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Training, legislative and administrative meetings
There are several legislative compositions that have been prepared and recently
presented to state Senators and Assemblymen. This legislation is believed to be critically
important to accomplish our objectives. Therefore, your comments concerning the proposed
legislation is urgently requested.
Those familiar with the legislative process are aware that professional lobbyists are at
work in Sacramento to influence the vote on Senate and Assembly Bills on the floors of
the different houses of the legislature. Often, legislation is passed with little or no
representation from Community Associations. It is our concern that we are not being represented.
It is obviously not in our best interest to rely on representation from representatives
employed by attorneys, property managers or out of state organizations. An essential function
of the Executive Advisory Board is to discuss association issues and needs and to propose
legislation designed to be in our homeowners best interest.
Furthermore, training and educational sessions on subjects pertaining to the functions of
association boards are being scheduled to train association board members. Subjects such
as legislative procedure, finance and accounting, landscape improvement, building maintenance,
minutes, insurance and legal governing documents will soon be available for board members.
A working knowledge by board members of these and other important subjects is essential
to increasing the value and enjoyment of property.
Moreover, the lack of attendance by homeowners at association meetings is a matter of great
concern. Homeowner attendance at most association meetings throughout the state is sparse
at best. Monthly Board Meetings are seldom attended by more than a modest percentage of
homeowners. The Annual Association Meeting attendance fares only slightly better. Most
associations have to scavenge for enough representation to hold a valid meeting. Frequently
they are unsuccessful in this effort. Consequently, many decisions by Boards of Directors
are made in error because a quorum of homeowners or Board Members could not be fetched
and not present or represented, thus the meeting was invalid and therefore, the decisions
and actions of the Board were invalid. A serious problem? Yes indeed. Homeowner associations
are generally California Corporations and therefore, the California Corporations code applies
to Boards of Directors as officers of the corporation. Board members have a duty of care
to the homeowners they serve to conduct the affairs of the orporation/association in the
same professional manner as could be expected of any corporate officer. This duty may not
be transferred, neglected or ignored. The modest attendance at associations meetings and
events are characteristic of most associations throughout the state and indicative of the
problems with property values and the enjoyment of our property.
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