Two issues Towing signs and unhappy board members

First, Do any of you have posted tow signs for the visitor parking? We are trying to get signs made up but there are arguments on what should be on the signs and the placement. Some feel placed at the entrance is sufficient while others think they need to be at each "lot" which can cost more up front plus replacements if they are plowed over with snow during the winter months.

Second, we have new board members that have only been to one meeting and are upset because "nothing is being done." Things are getting done 100 times over compared to the last property manager.

A couple of us think the new company is doing a good job but could improve on just a couple little things, one person wants us to self manage (100 plus units and frankly no one wants to put that much time in without $$) and the others just want to get someone else. They claim the new PM isn't doing anything, and when they try to do things, they complain because they state they are trying to put their multiple decades of experience to work for us and we sould just trust them...um thats what we pay for - their experience to do their job.

Any suggestions on any of this and how to handle a unique board? Part of me says to just quit..the other part says to fight for the best interest.

- KA

Self management works for a lot of associations but if you don't have people dedicated to putting in the time and effort to make it work it's not worth attempting. Search self management on the topics page for more views. While the PM probably does have more expertise in how things should be done, you must remember the board members are ultimately responsible so I wouldn't blindly trust them to do what's right. The stories of BOD's that blindly abrogate their responsibility to the MC because they "knew" better never seem to end well. That doesn't mean the BOD should try to micro-mange the PM either; the BOD sets the policy, then it's up to the worker bee's to carry it out.

Unfortunately unless there is an emergency of some kind the HOA style of governance is designed to move slowly and deliberately and things sometimes seem to move at a snails pace. Even after the BOD decides to do something they are at the mercy of other peoples schedules. We needed to replace the decks on our buildings per the engineer who did our reserve study, he drafted the plans and we put it out for bid and still had to wait another year to do it because the contractors we wanted were booked.

Board dynamics can be tricky, everybody has an agenda and unfortunately it's not always in doing what's best for the community. I would get the BOD together and remind them of just why they're on the BOD to better the community. Not everybody will get their way every time and when they don't they need to get behind and back the majority consensus. (Unless it's something improper, illegal or fattening, then they have a duty to speak out.) Appeal to their honor, even people without any like to think they have it.

We had or have all of those issues and the same size HOA.

I just copied your post and planned to respond to each question, but then read Glenn and Roger's responses. No need to add more!

Check with tow company that specialize in impound towing. They will definately have your answer. Also, check with Police Dept or local laws. They no doubt have it all spelled out.