How to run a successful Condo Co-Op or HOA Board Meeting?

Answer 1

Generally, the more engaged owners who are involved in board meetings, the more 'action' takes place. Associations are multi-million dollar businesses. Owners are investors in this business, which also happens to be their home(s).

A solid leader directs the business of the association with vision, economical choices, and with full responsibility for the preservation, maintenance and security of the community's assets and its residents.

This means that regular board meetings address timely matters that are scheduled, expected and discussed openly.

Board meetings with ample notice to directors and owners with agenda items included in the notice offer a solid basis for a successful meeting.

Conducting the meeting using Roberts Rules of Order can also structure participation effectively. This includes opening a visible discussion among directors once a motion is made. Motions, explanatory bases of the discussion and votes are documented in meeting minutes, and represent the history of the association. They become part of the cache of 'governing documents'.

Under US Federal Sunshine Laws, open board meetings are required. This means that any owner is entitled to inspect business communication, business decision making and so forth, that addresses assets that represent the owner's investment.

Open board meetings and transparency of action by all directors are the best elements for a successful association, including the conduct of its meetings.

Of course, there will be unhappy owners and potentially unhappy directors. Savvy leaders understand and can spot the difference between 'high-school drama' behaviour and 'passionate activist' behaviour. As well a savvy director can be objective and effective in handling any type of behaviour.

Bottom line: successful meetings benefit the association, not one individual or group of individuals.