Board Orientation Meeting vs. Discussion

Started by LindaK5 • 10 replies • 1083 views

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LindaK5 (California)
Posts: 242

Posted:

Searching everywhere and can't find what I'm looking for ..... board meeting for orientation purposes and to have a general discussion and Q & A. Does this require notice to members? Or, because it's deemed a "discussion" and not a meeting (no business discussed or conducted), no notice is required?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

I think you have asked this before, and your answer is, indeed, at davis-stirling.com. I'm not going to look for it this time. Try Main Menu, Orientation meeting or go to the meetings menu.

LindaK5 (California)
Posts: 242

Posted:

No, I've never broached this subject, as it has never come up. Never had board orientation .... ever. But thanks anyway.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

You could label this as a "Special meeting". Which typically is outside of a board meeting and involves ALL members. It is also typically called by the general membership and not the board. This might be the answer your looking for. Your HOA may also do something like a "Work shop". Which basically are sessions to ask questions and to learn. No official actions or decisions are made in the work shops. It's just getting together to discuss and clarify your documents for educational purposes.

Former HOA President

LindaK5 (California)
Posts: 242

Posted:

Yes, I saw the "special meeting" reference in our bylaws and it requires a minimum 10 day notice. Board wants to meet earlier than 10 days so I'm trying to determine if this is even an option. Thanks, Melissa.

LindaK5 (California)
Posts: 242

Posted:

What I'm having an issue with is that this really isn't considered a "meeting" but more a discussion - newly elected board members want to discuss governing documents, policies, etc. to get a better understanding of them. No business will be conducted.

I can't fine anything about this - so frustrating. I'm not certain if a "discussion" would require member notice or time period requirement or what. On the other hand, if the board met in its entirety, would this be considered a "secret" meeting? Even though no business is discussed?

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

Linda

I would hold "orientation" meetings after an election where new directors will be taking office. This is NOT considered a Board meeting subject to 4 day posting, BUT, in spirit of transparency, have ALWAYS posted a notice to the members.

Below is from davis-stirling.com, BUT many other attorneys have the same opinion.

Board Orientation. A "board orientation" is an informational meeting for new boards where directors meet with the association's management and/or legal counsel to (i) learn about the board's duties, (ii) receive an update on legal issues, and (iii) receive historical background information. As such, a board orientation does not require notice to the membership and may be closed. If, however, there is an expectation that pending legal matters will also be discussed with the association's attorney, a two-day notice of an executive session meeting needs to be posted.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

As you can see in your Bylaws, Linda, a special meeting of the Board could be called., but then you'd have to invite Owners in CA. Do go to D-S.com.

All right, I do have 2 minutes now to look it up.

LindaK5 (California)
Posts: 242

Posted:

Thanks, Richard .... this is shortly after the election. Never had board "orientations" before, so this is new territory.

Kerry - do you ever sleep?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

From Davis-stirling.com, Orientation Meeting: "Board Orientation. A 'board orientation' is an informational meeting for new boards where directors meet with the association's management and/or legal counsel to (i) learn about the board's duties, (ii) receive an update on legal issues, and (iii) receive historical background information. As such, a board orientation does not require notice to the membership and may be closed. ..."

LindaK5 (California)
Posts: 242

Posted:

Perfect - thank you!

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