Page 28 - CooperatorNews Chicagoland EXPO 2021

28 COOPERATORNEWS CHICAGOLAND —EXPO 2021 CHICAGO.COOPERATORNEWS.COM When Trust and Quality Matters 773.865.3855 WWW. BOREK-RENOVATION .COM Chicago Licensed Masonry Contractor Licensed / Bonded / Insured ONS NTIAL • TUCKPOINTING • MASONRY RESTORATION • LINTEL REPLACEMENT • CRITICAL INSPECTIONS • WATERPROOFING • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL • APARTMENTS/CONDO BUILDINGS www.ilexpo.com today!) The Community Associations Network in elections, has led to an eventual shift in (www.communityassociations.net) is an the makeup of the board to one that con- online resource that aggregates news and sists of 11 professional, astute, responsible information related to co-ops, condos, and members who represent the community HOAs. There, boards and service profes- sionals can access the latest on legislation, remember, this year’s election was the first events, and issues pertaining to associa- tion living and governance throughout the tory—whether that speaks to community U.S. and Canada. The Community Associations Insti- tute (CAI), with 63 chapters worldwide (www.caionline.org), provides informa- tion, resources, and advocacy to its more tion about needs, processes, services, and than 40,000 members. Marilyn Brainard, laws related to co-ops, condos, and HOAs, member of the CAI Government & Public perhaps this article will serve as a primer Affairs Committee, expresses the impor- tance of orienting new board members to ing boards and management companies the critical role they play in the health and seeking to create new “board on-board- safety of their community’s structures and ing” materials themselves. residents. This summer’s tragedy in Surf- side, Florida, underscores just how impor- tant vigilance and action are on any board. “Board members—in all associations— are expected to use recognized experts to examine the integrity of the physical property as one of the most important re- sponsibilities of a director, especially when lives may be involved,” says Brainard. “This usually means hiring qualified busi- ness partners to report to the board and members of the association the soundness of structures providing housing. Not only \[should boards\] accept the report’s recom- mendations, but \[they should\] commence action for corrections in a timely manner. Aging high-rise condominium associa- tions are especially vulnerable due to the buildings’ configuration and the natural degrading of some original construction products over time.” You Got the Right Stuff Thorough and transparent communica- tion is also essential to a healthy commu- nity. Butler contends that “practical skills like knowing how to run efficient board meetings, whether virtually or in person, and how to manage resident expectations and communication channels, can make the difference between successful boards and those who may struggle.” Boards should not hold back or “sugar- coat” a building’s or association’s financial or physical status, even—perhaps especial- ly—if the news might seem unfavorable to other homeowners or shareholders. “If an association is composed of owners on limited income,” continues Brainard, “the board needs to express the importance of keeping the integrity of their units. Recent programs by the federal government may be accessed to help meet this financial ob- ligation for individual owners, and should be pursued.” Indeed, I personally believe that putting forth robust, accurate, timely information was what turned the tide in my commu- nity to a more progressive and proactive board. In the intervening years, there has been more interest from newer sharehold- ers in serving on the board and its com- mittees. That, and a higher participation wholly and dutifully. As far as anyone can uncontested one in the co-op’s 60-year his- apathy or contentment remains unknown, but I’d like to think it is the latter! Now that I write for the publication that boards and managers turn to for informa- for other board newcomers—or for exist- n Darcey Gerstein is Associate Editor and Staff Writer for CooperatorNews. and a load-bearing capacity of 80 to 150 pounds per square foot. This type of roof can include shrubs and trees, in addition to other materials and installations that make the roof suitable for active use. Both provide stormwater benefits, including insulation, water filtration, storage, and habitat opportunities; intensive systems have more potential for these benefits. “Green roofs are a great way to cool down your roof during the summer, re- tain some of the rainwater from going straight into the storm sewer system, and provide an ecological oasis in a dense ur- ban environment,” says Giulia Alimonti, AIA, LEED AP, senior architect with the recently launched New York office of en- gineering, architecture, and materials sci- ence consulting firm CTLGroup, head- quartered in Skokie, Illinois. “Green roof elements can be combined with decking to create areas where building residents can rest and enjoy the roof.” The city of Chicago was a pioneer in green roofs and one of the first cities in the U.S. to study their impact on the “heat island effect” that occurs in dense urban environments where copious concrete and buildings absorb and trap heat and then release it back into the environment. It was also one of the first to provide finan- cial incentives to commercial and residen- tial property owners who build or convert their roof to one that includes a vegetation layer. Now with nearly 7 million square feet of such roofs, according to city esti- mates, the Windy City still leads in this area. GREEN OPTIONS... continued from page 8 NEW KIDS... continued from page 26 See us at Booth 226 See us at Booth 111