INTRODUCING...
Simplified Self-Management
A Practical Guide with How-To's & Forms
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An essential resource of best practices
for Boards of condominium and
community associations in Illinois· 17 Step-By-Step How-To Instructions
detailing Condo Protocols in 8 categories(*Recommended Best Practices also for
Townhome & Homeowner Associations)· Over 70 Fully Customizable Electronic
Forms & Templates(Microsoft® Word, Microsoft® Excel &
Acrobat® Reader Compatible)· Best Practice Protocols for Compliance with the ICPA and other regulations· Guidance from Experienced & Responsive Condo Management Consultatnts· Periodic Updates for pertinent law changes
or new How-To's & FormsLearn how to get your "house" in order
by proactively managing the
Administrative, Financial and Physical
aspects to end Board burnout and protect your investment in the following categories:
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SEASONAL TIPS
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Click on the photo above to read our recent Published Articles and
hear a broadcasted Radio Show.  |
Spring RemindersBesides the obvious of turning off your heating systems for the season, here are a few Spring Tips to get you out of your winter hibernation...Rubbish Rebates:We went over this in great detail in our Spring 2007 newsletter (which can be found on our website under Resources), but it is worth a reminder. If your Association is in the City of Chicago and has more than 4 units, be sure to contact your alderman's office to apply annually for the Condo Refuse Rebate.Property Inspections & Repairs:Spring is a good time to perform a thorough inspection to address any damage caused during the winter including, but not limited to: Tuck pointing; Roof repairs; Concrete steps, sidewalks and driveways; Siding and gutter issues; Painting; Balcony repairs; etc. The earlier you obtain proposals, the better chance you'll get on the selected vendor's schedule. Problems will not go away -- they will only get worse and more costly -- so it is important to be proactive.Landscaping/Owner Planting Day:Smaller associations that can't afford big landscaping bills might consider an Owner Planting Day, which may not only save the Association money and beautify the property, but can be a fun social event. Pizza, beer and music can go a long way to increase community spirit and encourage owner involvement. But remember, participation cannot be made "mandatory" and no reductions to assessments can be offered, regardless of the size of the property.
Window Washing & Carpet Cleaning:
If you can only afford these services once or twice a year, this is a good time to get these items cleaned to wipe away what the winter blew in.
Pool Maintenance:
If your property has a swimming pool, don't wait until the last minute to schedule the required maintenance or to order pool passes; otherwise, you could be drowning in angry calls if not ready in time for the season opening.
Maintenance Criteria
& Operations Manual:
This is a good time to review your maintenance services and vendors including, but not limited to, the weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual services required to properly maintain your property. Be sure to review your Annual Calendar, Reserve Study and Operations Manual. Renegotiate or rebid out these services and update your Operations Manual, as needed.
Don't have an Annual Calendar, Maintenance Criteria, Operations Manual and/or are unfamiliar with the above protocols? Then perhaps our Services will benefit you!
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QUICK LINKS... (many Web Pages have been recently updated; Click the "Refresh" button on your Browser to see new pages)
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Shirley Feldmann
Founder/Project Manager
773.348.0742
Angela Falzone
Property Consultant
847.685.0710
Shirley Feldmann & Angela Falzone  |
Click on the photo above to learn more about Who We Are and our credentials.
© 2010 Association Advocates Inc. All rights reserved.
Information provided in this newsletter is not a replacement for legal, accounting, or other professional services, as needed. Articles enclosed are with the permission of writer. Association Advocates Inc. is not responsible for information provided by a third party.
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Greetings!
Click on the Radio Player above for the Resources page to hear the show and read the article.  | We have updated our website to include a CAI Radio Show we participated in on the topic of Strategies & Best Practices for Managing the Small Association. Also, we have added a recently published article Selecting Vendors & Obtaining Services You Deserve.
After four years in development, we are pleased to announce the introduction of an essential resource of best practices for Boards of condo and community associations in Illinois: Simplified Self-Management - A Practical Guide with How-To's & Forms. Come preview it at the upcoming ACTHA Trade Show this Saturday, March 20th. We will also be doing a Webinar in May with ACTHA regarding key points from the manual.
Also in this issue, you'll learn about the new laws in effect from the Illinois Condominium Property Act (ICPA) and the Illiniois General Not For Profit Corporation Act (NFPCA), as well as, Litigation Considerations, Seasonal Tips, Upcoming Events, and Decreasing Risk & Increasing Efficiency.
If you would like to share this newsletter, the "Forward Email" link at the bottom of this email will save the formatting, links and graphics. All email addresses are kept confidential and are not shared with anyone.
-- Shirley Feldmann & Angela Falzone
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Click on Illinois State Seal above to review complete contents of the Not For Profit Corporation Act.  |
New Laws Affecting Illinois Condominium & Community Associations
Whether self or professionally managed, all Boards must stay up-to-date with changes to the Illinois Condominium Property Act (ICPA) and Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act (NFPCA). They are the basis for managing condominium and homeowner associations and, unless noted otherwise, may supercede information in an Association's Declaration and Bylaws.
