Board Vacancy

Started by ReneeD3 • 4 replies • 133 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

ReneeD3 (Illinois)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Should all Board Members be informed of installing and voting a new member to the Board?

We are a 5 member Board (IL), now. At an open meeting I learned 3 other board members knew they wanted to fill a vacant position and proceeded to install that person without my even knowing of their intentions or even allowing me the ability to vote on the matter because they said it was by board majority anyway. Is that considered normal procedure?

CharlesP12 (Virginia)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Hi ReneeD3. I'm a former Board Member and offer my thoughts for whatever they're worth! It seems like you were excluded either as an afterthought or purposefully. Either one is not cool! However, my motto that has never failed me is, "Seek to understand before being understood." Gather ALL the facts first. Also, all the laws, Bylaws, Governing Docs, etc., come into play as well. Maybe they did everything legally. Maybe they violated a rule somewhere. Know what the rules are and proceed accordingly. I don't know if one sentence can answer your question. Finally, something I learned from being on the Board is document everything along the way. Keep excellent personal records, a journal, of all proceedings and interactions with other Board members for future reference. Save emails, letters, etc. Good luck and thanks for serving on your community's Board.

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 1,335

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ReneeD3 on 11/26/2025 5:41 AM
Should all Board Members be informed of installing and voting a new member to the Board?

We are a 5 member Board (IL), now. At an open meeting I learned 3 other board members knew they wanted to fill a vacant position and proceeded to install that person without my even knowing of their intentions or even allowing me the ability to vote on the matter because they said it was by board majority anyway. Is that considered normal procedure?

What is normal is the violation of bylaws, possibly state law and certainly fiduciary duty.

You need to say whether this is a condominium or not (as requested https://www.hoatalk.com/Forum/tabid/55/view/topic/forumid/1/postid/382310/Default.aspx). Why? Because then people here can check the Illinois Condo statute and give you better advice.

Please confirm: Are you on the board?

Illinois law requires decisions affecting the HOA corporation be made by "the board." Assuming you are on the board, then your not even getting to vote on this, including not being able to provide input, is serious but hard to fight.

I bet the OP never responds back, just like her August thread.

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

Quote:

How many board meetings have you been absent in the last 6 months?

MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459

Posted:

Renee,
We are left to make assumptions here.

1) I assume you knew the board had a person resign recently.
2) I can assume some talk in the last meeting would have been around what do we do now.
3) I assume you were at that meeting.
4) I am assuming you are in the minority on this board.

While this seems like you were being kept out of the loop on this issue. Here are my questions.

1) Does your board meet regularly?
2) Does the Community employ PM company?
3) Does the board communicate by email in between meetings?
4) If so, is it legal in your State?

It really stinks being in the minority on a board of your peers. The problem is in order to gain access to the majority you must have an active role and also have winning ideas. This takes time and tenor. If the vote was taken and you do not like the pick you would have very little changing minds till you are able to influence the board.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here