TomC11 (New York)
Posts: 1
Posts: 1
Posted:
We pay common fees of 400a month and dont have a say in which companies we use
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who chooses lawn ,tree care companies
Started by TomC11 • 5 replies • 1236 views
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NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216
Posts: 4,216
Posted:
Welcome Tom
You elect the board members. The board votes on and picks the contractors. If the board wants your opinion, they can ask for it, but they don't have to.
If you read your HOA's docs and your state statues, you won't find anything different.
You elect the board members. The board votes on and picks the contractors. If the board wants your opinion, they can ask for it, but they don't have to.
If you read your HOA's docs and your state statues, you won't find anything different.
Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
NpS is right, Tom. Some HOAs have a Landscape or Grounds Committee; we do. Word is that our LC is going to recommend to the Board that we find a new company. They might suggest one firm.
(We use a different firm for tree work, but the LC also makes recs about trees.)
But we directors will undoubtedly direct our Property Mgr. to seek three bids IF the LC persuades us the current vendor isn't doing a satisfactory job.
For HOAs without a PM, perhaps a director would be assigned the task of finding three bids.
If you HOA doesn't have such a Committee, Tom, you might write a nice proposal to the Board suggesting same. Even better, you might suggest who would serve on it. But, no matter what, the Board probably will want to keep full control of the work and of the Committee.
Does you board have open meetings, Tom? I believe they're not required in NY.
(We use a different firm for tree work, but the LC also makes recs about trees.)
But we directors will undoubtedly direct our Property Mgr. to seek three bids IF the LC persuades us the current vendor isn't doing a satisfactory job.
For HOAs without a PM, perhaps a director would be assigned the task of finding three bids.
If you HOA doesn't have such a Committee, Tom, you might write a nice proposal to the Board suggesting same. Even better, you might suggest who would serve on it. But, no matter what, the Board probably will want to keep full control of the work and of the Committee.
Does you board have open meetings, Tom? I believe they're not required in NY.
DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046
Posts: 2,046
Posted:
You can think of the HOA as a form of government. Just as you elect representatives to your local town council or county commission, you elect directors to the board. Just as the local government makes the day to day decisions regarding how to run the city or county, the board of directors does the same. A good board should solicit stakeholder input, just as a good government should, but there is no requirement that they do so. If you told your city that you wanted XYZ Landscaping to handle mowing the road right of way, would you expect them to act on your request?
If you feel the board is doing a poor job, then it's time to work to replace board members. Consider running for the board or finding like minded people to do so. Talk to neighbors and drum up support for your candidates. Since an HOA is typically a lot smaller than a city or county, a small number of individuals can have a lot more impact in their HOA than they might with their local government.
If you feel the board is doing a poor job, then it's time to work to replace board members. Consider running for the board or finding like minded people to do so. Talk to neighbors and drum up support for your candidates. Since an HOA is typically a lot smaller than a city or county, a small number of individuals can have a lot more impact in their HOA than they might with their local government.
Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
I agree with what's been said so far, but I wonder if your real beef concerns the quality of the work. If that's the case, why not talk to the board about your concerns, such as pruning, edging the lawn, etc.? Getting a few photos of what you're talking about would be extremely helpful - you might want to walk around the neighborhood to see if this is a widespread problem, which would also strengthen your viewpoint.
Also be sure to ask what the companies have been specifically hired to do - you may be complaining about something not listed in the contract, in which case you can ask the board if they would consider adding certain services.
Also be sure to ask what the companies have been specifically hired to do - you may be complaining about something not listed in the contract, in which case you can ask the board if they would consider adding certain services.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216
Posts: 4,216
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SheliaH on 02/11/2016 1:00 PM
Also be sure to ask what the companies have been specifically hired to do - you may be complaining about something not listed in the contract, in which case you can ask the board if they would consider adding certain services.
Also be sure to ask what the companies have been specifically hired to do - you may be complaining about something not listed in the contract, in which case you can ask the board if they would consider adding certain services.
Great point.
Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.
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