinds

  • One major advantage is that blinds inside the glass aren’t subject to the elements.  They don’t collect dust, dirt, fingerprints, grease or grime. They are protected by the panes of glass.
  • For homeowners with allergies and asthma they offer a healthier living environment. The blinds do not collect the allergens and dust of traditional blinds.  This makes them a much healthier option in window treatments.
  • Safety is at a premium with blinds between the glass.  The internal cord devices make this a safe option for homeowners with children and pets.   The internal cords eliminate the risk of strangulation and are a safe option to use within a child bedroom.  They also do away with the risk that cords and knobs present to pets.  Pets like to chew cords which can become hazards to them and their internal organs.
  • Another large draw for homeowners with pets and children is that with the blinds protected there is no risk of them becoming bent or damaged.
  • They offer a fresh, clean, crisp look to the home inside and out.  From the road the blinds offer consistency.  Because they are protected from the elements they are also clean and fresh all of the time.

Disadvantage of Built In Blinds

  • In order to provide consistency you will want replacement windows throughout the home.  This will keep the consistency.  The drawback to this is that anytime you are looking into specialty windows it is going to be pricy.  Replacement windows in general are price let alone ones with special features such as what windows with built in blinds offer.
  • Options in changing the window treatments and looks of the window are limited.  Some companies offer a bit of selection when it comes to colors and textures however it will be less of a difference within a room than traditional window treatments.

It is important to evaluate the pros and cons of purchases especially when they are involving renovations to your home.  Windows with built in blinds have distinct advantages as well as a few disadvantages to weigh.  A major decision like this should be examined.  Look at all the different options in replacement windows, suppliers and window treatment before making any final desicions.

Heatkeeper

Careers In Land Surveying

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Why does a war usually begin? Wars begin often because land boundaries have been crossed.  Many neighbors have minor issue because of land boundaries.  It is important to establish ownership when contemplating swing sets, fences and permanent structures.  Who establishes these boundaries?  That is the professional duties of a land surveyor.  Surveyors document land boundaries on maps which legally proclaim the division of ownership.

A land surveyor measures and draws out the Earth’s surface.  They use measurements as well as defining characteristics of the land to map out boundaries.  Surveyors are also used to measure airspace, water areas as well as land.  They help to explain what the land looks like and the amount of land within each the space. Then the information is used to make land space legal in the form of deeds and other types of legal land documentation.

Land surveyors are also used for exploration below the Earth’s surface.  Geodetic surveyors are used to measure the areas below the Earth.  Many minerals and elements are offered to us by the land below us.  Geophysical explorations are used to find petroleum, one of our most valuable resources.

A mapping technician is another type of land surveyor.  They go on site and use advanced technology and tools to collect facts about the land. They often hold chains and measuring tools and then translate that information into written notes which are then translated into sketches and entered into a computer.

It is important to remember that surveyors study current legal records and previous boundary markers to ensure the records are current.  When newly surveying the land it is important to seek out information from the past to maintain correct legal boundaries.  Maps and written reports are used in legal cases to determine ownership of land.  Surveyors are licensed in the state in which they do work.

The work conditions of surveyors are pretty regular.  Most work eight hours a day, five days a week.  Much of their time is spent outside.  Many surveyors work longer hours in the summer when days are longer and the weather is warm.  They are required to stand for long periods of time. They walk great distances and must often climb over obstacles facing weather that is less than desirable.

Land surveyors often spend time within an office making plans, reading and examining facts and designing maps.  Computers are used in a large part of the work that is done by surveyors.  Many survey tools are unique to the trade.  Surveyors study the tools and technologies used in surveying and are then required to obtain certifications for the states in which they work.

Surveying is an important career.  The information obtained by them is useful for so many applications in our everyday lives.  When buying a home, creating roads, building bridges land surveyors play an integral role in ensuring that they land is ours to use.  This avoids legal issues later on down the road when others try to stake claim to the established land.

SRCMI

Researching Professional Carpet Cleaners

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Carpet within a home is expensive and easily ruined.  This is why it is so important when hiring a professional carpet cleaner to research and look for commonalities that represent a good firm.  Not all firms are reputable and doing it oneself is an option that should not be taken lightly.  Carpet is fragile and easily damaged thus all precautions should be taken before anyone attempts to clean the carpets in your home.

The first piece of advice given by most professional carpet cleaners is to start with the regular maintenance of your carpet.  The less dirt and soiled debris the easier it will to clean.  Regular vacuuming is key as well as using throw rugs at the entrances of the doors to your home.  A policy that does not allow shoes in the home will safe keep your carpet better than any other tip that can be offered.

