Transparency is the new Green
Transparency is the new Green
Embedded Files
The current SHHA board has been operating under a veil of secrecy, making major decisions without involving the community. This approach not only undermines the democratic process but also fails to represent the interests of our community effectively. It is crucial that our board adopts an open platform at their meetings, inviting discussions on topics that are significant changes. The community should know how Board members think, vote and represent the lot owners.
The lack of transparency in decision-making processes can lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction among residents. Therefore, it is essential for our board members to engage in a dialogue at the Board meetings. As it is now, the Board will not engage in any conversation with a Guest at the Board meeting. The residents are treated like outsiders having irrelevant information, and easily dismissed.
One would think Directors would encourage open discussions during their meetings, be transparent, and get to know what concerns residents have as they make big decisions that affect our community.
Does the Board want more control?
What does the Board want to hide?
How do the directors represent a community if they can't even have a discussions in our presence?
Ways for SHHA BoD and committees can be transparent
Ways for SHHA BoD and committees can be transparent
Board meetings
Record all Board meetings This is a must. The minutes are skewed and do not include full details of what has happened. The recordings are needed.
Use ZOOM better. Zoom is used and has recordings capable. Put a microphone/computer in the middle of the room for call-in residents to hear.
Open conversations with the residents and noted in minutes. Lot owners should be recognized, able to ask questions and have them answered, just as any director. Lot owners must have opportunities to discuss topics at Board meetings as any of the directors. Otherwise, there is not a venue for the residents to address the Board with their concerns.
Don't hide behind executive sessions. Executive sessions are for the two items outlined in the Bylaws.
Board members need to be open on how they represent the community. If a member of the Board has to "go along" with the group, or has a personal agenda, perhaps they need to re-examine their purpose, or get off the Board.
Vote every 2 years to retain the current attorney or not. Choosing who the attorney is and how he/she represents the community interests isn't necessary only a Board thing. The membership should have a say in who is representing their best interest and welfare.
Motions: keep better track using the Secretary's record as it is on the form, and put a link to them on the website. The motion form has the record space and not used. They are meant to be kept together for ease and convenience.
ACC applications
If the ACC makes a claim against the residents, be able to back it up. For instances, quantify the "growing trend of violations", provide the analysis of data. Let the community see the facts!
Disapproved application (not only approved ones) should also be published in the GRIT. List what was asked, and why was it disapproved.
Examples:
Green garage doors application, disapproved because there it doesn't not meet the "in harmony with the natural surroundings as stated in the unit covenants"
Stucco - using Sto color Dark Mocha application; disapproved because the dark brown is not in harmony with the rest of the houses in the unit.
TPO white roof - disapproved because white roofs are forbidden in the unit covenant
CSC complaints
Publish in the GRIT only the complaints that are valid. Currently the list includes complaints that may not be valid violations.
IF complaints come in that are for ACC - ATF , state that as well because they are not necessarily valid violations.
Finances
When residents ask for data, supply the data without hesitation. Questioning why residents want this or pointing them to the website isn't good enough.
Standard disclosures need to be a part of the financials. "Notes to the Financials" should be for residents and include:
Litigation, mediation and settlement costs by case, not just a lump sum
New contracts to be announced to the community along with rationale for choosing the vendor
Cost for any equipment purchases
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse