I need some advice

I created a facebook page for the association years ago when I was board president. I have been on moderator on the FB for several years to assist with admin duties. Fast forward to present we just had a new board installed. The new board has done several things that I do not agree with, much to do with them not following the CC&Rs and not following the state laws that govern the hoas. I have been respectful, but have made public statements on the FB page about the things that they are doing wrong. This board refuses to acknowledge their wrong doings. None of the board members have been ever been on a board before so they are bound to make mistakes. I understand that it takes time for them to learn, but learn but firing the management company and deciding to self manage the association - all outside of an open board meeting. Really a bunch of horrible mis-steps. I added a couple of the board members to the page as admins. I was about to walk away and noticed that they were moderating post, deleting post from members because they didn't like what they were saying. One board member even moderate the ability for a member to post anything on the page because of a personal issue that had noting to do with the facebook page. When I confronted the board member - he told me that he didn't want to talk about it. That said, I renoved the restrictions from the member. Recently I noticed that they completely renoved a member - who is pretty outspoken, again because they didn't like what he was saying. I removed the admin rights from the board members and spent messages to them private messages that we need to have a discussion. When I didn't get a response from them , I sent a message to them. Stil didn't get a response. They then decided to create a new facebook page. Today I get basically as cease letter from ( the board ) them asking me to take down the FB page, because they didn't give me the "permission" to continue to be an admin on the page. The association doesn't have a social media policy or anything recorded regarding the facbeook page. What would you do if you were me? My fear is that the board will continue to "do what they want" and sensor people from speaking against them. Not to mention - they created this "new" facebook page and called it the "official" association page. I attempted to join that page and was denied. Now while I could careless if I was on the facebook page or not, the fact that they denied me access for the "official" facebook page I believe is a violation because as a homeowner I have the right to be on the page. Again, what would you do if you were me? Do I have a legal standing to sue?

Personally, what you describe about the social media page are perfect examples why I believe an Association should not be on Social Media.

I do think the Association should have an internet presence. However, that presence should be informational - not an open forum.

It's also an example of what a board has to do when a homeowner fails to comply with the terms of service. Deny access.

It also illustrates why official HOA sites should not allow homeowners to post. There is a conflict between using the site as an essential communication tool and being able to enforce the terms of service (which is necessary to protect the HOA from liability), including denying access to people who won't comply with the term. They can't do both.

If the current board is smart, they will:

* draft a policy that covers use of online resources and stick to it

* make any online resources informational only

* get off social media altogether

Homeowners who want to fight and gripe can head to one of the other sites that are directed at associations or communities.

Our association communicates through the following methods, a monthly newsletter, an association website, emails from the MC, Board minutes and email blasts from the Board.

I agree.

I agree.

What disturbs me more than the FB page is that this new board is making decisions that can become a liability to the Association. Firing the management company and self-managing is dangerous and exposes the Association to the possibility of a lawsuit. Having a management company reduces the legal ramifications of board decisions. What does the association’s attorney say? Sounds like you need to get a majority of homeowners to band together to challenge the decisions and perhaps even vote out the board. Are there provisions in the governing documents stating that a management company must be under contract to facilitate the business of the Association? Read your governing docs and see what they say about removing board members from office?

Former Property Manager for over 20 years

Leslie's point (Are there provisions in the governing documents stating that a management company must be under contract to facilitate the business of the Association?) is well taken.

The governing documents of two of our clients require the Association to contract with a MC and not be self-managed.