Simplified Self-Management
A Practical Guide with How-To's & Forms |  |
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:
|
SEASONAL TIPS
|
 |
Click on the photo above to review client and vendor testimonials. |
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...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.
Emergency Procedures, 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 Emergency Procedures, 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, Emergency Procedures, Operations Manual
and/or are unfamiliar with the above protocols? Then perhaps our Services will benefit you!
|
|
QUICK LINKS... (many Web Pages have been recently updated; Click the "Refresh" button on your Browser to see new pages)
|
|
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.
© 2012 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.
|
|
|
|
Newsletter/Spring 2012-REV
|
Greetings!
The original Spring newsletter we sent out included the correct dates for NATO, but the wrong days of the week. This is the corrected version. Sorry for the confusion and the double email!
If you live or work in Chicago or near the airports,
 | |
Click on logo for Chicago NATO Official Website where you can sign up for Traffic Alerts in the "Chicago Residents" section.
|
the NATO Summit on
May 20-21, 2012 and the dates before and after WILL affect you in some way, so it is important to be informed. In this issue, learn specific preparedness tips from a NATO security expert on how to protect your property, residents and your family for a potential unknown emergency.
Also in this issue, learn how to protect your Association's finances through considerations using payment plans with unit owners who may have fallen behind on their assessments.
As we have previously reported in past newsletters, per the Community Association Manager's Licensing Act (CAM), all property managers serving the community association industry must be licensed with the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) by October 1, 2012. To clarify, this new law applies to ALL individual persons serving as a property manager in the community association industry, including Realtors®, and is in addition to any licensing that may have been obtained by the principal of a company. You may obtain additional information in our past newsletter issues or on the IDFPR website. You can also search by name to see if your manager is in compliance.
We are pleased to announce that both Angela Falzone and Shirley Feldmann are in compliance with this new law and are Licensed Community Association Managers.
 | Click on Award
to review past newsletter archives. |
For the third year, we are proud to have been named as a 2011 All Star by Constant Contact in recognition for excellence in email marketing. 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 Licensed Community Association Managers |
|
|
How Will The NATO Summit Affect You, Your Property And How To Proactively Prepare For It
There has been a lot of attention in the media to the upcoming NATO Summit that will take place in Chicago from Sunday, May 20 to Monday, May 21, 2012, but what does it really mean for
 | |
Click on logo to get up-to-date
NATO information.
|
you?
At best, travel inconveniences in and around the airports, downtown Chicago, federal buildings, hotels, McCormick Place, the Lakefront, Soldier Field, Museum Campus and Navy Pier. At worst, unruly protesters, rioting and damage to property. This is considered a National Special Security Event with involvement by the Dept. of Homeland Security, Secret Service, FBI, Coast Guard, Chicago Police Dept., police from other states, and other federal, state and local agencies.
Worldwide guests anticipated to Chicago include: President Obama, 40-70 Foreign Heads of States, 5,000-7,500 Delegates w/Spouses, 2,000-5,000 International Press, 10,000-50,000+ protesters.
Information is being strategically revealed slowly by the authorities. We currently know to anticipate at least 40-70 motorcades/per day,
 | | Click on photo for Chicago Tribune article "Apartment Owners Get NATO Summit Advice" from 4/25/12. |
permits so far have been approved for three protest marches with one group scheduled for Friday, May 18th and two on Sunday, May 20th.
What is of greater concern are the unknowns... random protests, number of demonstrators, street closures and whether these will be peaceful demonstrations or rioting, as seen in other countries.
Besides the hard security perimeters around McCormick Place and the Red Zone around federal offices, the areas directly affected could go as far North as Diversey-South as 35th Street-West as the Kennedy-and East as the Lake. Protesters are anticipated to stay in hotels and youth hostels all over the City and even warehouses to house thousands, which could potentially result in demonstrations in surrounding parks or vacant lots. In addition, the Cross Town Classic will be at Wrigley Field and the Bulls could still be in the Playoffs at the United Center. So, if you think this weekend won't affect you, think again!
Just like the scare of Y2K, and periodic terrorism threats, it is important to proactively plan ahead for the worst and hope for the best. Many of the preparedness recommendations are helpful to create an overall emergency and communication plan including stocking up on board up materials, food, water, flashlights, batteries, etc. Be vigilant in watching for suspicious behavior starting NOW as the protesters are here and will continue to increase each week.
Other points to consider: Remove items around your property that could become flying weapons; Post "No Public Restrooms" and "Private Property" signage for buildings in areas of concern; Encourage residents (and staff) to carry identification showing the property address and require that residents meet guests in lobby if not pre-registered; Limit entry/egress to secured and monitored entrances; Call 311 to report any suspicious activity and graffiti that could be a sign your area is a tagged location by protesters; Change staff schedules to allow for increased personnel and travel at times when fewer problems are anticipated; Call 911 immediately with any problems.
Titan Security Group is a leading Chicago-based security services provider and has been actively working with condo building managers and business owners to proactively secure property and residents. They have provided the below NATO Preparedness Checklists to help property managers, boards and individual residents plan to decrease inconvenience and increase safety. You may also access their website by clicking on the logo above to read up-to-the-minute news and link to other important websites and articles.
|
|
Protecting Your Association's Finances Through Payment Plans
 We often hear stories from board members who have been lenient on their fellow neighbor that has not been paying their assessment and then are shocked to learn that the unit has been foreclosed upon and the Association is then out thousands of dollars. They can't understand how the nice neighbor that they trusted to pay when times got better, could leave them holding the bill for their unpaid assessments. While we understand that it is difficult to not have compassion for a fellow owner falling on hard economic times, the Board has a fiduciary duty to protect the Association. Every unit owner must be treated equally and must pay their prorated share of the annual budget or the shortfall will be paid by those remaining owners who are paying.
Firm collection policies-including late fees and the timeframe when the account will be turned over to the Association's attorney-must be clearly defined, properly adopted, communicated in writing and consistently enforced for all unit owners.
A payment plan can be a good way to help a unit owner get caught up on a back debt while avoiding legal procedures if the Agreement is realistic, signed by both parties, is adhered to monthly, and is mutually beneficial for both the unit owner and the Association.
Michael Kim, Principal of Michael C. Kim & Associates, has provided the below article with step-by-step instructions on how to create a payment plan to protect the Association.
|
 | 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...
· Simplified Self-Management--A Practical Guide With How-To's & Forms
· 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!
|
|
|
|
|
