Should an HOA Invest in an Engineer for Dedication?

Hi -

We live in what will be a 145 single family unit development (every unit has their own lot). The common elements include detention basins (including stormwater management facilities), rain gardens, some common sidewalks, a multi-use walking/bike trail, a future playground/play lot, some open space for active and passive recreation, and wetlands.

According to our governing documents, the streets and sewers will be dedicated to the Township and public sewer authority, respectively. In August, I will be meeting with the Township Manager, the Developer, the Township's Engineer, and a few others to conduct a walk-through of the first two phases to be dedicated to the Township. Concurrently, the common elements mentioned would be dedicated to the HOA. According to my discussions with the Township Manager, they (the Township) will develop a punch-list of items to be completed based on the site Plan on file in the Township. The Township Engineer will be responsible for ensuring all items on the punch-list are completed satisfactorily before recommending the dedication to proceed.

The HOA has a keen interest in making sure everything is cared for. When dedication has been completed, the HOA then assumes control and maintenance of all common elements. While I am confident the Township will do a good job, I have been approached by a homeowner asking if we (the HOA) are going to hire their own Engineer to ensure our interests are protected. I am looking for guidance. Is hiring a private Engineer (using HOA money to compensate him/her for this service) something that is absolutely necessary inasmuch I envision a lot of duplicate services between the Township Engineer and the private Engineer?

I don't want to appear to be cheap but at the same time, I don't want to unnecessarily waste HOA funds for duplicated services. Thanks in advance for your input.

No, I am the current HOA President and homeowner.

Thanks for your reply.

Currently, this is a 3-member Board. I'm the only homeowner representative because the community is not at 75% occupancy yet. We're getting close. I anticipate 75% occupancy by the September/October timeframe.

The other two Board positions are held by the Developer, which gets to answering your authority question.

The problem is this phase of dedication may happen before we have an all-homeowner Board. So between now and early September, I have to make a decision regarding spending HOA money to even consult with a land use engineer as you have suggested. Lots to think about. But thank you again for your input.

Waiting on any others that may have been in this same situation. I will check back frequently for future posts.

I would wait until you get the report from the city.
If any of it looks unreasonable, hire someone for a second opinion and options.

Good suggestion. Thank you.