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Proposed code changes topic of forum
Updated: April 8, 2013 6:18AM
OAK PARK
You might want to check out the upcoming meetings being held by the Village and the Association of Condominium, Townhouse, and Homeowners Association.
First, the village’s proposed building code changes will be discussed at a public forum from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., March 13, at Village Hall, 123 Madison St.
Property owners and managers, contractors, design professionals and the general public can learn about the proposed changes. Representatives from the Building & Property Standards Department, Fire Department and Business Services Division will be on hand. The proposed local amendments, along with an overview of the changes, is online at www.oak-park.us/codeamendments.
Oak Park Fire Chief Tom Ebsen said it has been years since the codes were adopted. The last changes were in 2002, when the building director at the time recommended a sliding scale for sprinklers in new construction ranging from 1,000 to 12,000-square-feet, depending on type of occupancy. Prior to that, the code required any new construction 3,500-square-feet and larger to have sprinklers.
Ebsen wants the code changed back to 3,500. He said there’s misinformation circulating about the proposed changes. Existing buildings are not affected unless they change their floor plan by 50 percent. Oak Park does not have a lot of new construction, so a “very small number” of properties affected.
Another association seminar, “How to Conduct a One Hour Board Meeting,” is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 12, at Village Hall. Presenters are John Bickley of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit and Paul Gioia of ACM Community Management. The seminar is free and doesn’t require pre-registration.
Association executive director, Gael Mennecke, said the event is particularly designed for condo board members, although certainly managers and owners would benefit as well, she said.
“Presenters will discuss what a board meeting should cover, preparation for the meeting, posting notices, agendas, executive sessions, owner input, disruptive owners, etc. Just about anything that might occur in a board meeting session,” said Mennecke. “Most importantly, there will be time for Q & A.” ~.
