[CCI Admin]

we have no such bylaw other than a general one that all pets require board approval. Some of us have two cats, but I expect the board would reject a request for a dozen cats. If you want to put a number on it I would suggest 2 (one cat needs feline companionship) or 3 (may be necessary to break a tie! ;-). But I think that some people would manage 4 without causing problems, while others could make a stink with just one. Perhaps you could include a notice that the permission to have pets can be withdrawn in the case of complaints over noise and smells.

We never let our cats out, however, we do take them to the vet periodically, so you might want to think about requiring them to stay in the unit at all times…

Alastair D on August 19 2018 at 12:10 PM

[CCI Admin]

I don’t charge. Call me at 780 982 4355, Gerrit

Gerrit R on September 06 2018 at 10:24 AM

[CCI Admin]

Just to clarify, I am looking for casual connections, nothing that would add to our already stressed budget.

I had hoped my post would help to share information among others with like situations, however, I am getting lots of solicitations and offers by management companies. That was not my request and does not help us learn to better self-manage.

Penny S on September 06 2018 at 08:35 AM

[CCI Admin]

I help boards organize best practices and improve their functionally. Available to help. Gerrit, Mediator/Arbitrator

Gerrit R on September 06 2018 at 08:27 AM

[CCI Admin]

Hello,

I am a small condo manager…but would be very interested if you manage to connect a group of self-managed condo’s, as I have a few condo’s looking at self-management and would like to assist them to connect also.

Rebecca Trotter
RM Trotter Management INC
rebecca@rmtrotter.com

Rebecca T on September 05 2018 at 10:52 AM

[CCI Admin]

Documents prepared by MS Office apps can be saved directly as PDF files in addition to their ‘native’ format such as .doc or .xls.
You should also be aware that there are inexpensive easily obtained online services that will revert a PDF document back to it’s original format. I use these services frequently.
Simply scanning or saving a document into PDF format is no guarantee that it can’t be altered. It may be possible that security can be inserted if you the full ADOBE version to create PDF. I can’t afford to purchase the full ADOBE version, so I can’t say for sure. So you should be careful. Scanning into one of the popular picture formats such as JPEG might be more secure – of course the trade off is in increased storage requirements.

Brian H on September 12 2018 at 10:54 PM

[CCI Admin]

My pleasure Rob!

Also ensure that the board is in control of the documents and are the owners and have access to all documents

Rafal D on September 11 2018 at 03:50 PM

[CCI Admin]

Good feedback, Rafal. I had already come to most of your conclusions – pdf files only etc. Thank you!

Rob J on September 11 2018 at 03:47 PM

[CCI Admin]

Hi Rob,

I’ve been working with condos in Canada, the US and around the world since 2010 and these are some best practices. We’ve dealt with thousands of boards across Canada, the United States, and other countries in the world.

1. All documents need to be in a PDF format. Non editable and try to ensure all files are as small of a file size as possible – PDF is a web standard. Most computers and devices are able to open up these files. The most problems we have encountered at GeniePad.com was when the board, or management company, posted documents in a format that another person wasn’t able to open due to the person not having a piece of software installed on their computer. The PDF format also prevents from users editing files for their benefit.

2. You need to use a storage system that is easy to administer and specify who has access to which documents – When the board changes, make sure the new board is able to take over control of all documents/files. Also ensure it’s easy to administer who is able to access which files. As an example, owners need to have access to minutes, bylaws, regulations, acts, and also if the board chooses financial statement. Tenants/renters do not need access all of these documents, however they still need access to bylaws, the act, and regulations. So don’t exclude tenants/renters.

The more people living at your condo are involved and informed of the decisions and what is happening the less complaints the board/management company will receive.

If you have to manage a Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft’s Cloud Storage it can become a nightmare managing all the permissions, access, users, etc. Ensure that the service you use it is as simple as clicking a checkbox and clicking a Save button.

3. Document storage in a web service/online is not overkill. It’s one of the best decisions you can take. You as a board director is responsible to the owners. Meaning, you have to make decisions which will benefit the condo corporation and the owners for years to come. You need to pick a solution where current and future board directors/owners will not only be able to access current documents, but also work history, submitted messages, complaints, and work requests, so you and future directors can make the best decision based on the information and history you are provided.

Canadian versus other storage systems – Many people look a specific “Location” storage systems. Unless you directly connect to such a service, which is very rare unless you connect to then directly, your information/connection will be going through various locations. As an example, you could be living in Edmonton, Vancouver, or Toronto, and to connect to a specific service you might be connecting through 1 or more COUNTRIES based on your location, speed, and at time time of day.

What you should be looking at are the terms of service and privacy policies on how a company or service handles your information and if they resell your information to a third party. Have you signed up for a bank account or cell phone service and all of a sudden started receiving “OFFERS” from other companies? Many times a “country specific company” will resell your information to a third party to make an extra buck. Think about that…

Facebook will resell this information to advertisers, same with Google and other “FREE” services. Free comes at a cost unfortunately. Make sure you are familiar with their terms of service and privacy policies.

As to digitizing your documents:

1. You can buy a scanner and scan all your files. Ensure that the file size is a small as possible so it’s quick to open.
2. If you have a smart phone or a tablet. You can download apps/applications which will make scanning documents possible without buying a scanner. Many of these applications will also ensure that the files size are as small as possible so they’re quick to load and consume.

If you have any further questions feel free to ask in this thread or send me an email:

Rafal Dyrda
rafal@geniepad.com

Rafal D on September 11 2018 at 03:41 PM

[CCI Admin]

There are supposed to be going to be guidelines in the next phase of the Regulations.

Tom F on September 10 2018 at 08:48 PM

[CCI Admin]

Hi James,

GeniePad is more than just a document storage service so it would be hard to compare it to Dropbox. It has more functionality developed for condos.

Originally posted by Rafal D

[CCI Admin]

Thanks Tony for your prompt response. The information is useful. One thing…can everyone see all the folders and the files that you put into Dropbox or do they have to click on links in emails? And do all users have to have a Dropbox account?
Originally posted by James W

[CCI Admin]

Hi James. We use Dropbox, with mixed results. We are a 55 plus condo. We have two sections in dropbox; Board only and general membership. Most owners don’t bother to look at documents posted there so we still use email for important information. Some members say they access was difficult for them.

Originally posted by Tony B

[CCI Admin]

Chip Downey, Red Leaf Roofing
780-884-8785
http://www.redleafroofing.ca
Life time workmanship warranty. You won’t find better service!!!
Originally posted by Ulli R

[CCI Admin]

— Hi Jim, our firm completes book keeping services for Condo Corporations. You can give me a call to discuss this further at 780-433-2345 and ask for Lynne C Bothorel.

Originally posted by Lynne B

[Author]

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