Coyote

Pamela,

For the unusual we would mention the issue in our newsletter. For the normal (deer, snakes, ticks, etc.) we would not.

I don't know if a coyote is considered normal in FL. Perhaps you could make a few fliers and pass them out to the nearby residents.

They've been seen east of us, but never really around here, closer to the coast. This is the same board that sent out three emails a few weeks ago warning members about a door-to-door salesman, but they seem reluctant to mention a coyote that's taken up residence. It boggles the mind.

In AZ I received an email in a closely similar situation concerning bobcats.

I'm not sure I see any downside to propagating such information (possibly including a general reminder that there are other hazards out there).

This is the same board that sent out three emails a few weeks ago warning members about a door-to-door salesman, but they seem reluctant to mention a coyote that's taken up residence. It boggles the mind. [Pamela}

Opps, I just saw this. Interesting. You see, the Board is required to have a written consent by each owner to use e-mail for anything. I guess they have it.

Pamela,

If you have lived in Florida for more than a minute, the coyote would be the least of your animal worries. If you send out a notice, then be sure to add Burmese Pythons, Alligators, Bobcats and Wild Boar to the list. It is Florida and besides that, cats are required to be leashed, not to be let out at night to do their own kind of killing.

Brian,

I guess Pamela insinuated that the Board did not feel that this was a situation nescessary to warrant an email. I tend to agree, as I posted above. Chances are that neighbors know about the coyote already because that kind of news spreads like wildfire. Oh yeah, now that is another S.W. Florida hazard, not counting hurricanes.
Apparently the Board has the authority to say what does and what does not go out on the emails and this certainly would not damage anything or anyone if it did but the Board's call was that it is not important enought tp warrant a mailing.

Sidenote. If any of you watch the T.V. show "COPS". they filmed a giant 1800 pound bull walking down our beautiful street in our gated community. So much for gates keeping out the bad guys and wildlife.

Thanks.. if you have a link handy, I would like to read that law. I can understand it for something like official ballots or legal notices or something, but to ban any email communication without written permission...

the longer I live, the more I learn.

Hi Brian,

Here's the FL statutes for Chapter 718 regarding electronic transmissions ......

HTH,
Ann
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(12) OFFICIAL RECORDS.—

(a) From the inception of the association, the association shall maintain each of the following items, if applicable, which shall constitute the official records of the association:

7. A current roster of all unit owners and their mailing addresses, unit identifications, voting certifications, and, if known, telephone numbers. The association shall also maintain the electronic mailing addresses and the numbers designated by unit owners for receiving notice sent by electronic transmission of those unit owners consenting to receive notice by electronic transmission. The electronic mailing addresses and telephone numbers must be removed from association records if consent to receive notice by electronic transmission is revoked. However, the association is not liable for an erroneous disclosure of the electronic mail address or the number for receiving electronic transmission of notices.

Jennifer,

After reading the "can-spam" laws, I do not think that this would pertain to a HOA sending members, who have their emails on record (voluntarily). Are HOA's a business or a mini government? Either way, emails sent to the members by the Board would not constitute being called SPAM but intercommunity communications, which the members have given their e addresses for communications between themselves and the Board..

Maybe you wouldn't send an email because you assumed that people would already know about it, but you know what they say about people who assume.

Brian,

Ann has already posted the condominium provision. Here are some extracts applicable to HOAs. Also note that there are exemptions when electronic transmission cannot be used.
Proposed amendments to allow electronic transmission may prove to be quite extensive. One may have to amend not only the By-laws but also the Articles.
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Chapter 720:

'Definition’ Electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission or transfer of paper, which creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient and which may be directly reproduced in a comprehensible and legible paper form by such recipient through an automated process. Examples of electronic transmission include, but are not limited to, telegrams, facsimile transmissions of images, and text that is sent via electronic mail between computers.
The bylaws or amended bylaws may provide for giving notice by electronic transmission in a manner authorized by law for meetings of the board of directors, committee meetings requiring notice under this section, and annual and special meetings of the members; however, a member must consent in writing to receiving notice by electronic transmission.

A current roster of all members and their mailing addresses and parcel identifications. The association shall also maintain the electronic mailing addresses and the numbers designated by members for receiving notice sent by electronic transmission of those members consenting to receive notice by electronic transmission. The electronic mailing addresses and numbers provided by unit owners to receive notice by electronic transmission shall be removed from association records when consent to receive notice by electronic transmission is revoked. However, the association is not liable for an erroneous disclosure of the electronic mail address or the number for receiving electronic transmission of notices.

Removal of a director.. c)1. If the declaration, articles of incorporation, or bylaws specifically provide, the members may also recall and remove a board director or directors by a vote taken at a meeting. If so provided in the governing documents, a special meeting of the members to recall a director or directors of the board of administration may be called by 10 percent of the voting interests giving notice of the meeting as required for a meeting of members, and the notice shall state the
purpose of the meeting. Electronic transmission may not be used as a method of giving notice of a meeting called in whole or in part for this purpose. '

It is in the community's interest for its members to be informed of a coyote threat. If you're sure it's a coyote, then I think a blanket email is in order. Besides, why else would a property owner give their email address to an HOA? This situation is not official business nor is it soliciting business, like a spam e-maii.

Jennifer,

Our Master Gardeners all subscribe to a free Yahoo group account. This is the best way to communicate between a large group of people. In our case, about 240 members. We all know what is going on instantly. All that you need is one member with a few computer skills to be webmaster and it is a done deal. If the O.Ps Board holds off on communications to it's members, then let the members take steps to insure that there is better communications within the community by taking action. You must create a set of rules tho to make sure that the site does not become a blog or complaining place.

I know that there are zillions of people who love Facebook but I also know zillions who want nothing to do with it because it is such a publicly used domain.

As I suggested, there are much smaller sites where only the members can access it and you don't have to worry about non friends getting at your address. Look into forming a YAHOO group which we have used for 4 years with never an issue.