Condo Media - May 2016 - 35

All meetings have distractors who
throw fear, uncertainty, and doubt
(FUD) on the table. It should be kept
in mind even the most persistent curmudgeon has a valid complaint or even
a good idea on occasion.

This obligation is independent of the
state of the owners' checkbook. The
association should maintain a level
of reserves to proactively meet future
capital repair needs.

Only have approved meetings. Avoid
any pre-meeting discussions on important issues by e-mail; over lunch; or
at a bridge game. Owners deserve notice
of any future board meeting or confidence in the board will be corroded.

Raise assessments when needed.
Too often boards wait too long to
raise assessments even when everyone
knows the community's condition is
not what it should be. Often the argument is heard "I haven't received a
salary raise in a long time, why should
we raise the assessment level?" The
board has a fiduciary obligation to
maintain the common elements.

Proactivity is the key to a board's
success. Preventing problems is
generally less expensive than paying for
the solution. Having good committee
leadership with defined goals to be on
the watch for problems and presenting
solutions to the board are the hallmarks
of a well-run community.
Avoid the potential or perception
of conflicts of interest. Don't hire
insiders as vendors or service providers.
Get multiple bids whenever possible.
Always have a second set of eyes check
the books. Never fire a vendor abruptly
but provide an opportunity to respond
or explain circumstances prior to a
termination.

Learn when to ask for advice.
If you have doubts of when the
board needs to call its lawyer or accountant or property manager, ask them.
All too often boards will call and ask,
"Should we have done this?" instead
of calling and asking "Can we do this?"
True, advice can result in a bill but board
volunteers should never be put in a position of having to act beyond their competency. Today's world is always changing
and no one board member should be
expected to have all the answers.
These are my words of wisdom for board
members. I'm sure there are 10 more
pieces of advice just as useful, but if the
suggestions above are followed I guarantee
condo life will be easier for all concerned.
■ JACK CARR, P.E., RS, LEED-AP,
IS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT WITH
CRITERIUM-ENGINEERS IN
PORTLAND, MAINE.

STATEWIDE RM

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May 2016

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Condo Media - May 2016

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