table shape (not quite Krushchev!)

Started by JC3 • 3 replies • 1212 views

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JC3
Posts: 290

Posted:

We have a small board and there are generally few (2-3) people come to meetings. Many times, but not always, some hos sat apart from the rest of the group, possibly thinking, as I did at my first several meetings, that those around the table were board members only, and no one welcomed me or corrected that impression.

Generally this has not been a problem, but with the difficulties we've been having I wonder if separating the "audience" from the board members wouldn't be a good idea.

At least two of the people who will likely cause problems have always been at the table and have spoken freely. They're pretty much on notice that with the new board, their constant communication will not be permitted.

How do you all generally arrange your seating?

PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347

Posted:

JC3: It sounds like you may have more board members than residents who participate at meetings. We are aware you are also interviewing for a new Prop. Mgr. so with a Mgr. also attending, the residents are outnumbered bigtime!

I don't think its a problem for the Board to sit together at a small table and the residents in the audience. It's really a matter of the type of atmosphere the Board is conveying to the audience--to welcome discussion at an appropriate time, to make eye contact and acknowledge person speaking by unit number or name; to request resident input on a subject, etc.

It sounds like you have owner apathy and that might be an important aspect for the Board to focus on.

JC3
Posts: 290

Posted:

Owner apathy is a problem. That is a major one we are focusing on, and actually, might be one of the reasons for the discontent of the still on the bord member. The previous boards did not want hos involved, and I think hhe still feels that way.
That's a sentiment I not only agree with, I've heard it from several people, including the two newest members. In fact, the one said he wouldn't go to meetings or get involved because of the attitude of a the bms.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

If general members are particpants at the meeting, everything should be done to include them in the entire Board discussions and proceedings. The Board should not cut itself off in any way from people who attend that have the same rights as the Board.

But Board meetings should be for Board members only. If other people are allowed to view the proceedings - without involvement - then they sit away from the body that is meeting.

Annual meetings of the Board are the General Members meeting and the Board should sit in the audience with the general members, with only the presiding officer and the secretary at the front of the room. This is the Member's meeting, and the Board has no special role, except to give reports.

You don't say where you are from. Your state laws may mandate otherwise.

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