Now the business of hiring someone to clean the carpet once it has reached a level where it is important that a deep cleaning happen.  When hiring someone come armed with basic knowledge about the carpet within your home.  With this information you arm yourself and will aide yourself in finding a reliable carpet cleaner.  The material, the color used and the cleaning recommendations of the manufacture will be what you need to start on your journey to finding a trustworthy professional carpet cleaner.

Once you have narrowed your choices in firms call and invite them to the home to give their evaluation of the carpet and their recommendation of cleaning methods.  The firm will come out review the carpets materials, the size of each room and offer recommendations on cleaning techniques as well as giving an estimate of costs.

A reliable firm will discuss with you their policies.  It is important to know what is expected out of you as the client and them as professionals.  This is important before you sign any contract of service.  If it is up to the client to remove all furniture before the carpet cleaners arrival it is important to know this.  The last thing you want is to be charged extra for the movement of your furniture.

Professional carpet cleaners are required to hold professional licenses and updated certifications.  If you hire an unlicensed cleaner you may end up sorry.  The firm could possibly not be up to date on the latest cleaning techniques.  Also if damage were to occur by an unlicensed contractor liability is subject.  It is important to note that service professionals working in client’s homes should be insured, licensed and current on all certifications.

The best resource in finding a reliable carpet cleaning service is friends and family.  Word of mouth often leads to finding service providers who are competent and reliable.  Much like with any service provider.  When dealing with something as expensive and important as the carpet within your home it is important to do your own checking as well.

Another great source of finding service professional is the internet.  In a search engine type in what you are looking for and state the city and state in which you are searching for service.  An example would be professional carpet cleaning Brighton, MI.  This will pull up references for you to look into.  Good luck and remember prevention is the key to healthy happy carpet.

Saniglow

Computer Experts Of All Types

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When I began working last year in a small hometown computer store I never thought I would become as interested in web design and computer repair as I find myself today.  It is truly amazing what can be done using the right codes, in the right order the functions and designs that become art.  It still also amazes me that a computer technician is more like a doctor than anyone will ever know.  The artists and doctors within the computer world are an amazing breed and the role in society that they play is one that keeps us all advancing.

Everyday business owners big and small are in need of computer services be it website design, search engine optimization or computer repair.  Website design is the first basic element in starting a business.  A website with intense search engine optimization can grow your business as fast as any store front out there.  Your website is the window display of your business online.  It is important to ensure that the design is one that fits the persona you want for your business.

Here are a few things to think about when explaining your desires for website design:

1)      No matter what you think background music is nothing but a distraction.  Avoid adding music to a site unless of course you sell cd’s and are giving samplings of such things as featured artists.

2)      Font size needs to be kept reasonable.  Large font makes people assume you are shouting and no one enjoys being shouted at. The same thing is true with small font size.  People assume you are whispering and it makes your message seem unimportant and little.

3)      Too many layers.  Your message should be important enough not to have it pushing through to show importance.  When using layers it is important that they serve a purpose other than throwing useless annoying message in the faces of visitors.

4)      When going in for your consultation it is important to let your web designer know colors that are appealing to you and to prepare a list of sites that have layout that you enjoy.  It is also important to share sites that you don’t like.  Sharing this will give your designer an idea about the styles that will please you.

Another important aspect of business is to have functioning equipment.  When something is on the fritz it is important to know that you have a trusted computer repair company to support their operations.   Computer repair comes in all shapes and sizes.  Computer issues arise from keyboard failure to server malfunctions all of which become of the utmost importance.  The timing is critical in computer repair.  The job of computer technicians is to ensure that the business is unaffected no matter what day or time an issue should arise.

The same is true in general computer repair.  Technology does not wait for a good time to have a hard drive failure or virus.  Computer technicians will be able to examine issues and follow a route of repair in order to ensure the computer is up and running in a timely fashion.  Whatever issues that arises within your computer it is important that a certified technician care for your computer.  Everyone has somebody who “knows” everything there is too know about computers in their lives.  However, I will tell you those are the people I have the pleasure to check in everyday.  Trust me it is cheaper to have your computer repairs done the right way the first time.

Creative Programs and Systems

Allowing Homes To Age In Place With Their People

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Think about the one thing that we do every day and have done since the day we arrived on this good Earth?  We age of course.  Every day we get one day closer to being old.  The definition of old changes to us, of course, as we age.  In our teens we think twenty year olds are so mature and old.  By the time we are in our twenties, we are experiencing our first job; thirties we have the family and by our forties we have resigned that old is still really far off.

