Condo Law Firm's Podcast Addresses COVID-19 Questions

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 19 May 2020

Chicago Condo Law Firm, Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit (KSN), has launched a podcast. 

The podcast examines various aspects of condo law, including association law, landlord/tenant law, property tax appeals, and more.

In each episode, KSN attorneys will discuss legal updates, best practices, and industry trends. Most recently, they have added a podcast discussing how boards should handle assessment collection during COVID-19.

Check it out, here. 

Should Your Association Proceed with a Board Election Amidst Coronavirus?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 11 May 2020

Lately, many association boards have been using video and/or telephone conferencing to conduct business and hold meetings.

However, associations are required to adopt rules and regulations well ahead of board elections to permit electronic voting. Boards will face added challenges if they have upcoming elections but no rules in place for allowing electronic voting.

If an association doesn’t currently have an electronic voting rule in place, then the board should maintain the status quo and delay an election until it can be held in-person. 

Learn more here. 

How Can You Conduct Effective Remote Board Meetings?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 05 May 2020

An effective remote meeting is one where board business can be completed for the association while still meeting legal requirements, and keeping everyone safe.

Here are some tips for conducting effective remote meetings:

1. Try to find a conferencing service with a call-in option so that people without computers can still participate.

2. Remind everyone about common conference call courtesy before starting meetings.

3. Make time for Board introductions.

4. Make and stick to an agenda.

And, here are some reminders for running a remote board meeting that meets legal requirements:

1. You must give proper legal notice to owners.

2. Unless your community falls under CICAA, you do not have to hold a homeowner forum.

3. You must record the meeting minutes.

Learn more, here. 

How Can You Plan for the Future During this “Down” Time?

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Written by Alexa Jackson

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

Published: 27 April 2020

Life has drastically changed in the last few months, but there can still be good that comes out of this “down” time. Association board members are often too busy with current events or urgent matters to tackle “nonessential” business.

During this brief window of downtime, board members can focus on the following:

1. Ensuring the association’s insurance is adequate

2. Re-evaluating budgets for cost-saving measures

3. Reviewing governing documents are up to date with current law

4. Updating or creating rules and regulations

5. Obtaining competitive bids for routine Association work

6. Ensuring Association records are in order

7. Assessing the property for maintenance needs and/or violations

8. Scheduling a reserve study

9. Compiling a continuity plan or Bootcamp for new board members

Learn more here.