IS STEEPLE RUN A HOMEOWNER OR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION?
Steeple Run is actually a Master Association. Large scale planned communities establish a “Master Association” that is responsible for governing the entire community. A separate “Sub Association” may also govern individual neighborhoods within a large planned community. Steeple Run has both houses and condominiums. The condominium is considered our sub association with its own Board of Directors.
The By-Laws and Covenants do not allow SRCC to act as Homeowners Association as they only allow the SRCC Board to handle the assets of the community. Those being common land, the clubhouse and pool for example. Therefore, Steeple Run falls under Illinois Condominium Property Act. Where can I find a copy of the COVENANTS AND BY-LAWS?
Steeple Run's Covenants and By-Laws are superseded by any legislation enacted by the state of Illinois and the Illinois Condominium Property Act. Our original Covenants and By-Laws were put into place in 1972. A PDF version of this document can be accessed here.
What is a board of directors?
Directors, in relation to an HOA, are officers charged with the conduct and management of its affairs, collectively referred to as a board. The board can be appointed or elected, with one member appointed to be the chairperson/president. Contact information for our Board of Directors can be found here on the SRCC website. Contact information, meeting times, and minutes should also be available.
What is the Role of the Board?
The Board of Directors is the governing agent for the Association as a whole and therefore must act in accordance to the recorded condominium documents and bylaws. It is not the responsibility of the Board of Directors to manage the community. In the event a homeowner wishes to address a Board member; this should be done in writing. It is improper to call them at home or work or to knock on their door.
What is the Role of a Homeowner?
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain your property at the highest possible level of repair, be courteous of your neighbors, adhere to the community bylaws, advise management of all maintenance issues/liability issues/bylaw violations, and be an active participant in your Association. This would include regularly attending meetings and paying assessments in a timely manner.
What is an Association Budget?
The association budget is a formal and detailed written plan that provides the cornerstone of an association’s financial operations. The budget reflects the needs and goals of the association for a period of time and identifies sources of income and the amount the board anticipates spending on predetermined expenses. The homeowner association budget also provides the basis for calculations of member assessments and a method for measuring financial performance while also giving owners an understanding of the plans for the association. The budget should include all estimated and known common expenses, as well as include full disclosure of reserves for future capital purchases.
A separate portion of the association budget should be used to fund the future major repairs and replacements of the association’s common elements where the replacement cost will exceed $10,000 (e.g. roof, pool, painting, paving, etc.) These common elements are typically referred to as the reserve components. Professional reserve studies are a valuable tool for the association to use to identify the reserve components and estimate the lives and replacement costs of the components. Homeowner association boards have a fiduciary duty to provide the best estimate of the future reserve expenses and to allow the owners to fund those expenses over a period of time—thus preventing the need for a special assessment at the time of replacement. At a minimum, owners should be aware if the association is not setting aside monies for these repairs so they will not be surprised when a special assessment for the repair or replacement becomes necessary. Does steeple Run currently have or upcoming special assessments?
The quick answer is No. The Association By-Laws currently state that the Board of Directors cannot impose a special assessment without approval of 75% of the homeowners. Steeple Run currently has and is building a healthy Reserve for planned upkeep and if necessary, replacement of the communities assets.
Are there any pet restrictions?
The Covenants and By-Laws do not address any restrictions on pets. Restrictions in this area would be addressed by DuPage County or the City of Naperville.
is there a pool membership fee in addition to the assessment?
The Assessments include your pool membership. Unlike some communities, Steeple Run does not charge an extra fee or require the purchase of a bond. As long as your assessments are paid for the calendar year, your household has use of the pool.
However, the covenants are clear that the pool is for use of the residents only. If you wish to bring in guests, pool passes can be purchased at the Clubhouse or upon entrance to the pool. All residents must have a pool pass to enter the pool area. We don't use the pool, can we receive a reduced assessment?
Even if we wanted to, the Illinois Condominium Property Act will not allow it.
How can i find my lot#?
Your SRCC lot number is located in any version of the Steeple Run Community Directory tied to the property address in the last section of the directory. Or you can use this link.
Are there Fencing Restrictions?
All fences along common areas, whether new or replacement, must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to being constructed or repaired.
Article 7.09 of the Steeple Run Declaration of Covenants: 7.09 Alteration of Dwelling Units: No Dwelling Unit Owner shall relocate, heighten, lower or otherwise move, change or construct any fence, wall or patio adjoining or adjacent to the "Common Area" unless consented thereto by the Board of Directors at a Special Meeting called for that purpose. A resolution passed by said Board and signed by the presiding officer shall be procured prior to the construction, replacement or repair of a fence. |
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