The truth of the matter is by the middle of our life we need to start thinking about the last stage and part of that has to do with aging and how to stay independent and living on our own for as long as possible.  With this comes a new territory to explore newly termed aging in place.  What this refers to is the fact that many people are aging well into their nineties and many people do not want to burden their children will the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent.

As we gain speed slipping fast into out golden years it is important to begin remodeling the space we live in with our future needs in mind.  For many of us this means that remodel projects start to include aging in place features that will allow us to continue to move about the home freely and safely.  The goal is to make sure that the home that we age in is safe for us, provides minimal maintenance and transcends into more barrier free living space.  There is a host of things to consider while aging.

Entering and exiting the home needs to be safe and secure.

  • Better and brighter lighting is needed in garages and spaces where the vehicles are parked.
  • Threshold ramps should be installed to provide a zero step entry into the home.
  • Handrails should be upgraded and be provided on all entrances and exits of the home.  Upgrades should consist of heavy duty materials and hardware that will hold up without loosening with extreme use.

Kitchen changes to ease access for preparing meals.

  • Faucets should be equipped with easy to use levers and an easy to use pull out nozzle.   This may come as a surprise but someday in the future it will be more convenient and easier for hair to be washed in the sink.
  • Shelves that pull out should be incorporated into the kitchen design.  This eases back discomfort and back breaking bends.
  • Refrigerators can be upgraded to allow for shelving to be pulled out.
  • The knobs on the kitchen cupboards and drawers should be larger and easier to grab onto.

It is so easy for an accident to happen in the bathroom.

  • Grab bars that are attractive yet fill the aging in place need should be installed in the shower and by the toilet.
  • Faucets should again be levered, as is true in the kitchen, this helps with stiff joints that don’t turn or grasp as well as they used too.
  • Showers can be modified to contain a sitting area and shower heads should be changed to removable ones that help get areas that normally are hard to reach for someone with limited mobility.
  • Toilets can be purchased at a higher height to provide comfort when trying to stand.

Moving in general around the home should be made easier with each renovation.

  • Make sure doorways can accommodate a walker.  This means doors should be a minimum width of thirty six inches.
  • Add extra lighting throughout the house.  Eye site tends to get poorer as we age.

There are many aging in place changes to make as the aging process happens and starts to turn us into people we know longer recognize.  Pretty soon we stop thinking about what is old and start thinking about the fact that when we were fifty we were so young and able to do so much.  It’s funny how age affects our frame of mind.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Drawing Out Boundaries

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Land surveyors are a jack of all trades.  They are people that take information gained through education and experience then use it to define the characteristics of spaces involved in land ownership. These professionals have the tools available to give the history of land and its changes through history.  This is important because of all of the factors that will change the land over time that records are kept and details recorded as they happen.

How does a land surveyor go about performing the retracing the history of land?  This is the question needed to be answered in order to figure out the job they do.  First, land surveyors use mathematics, technical research and abilities to measure and plot.  They do this with both natural and artificial points of reference on the Earth’s surface. The direction and length of boundary lines and the curve of the Earth are also measured to help determine exact land boundaries.

It is important for land surveyors to be familiar with the way the laws and regulations of the state that they are working in and out.  Different zoning, building, planning and wetland regulations along with all the different land use codes should be acknowledged.    They work on plot plans, GPS surveys, boundary surveys and a variety of different projects.  It is amazing all of the different jobs that require land surveyors services.

When purchasing a plot of land to build a home on it is important that even an average real estate buyer should contact a land surveyor.  This is especially important before the purchase is made.  Only a licensed land surveyor will truly be able to show you and provide a map of the actual space that has been purchased or is going to be purchased.    They help to define what is actually purchased.

This is such an important piece to the puzzle in purchasing land.  A surveyor will tell you exactly what defines the space you purchased.  It is important for people to be aware of the space they own, what trees constitute the space.  If a land surveyor feels a deed has been previously written incorrectly they have the ability to provide and updated version.  This can happen as land changes especially if features have changed drastically.  It is also common when the previous owner has made changes to the lands features since the previous deed. Some land surveyors go ahead and place permanent markers on the corners of the property.  This is helpful so that you can always have a hold of the property lines.

People are very anxious when it comes to property and defining what is theirs.  If you look back in history it is evident that property lines matter.  This is why it is so important to have an expert out when looking into purchasing property.  It is not fun to purchase land only to realize what you though originally belonged to you is actually a community access point.  Nothing could be worse than sitting enjoying the view of the lake to have it ruined by people dropping boats in the water on what you assumed was your property.

Monument Engineering