Nuisance Homeowner is Past President

I am the Secretary of our HOA and have only held that position since the first of the year. In fact, the entire Board of Directors are also new. Our problem is our immediate past President. Instead of helping us to transition, she is watching us like a hawk and condemning our every move. She has even gone to Tallahassee about something the current President did, or so I've been told. Just this past weekend, our CAM called and told me that she is scared to death to have any contact with her for fear of saying/doing something wrong. (During the past President's 18-month tenure, our HOA went through 3 or 4 CAMs.) I am afraid she will run off yet another CAM. What can we, as a Board, do to stop this?

KimB9 - Sounds like the past Pres. is a bit of a spoiler. Too bad. Sometimes however, a Board's "worst enemy" turns out to be it's best friend. By that I mean that you may still be able to learn something from the past Pres. for example if meetings need to be held a certain way by state law, things of that nature. I'd take Susan's suggestion in providing a letter reminding the past Pres. that she does not have the power to act on behalf of the association. However, a mutually convenient time to meet and discuss all your concerns will be provided at the next open meeting. Please attend, there are several committees that may benefit from your assistance. Or something to that effect to try and channel the past Pres. in the right direction, other than a cattle prod!!! : )

Obviously, that "one member" doesn't understand the functions of a Board.

Why follow a dead horse?

KimB9: I agree with posters here to "draw her with honey". You have nothing to fear from her UNLESS you believe you may be in error while governing the association. And, important, don't take heresay or rumors as truth. So what if she made a visit to Tallahassee, maybe she went to visit a sick friend...

Approach this person with respect. She does have the experience the present Board members do not. I would not ask her to attend private Board meetings wherein decisions will be made, but I would find a way to bring her in on a discussion of past situations and how she and her Board handled them--all with an attitude of learning. Perhaps she would want to head up a committee: survey, social, hospitality, newsletter, etc. As new Board members, you will want all the assistance you can get and it is good to win her over to your side.

I am however concerned over the reaction of your CAM and that she is 'scared to death' of her. If this CAM is a professional, one who is out to cause trouble should not scare her. Your CAM should always be pleasant, professional, confident and if necessary, firm. The attitude must come from her experience in dealing with people of all types.

We've tried to include her on many things since she would be a wonderful resource. She refuses to be of help to the board. I've tried to contact her, but to no avail. She even snubbed the wife of our current HOA President when she tried to talk to her. She refused to attend our first Board Meeting since she thought we didn't follow the correct procedure for notifying Homeowners. Trying to save $$, we posted notice on a sign at the entrance to our subdivision and on our website instead of mailing everyone notices. We also followed the State statutes of 48-hour notice instead of 14-day notice. The sign and website posting was well over the 48-hour time limit. She refuses to hand over copies of corporate documents stating she doesn't have them. I sent a certified letter requesting them, but she won't pick it up from the post office. I could go on ...

Anna - She chose not to run. All of our vendors have expressed a HUGE sigh of relief. She was on the ARC committee, but removed herself. She still continues to walk the neighborhood looking for violations. We (the Board) toyed with the idea of asking her to chair a Violations committee, but I don't think she wants to help.

KimB9 - You tried sending a certified letter, but don't need to prove you sent the letter other than keep a copy of the one you now need to mail regular US post. May I suggest the board provide all residents a calendar of Board meetings and regularly scheduled events once a year, in addition to posting the meeting 48 hours in advance in a prominent place, and putting it up on the website. This way all your basis are covered. Have you removed the Pres. name as a signatory on the Association bank accounts?

Kim,
Everyone has given you the best way to handle here and that is to totally ignore her. You have tried to include her and give her some ability for involvement and SHE has chosen to not contribute positively any more. Just ignore her. Do not make any more attempts, as I think she is liking the extra attention that she gets from all of the movement to include her. She is in control of you guys because she refuses to pick up the mailing, therefore, you are still trying to figure out to reach her. I say "BAH" to her.

Kim,
Does not your management company or Cam have any of the documents that you are looking for. My M.C. has copies of everything as backups.