Board Tip: Tabling vs. Postponing Agenda Items
While each HOA may conduct business differently, a standard procedure for board meetings is essential to optimize efficiency and productivity, commonly known as Parliamentary Procedure. Some boards use Robert’s Rules of Order to create the meeting format, agendas, motions, and floor discussion, while others create their own procedures. But, even with a solid structure to […]
Vendor Checklist
When selecting a vendor or contractor, it is critical to use due diligence and have a process in place for making these selections. By having a thorough process, you will satisfy your obligation as a board member while also protecting from potential liability. When evaluating vendors or contractors for selection, there are some key pointers […]
Operations and Personal Protection Continue During COVID
As the pandemic continues, most people have adjusted to the “new normal” that is affecting everyone in the community association industry, the associations, and the owners. While we may be exhausted by the restrictions and repercussions of the coronavirus, we need to remain cognizant of actions needed to prevent the spread. There are several areas […]
Low Interest Rates and Your HOA Loans
One of the silver linings from the pandemic’s impact on the economy are the historically low interest rates. Due to concerns about the stability of the economy, most financial institutions have adjusted their traditional credit evaluation and standards. Because of the relatively low interest rates, now could be a good time for community associations to […]
Sharper Offers Board Training Opportunities
Sharper Management will present two free Board training opportunities in the coming months. All Board members from community associations managed by Sharper are welcome to attend. Tuesday, October 15th at 6 p.m. – “Financial Fundamentals and Simplifying Insurance” Wells Fargo Plaza, 2nd Floor Training Room at 7900 Xerxes Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55431 This focused session […]
Board Tips: Three Pitfalls to Excessive and Unproductive Meetings
We live in a culture of meetings – and unfortunately there is an epidemic of unproductive and unnecessary meetings. Just Google “make meetings more effective” and you are sure to pull up a plethora of Harvard Business School studies and countless Wall Street Journal op-ed pieces. Association Boards are certainly guilty of meetings that are […]
So, What Goes in Meeting Minutes, Anyways?
Ok… time to elect Officers! Who wants to be Secretary???……Anyone?……Hello?…. No one wants to be Secretary because most people find the role of taking Meeting Minutes to be a daunting task. If you refocus your view of what Minutes are supposed to be, however, it really isn’t a tall task at all. Minutes should document […]
Sharper Offers Board Training Opportunities
Sharper Management will present two free Board training opportunities in the coming months. Both sessions will be held at the Bell Plaza office building in Bloomington, MN (3800 American Blvd W). All Board members from community associations managed by Sharper are welcome to attend. Coming January 2020 – “Board Basics: An Orientation for Board Members” This […]
Don’t Break Your Own Rules in Rule Enforcement
Spring is here and that means Community Managers and Board members will be active in walk-arounds/site inspections while hoping to whip the association back in to shape after a long winter’s nap. Rule violations are always a focus in these efforts. Melted snow un-earths pet damage to turf; holiday lights still adorn balconies; neglected exterior […]
A Lesson in the Business Judgement Rule
There are two key legal terms that are often times thrown around but seldom understood in regard to serving on the Board of Directors: responsibilities and protections. As to the former (responsibilities), it is important to understand the concept of Fiduciary Duty. In short and very simplistically, it is the premise that Board members are […]