Common Interest Podcast

Mark Waldman from Waldman Engineering Consultants shares a story about an association that had a complete roof tear off and replacement only six months ago, but is once again having problems with leaks. Listen to find out how root causes can sometimes fly under the radar and come back to undermine your projects.

Tom Purrazzo from Hillcrest Property Management joins us for a lightning round on communication in associations. Topics include conflict de-escalation, neighbor disputes, trash management, changes to assessments, and vendor selection. Listen in for Tom's perspective on how communication is key to association leadership.

Nicholas Bartzen from Altus Legal returns to the show for a discussion of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act set to take effect on January 1, 2020. The Cannabis Act contains an addition to the ILCPA allowing condo associations to prohibit combustion of cannabis in units. Tune in to this episode to learn more about what the legalization of recreational marijuana means for your association.

Laura Marinelli from Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP shares a story about a puppy that was identified as a "Pet" to the Condo Association, which suddenly became an "Emotional Support Animal" when he exceeded the Association's weight restriction for pets. The request for accommodation seemed to have some red flags. Hear how the board handled this difficult situation.

Brian Butler from FirstService Residential shares a story about a high-rise condo building in Chicago with a large, urgent project the board had not anticipated. Hear how they made and communicated their decision for a special assessment.

Jennifer Biancalana from Clarke Mosquito Control & Aquatic Services shares a story about a community living in fear of their out-of-control mosquito population, and how they learned to attack the root causes of the issue.

Jeff Lenz from BELFOR Property Restoration shares a story about a unit that suffered water damage during the Polar Vortex, and an association that made things worse by having wall demolition started before the Property Restoration company was brought in.

John Hershey of J. Hershey Building Consultants shares a story about a unit owner with a leak coming through the ceiling, and two months of previous failed attempts to solve the problem.

John Bickley III of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit discusses the collections process in Community Associations, and what potential challenges and pitfalls in the process to avoid.

Nicholas Bartzen, Founder of Altus Legal, shares a story about a Board President that has been securing favors and sweetheart deals for himself despite Association bylaws forbidding the practice.

Danette Smusz, Executive Vice President of Foster/Premier, shares a story about a resident with a history of hyperbole filing a noise complaint you will have to hear to believe.

Jessica Towles, Vice President of Suburban Property Management for Lieberman Management Services shares a story about changing age demographics in an association leading to unfair application of rules and a potential board takeover.

Mark Stelter, Vice President of Itasca Bank & Trust shares a story about an association where a disgruntled resident sets up a fake association and successfully diverts monthly assessments away from the legitimate association.

Tom Purazzo, Director of Marketing of Hillcrest Property Management shares a story about monthly assessment delinquency, hoarding, and eviction.

Cheryl Murphy, Executive Director of Community Associations Institute Illinois Chapter, gives insight into what CAI membership provides and why we are producing this podcast.