Wow, what a great turn out at our May 30 Board Meeting! Not only were all of the Directors present, we had a full room at the Seascape meeting location. There was a lot of participation and discussion. The homeowner involvement was simply impressive. For instance when we needed a homeowner to participate on the newly formed Executive Committee, we had not only someone volunteer, another owner even volunteered to act as a back up.
Personally, I was very happy at many of the changes I saw in addition to the increased turn out. President Stacy has really tried to respond to homeowner concerns about the lack of ability to discuss issues of concern. First, he moved the Homeowner Forum to the front of the meeting, expanding the discussion to a full 15 minutes on the agenda. Recognizing the need for discussion he allowed the attendees to continue speaking beyond the allotted time so that all issues could be brought forward. We actually spent nearly an hour sharing homeowner concerns! Perhaps even more surprising was how openly the attendees were allowed to speak up during the actual Board discussion of the CC&Rs. According to our current CC&Rs, letting the audience participate during the main section of a Board Meeting is not a normal thing, usually requiring a motion to be seconded before a homeowner can speak up. It also needs to be noted that President Stacy asked at the end of the meeting if there were any further issues to be raised by the attendees. Granted, we were all pretty exhausted after about 2 1/2 hours, but I hope the homeowners realize what a strong message their input provided to the Board. While this blog is not official, and thus I cannot speak on behalf of the Directors, let me say on my own behalf THANK YOU for getting involved. I know it takes courage to speak up on issues, even when you feel strongly. I hope the owners realize how hard President Stacy is trying to build community unity by also encouraging your participation.
Again, speaking only for myself, I was so happy to see folks express their concerns about issues like parking. I think the direction we are now heading is a reasonable one, allowing parallel parking in the driveways and only limited street parking during the day. I'm not sure how the actual wording will end up because it has to be generated by the attorney, but I think we may end up with something that can pass a vote. I would like to assure anyone who does not like the concept of driveway parking that I tried to express their opinions. So even if you were not present, you were represented. I just hope a compromise can be reached and respected.
This blog could not be complete without giving big KUDOS to those that helped spread the word about the meeting. Your efforts made those hours I spent reviewing and preparing a summary of the CC&Rs worth every minute. You know who you are, and so do I. Thank you.
Finally, if you were unable to attend the briefing on the CC&Rs, you may send me an email or respond to this blog requesting a copy of my materials. I would be more than glad to share. Also be aware that DeCamara is planning to put the new draft Bylaws on their website. They are much larger than the current Bylaws because they have incorporated of lot of what is required by Davis-Stirling Act. There are a few heads up to be aware of in the Bylaws but nothing as contentious as parking, in my opinion. I was not able to get into a discussion of the Bylaws due to the length of the meeting. However, my comments on the Bylaws are also available upon request. After all, I do work for you.
Bless you all for your support and participation. I am truly grateful for your efforts.
P.S. I will be doing inspection of the Association lights at the entrances and along Uplands drive this week. I do that once a month. However, should you notice a light that is out, you may either let DeCamara know directly or send me an email and I'll be sure it gets the necessary attention.
