Ebooks

A DV I C E F R O M 4 0 + Y E A R S O F B OA R D M E E T I N G S If your board is having problems with running successful meetings, don't be discouraged. After 40 years of attending association meetings, we have learned some simple tricks to help your meetings run more smoothly. Follow the advice below to help ensure your next community meeting is a win. MAKE THE MOST OF ANNOUNCEMENTS. Most documents prescribe the required notice period and general content of the meeting announcement. It's important to comply with the requirements of the governing documents in order to prevent the possibility of future challenges as to the validity of the meeting. In addition to the official meeting notice, it's a good idea to provide reminders of the meeting as well. These can be in the form of follow-up postcards sent out shortly before the meeting, bulletins posted at the community clubhouse, announcements in the association newsletter, or reminders on social networks and apps like TownSq. ASK ALL HOMEOWNERS TO COMPLETE WRITTEN PROXIES. Oftentimes, communities, especially older associations, have difficulty obtaining a quorum for their annual meetings. Clearly, this poses a serious problem for the association in that the business of the community— especially the election of board members—depends upon the participation of homeowners. In order to improve the chances of obtaining a quorum, request that owners complete and return their written proxy even if they plan to attend the meeting. Proxies can always be rescinded if the member attends the meeting, but in the event he doesn't make it in person, his proxy can be used to establish a quorum and conduct business.

• Cover