ARTICLES
Dedicated to unraveling the layers of Homeowners Association (HOA) dynamics and promoting transparency in community living.
Why Transparency Matters
Imagine feeling a growing unease as you realize critical decisions about the building you call home are being controlled by a single board officer. At 175 E Delaware Pl, residents are facing this unsettling reality as the Board President’s unilateral control over the process to identify the election services provider lacked transparency after past election issues raises serious questions about whose interests are being served.
HOA Surveys That Matter: The Courage to Ask Better Questions
When my HOA Board recently announced plans to distribute a “feedback survey,” I was initially optimistic. But instead of thoughtful questions designed to provide the Association with actionable information, we received vague topics with rating categories that left no room for corresponding feedback. Worse yet, many owners were intentionally excluded. With the management company’s contract renewal in process, we deserve better. Let’s examine the specific problems with this approach and detail how a process that truly values every resident’s voice works.
The Smart HOA’s Guide to Management Contract Renewal Success
When a high-rise condominium’s board president recently announced his approach to reviewing their property management contract, he unknowingly provided a perfect example of how not to handle this critical decision. Let’s examine why this common approach falls short and explore a better way forward.
A Lesson from “I’m a Mac” Ads
Remember Apple’s iconic “I’m a Mac” commercials? In one particularly telling 2007 ad, the “PC” character proudly announces his budget allocation: nearly everything goes to advertising to counter Windows Vista’s negative press, leaving virtually nothing for actual improvements. When “Mac” suggests fixing the underlying problems instead, PC dismisses the idea, doubling down on PR spending. … Read more
Fixing Our Community’s Communication Gap
“Owners are always encouraged to send ideas, questions or concerns to Management and/or me and indicate that you would like your correspondence included in the Board Packet.” That’s the assurance our HOA president, Scott Timmerman, has made to owners on several occasions, most recently in the December 2024 HOA newsletter. All things being equal, this … Read more
Chicago Media Spotlight Builds Awareness
Despite growing concerns about election integrity that have attracted media attention, HOA Board President Scott Timmerman responded to a detailed proposal I submitted for creating an ad hoc election process committee with a brief statement that “The Board is already handling this issue directly.” The proposal emerged after research identified multiple qualified vendors capable of … Read more
Speak At The Upcoming HOA Board Meeting
If you’re an owner at 175 E Delaware Pl, you should know that for the first time in years, our HOA board is permitting owners to speak during an official board meeting. This is the first small step in a positive direction for our community, and I encourage every owner to seize the opportunity to make your voice heard.
1 in 4 Owners Are Shortchanged in Our HOA Election
Did you know that 1 in 4 owners in our recent board election lost part of their voting power? Those owners likely thought their votes were evenly distributed among the candidates they selected. However, in our system, voting for fewer candidates than the maximum means some of your votes are thrown away.
Election Integrity Concerns Remain Unaddressed in 2024 HOA Board Election
In a recent email exchange with HOA Board President Scott Timmerman regarding the 2024 board election, it has become clear that the election process remains plagued by serious unresolved issues, which continue to threaten property values.
Board President’s Inaction Threaten Property Values
Serious issues with the recent board election continue to land on Board President Scott Timmerman’s desk, yet he left them off the upcoming board meeting agenda, raising concerns about avoidable legal risks that could end up costing every homeowner.
The Growing List of Unanswered Questions in Our HOA Election
In the latest installation of our ongoing investigation into the recent HOA board election at 175 East Delaware Place, we delve into new reporting errors regarding the vote totals for write-in candidates and the ongoing silence from those responsible.
Voting Irregularities Cast Shadow Over Recent HOA Board Election
First in a series examining troubling discrepancies discovered in our HOA’s recent board election process.
The HOA Election Where Math Took A Vacation
In a baffling turn of events, our recent HOA election has transformed from a straightforward vote count into a perplexing saga of unexpected results, mysterious vote discrepancies, abandoned processes, and unanswered questions, leaving residents in search of clarity and accountability.
The First Step Toward The Board Acknowledging Transparency And Inclusivity
After years of resisting your reasonable requests, the Board is finally acknowledging the need for an Open Forum, a standard feature in countless other HOAs.
The Impression of Easy Answers When It Comes to HOA Ethics
Don’t look to Section 18.4 of the Illinois Condo Act for ethical guidance; it’s more like a recipe book for legal compliance.
HOA President’s Board Election Endorsements
Even AI can spell out in great detail why it’s unethical for an HOA board president to send a letter to owners each year during elections with a list of candidates they endorses.
Board Passes Ban On E-Bike Storage
Our board president’s decision to withhold information about proposed rules changes under the pretense that they are unimportant, is a dangerous precedent.
The Golden Rule for HOAs
An HOA ethics policy is essential to foster trust, transparency, and accountability among board members and committees tasked with creating and enforcing community rules. So why does our board leadership continue to fight against adopting one?
Your HOA Board is Asking You to Sign a Blank Check
Imagine being asked to sign a contract without knowing what’s inside. That’s essentially what HOA Board President Scott Timmerman is doing by proposing rule changes without first providing clear, comprehensive, and detailed information to homeowners.
Why The Proposed Rule Changes Could Hurt Your Property Value
The Board Leadership’s Proposed changes to our House Rules are riddled with issues. Lack of transparency, potential legal violations, unfair fines & fees, and poorly drafted regulations conspire to undermine our community’s interests and property values.
2024 House Rules Changes
Transparency Theater n. A deceptive practice in which an organization or individual feigns openness while intentionally keeping you in the dark as much as possible.
Your HOA’s Convenience Could Cost You: The Dangers of Unsafe ACH Payment Processors
Think of an ACH database like a vault full of gold. It’s packed with sensitive information and keeping it safe is crucial. Imagine handing over your bank details and authorizing unlimited withdrawals to an organization without verifying if they comply with essential consumer protection regulations. Sounds risky, right?
Stauber v. Sudler Property Management
Following a data breach in early 2023, Sudler is accused in a lawsuit of inadequately safeguarding individuals’ information. The claims include negligence, unjust enrichment, breach of express contract, and breach of implied contract. Sudler denies wrongdoing. Claims can be submitted until January 15, 2024.
Loop North News
The article in the November 7, 2023 edition of Loop North News, by Steven Dahlman, delves into the persistent issues arising from the existing leadership of the HOA board at 175 East Delaware. The piece explores a current legal dispute and scrutinizes the controversial late fee policy.
Judgement Matters
We make judgments and form opinions constantly. We leverage our individuality, expertise, and life experiences to shape our viewpoints and choices. But this process can fall victim to emotion, impatience, and an array of biases.
Getting Fee’d to Death
Your board representatives need to understand how fee policies impact our quality of life.
THE SURPRISING POWERS HOAs HAVE TO WREAK HAVOC IN PEOPLE’S LIVES
The April 10, 2023 episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver featured a segment where the host discusses homeowners associations (HOAs) and the surprising amount of power they wield.
