threat tactics of MC

Started by DianaE • 8 replies • 2252 views

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DianaE (Colorado)
Posts: 40

Posted:

On Friday we received notice from the MC that the parking lots will be resurfaced on Tuesday requiring all vehicles removed by Monday night, or else the owner will pay towing charges and a $150 fine. Several tenants are gone still on summer vacation. I feel that the notice for this should have been given at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead of time, being that this is not emergency. And that the $150 fine is a heavy-handed use of power- and where did that amount come from anyway, it's not in the rules and regs or anywhere that I can find! Why not say $500, and really get everyone jumping, and stuff the bank account! What I am asking is what is the usual notice and procedure for this type of work.

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

Diana,

I thought my calendar was broken because by August there are usually dozens of complaints about seal coating. Funny thing, is most of the past complaints have been from board members complaining about homeowners being uncooperative.

My opinion of seal coating is that it is basically a cosmetic product. I know of no public agencies that use it but I see a lot of it smeared around mall parking lots. It looks great for a time but does nothing to repair potholes and other problems. One contractor told me that seal coat will damage concrete.

Demanding that owners remove their cars on a 3-day notice is not acceptable. Your management company seems to have arranged no alternative parking and owners on vacation will not receive notice until their cars have already been towed.

I suggest that you and your neighbors call an emergency meeting on Sunday for the purpose of immediately terminating the contract with the MC. The MC works for you and has no business dictating when needless work will be done. If your board objects to the purpose of the meeting you might want to replace the board as well.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Diana,

I agree that the Board/MC should have been aware and not scheduled the work (or agreed to have it done) during vacation season (June-August).

That said, sometimes there simply isn't the advance notice one would hope for from the contractors.

BTW - I think the towing rate is a bit high. We can have our vehicles relocated to another spot for $40.

You ask some excellent questions and I think you should direct them to your Board (not the MC but the Board).

Larry, Resurfaced might mean milling and paving vs. sealcoating.

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 08/09/2014 3:47 PM

Larry, Resurfaced might mean milling and paving vs. sealcoating.

In a pig's eye! It's a condo. That means the cheapest, crappiest job they can get and nothing is cheaper than seal-coating. The short notice may very well mean that the gypsies who apply this stuff blew into town the other day and will be gone by Wednesday.

If this was a milling and repaving job, it would have been discussed and debated for months because that would cost an arm and a leg, requiring a special assessment. Since this "resurfacing" came as a complete surprise not only to the OP but also to those who are on vacation, it's being paid out the operating funds. Therefore, it is seal coating and not repaving.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Imo, no matter what the surface will be, a 3-day notice, over a weekend yet!--is not reasonable or acceptable. The PM probably set the date, but should have told the contractor, if this short notice wasn't the PM's mistake, that the work would have to be done at a future date.

We give 2 weeks notice just to power wash our underground garage parking spaces. A project like yours, Diana, requires at least that much notice.

Tim is right, your issue is with the Board. Ask them to explain.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Yes 3 days notice over weekend is not acceptable. That said, are we sure this is the case or only one persons belief?

A question to all. If such and undertaking, how much notice is sufficient? If maybe a snow/sun bird area how many have/will leave their car their for months?

No as simple as many think.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnC46 on 08/09/2014 5:50 PM
Yes 3 days notice over weekend is not acceptable. That said, are we sure this is the case or only one persons belief?

A question to all. If such and undertaking, how much notice is sufficient? If maybe a snow/sun bird area how many have/will leave their car their for months?

No as simple as many think.

We don't allow any vehicles on the streets during snow clearing. People who leave for extended periods are asked to park in driveways and garages or leave keys with a neighbor.

I agree that seal coating notice is not a simple issue. We have only 2 points of entry and exit into our community and very limited parking around us.

We have repaving coming up in a couple of years. We'll probably notify the community several times, beginning months ahead.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

DianaE (Colorado)
Posts: 40

Posted:

Thank you to all who replied. I do plan on contacting the board.

GeorgeR8 (Arizona)
Posts: 182

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LarryB13 on 08/09/2014 4:58 PM

Posted By TimB4 on 08/09/2014 3:47 PM

Larry, Resurfaced might mean milling and paving vs. sealcoating.

I assume your HOA doesn't have a paving reserve fund if you think a special assessment would be required.

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