Do you have a question? If it is not addressed below in our frequently asked questions, try searching our site:
Q: May I advertise the sale of my unit?
A: Print advertising is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors. Print advertising must be submitted to the Management Office no less than seven (7) days in advance of publication. Real Estate Sales signs may not be posted on Association Property. Residents (or their agents) may not place FOR SALE or FOR RENT signs or similar advertising on any part of the property. Realtor lock boxes are strictly prohibited. Homeowners may submit flyers to the Management Office for approval to be posted in the laundry rooms.
Q: How do I request a hearing with the Board?
A: The Board of Directors has been furnished with all documentation regarding the incident(s) in advance of the hearing date. This documentation includes incident reports, violation complaint forms, correspondence, photographs, service requests, etc.
Hearings are scheduled in 20 minute increments. Each case will be heard for a period of 15 minutes. Complainants and violators will be heard separately and will each be allotted 5 minutes. Each party may describe its own side of the incident(s) as well as present any new documentation and/or information. The Board of Directors will then have 5 minutes to ask questions and/or review new information.
During the hearing, the Board will not disclose its decision. The Board will convene at the close of all hearings to make a determination to levy a fine and the amount of any such fine.
Hearing determinations will be sent in writing within seven (7) business days following the Board's decision.
Management's role is to collate all documentation and to facilitate the hearing process by monitoring time, clarifying points, explaining documentation, and coordinating the orderly flow of the hearings. After the hearing, Management will communicate the Board's determination to the alleged violator(s).
Board determinations regarding rules violations are confidential. As a result, these determinations will not be disclosed to the complaining party. Please note that the Board's role is limited to deciding whether a violation has occurred. The Board does not pass judgment on unit owners, however, if a violation has occurred, the Board is empowered to levy a fine.
Q: What is (and isn't) included in my assessments?
A: An ASSESSMENT is an owner's financial obligation to the Condominium Association during a given period of time. It covers the owner's share of the common expense for the maintenance and operation of the property. Assessments are payable on a monthly basis. Based on the Association's governing documents, an assessment for an owner's share of common expenses is a legal obligation. The lists below indicate what is included and not included in South Commons assessments.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ASSESSMENTS:
•Cooking and heating gas
•Maintenance of the common elements (lobbies, elevators, grounds, parking lots, etc.)
•Insurance of common elements
•Security
•Intercom system
•Storage locker
•Swimming pools
•Water
•Laundry facilities
•Extermination
•Window washing
•Garbage removal
•Snow removal
WHAT IS NOT:
•Cable
•Electricity
•Telephone
•Maintenance of unit interiors (i.e., service requests)
•Appliance repair
•Homeowners' insurance
•Taxes
•Mortgage payments
•Parking
•Move in/out fees
•Document processing for sales, lease, or refinancing
Q: Who is my Alderman? What ward are we in?
A: South Commons is located in the second ward and Alderman Robert Fioretti governs us. His office is located at: 429 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60605 and can be reached by Phone: 312-263-9273 or Fax: 312-786-1736
Alderman's change from time to time so please refer to the city's web site for the most up-to-date information.
Additionally here are some links that may prove useful: Second Ward Web Site, Ward Map.
Q: Are cell towers as an income generator an option for us?
A: Since we have high rise buildings theoretically we could rent the roof space to a cellular provider, however cellular networks are fairly robust in Chicago already. We need to wait and see if any provider has a need to build in our area. We do have feelers out, so should a need arise we hope to seize the income opportunity.
Q: Are we trying to 'Go Green' at all?
A: To some degree South Commons is limited by the infrastructure that is already in place, and while attempts to be energy conscience are occurring, this process remains a fluid one. Below are some programs you may have heard about which will hopefully clear up any rumors.
'Green Piping' refers to pipes which are not specifically copper. Unfortunately in Chicago, city codes are quite specific regarding materials. These facts taken together prevent South Commons from installing suck piping.
However there is an initiative from the Clinton administration which affords high rises the opportunity to obtain loans to perform the work to install energy efficient appliances such as hot water heaters. At a high level, the program partners communities with contractors who issue a guarantee on energy cost savings which you can then take to the bank to obtain the loan with the understanding these savings will be the capital used to repay the debt. As with all government programs, there is limited enrollment and a long application process, but this remains something we are looking into for the future.
Q: How do I set up direct debit?
A: The Board strongly supports owners taking advantage of our direct debit option for assessment payments. You can sign up by completing the Direct Debit Form and sending it to the management office.
