The board can't that can't make decisions together!

Started by SuzyC • 7 replies • 1245 views

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SuzyC
Posts: 36

Posted:

Our board is a mess as you can tell from my other posts.

I am not the pres or vice pres ... just a member. It has been 9 months since a proposed project was introduced, security cameras. The board constantly is at each others throats and the leader essentially is non existant.. she is there, but lacks initiative or ability to help facilitate decisions.

For example. Month 9 we finally approve installation of our cameras. The installer came out to the property on Monday to take a final look at proposed sites for these. Our garage is almost a city block long. It was noted then although the original plan was to have cameras at both entry points the furthest ends of the garage which house bikes, our stairwells etc will not be clearly seen. He suggested that we install 1 camera at each far end to allow coverage of the mentioned areas so the area can be clearly seen.

Now this was Monday. Our board has not been able to say yes or no to the consideration of the other 2 cameras which has put this project on hold AGAIN. Our presidnet who isn't the sharpest tool said, " can we meet with the sales person again?" ? She didn't say we would need that kind of coverage when she came here!"

I am at a loss for words. ANY SUGGESTIONS on how to get this project or others facilitated and get moving?????? I am nothing but frustrated right now.

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

the only advice i can offer is to ask the president if you can head the project yourself. Offer to round up all the info, lead the meetings, etc.. Volunteer to take the hard work off her hands, and into yours.

when you control the situation, you can set up your rules, decision making routine, etc.. You can set the speed of the meetings, invite the needed people, keep the order tight, etc.. the end result would be a finished product (decision) wrapped up and presented to the president/board.

thats the only way I managed to break the cycle of crippy committees at work: volunteer to take them over, and remake them efficiently. Sometimes, the leadership by example works, sometimes it doesn't.

GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022

Posted:

SuzyC - It's Thursday, 3 days since Monday. Not a lifetime since the new option of additional coverage for security cameras. How often does your Board regularly meet. 9 months is a long time for a project granted. But for all intents and purposes this particular post and the request of the President to have the salesman come out again isn't entirely unreasonable. The project should be on hold until the Board can receive bids for the additional cameras. Depending on how things work in your association and the requirements of the laws, ratification/vote of the project and expense may need to occur in a duly noticed and held open meeting with the owners. Hence, more time. Don't get frustrated. You are one of several Board members, and can only do what you can to further the process.

SuzyC
Posts: 36

Posted:

Ine retrospect.. this has been going on for 9 months. I do believe the homeowners are very frustrated with the lack of movement on any project from the HOA. next month is our annual. I do believe we have new people on the ballot. It should be an interesting change in action.

The "President" is one of the hinderances.. not a help. She will often drag out things,.. have a meeting to discuss a meeting. It's insane. This project is not any different than the 8 months for bike racks, 10 months for pool furniture ( and it is still only partially here). I think democracy will vote this 5 year Presidential veteran off the board hopefully.

Meanwhile it is just a sit and wait game.

PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347

Posted:

SuzyC: Since next month is your election meeting, and I believe you shared prior that you are campaigning to be elected to a seat on the Board, perhaps this could be part of your 'platform'. It is always helpful for the accepted nominees to offer to the membership a short paragraph on their qualities/abilities and their vision for the community. This can be done at the meeting just prior to the ballot voting, or sent out with the notice of the election to take place.

SuzyC
Posts: 36

Posted:

Paul.. you read my mind! Yes.. you can bet this one is going

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

This is what happens when the Board thinks it has to DO everything, and lets the governing go . . .

A committee could work faster and more efficiently. They would have met with the saleperson(s), taken bids, done final measurements, and approached the Board with a report and a recommendation. A motions from the board to approve the work and the budget would have taken only one meeting after the committee did its work.

Try to get this Board to establish some committees in order to get some work done faster (if you can wrestle the control out of their hands. This is micro-managing at its worst.)

GeraldT4
Posts: 1,022

Posted:

SusanW1 - Committees can be a wonderful thing for accomplishing tasks that assist the Board. In my opinion however the real benefit of a committee is to provide owners a taste of what it means to be a fiduciary, to get an opportunity to see the inner workings of being a Board member. In that way, it will surface willing volunteers, much more appreciative and familiar with Board activities than the apathetic majority. Perhaps committees will even provide future Board members. Board members can be sued, and are typically held to a much higher standard than committee volunteers. As far as I know D&O insurance doesn't apply to committee volunteers. A Board must charge a committee with a responsibility and a clearly formed outline to base committee decision and recommendation. I'd certainly analyze the committee recommendation unless it was very well presented and thought out. Without it, the one meeting of motion from the Board to approve will be nothing but a rubber stamp of a poorly formed committee thought and nothing but a tragic dog and pony show. All too often the case.

In between the committee recommendation and the "one meeting" from the Board to approve there should always be some time for the Board to analyze. Too many committees, or too many poorly formed and duly charged committees can result in micro-managing. A Board's obligation is govern, from time to time develop rules and regulations, enforce rules and regulations, protect the general welfare, safety, and health of the association members. Those volunteer obligations are all encompassing so if a Board wants to protect itself from poor decisions, it better make sure those charged on a committee know what they are doing and the consequences of their recommendations.

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