Tom,
first, HUGE KUDOS for setting up this nifty Board forum and online
resource center.

I like the goals/values of the Board!  However, I think maintain
property values is a tricky one.  If Lot#100 gets approval to install
solar PV and water harvesting tanks that they perceive will "add
value" to their home, and Lot#101 disagrees and says the "property
values have actually declined" as a result of the approved
project....the Board can get sued for not doing its "stated goal".
Correct?  I think our Board insurance may cover this, I'm not 100%
certain.

-Mike

Mike,

 I think Tom has a good start. Goals can be set up as priorities I've heard. Whatever you want to call them, you definately need to list and state them for a common cause. The list would also need to be brought up for discussion and voted by the board to be valid. As far as being sued for not making a goal, I don't think that carries any weight. Making off with the funds or some other criminal action would bring a suit and more importantly an arrest no doubt. Serious stuff.

One thing you might want to realize though, a 'maintenance' board is quite different from a 'civic' or 'homeowners association' board in my opinion. For one, the maintenance board can only used collected funds for 'maintenance' and not for community partys. This one item always causes problems when the line is crossed. Any projects funded should benefit the community as a whole and not just certain people. Keep this all in mind and things should go well. Also, keep an open mind to resident's opinions. They have a say in things as well. Break that rule and lose all respect forever. Good luck!