RobertC19 (Colorado)
Posts: 3
Posts: 3
Posted:
What if board does not want community website for homeowners?
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PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Robert,
What is their reasoning? No budget? Cost of maintaining it? Do owners want it? I would think the members should be able to vote on it at the annual meeting or any members meeting? True?
What is their reasoning? No budget? Cost of maintaining it? Do owners want it? I would think the members should be able to vote on it at the annual meeting or any members meeting? True?
BruceF1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 2,535
Posts: 2,535
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By PetunkaM on 09/15/2011 8:15 AM
Robert,
What is their reasoning? No budget? Cost of maintaining it? Do owners want it? I would think the members should be able to vote on it at the annual meeting or any members meeting? True?
Robert,
What is their reasoning? No budget? Cost of maintaining it? Do owners want it? I would think the members should be able to vote on it at the annual meeting or any members meeting? True?
Yes and No.
If the agenda for the annual meeting is specifically limited to the election of directors and approval/ratification of an annual budget, without the provision for "new business", then no. However, if "new business" is an agenda item, then yes, any motion regarding a community website may be made. As for "any" members meeting, the same holds true.
By definition of a special meeting, only the items on the agenda for a special meeting may be discussed and voted on. Of course, one could always call a special meeting of the homeowners for the purpose of discussing and voting on a community website.
BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640
Posts: 2,640
Posted:
Robert:
as far as i know if the board doesn't want it then it won't happen as they are the decision makers. Couple things you could try...get a petition signed by your fellow homeowners requesting one and I would also do some research of options. I know some folks don't like facebook but that is a free option for basic stuff.
or you could vote in some new board members.
as far as i know if the board doesn't want it then it won't happen as they are the decision makers. Couple things you could try...get a petition signed by your fellow homeowners requesting one and I would also do some research of options. I know some folks don't like facebook but that is a free option for basic stuff.
or you could vote in some new board members.
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By RobertC19 on 09/15/2011 7:51 AM
What if board does not want community website for homeowners?
What if board does not want community website for homeowners?
So what? Make one yourself. A website costs nothing to build. Go to www.blogger.com and setup an account. Print a flyer for the website and pass it under everyone's door. What have you got to loose? Nothing.
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
So what? Make one yourself. A website costs nothing to build. Go to www.blogger.com and setup an account. Print a flyer for the website and pass it under everyone's door. What have you got to loose? Nothing. (Steve)
Steve, please explain because I am not sure what your suggestion is? Are you saying any member of a corporation is authorized to set up a web site under the company's name? I really do NOT think so. And, I also think such a person has a lot to loose.
Steve, please explain because I am not sure what your suggestion is? Are you saying any member of a corporation is authorized to set up a web site under the company's name? I really do NOT think so. And, I also think such a person has a lot to loose.
JenniferM10 (Illinois)
Posts: 97
Posts: 97
Posted:
1st - I'd do it in Wordpress. Blogger is pretty clunky.
2nd - anyone can make a website about anything as long as they are honest and don't post thing in a public way that are either untrue or private.
You can't make the BOD do something they don't want to, unfortunately. Even getting a position on the board doesn't guarantee you'll get the thing you want.
2nd - anyone can make a website about anything as long as they are honest and don't post thing in a public way that are either untrue or private.
You can't make the BOD do something they don't want to, unfortunately. Even getting a position on the board doesn't guarantee you'll get the thing you want.
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
Dont say "Official web site of XXX HOA" say something like "Friends of XXX HOA" Your not thinking outside the box. Your not claiming you are the official web site, you are the unofficial web site. But if your the ONLY web site, people will use it.
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SteveM9 on 09/16/2011 4:58 AM
Dont say "Official web site of XXX HOA" say something like "Friends of XXX HOA" Your not thinking outside the box. Your not claiming you are the official web site, you are the unofficial web site. But if your the ONLY web site, people will use it.
Dont say "Official web site of XXX HOA" say something like "Friends of XXX HOA" Your not thinking outside the box. Your not claiming you are the official web site, you are the unofficial web site. But if your the ONLY web site, people will use it.
Steve,
Good idea except that Robert could not post Minutes, Notices or any official HOA business. So, how effective or informative such site would be to members?
