Anonymous said...
Vote On a Special Assessment????
I just received my newsletter this AM and I noticed we are going to be asked to vote on a Special Assessment. This has never happened before at Parkridge. In the past, we always just got the bill.
Does anyone know why this is happening ?? Are they going to ask for a million bucks per unit or are they going to do something else stupid like the clubhouse re-pipe, which still isn't done by the way, over two years after it began. There is still missing tile in the ladys room and no baseboard in the laundryroom.
In spite of the fact I can't see anyone being stupid enogh to vote for a higher monthly bill, ther's always a possibility that there's a good reason. If someone could shed some light on this, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would appreciate it.
10 comments:
A comment was submitted here in response but it was very agressive. If there is going to be a string of comments here let's keep try to keep it civil.
If you do cross the line (in my humble opinion) your comment is more likely to be posted if you sign it.
Howard #60
I think the best thing to do would be to go to the next Board Meeting and get educated on what is going on. Lets hear what the Board has in mind and what is going on before deciding.
I agree. You might be getting all exited over nothing or next to nothing. Read the Special Assessment notice carefully, and if the purpose seems to be legitimate and improves the quality of the community, AND, you're not putting your unit at financial risk, vote for it. However, I would make a copy of it and put it away.
When it comes to Special Assessments, the management company and Board really need to do what they say they're going to do with the money. For example, I still have my notice from last year that clearly stated that there was to be a Special Assessment of $11.34 per month per unit to replenish the Resrerve Fund. If they have not deposited $18,506 into the Reserve Fund over the last 12 months, they could potentially be in big trouble down the line, depending on how the money was spent. As long it was spent legitemately and not gone to, let's say, reimburse Rene Fernandez for his podium and balloons and signs from his short time on the Board, I don't care.
As far as going to meetings, I wouldn't waste my time. The board has told residents that came in for their so-called hearings about alleged rule violations "Don't worry about it" and then turned around and fined the resident anyway. Obviously there is conflict within the Board itself that has to be reslved, maybe at the this election, maybe not.
B.S.S.
I also think it's important to wait until you have the actual document in your hands before you make up your mind. I also think that it's critical that you read every word of every sentence on that issue. You give up a lot of rights anyway by belonging to an HOA and you don't want to give up more of your rights by agreeing to something you don't understand. Also read anything that comes with that ballot in terms of an explanation of why you should vote for it. If there is a contradiction between what any explanation says and what the ballot says, vote no.
Also, given the costs of the fence repair and repainting, the concrete walkway work, and the tree trimming, I think it's unlikely there is $1800 in the Reserve Account, much less $18,000.
Lastly, I thought I was the only one who heard about Mr. Fernandez being reimbursed for his podium and balloons and such. Looks like the cat's out of the bag. After quitting the Board in a huff last year, let's see if he runs for the Board again or cntinues to hide behind Kevin Sharp and let Kevin take the heat.
Todd in 122
I think the very first guy is right. There's got to be something besides a special assessment vote going on. I've owned condos in OC since 1980 and have gotten special assessments for as much as $12,500 without a Board of Directors ever asking my opinion about it.
I am going to put that special assessment vote ballot under a microscope before I vote one way or another. And I'm not inclined to listen to what the Board or Property Manager has to say at a meeting. Too many times in my experience with my condos has there been a difference between what they SAY, what they put in WRITING, and what they DO.
By the way, I like Parkridge and I'm saying that although there is much room for improvement, Parkridge is NOT the worst complex I have ever owned property in.
By law, our monthly dues can go up 20% per year. Before voting for a special assessment, I think we want to know if the board is also planning to approve an increase in dues (up to ±$291/month). I'd rather pay a special assessment and keep our monthly dues down because there is nowhere for them to go but up.
Brother, you and about 80-90 % of the homeowners here feel the same way you do. That is that use the monthly dues to pay off monthly and re-ocurring expenses and special assess special projects like re-roofing and re-piping.
If our share is $5,000 or $10,000 to get it all done, then special assess everyone and be done with it. These condos are not only our homes, they are our investments!!!
I think the problem with the current board is they never talk to anybody unless it's in a confrontational situation like dog poop or garage doors being open. The two main dudes on the board seem especially combative and are not prone to listen.
All I've got to say is they better not try to do anything stupid, My family has a good attorney.
So is what I am hearing is that the new management company is not doing their job??? Maybe we should get a new management company then, and give them a six month time frame as well.....
Never threaten to get an attorney. Get an attorney first and then let the attorney make the threats. They're much better at it than you are and it has a much bigger impact. (and I don't know who you are, so I apologize in advance!!)
I also think it's funny that this vote is occurring at the same time as the board election. Hopefully, there will be at enough candidates for the board so that Rene Fernandez and Kevin Sharp can be kept off the Board. I know that Rene F quit last June (which says a lot about his motives and character)but to anyone who has attended a meeting lately, its' clear and obvious that Kevin is just following Rene's orders and I don't know about you, but I don't like the idea of having someone who isn't on the board having that much influence.
I agree that the current board and management company do not spend enough time or make enough effort at communicating with the bulk of the residents. Hopefully that will change with a new board.
Since the elections are coming up, how about some "friendly" conversation about who is qualified to be on the board. It would sure help make a sound decision. I certainly know who NOT to vote for, but I need help with who would help.
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