Did anyone catch this article in the Tampa Tribune this morning?
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/oct/03/tr-open-board-meetings-inspire-better-solutions/#comments
I'll copy and paste it here for us to read at any time.
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By RICHARD WHITE
Tribune correspondent
Published: October 3, 2010
I live in a community with a homeowners association. Our board this year appointed a financial oversight team to work on our budget. When I asked to attend the committee meetings, I was told that they're closed to residents. Do the directors and members have a right to attend these meetings?
N.A., Spring Hill
It mystifies me when I hear that a member is denied the right to attend association meetings. There is no subject so secret that it should not be open to the members in any meeting. When this happens, it invites confusion that leads to distrust.
No one person has all the knowledge, and a committee does not have all the answers. The more people involved in probing for answers, the better the solutions will be. You seem to be willing to work with the committee, and your background and experience could inspire solutions that may not occur to others who come from different backgrounds.
Boards, committees, and members must learn that they need each other, and open discussions will provide better solutions.
What would happen if our documents are not obeyed? Our association is about 20 years old and we have had boards that did not enforce the rules. Homes are now beginning to look shabby. We are not the pristine community we once were.
J.S., Inverness
From the government's point of view, an association has certain infrastructures that must be maintained. Since that is in the statutes, if the association fails to maintain these common areas, the board may find itself before a judge accused of breaking the law.
When deed restrictions are violated and not enforced, property values drop. Your association's home values depend on everyone complying with deed restrictions and zoning codes. The board's failure to correct violations can cause a huge devaluation of homes. Failure to enforce rules may lead to the rules becoming invalid and unenforceable.
I wish I could say that all communities are fully compliant and enforce their rules. Drive through some, though, and you can see junk cars, trash and poor landscaping in some, while others are clean and aesthetically pleasing. Which community will have the higher property values?
Richard White is a licensed community association manager. He does not offer legal opinions; any other questions and comments concerning association operations can be sent to Richard White, 6039 Cypress Gardens Blvd., No. 201, Winter Haven FL 33884-4115;