JenniferM10 (Illinois)
Posts: 97
Posts: 97
Posted:
It wouldn't be official minutes, but anyone can take notes at an open meeting and report on the events of the meeting.
Unofficial websites like this have been used very effectively to bring a community together. Perhaps once the BOD see it in action they will decide to create an official one.
Unofficial websites like this have been used very effectively to bring a community together. Perhaps once the BOD see it in action they will decide to create an official one.
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Jennifer, do you know of any such site for any HOA or condominium? I would love to look at it.
SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699
Posts: 3,699
Posted:
Quote:
Good idea except that Robert could not post Minutes, Notices or any official HOA business. So, how effective or informative such site would be to members?
Now your just making stuff up. If I (a homeowner) received minutes or notices in the mail, like everyone else, and I scanned them in and posted them on the web site there is nothing wrong with it.
Is it official (from the source)? No.
Did you claim to be a HOA web site? No.
You are creating a "member" web site.
Sample Member Sites:
http://www.rmcondo.com/index.html
http://kelanaputera.blogspot.com/
http://millbrookestatesunofficialnews.blogspot.com/
http://nisquallypines.blogspot.com/
http://chichesterblog.nevcal.com/
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Steve,
Am sorry my intent was not āto make this stuff upā. I was not aware this was going on. I guess if one requests a copy of official records and distributes this info to a membership it is OK. One site even lists delinquent owners. Wow. Thank you. This info is quite helpful.
Am sorry my intent was not āto make this stuff upā. I was not aware this was going on. I guess if one requests a copy of official records and distributes this info to a membership it is OK. One site even lists delinquent owners. Wow. Thank you. This info is quite helpful.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Robert,
Have you offered your services (as a volunteer) to setup and manage the site?
It may be that the Board is unaware of the actual costs involved in setting a site up if it's ran by volunteers. Managed sites offer great services but they do cost a little more then self managed sites and it may be these costs the Board doesn't want to incur.
Have you offered your services (as a volunteer) to setup and manage the site?
It may be that the Board is unaware of the actual costs involved in setting a site up if it's ran by volunteers. Managed sites offer great services but they do cost a little more then self managed sites and it may be these costs the Board doesn't want to incur.
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Here is one un-official HOA web site in Florida. Whoa!
http://foxwoodglenhoa.blogspot.com/
http://foxwoodglenhoa.blogspot.com/
JenniferM10 (Illinois)
Posts: 97
Posts: 97
Posted:
One of our board members actually created an unofficial blog because he was so often out-voted on issues he felt were important.
I first heard about such a thing a couple of years ago. A lot of these sites seem to be watch-dog sites. I don't see why one couldn't be created that's just informational and a way to connect.
I first heard about such a thing a couple of years ago. A lot of these sites seem to be watch-dog sites. I don't see why one couldn't be created that's just informational and a way to connect.
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Jennifer,
Here is my concern: if a āwatch-dogā goes off like a rocket and publishes erroneous information about the Board or a member it could divide a community or, even discourage potential buyers. I do think that accurate information, suggestions of membersā and the Association support would be ideal and credible.
What are other disadvantages of un-official HOA web site you are aware off? How is it perceived by the membership in your community?
Here is my concern: if a āwatch-dogā goes off like a rocket and publishes erroneous information about the Board or a member it could divide a community or, even discourage potential buyers. I do think that accurate information, suggestions of membersā and the Association support would be ideal and credible.
What are other disadvantages of un-official HOA web site you are aware off? How is it perceived by the membership in your community?
JenniferM10 (Illinois)
Posts: 97
Posts: 97
Posted:
Yes, that could happen. Ideally the person creating it would have an understanding that anything they're publishing publicly could impact sales. If there is an actual need for a watch-dog site, dividing the community is already a lost cause based on what I've seen.
Of course having the BOD's support would be best, but if they aren't giving it, then that's their choice. "Official" websites can easily become a whitewash that doesn't show the real picture. The value of truth goes both ways.
And, as I said, there's no reason a member couldn't create a site celebrating the community and posting appropriate, newsy items. Community building takes a lot of work and time. Most BOD's are already working hard doing the business of the association. Why not let a member take on the role of education, information, and building a sense of belonging in the community.
