President blocked my email

The board has been violating by-laws and state laws along with possible misuse of funds. A recent email from the president indicated that the board made a decision. I asked the president when was the board meeting, why were the members not notified, etc. He sent me an email back stating that I am inconsiderate, petty and vindictive and he blocked my email address. Can he block my email address. Because we ae a second homeowner condo residence, no one cares about these violations.

ElaineT,

-- Do your Bylaws require that board meetings be open to HOA members?

-- Does your condominium association have a procedure for filing complaints that a covenant or bylaw is being violated? If so, use it.

-- Start getting acquainted with the Vermont Condo Act and any nonprofit corporation statute that Vermont has. See https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/27/015 and https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/title/11B . At the moment, I do not see anything that is helpful.

Sounds too simple ... must be more to the story.

I have been quoting the by-laws and state laws. their reply is "nobody cares so we can do anything we want" and that is what has been happening. I have contacted a lawyer to see what can be done. They don't want to listen to these violations and there is no oversight organization in Vermont to handle this abuse of power. Only solution is a $30,000. court case that I cannot afford.

The board meetings are open to members as required by state law. They have violated this for 9 years.

also, there is no formal complaint procedure in the by-laws so I just email them regarding these violations

I do not see a requirement in the Vermont Condominium Act for board meetings to be open to members. Can you show me where you see this in the Condominium Act at https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/fullchapter/27/015?

Please be aware that Vermont's Open Meeting Act does not apply to condominiums.

You hit the nail on the head!

Vermont condos are governed by Title 27 and Title 11 (Corporations, Partnerships and Associations).

Title 11 (1595) stipulates written notice of meeting, etc. That included board meetings.

I am still checking on this.

27A V.S.A. § 4-117 states that "arbitration" may be sought. It also speaks of going, effectively, straight to court. The American Rule for attorney's fees appears to apply. See https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/27A/004/00117

If you are certain that 27A V.S.A. § 3-108 (b) (1) (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/27A/003/00108) applies to your condo, and you want to pursue this as inexpensively as possible, consider starting with a letter of demand as follows:

Dear Board of Directors,

Vermont statute 27A V.S.A. § 3-108(b) requires that board meetings be open to members; that notice ten days in advance be given; that members be allowed to comment; that materials given to the board before the meeting must also be given to members; and more. For many years now, none of this has happened.

By May 15, please inform me of when the Board will begin complying with 27A V.S.A. § 3-108(b).

Sincerely,

_____
address
phone
email

Send the letter registered mail, return receipt requested to the registered agent for the condo (usually this is the property manager).

Document all communications with the board from here on out.

Wait until May 22. Then report back here with the response or the non-response.

The President does not have to respond to you. You have to communicate with the corporation's registered agent.