Owners voting on big decisions

Started by LoriM15 • 9 replies • 343 views

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LoriM15 (Florida)
Posts: 1,009

Posted:

Our communications systems (cable tv, internet) contract us up for renewal next year. We are doing our due diligence and looking for options to the company we have had in the community for the last 23 years.

Current company is old school - coax that that has not been updated. When it works, it seems to work well. Just don't have an issue or they charge $100 for a service call even if it's their problem. They are offering the same services for another five year contract.

Fiber company really wants our business. They would install fiber to every unit. They have gone into many of the upscale communities in our area and already have fiber on the two major county roads that border our community. They have newer tech and MUCH better customer service (it's installed in the condo community where I own). They want a 10 year contract with an option to drop tv after five years (the idea is that everyone will stream by then).

Prices are about the same. Fiber company has a better tv interface and much faster internet. Old company is familiar and change is hard for many of our older residents who don't even understand what streaming is.

I'm hearing from a lot of owners that want to "vote" on whether or not we make the change. We can do a survey after we send out all the information. But we have a majority of over 70 residents who don't understand technology at all. It's a big decision for the board to even commit to the five year contract - let alone a 10 year contract. I understand people wanting their voice to be heard, and I don't want to sound snobby, but most of these people can barely turn on their tv and can't work a voice activated remote.

Do you ever have "votes" on big projects in your community? I just don't know how productive it would be.

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LoriM15 on 07/06/2023 2:15 PM

Do you ever have "votes" on big projects in your community? I just don't know how productive it would be.

If you are asking whether an owners' "vote" on a contract is legally binding, then no, it is not. Contracting is a board power.

I think the purpose of surveying owners is to help get buy-in, so that owners are gossiping less; have more command of the facts; and then do not show up at meetings all irate, possibly threatening to recall certain directors.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

If people would have the option to have the service installed in their units anyway, 8 say the decision shoukd be left to the board, but you should have a town hall where people can hear a presentation on the service and ask questions.

It sounds like you have a lot of older people in your community and they're probably afraid of things they don't understand, especially technology. I would suggest to the company that it tailor their presentation accordingly and perhaps bring equipment as a show and tell that people can see live and touch.

Better yet, if this company really wants the business, maybe it would be willing to sponsor some classes for the residents after installation. You could also talk about it could help bump up property values because new owners wouldn't have to install the technology. There are a lot of services that are especially helpful to older people - if they can see how those services can help them live independently longer, that could be a selling point as well.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

WendyM5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 1,522

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LoriM15 on 07/06/2023 2:15 PM
Our communications systems (cable tv, internet) contract us up for renewal next year. We are doing our due diligence and looking for options to the company we have had in the community for the last 23 years.

Current company is old school - coax that that has not been updated. When it works, it seems to work well. Just don't have an issue or they charge $100 for a service call even if it's their problem. They are offering the same services for another five year contract.

Fiber company really wants our business. They would install fiber to every unit. They have gone into many of the upscale communities in our area and already have fiber on the two major county roads that border our community. They have newer tech and MUCH better customer service (it's installed in the condo community where I own). They want a 10 year contract with an option to drop tv after five years (the idea is that everyone will stream by then).

Prices are about the same. Fiber company has a better tv interface and much faster internet. Old company is familiar and change is hard for many of our older residents who don't even understand what streaming is.

I'm hearing from a lot of owners that want to "vote" on whether or not we make the change. We can do a survey after we send out all the information. But we have a majority of over 70 residents who don't understand technology at all. It's a big decision for the board to even commit to the five year contract - let alone a 10 year contract. I understand people wanting their voice to be heard, and I don't want to sound snobby, but most of these people can barely turn on their tv and can't work a voice activated remote.

Do you ever have "votes" on big projects in your community? I just don't know how productive it would be.

yes pretty much anything gets a survey. that way when we decide to go with the majority opinioin there is no push back. Upset people are simply told that is what the community voted for. you could of knocked doors and tried to get voters in your favor if you wanted to.

Deciding to force people to use new technology sounds like a bad move anyways.

vis ta vie

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

My HOA sends out email surveys for big projects and we get good responses, too. It's important to get owners' opinions. Board can become too insular and need, imo, to see owners' feedback.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

My HOA sends out email surveys for big projects and we get good responses, too. It's important to get owners' opinions. Board can become too insular and need, imo, to see owners' feedback.

With Shelia, we also put on a Town Hall, which always is well attended.

NA1 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 190

Posted:

People often mistake surveys for binding votes.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

It should be noted that Board members are voted in to represent what the majority of general owners want. This generally gets overlooked or blinded over. The job of a board member is to do what the people who voted for them want. You are to represent the majority of owners. However, it seems many get on boards to do their own agenda...

In a perfect world a board member would get elected so that the general members don't have to deal with the daily operations of the HOA. They vote someone in that they feel will represent their opinions and ideas of what they want the HOA as a WHOLE to do. Plus to do the daily work with the budget etc...

A large general owner vote still exists for certain purposes. Like calling a special meeting to discuss an issue. Removal or voting for board members. Changing of the rules/documents. Special assessments. Large projects. Something that effects the majority of members versus daily here and there issues.

Former HOA President

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Lori

Owners understanding of the technology is one thing but they bound to notice construction and maybe even needing access to their unit to effect the change. Thus best to conduct a poll which should include the construction/access. If you go this route, at least they have been notified it could happen.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 07/07/2023 5:13 AM

It should be noted that Board members are voted in to represent what the majority of general owners want.

Completely disagree.
A majority of votes cast (which may or may not be a majority of the homeowners) may have elected a Director but that individual is there to do what is outlined in the governing documents.
This may or may not be what owners (majority or minority) want.

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 07/07/2023 5:13 AM

The job of a board member is to do what the people who voted for them want. You are to represent the majority of owners.

As I posted above, the job of a Director is to do what is outlined in the governing documents and what is best for the Association (their fiduciary duty).

Those that voted someone into the office might not want their assessments to increase. However, in this example, inflation and fully funding reserves is what should guide the Directors

Personally, I believe people are voted into the office simply because the voter doesn't want to do the job and will gladly giver their vote to anyone who volunteers to do it.
If there are more candidates then available seats then the voter will most likely choose someone they know vs. someone they do not know.

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