OPEN MEETINGS

Another subject I need imput on is HOA boards having open versus closed meetings. Do any of your organizations have closed board meetings but provide more than one general membership meeting or
"town hall" meetings. The State of Louisiana has "open meeting" laws but only pertain to public
bodies. The open meetings we're having turns into a verbal argument between board members and residents,
even though there is not to be any comments from the residents during the meeting of the Board. After the
meeting is adjourned there is a 30 minute question and answer period. Usually, half the Board leaves
after the adjourment.
I would appreciate any comments if your organization has closed meetings and how does the Board remain open to the residents.

Thanks

Daniel:
Have a "Speak Out" at the beginning of each meeting giving each homeowner a set time (3-5 minutes) to speak. Don't respond but say you'll get back to them with an answer. There's no need to have public arguments but every homeowner should have an opportunity to speak. Usually, most homeowners go home after having their say.
Jeanne

Daniel,

As in other states, California has an Open Meeting Act specifically for HOA's. One of the items that is missing from these discussions is the agenda. In California, it MUST be posted within 4 days of a meeting for the Members to view. Within the agenda, there is old business and new business, which now MUST be itemized and not categorized as in years past. The main reason for the change is to give the members a "heads up" in what is discussed at the meeting and what is being possibly voted on by the Board.

A good board can dispense with the majority of a agenda, rather quickly, as long as they have prepared themselves prior to the meeting. I have watched our local city council meeting which are televised to see how a meeting should be conducted. Because the agenda is posted prior to a meeting, those wishing to speak on a specific topic of old or new business are given the opportunity as long as a speaker card is filled out prior to meeting. Members are given an opportunity to voice their opinion prior to a vote by the Board is taken. Generally and at most, the Board will only be discussing 4 or 5 items, so if properly done by the presiding chair should be an easy task to handle, which over time becomes easier and easier.

Someone mentioned during a "Speak Out" that you don't respond but get back to that individual. Unless you don't the answer, that is the wrong approach. If you say, you'll get back to them, make sure you do just that. If you don't, the Members should be looking for a new Board Member to represent them.

Communication builds trust