In case you were wondering, direct debit utilizes ACH which stands for Automated Clearing House and is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United States.
Rules and regulations governing the ACH network are established by NACHA-The Electronic Payments Association and the Federal Reserve. In 2002, this network processed an estimated 8.05 billion ACH transactions with a total value of $21.7 trillion.
ACH credit transfers include direct deposit payroll and vendor payments. ACH direct debit transfers include consumer payments on insurance premiums, mortgage loans, and other kinds of bills. Businesses are also increasingly using ACH to collect from customers online, rather than accepting credit or debit cards.
In accordance with the rules and regulations of ACH, no financial institution may simply issue an ACH transaction (whether it be debit or credit) towards an account without prior authorization from the account holder. Here at South Commons we utilize the direct debit functionality of ACH.
A direct debit or direct withdrawal is an instruction that a bank account holder gives to his or her bank to collect an amount directly from another account. It is similar to a direct deposit but initiated by the beneficiary. It is typically used to make recurring payments for credit card or utility bills. Direct debits can be used for varying amounts; the payee can simply indicate a different amount each time so can rest assured that your account will always be paid in full.
Statements are still sent in advance of the debit occurring and afford you the time necessary to make balance adjustments as necessary.
Read more on ACH and direct debit on Wikipedia.
If you still aren't convinced direct debit is right for you, but are looking for ways to go paperless, contact your bank. Many financial institutions are currently offering auto-bill pay features which are generally free. Here is a link to a demo of such a feature on Chase.com.
Q: Why was I charged a legal fee?
A: Once an account becomes 90 days past due it is turned over to our attorney for collections. Depending on the length of time the account remained in this status, various legal fees may be accrued. There is often a delay between the onset of the attorney's involvement and the fees being reflected on your monthly statement. This is due to a delay in the billing by the attorney, who may not bill until after the issue is completely resolved.
Please refer to the documentation you received from the attorney on how to contact them directly to ensure your overdue balance, including their fees is completely, is completely eradicated.
If you have any additional questions please don't hesitate to contact management.
Q: What can I do if I'm experiencing a financial hardship?
A: In light of the recent economic crisis the board is re-evaluating some of the current by-laws which may impact your bottom line. This continues to be a fluid process and new policies have not yet been finalized. However in the meantime we encourage anyone who has a concern about how they will stay current with their assessments to contact the board. You may email us as or stop by one of our board meetings to discuss your options.
Q: How do I make the wind howl less loudly?
A: The answer lies in the science of wind, air and motion.
Sound is nothing more than Air in motion. Wind is air molecules in motion. Trillions and trillions of them.
When they move fast enough against something, they eventually make audible sound as the molecules collide with the object. Or to put it another way, if the air movement is high enough or vibrates at the right frequencies because of what it is passing through or around, we hear it.
Most of the time, the intensity of the wind is too low to produce much sound audible to humans. But, the faster the speed, the louder the sound. That's why in blizzards, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, the wind usually howls loudly.
So the answer is - not a lot! There's not a lot we can do to prevent an existing building from howling. Newer constructed high rises have takes steps to design the building shape to redirect the wind more quietly. You can only make sure your windows are closed tightly as air forcing thru small spaces (as I'm sure you're aware) can make a tremendous racket. But for the rest I can only say, it's a nice break from the car alarms.
Q: When should I call for extermination?
A: If you suspect your unit has been infiltrated by insects it's best to call immediately and schedule an appointment for extermination. The sooner these types of issues can be addressed the less the likelihood of a true infestation.
If you are not sure what to look for please refer to these articles on fleas, bed bugs, and roaches. If you're still not sure, management can send someone to assist you.
Q: What are the pool rules?
A: The swimming pool and deck area is available for use by residents and their guests. The swimming pool will be open daily, weather permitting, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A pool attendant will be on duty from 11 A.M. to 8:00 PM. (hours are subject to change). On Wednesday the pool does not open until 12:00 Noon due to cleaning. The pool may be utilized only when the attendant is on duty.
The following regulations are for the protection and benefit of all, to ensure safe and sanitary operation of the pool facilities. Your cooperation in abiding by these conditions will afford a pleasant atmosphere for all concerned. Parents are requested to caution their children to observe all regulations and obey instructions from all employees. Any failure to comply with these policies shall be considered sufficient cause for any action deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, including the suspension of use to violators.