Illinois Condominium Property Act
Effective January 1, 2010, the ICPA was amended to include the Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act, which is intended to provide for the licensing and regulation of property managers of community associations for properties over 10 units. The licensing requirement may become effective approximately mid to late 2011, as the rules providing for licensure still need to be established. Other ICPA changes affect the Right of First Refusal-FHA Financing; Quorum for Voting on Amendment to Bylaws, Unit Owner in Arrears; and Distressed Condominium Properties.
Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act
Also effective January 1, 2010, the NFPCA was amended to include a variety of changes that mostly affect non-condominium associations including the recognition of electronic communications and other additions. It is important to note that many of the new changes may contradict the ICPA and/or individual Declarations/Bylaws, so a legal opinion from your Association's attorney is recommended as to what action may be required in order to implement any of these laws.
David M. Bendoff is a Principal with the law firm of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit and has provided us with the below article summarizing the new laws.
"Summary of New Laws Affecting Illinois Condominium & Homeowner Associations" by David Bendoff
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To Sue or Not To Sue - Litigation Considerations
Click on photo for the Secretary of State website to check if your Association's incorporation status is in good standing.  | Board members of community associations are often faced with many complex situations and are required to make tough decisions. When the issue revolves around the matter of legal action, the research must begin with a review of the Association's Declaration, Bylaws, insurance, warranties, corporation good standing status, and financial viability of the defendent as part of the decision-making process.
Lawsuits can be considered in several areas such as: collecting assessments from the developer or delinquent owners; correction of construction defects against the developer or vendors; enforcing rules, etc. In other instances, lawsuits may be initiated against the Association, forcing the Board to review their options and to defend themselves.
In either of these scenarios, the legal fees can mount, the action or defense may or may not be successful, and the benefit to risk ratio must be addressed at all levels as part of the fiduciary responsibility of the Board.
The Association's attorney will no doubt be instrumental in assisting the Board with their decision process. As a non-profit corporation, as most condominium and community associations are, it is important to understand how to weigh the options in order to make the most informed decisions on how to proceed.
Jeffry J. Knuckles, Attorney At Law with Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC, has provided us with the below article to help Boards perform pertinent research and a cost/benefit analysis to determine whether initiating a lawsuit is right for your Association.
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Upcoming ACTHA Trade Show & Webinar
Association of Condominium, Townhouse & Homeowners Associations
ACTHA 2010 Spring Conference and
Trade Show
Saturday, March 20th
8am-11:15am
Drury Lane-Oak Brook
AAI will be Exhibitors at the Trade Show where you can preview:
Simplified Self-Management
A Practical Guide With How-To's & Forms
The Trade Show is FREE and open to the public from 8am to 11:15am. Sharing a table with us will be Association Allies partner, S&D Prime Maintenance. As an Exhibitor, we also invite you to participate in the seminars until 3:15pm and lunch at the Special Exhibitor Discounted Rate of $45.
Save The Date...
ACTHA Webinar: Thursday, May 6th @ 1:00 p.m.
Five Strategic Steps To Efficient Self-Management
In this webinar, AAI will share the five most important strategies to manage your Association like a pro. Whether currently self-managed or considering it, you'll learn practical information on how to stay in compliance with applicable laws and run your Association like a well-run business. More information will soon be available on the AAI and ACTHA websites so be sure to look for it!
To learn more about the seminar topics, click on the ACTHA logo above to visit their website. To obtain the Exhibitor Special Rate Registration Form for March 20th, please go to the Events & Seminars page of our website. Be sure to check back for more updates about the Webinar.
Events & Seminars |
Click on photo to learn more About Us/Services.  |
Decrease Liability & Increase Efficiency
What makes AAI different? We provide customized training designed for your Association's specific needs, prompt responsiveness and practical information to help empower the Board to increase efficiency and decrease risk.
Can you afford our services? Can you afford not to have them? Your home is most likely one of your biggest investments. We can help your Board save time, money and frustration while protecting the value of your property in today's very competitive market.
Whether self or professionally managed, and regardless of the size of your property, if your Association doesn't understand how to stay in compliance with all applicable laws and protocols, then our services will benefit you.
Below are just a few ways we can help you...
· NEW! Simplified Self-Management--A Practical Guide With How-To's & Forms
· NEW! Association Allies... Partners for simplified self-management
· Board & Self-Management Training
· Developer Turnovers & Start-Up Protocols
· Management Coaching Retainers
· Project & Loan Management
· Management Searches, Mediation & Transitions
· Refresher Courses for AAI alumni clients
We can help you learn how to manage your Association like a well-run business to increase efficiency and decrease risk. Call us today!Learn more... Scope of Services
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