Of course having the BOD's support would be best, but if they aren't giving it, then that's their choice. "Official" websites can easily become a whitewash that doesn't show the real picture. The value of truth goes both ways.
And, as I said, there's no reason a member couldn't create a site celebrating the community and posting appropriate, newsy items. Community building takes a lot of work and time. Most BOD's are already working hard doing the business of the association. Why not let a member take on the role of education, information, and building a sense of belonging in the community.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
The main downside most unofficial website owners don't always keep in mind is that they are responsible for what they post on the site and failing to keep this in mind may result in legal action for libel.
Libel is the communication of a false information about a person, a group, or an entity such as a corporation a negative image. It is usually a requirement that this claim be false and that the publication is communicated to someone other than the person defamed.
Libel is the communication of a false information about a person, a group, or an entity such as a corporation a negative image. It is usually a requirement that this claim be false and that the publication is communicated to someone other than the person defamed.
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
Of course having the BOD's support would be best, but if they aren't giving it, then that's their choice. "Official" websites can easily become a whitewash that doesn't show the real picture. The value of truth goes both ways. [Jennifer]
Jennifer,
this is what I struggle with. I do not believe it should be just the BOD decision. I think this effort should be supported by the Association and the membership should vote on it. Why do I think so? The Boards come and go. Your present Board may support it and the subsequent Board may decide against it. This is known to happen with the BOD approved newsletters.
Do you think the 'editor' of official website must be a board member?
Jennifer,
this is what I struggle with. I do not believe it should be just the BOD decision. I think this effort should be supported by the Association and the membership should vote on it. Why do I think so? The Boards come and go. Your present Board may support it and the subsequent Board may decide against it. This is known to happen with the BOD approved newsletters.
Do you think the 'editor' of official website must be a board member?
PetunkaM (Florida)
Posts: 1,009
Posts: 1,009
Posted:
And, as I said, there's no reason a member couldn't create a site celebrating the community and posting appropriate, newsy items. (Jennifer)
Jennifer,
I agree 100%.. I am not however sure that everyone has the keen sense of responsibility you have.
Jennifer,
I agree 100%.. I am not however sure that everyone has the keen sense of responsibility you have.
LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099
Posts: 4,099
Posted:
Our association has both official and unofficial websites.
Our development consists of some 1600 rural, mostly unimproved, parcels in northern Arizona. Most lots were purchased for either future retirement living or recreation, so most of our members do not reside on the property. The owners are scattered all over the US and a few live in Europe, so communication between owners is not as easy as passing out fliers.
The unofficial site is actually an on-line forum created by one of the first board members. Members can post their thoughts and respond to others. Participation by board members has been spotty. A few have objected to hearing the same questions over and over and they insist they never log on. (But they always seem to know when they have been called mental pygmies.) The webmaster has chosen to restrict access to bona fide owners. The website is at http://www.sierraverderanch.org/fusionbb/fusionbb.php but you will not be able to see much without a valid username and password.
One thing the webmaster got right was to use the owners' actual names, instead of screen names, on all postings. Another member started his own forum allowing the use of screen names. Before long, "ranch_dude" was slinging mud anonymously at several other members. No one knows who ranch_due is and participation in that website died quickly.
We also have an official website hosted by our management company. While intended to be a mouthpiece for the BOD, there are places on this site where owners can post notices and photo albums. This site is also restricted to bona fide owners. We have the ability to view our own accounts and pay assessments online.
We had one previous official website. Our president at the time registered the site under her own name and paid for it out of her own pocket. It was primarily a repository of official POA documents. This site worked well for several years until the former president felt she had been insulted and took it all down. There was nothing we could do as the site was her property.
I would strongly recommend an unofficial forum where owners can discuss matters without fear of board censorship and an official site where owners can access the official documents, see their own accounts, and make payments online.
Our development consists of some 1600 rural, mostly unimproved, parcels in northern Arizona. Most lots were purchased for either future retirement living or recreation, so most of our members do not reside on the property. The owners are scattered all over the US and a few live in Europe, so communication between owners is not as easy as passing out fliers.
