Availability of HOA Board Meeting Audiotapes

Recently the Board of Directors of our HOA in Virginia called a Special Meeting with only a three-day notice. As a result only three residents attended the meeting. There were only three items on the agenda. One of the agenda items was a discussion about problems associated with the conduct of the chairman of one of the HOA main committees. The criticism centered on mainly the over aggressiveness in performing the functions of the committee, mainly not listening to the Board. The chairman was not in attendance because he was on vacation when this meeting was called and was not aware that the meeting would be called. I was most concerned that this criticism in an open meeting was improper and unethical. I wanted to make sure that the committee chairman was totally aware of what was said about him in this open meeting and other HOA members were aware also. I wrote a letter to the Secretary requesting a copy of the meeting audiotape be provided to me, or that I be able to copy the audiotape in the confines of the clubhouse, or that I be able to listen to the tapes in the confines of the clubhouse so that I could take notes. My request was turned down with the following comment that “meeting tapes are for the sole purpose of aiding in the preparation of official minutes, therefore, are not considered public”. Do I have any alternatives?

The minutes may not match the exact wording of the meeting. The Secretary does not have to include the discussion between the BOD members. The motions made and motions accepted. Points of order and appeals.

If I understand right, the Board appointed an owner to a position to do a specific job. I doubt very much if this appointment and instructions (if any) were given at a meeting of the members. Then I would not consider it proper to discuss anything but business in an open meeting. I think this Board may be retired Government employees and have learned the tactic to move someone's desk while they are on leave. The contract, verbal or otherwise should be discussed and resolved privately, period.