Maintenance Agreement Fee pushback

I tried looking for your previous conversation, but couldn't find it. I'm sure it's buried somewhere, but there are over 500 pages of conversations on this website, so could you provide a quick recap of what the argument is? Spell out your abbreviations the first time you use them - MA and EM can meet several things depending on the discussion.

Did all this happen before you joined the board? If so, have you spoken to the older board colleagues to see how all this came about (they may have documents you can review)? Otherwise, where were you when this happened? The property manager said "legal" said it wasn't necessary - is he or she talking about YOUR association attorney or theirs? If not, this should have gone through the association's attorney - the property manager's attorney isn't the same thing. Have you tried speaking to the association attorney (with authorization from your colleagues)? If not, why not?

What would this have to do with an ARC application anyway - I would think the board's in charge of approving those requests (check your documents, which may also say something about fees). I don't see why a $485 application fee or whatever they're calling this is necessary - if this is about gathering information to review the ARC request, the homeowners should be providing all supporting documentation when submitting his/her request. If you don't get all your questions answered, tell the homeowner you need more information and why, with a deadline. If it's not submitted, the application will be denied. There should also be appeal rights for this.

For example, if someone wants to build a storage shed in the backyard, I'd want to know the type of materials used, the dates the shed will be built (should be after the application is approved), colors, name, and contact information on whoever will be doing the work, copies of any permits that would be required by the city or county, etc.

Make a motion to stop charging it and stop speaking of it in ARC applications.

If the President will not put it on the agenda, then during the open forum segment, speak of your being denied having this put on the agenda.

Or does this board also deny owners the statutorily required "open forum" segment of board meetings?

Elln, the PMC changed their tune with "it's an option." How can it remain an OPTION if it never went through the proper creation? I have had it on Open Session agenda (bimonthly) 6 times and 3 new managers. "let me look into this" was the common response in open session. Yesterday I was told "it's closed so no more agenda." I disagreed and again repeated my requests. Legal told Manager #3 "it does not need to be officially adopted and can be dealth with on a case by case."

Yes, I am hoping for new BOD blood with next annual election (MAY). Challenging!

Elln, I totally agree. Being a women of my word, I promised an update. I'd appreciate some pre-election advice on how to expose this BS without getting a violation for sharing Exec info? Also, I'm not spending HOA funds or my own to litigate. Realistically most owners think life is wonderful, someone is watching the kitchen. Nada!

ElleN, Perfect! I love the KISS approach.