Coronavirus Webinar this Monday (3/23)

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 21 March 2020

The Coronavirus continues to throw condo and HOA boards into uncharted territory and we all have a lot of questions.

Join a free, in-depth webinar on Monday, March 23, where two community association experts will help you work through the biggest challenges facing community associations during this uncertain time.

During this webinar, you’ll get information on:

• What a community association's responsibility is when it comes to the coronavirus
• What information you can and should provide to members on the virus and your operations
• How to evaluate whether to hold meetings and social functions
• Questions to ask to determine whether you can use today's technology for must-have meetings
• Whether you should consider upgrading your cleaning and maintenance schedules
• How to treat notice of a member's exposure to, or positive test for, the virus
• How to plan for the possibility of a shelter-in-place order — What stays open? What must stop?
• What to consider with suddenly unemployed homeowners who can't pay their association fees?
• Do's and don'ts for addressing this unprecedented situation

Learn more and register here.

Practical Guidance on Assistance Animals in HOAs

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 16 March 2020

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, assistance animals are not considered pets and housing providers, including HOAs, must make reasonable accommodations to permit them. However, a historical lack of guidelines and definitions surrounding assistance animals has hindered disabled people while allowing abuse by people not needing assistance.

Recently, HUD issued practical guidance on assistant animals, outlining an 8-step process for responding to requests, with helpful tips for each step.

Associations, their board, and their managers should be aware of the existence of Fair Housing laws and regulations at the state and Federal level.

To learn more, click here.

How Should Homeowner and Condominium Associations Handle Coronavirus?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 09 March 2020

When it comes to the coronavirus, association boards should be vigilant, but there are limits to what a community association can do to fight illnesses. While the virus should be taken seriously, there are still many unknowns surrounding transmission and prevention.

Similar to the flu, associations can provide owners with general, useful tips for staying healthy. They also may need to postpone or cancel events in common areas.

In general, directors should consider possible future steps, but approach the situation reasonably and calmly.

Learn more here.

A Refresher on Palm II - Board Communication

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Written by Alexa Jackson

Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...

Published: 04 March 2020

It has been several years since the Palm II case caused chaos in the Illinois association world, and several board members still seem to be lax on following corporate formalities.  So, here is a refresher on the law.

Condominium and homeowner association are not-for-profit corporations that are required to act through their board via the formalities provided by Illinois law and the Association’s governing documents. However, oftentimes in a rush to get things done, board members fail to follow the formalities and thus put the entire board at risk of breaching their fiduciary duties.

In Palm II, the Illinois Appellate Court held that a quorum of board members should not engage in private discussions of board matters. Private meetings of board members or workshops/email exchanges between members are considered “conducting board business.” And are improper outside of a duly-noticed open board meeting.

Board members should consider delegating more authority to their property managers or simply hold open meetings more often to comply with Illinois law.

Read more, here.