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Community Associations are not immune in this recession. Sadly, some homes have been abandoned. The homes were foreclosed and the owners moved away. When banks take over these properties, they usually don't realize they need to pay the regular assessment. With the depth of the foreclosure crisis and their own financial problems, banks are struggling to keep up.
It's hard not to complain about a nearby property looking downtrodden. We all want to come home to a community we can be proud of. If the house next door is abandoned or not maintained, offer to help. Be sure to check with the Association first if you want to clean up an abandoned property. The property may belong to the bank, the Association or the financially-strapped owner. If no one is given notice that volunteers are coming to maintain a property, trespassing charges can be filed-not exactly a nice return on generosity.
If given approval to access a property, there are simple things volunteers can do to improve the look. When the trash is cleaned up, the yard is watered and mowed and the newspapers, door hangers and phone books are picked up off the porch, the home is less inviting to thieves and looks better.
Having unity in the community has never been more important than in times like these. Thankfully, as neighbors, we have one another. Don't get angry, get helpful.
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Committees are an important part of each Association operations. Committee members help keep your community vibrant; and, by augmenting paid staff, they save the Association thousands of dollars each year. The Association just wouldn't be what it is without your active and effective committees. They deserve everyone's sincerest thanks.
However, to be successful, Association's need to cultivate fresh ideas and encourage additional resident involvement in committees.Committees give the Board a way to gather information, offer new ideas and opinions and provide a training ground for future Board members. All committees are advisory to the Board unless given specific decision-making authority by the Board or CC&Rs.
The Board provides each committee with a job description, goal and mission statement to help it succeed as a community resource.
Our Association has three types of committees:
Administrative committees, like the architectural control committee, are set out in Association's Bylaws and CC&Rs. They are ongoing, permanent and often have clearly defined power and authority.
Standing committees, such as a finance and facility management committees, are established by the Board for an ongoing and specific purpose. These committees generally make recommendations to and act under the supervision of the Board.
Ad-hoc committees, such as a summer picnic committee, are established by the Board as needed for specific projects and tasks. When the task is complete, the committee is disbanded.
So, if you're thinking about running for the Board and want to learn a little more about Association operations first, or if you're interested in helping improve your community or just want to get out and meet neighbors, we would be thrilled to talk to you about our committees and how you might be able to help. Contact your Community Manager for more information.
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