What is the Purpose of the Board of Directors?
The Board’s purpose is to further the intent and requirements of the Bylaws and CCRs and to develop written policies based on that legal foundation and structure that will interpret the values, perspectives, and interest of the general membership. Basically, this means that the Board is supposed to figure out all the legal mumbo jumbo and then explain it in terms that the average person would understand — not always an easy job.
What Does It Mean to be on the Board of Directors?
It means that you have made a commitment to serve the community’s interests to the best of your ability. It means that you will be fair on matters that come before the Board, do your best to preserve and enhance the values of the association’s common areas and that you will spend money in a responsible manner.
How Will I Learn?
Hopefully, you will have veteran board members to help you. Continuity can be one of the Board’s greatest challenges. So, be sure to ask questions. Find out how issues have been handled in the past. Carefully consider the plans developed by previous boards and do not change them impulsively. Read, read, and read the association’s governing documents, the rules and regulations, any other available board policies, and find out what other HOAs are doing.
How Can I Be Effective?
Be sure to follow the codes of conduct. These are the goals and behaviors that an effective director should strive for. It serves as a constant reminder for those who are serving and helps to screen out those with hidden agendas. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you willing to act in the communitys best interests, forgoing personal interests?
- Are you willing to practice high standards of conduct and avoid the appearance of impropriety?
- Can you address other directors and homeowners with respect, even when you disagree with them?
- Do you really have time to attend the meetings and follow through with assignments in a timely manner?
- Are you willing to come prepared to meetings by reviewing pertinent materials before the meeting, listen attentively and courteously, and stay focused on the subject matter?
- Can you treat highly sensitive information with confidentiality and respect the privacy of all owners?
- Can you respect the authority of the Board by not undermining majority decisions?
- Can you help promote community harmony in your actions, words and deeds?
These are the qualities you need to be an effective Board member. In essence, you must understand the association’s business, actively participate, and vote responsibly.
Committees
- Architectural Committee
We need your help! We are actively seeking members for the Architectural Committee. Our community is only as strong as the members who take the time to participate. If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact us.