Homeowners deserve Transparency
When Your HOA Board Asks You To Sign A Blank Check
Imagine being asked to sign a contract without knowing what’s inside. That’s essentially what HOA Board President Scott Timmerman is doing by proposing rule changes without first providing clear, comprehensive, and detailed information to homeowners.
Brought to you by Drew McManus, your neighbor in 7908.
Right Now, Our HOA’s Board Leadership Is Falling Short
As homeowners, we all have a stake in how our community is managed. Our HOA board is responsible for making decisions that affect our property values and quality of life.
Board President Scott Timmerman and House Rules Committee Chair Melinda McMullen are the primary board members responsible for proposing House Rules changes and controlling information provided to homeowners.
It’s essential that these decisions are made openly and transparently.
Despite repeated requests from owners, Timmerman and McMullen have not provided essential documentation. This is problematic because it hinders homeowners’ ability to understand the implications of these changes and to make informed decisions. Here are the key reasons why:
- Lack of Information: You can’t make informed decisions about changes that will impact your property value and lifestyle without knowing the reasons behind them. Timmerman should provide owners with a document detailing the reasons for each proposed change along with all supporting materials.
- Potential for Unfair Rules: Without understanding the purpose of the changes, it’s difficult to assess whether they improve our quality of life or if they only benefit a select group of homeowners.
- Erosion of Trust: A board that withholds information creates an atmosphere of distrust, making it harder for the community to work together.
Timmerman’s decision to schedule the owner feedback meeting immediately before the full board meeting is particularly troubling. It suggests Timmerman is not genuinely interested in incorporating owner input. A proper process would involve gathering owner feedback before the board finalizes any changes. This would allow the House Rules Committee time to consider owner concerns and make necessary adjustments.
Here’s What You Can Do
- Demand Transparency: Contact Board President Scott Timmerman and talk to any board member you meet in the commons area. Politely but firmly request the documentation and comprehensive redline copy of the proposed changes. Don’t take no for an answer and don’t let anyone put you off.
- Attend The Owners’ Forum On Mon, Aug 19 at 7:00PM CT: Ask questions about the proposed rules and insist the board send the proposed changes back to committee so they can incorporate owner feedback.
- Organize Your Neighbors: Talk to your neighbors about your concerns and see if there’s interest in forming a group to address the issue collectively and attend the meeting together.
Remember, you have a right to know what’s happening in your community. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and your neighbors.
Use the following form to contact Board President Scott Timmerman and insist that he reschedule the Owners’ Forum meeting until he can provide all owners with a document detailing the reasons for each proposed change along with all supporting materials.
Your form submission has expired. This form was associated with the 2023 Annual Owners’ Forum Meeting, which has already taken place.
Curious to learn more about some of these issues? Feel free to get in touch, I’m happy to chat.