The unofficial site is actually an on-line forum created by one of the first board members. Members can post their thoughts and respond to others. Participation by board members has been spotty. A few have objected to hearing the same questions over and over and they insist they never log on. (But they always seem to know when they have been called mental pygmies.) The webmaster has chosen to restrict access to bona fide owners. The website is at http://www.sierraverderanch.org/fusionbb/fusionbb.php but you will not be able to see much without a valid username and password.
One thing the webmaster got right was to use the owners' actual names, instead of screen names, on all postings. Another member started his own forum allowing the use of screen names. Before long, "ranch_dude" was slinging mud anonymously at several other members. No one knows who ranch_due is and participation in that website died quickly.
We also have an official website hosted by our management company. While intended to be a mouthpiece for the BOD, there are places on this site where owners can post notices and photo albums. This site is also restricted to bona fide owners. We have the ability to view our own accounts and pay assessments online.
We had one previous official website. Our president at the time registered the site under her own name and paid for it out of her own pocket. It was primarily a repository of official POA documents. This site worked well for several years until the former president felt she had been insulted and took it all down. There was nothing we could do as the site was her property.
I would strongly recommend an unofficial forum where owners can discuss matters without fear of board censorship and an official site where owners can access the official documents, see their own accounts, and make payments online.
HaJ
Posts: 9
Posts: 9
Posted:
As a software developer I am often faced with the dilemma that homeowners request my (free) service but get rejected by their Neighborhood/HOA Boards. Even if I have "friends" they usually don't want to expose themselves towards leadership, so they remain passive. All what is left for me is sending out expensive postcards or door-hangers...
FoxG (Florida)
Posts: 17
Posts: 17
Posted:
Hi Folks,
I just joined this forum after noticing the 9/16/2011 post by PetunkaM which referenced my unofficial weblog at http://foxwoodglenhoa.blogspot.com/ . Creating a page like this is free, and easy. Once itās set up, it requires little effort to maintain.
I started this blog because our board essentially operates in secret and is not providing any information to our membersā¦Our property manager even refused to reveal the identities of the current board members! A few years ago, our board became frustrated with the slightest dissent from homeowners regarding any issue during board meetings. Their response was to stop having open meetings and to instruct their property manager to withhold information from the homeowners. The manager eventually relented when one homeowner registered a complaint against her at Florida DBPR for refusing to provide him access to the financial records. Once revealed, these records showed that the board has failed to collect annual dues from over 1/3 of the homeowners for up to three years.
Using a weblog for this purpose certainly involves some risk of legal action. Our board and their property manager have made such threats. Hopefully maintaining anonymity and presenting only factual information will reduce this risk.
I hope that revealing this information to our homeowners through this weblog and mailing fliers will motivate more HOA members to work toward re-establishing communication with our board members. It would be nice to start using the weblog as a source of positive information and/or as forum for positive communication between our HOA members.
Iām open to any other suggestions regarding how to compel our board to follow our By-Laws.
Fox Glenn,
Foxwood Glenn Homeowners Association
I just joined this forum after noticing the 9/16/2011 post by PetunkaM which referenced my unofficial weblog at http://foxwoodglenhoa.blogspot.com/ . Creating a page like this is free, and easy. Once itās set up, it requires little effort to maintain.
I started this blog because our board essentially operates in secret and is not providing any information to our membersā¦Our property manager even refused to reveal the identities of the current board members! A few years ago, our board became frustrated with the slightest dissent from homeowners regarding any issue during board meetings. Their response was to stop having open meetings and to instruct their property manager to withhold information from the homeowners. The manager eventually relented when one homeowner registered a complaint against her at Florida DBPR for refusing to provide him access to the financial records. Once revealed, these records showed that the board has failed to collect annual dues from over 1/3 of the homeowners for up to three years.
Using a weblog for this purpose certainly involves some risk of legal action. Our board and their property manager have made such threats. Hopefully maintaining anonymity and presenting only factual information will reduce this risk.
I hope that revealing this information to our homeowners through this weblog and mailing fliers will motivate more HOA members to work toward re-establishing communication with our board members. It would be nice to start using the weblog as a source of positive information and/or as forum for positive communication between our HOA members.
Iām open to any other suggestions regarding how to compel our board to follow our By-Laws.
Fox Glenn,
Foxwood Glenn Homeowners Association
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