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LynneM (Massachusetts)
Posts: 52
Posted:
I am new to the trustee board of a over 55+ community. My reason for being a member of the board was initally, that it seems as though we needed fresh ideas and we as owners were getting frustrated with the present board.
Minutes from board meetings are sent out every three or four months, issues discussed were rarely carried through to finish. major decisions ( resolution to insurance docs) were never discussed with unit owners until we were notified that it was done) At our annual meeting oweners were extremley frustrated, many had concerns and complaints that were never responded to. We should be having owners meetings not just one annual meeting a year. I am in the process of putting together my thoughts (some of which are thoughts of some folks I spoke to while campaining) and submitting them to the other board members. They once had good committes that no longer function some of the folks are willing to start up if only we ask them. We have past board trustess that are willing to assist in old business not resolved but it seems that the likes and personal dislikes come in to play.These are the same folks that got elected year after year because they go unapposed. average board member has been in the same seat for 10-12 years.

Some of the owners got together and started a committe for saving money in electricity(going green) man was that a hard sell to the board, finially they conseeded to alow the group to gather more information. ( we pay for electric and it cost the average house in the winter $650.00 a month with the magority being on fixed incomes and over 68 years old.we are all on budjets for the light company in order to make it.I hope i have'nt bored you but any ideas, thoughts, solutions you have i would appreciate it.
Thanks
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
Hello! I don't live in a over 55 community, but am a board member - here are my thoughts:

First, be sure you get well acquainted with your bylaws and CCRs so you'll know what the board is SUPPOSED to do - it would be embarassing to come up with a new policy or procedure only to find the governing documents don't allow it and then you have to try to get them revised and approved by the other homeowners (something my HOA has been wresting with for two years now - long story.

Next, if you are one of a new group of new board members because the community threw out the others, you'll need to get a handle on where you stand right now. Gather whatever minutes you have (maybe for the last 3-5 years, if available) and map out what type of projects were started and finished (or delayed) and when. If you have a property manager, he or she may also be able to assist you. Then, you can determine which of the outstanding projects need to be handled as soon as possible and go from there.

I also recommend that your association designate someone to join the Community Association Institute (CAI). It's a great resource for homeowner communities. You have to be a member to get the bulk of the information, but I feel it's money well spent (I'm the CAI representative for my HOA). There are books and articles you can use to help get a better understanding of what a HOA board should do and avoid.

I'm glad there's interest in your HOA starting committees (another thing my HOA is trying to do). Committees are a great way to divvy up the work and get more people involved - it can even help some people decide whether they'd like to serve as board members someday. Maybe you could hold a type of "town meeting" to see what issues the homeowners are most concerned about and start committees to help address them.

Whatever you do, make sure to keep the homeowners informed. Perhaps you can start a newsletter that could be published every month to publish the minutes. Set a regular date and time for board meeetings and encourage everyone to come, whether they have issues or not.

Hope this helps!

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

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