Rent Real EstateHomeowner Association Board Orientation
There is often confusion about what roles and responsibilities Board members play. Well meaning volunteers step into roles that are critical to the well being of the community. To help sort it all out, here"s a handy guide:
OFFICERS" RESPONSIBILITIES:
President/Chairman:
Prepares meeting agenda
Presides at all Board and Association meetings
Appoints and supervises all Committees
Supervises Manager
Trains Directors for future leadership positions
Sets positive example
Vice President/Chairman
Keep current on all association business
Be prepared to fill in for President as needed
In training for future presidency
Only a "heartbeat" away
Secretary:
Takes minutes at all meetings
Maintains book of minutes and resolutions
Post meeting and special meeting notices
Attests to the authenticity of all corporate documents
Certifies all meeting notices and election results
Responsible for all official communications with members
Timekeeper for all meetings
Treasurer:
Responsible for collection and expenditure of assessments
Reviews and summarizes financial statements, especially the status of reserve funds, unusual amount of receivable and payables and, variances of actual vs budget for month and year to date
Approves/signs all reserve checks
Approves/monitors investment policy
Monitors delinquencies and advises the Board
All Board Members:
Come to meetings prepared and informed
Maintain a professional demeanor
Support the President as leader
Put personal issues aside
Encourage participation
Be open and fair
Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
Board Meetings are designed to transact association business by the Board only; homeowners are welcome to attend and observe. Provide a Homeowner Open Forum just prior to the beginning of the meeting for owner comments or questions. Limited each owner to 5 minutes. Open Forum is not the proper venue to report maintenance requests.
Board Meeting Conduct
Business matters are considered when a motion is made, and seconded. Each motion has a discussion period before a vote is taken. Discussion is takes place only between the Directors and management although owner attendees may
be invited to comment. Votes, when taken, involve Board members only. Owner agenda items that expect action should be made at least a month before the meeting to allow the proper research and consideration.
Preparation of Agenda Associations using Parliamentary Procedure - (recommended) usually follow a fixed Agenda like:
I. Call to Order - The President says, "The meeting will please come to order."
II. Minutes - The secretary reads the Minutes of the last meeting.
III. Officer"s Reports - Usually limited to a report from Treasurer, but others may report at this time.
IV. Committee Reports - First come reports from "standing" or permanent committees; then from "ad hoc," or special committees.
V. Special Orders - Important business previously designated for consideration at this meeting.
VI. Unfinished Business - Business left over from previous meetings.
VII. New Business - Introduction of new topics.
VIII. Announcements - Informing the assembly of other subjects and events.
IX. Adjournment - The meeting ends by a vote or by general consent.
Summary of Board Responsibility
Read the agenda and related material prior to the meeting.
Be prepared to ask questions
Advise in advance if unable to attend a meeting.
Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive issues like delinquent owners, owners in violations, pending litigation. personnel matters
Regenesis offers a number of excellent videos for Board orientation. For more information, visit www.regenesis.net.