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 […]
Board Tips: Make Your Meetings Matter
In previous issues we’ve discussed the importance of a strong meeting facilitator; we’ve suggested agenda formats to create better meeting efficiency; and recently we wrote on the principle that meetings should be regulated to making decisions. There’s no denying that we live in a culture of meetings. In this issue’s Board Tips, we offer one […]
Sharper Holiday Greetings
All of us at Sharper Management would like to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful 2018. We experienced another incredible year of growth, adding a number of new clients from all over the metro area. We find it a tremendous honor to be entrusted to work with Boards to help manage homeowner […]
Sharper to Host Board Training Session – January 15th
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 15, 2019 for Sharper Management’s presentation “Board Basics: An Orientation for Board Members,” to be held at 6 p.m. in Bloomington. This free seminar, led by Sharper’s two directors of community Management, Candy Lee and Josh Reams, will cover topics such as: * Defining What an Association Actual Is […]
Fiduciary Duty
As many Associations enter budget season, it’s a good time to reflect on a phrase that is thrown around, but seldom understood and all too often not taken seriously enough – Fiduciary Duty. Be it the approval of a budget, the granting of a homeowner request or the selection of a contractor, as an elected […]
Association Funds – Operating vs Reserve
Since most association’s are on a calendar fiscal year, the Board of Directors and Management will soon begin, or have begun already, working on the 2019 Operating Budget. This budget, essentially, sets the “dues” – so we thought it would be a timely opportunity to explain the difference between the “operating budget” funds, vs the […]
How Association Boards and Management Companies Work Together
In an HOA, there is often confusion about who is responsible for what between the Board and Management Company. While each association and their contract with a management company is unique, we have gathered some general guidelines to help clarify these roles. The HOA and its Board are responsible for the overall operations of the […]
Board Tips: Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis
There is nothing more frustrating for members, managers, and even homeowners than a Board that is collectively stuck in the muck, endlessly spinning their wheels deeper in the rut of indecision. Rest assured, it is a common condition. If it is not a recognized medical disorder, it should be! Perhaps it is a large construction […]
Committees, Committees, Committees – Part II
Welcome to Part II of Committees, Committees, Committees. As a Board member, the responsibilities and tasks to keep the association running smooth can add up quickly. And as a leader, the art of delegation is incredibly important. Committees can be a great resource to, and outlet for, the Board of Directors. The goal of this […]