1. Residents are permitted to have up two (2) free guests at the pool per unit. On Saturday, Sunday and Holidays residents may bring two (2) free guests; however, any additional guests will require you to purchase a guest pass from the pool attendant for $5 per person per swim day. These are available in the Management Office or from the pool attendant on duty (checks or money orders only!). Pool members are responsible for the conduct of their guests and must accompany them at all times when using the pool and/or deck.
2. Residents and guests must sign in when entering the pool area. Residents must bring their pool ID each and every time they come to the pool. On weekends and holidays guests must have a valid guest pass when they visit the pool with a unit owner/resident. Each pool membership shall be used by the named person only and is non-transferable or assignable.
3. Swimming is allowed only during posted hours and only when a pool attendant is on duty. The decision of the pool attendant in matters of safety and health will be final at all times. All persons swim at their own risk.
4. The pool attendant is at the pool for everyone's safety and protection. They shall not engage in any activity that will distract them from protecting swimmers and from cleaning and maintaining the pool and deck.
5. No child under the age of 12 shall be a member of the pool unless an adult (18 years or older) family member is also a member of the pool. No children under the age of 12 shall be allowed in the pool without direct supervision by an adult who is responsible for the safety of such child.
6. No child will be left unattended. Parents or guardians of children using the pool will be held fully responsible for any and all damage occurring to the pool, sundeck, or surrounding areas.
7. Babies in diapers and small children who are not toilet trained are not allowed in the pool without a fitted plastic pants worn over the diaper. The pool is not intended for clothes or diaper changing.
8. Persons swimming must be properly attired while in the common areas. Bare feet and uncovered swimsuits are not allowed within the common areas. Foot coverings and bathing suit coverings must be worn when leaving the pool deck.
9. No persons having an infectious disease or an open wound shall be permitted in the water.
10. Running, pushing, wrestling, ball playing or causing undue disturbance in and about the pool area is not permitted. Users of the pool and pool deck shall keep noise at a reasonable level. Profanity is prohibited.
11. No diving shall be allowed in the pool.
12. Only small floatable devices to assist small children in swimming are permitted in the pool and only with the permission of the pool attendant on duty who has complete discretion as to what is safe and allowable.
13. Lounge and deck chairs are not to be moved from their designated areas.
14. Smoking in the pool area is prohibited. No gum chewing is permitted in the pool area. Headphones must be used with any audio video equipment brought to the pool.
15. Eating is permitted only in the sun deck designated area. No glass or breakable crockery is permitted in the pool area or on the sundeck. All containers for food should be made of plastic or paper. Everyone is to clean up after themselves. All refuse must be placed in trash containers.
16. Personal barbeques and other cooking materials may not be used on the sundeck.
17. First aid equipment is available from the pool attendant. Report any accident or injury to the pool attendant immediately.
18. Violators of pool rules will be required to leave the sundeck and pool area at the direction of the pool attendant. The pool attendant's decisions are final. Any complaints or problems with a pool attendant's ruling should be presented to the Building Manager in writing.
19. The Association abides by all rules established by the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois for the operation of a public swimming pool.
20. All rules and regulations for the use of the pool and sundeck are subject to the interpretation of the Association and may be changed by the Board of Directors.
21. Failure to obey a pool attendant's instruction or violation of any of the pool rules may result in substantial fines for the unit owner for ongoing violations of the South Commons Phase 1 Condominium Association.
22. Pets are not allowed in the pool area.
23. The pool may be closed at any time due to breakdown or other operational difficulties, at the direction of Management. Signs indicating that the pool is to be closed will be posted.
Q: What do I do if it's cold in my apartment?
A: Start by making sure all your windows are tightly closed. As you may know the windows in units may be drafty, so you may want to apply a cover such as cellophane in the winter.
If it's still cold and you believe no heat is reaching your apartment, please use a thermometer to record the temperature of several rooms of your house and call the management office. Providing these specific details will allow them to address the situation more promptly.
Please keep in mind, personal tastes in temperature to vary and the association strives to provide a comfortable room temperature between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to all units. So if your unit is in the intended range, there may not be anything we can do as changing the heat flow to the whole building may result in over-heating some units which may cause unit owners to expel the surplus heat to the outside. This cycle ultimately causes the waste of expensive energy and may drive up assessments.
Q:Who is in charge of maintenance?
A: Maintenance reports to the management office who ultimately report to the board, who in turn works for you! If you have a problem with a specific maintenance person, please discuss this with the management office or a board member instead of handling it yourself. This will ensure the quickest resolution for all parties involved. | 
