It is somewhat amazing. One month after the meeting that was attended by hundreds of residents, another meeting of the Meadowcreek Association was held. This time only thirteen residents showed up. That’s right folks! Only thirteen of seven hundred forty one. And we wonder why the Board continues to think that no one really cares about what happens.
Of interest, a draft budget was passed around. This draft contained many errors, and there were many mistakes evident. In fact, the rows frequently failed to add up to correct totals. Now this budget did contain a row for accounting and outside CPA fees that totaled $9250.00 for the year. Wonder where the accountant was when the draft was made. He or she was really needed to make sure that the draft was accurate.
A question was offered from the floor regarding the recent request for public information on finances. Lewis “Chip” Smith (attorney) indicated that they were going to respond with a CD that would contain all of the information requested. He was little evasive when asked why the delay, saying that it was a lot of information to compile.
Other questions seemed to center on the expenditures for repairs to the Town Homes, insurance on same, etc. This area still needs to be completely explained. The Board and attorney all denied knowledge of any pending legal actions or demands that might adversely affect our Association.
Finally, heartfelt thanks to those residents that took the time to attend the meeting. And for those that didn’t – a big brrrraaaaccckkkk. How can you expect a few to protect your interests when you so obviously don’t really care?
Wake Up!
This is not surprising. The same thing happened three years ago when the uproar was over the somewhat "suspicious" $80 fee. People forget so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI agree - WAKE UP people. Stay Involved.
What is more surprsing is that the guilty apparently has elected to remain at the crime scene...until judgment day. I for one, cannot wait to see this great "CD" or "MOVIE" that the Lawyer is producing...(should be a best seller and no doubt humorous at the same time). And, I suppose this CD is the lawyer's last squeeze for funds the association does not have. Why don't they just produce the papers and documents and allow some reasonably intelligent homeowners to review the mess they have gotten themselves into.
ReplyDeleteI just cannot help but think that something crimminal has been in our presence for a loooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time.
I agree that more of us should show up for the meetings...
any idea when we will receive the annual meeting notice...should it have come out back in November...? When is the meeting - did they say? And, what about our statement...is 2010 a freeby?
I will definitely attend the annual meeting ..that is, if I know when it will take place. What a GAME...! Are these people from planet earth?
Often trying to forget the problems does not solve them. Keep a watch on the board, always. Often the tail wags the dog (vendors decide, not the owners).
ReplyDeleteIs this the Russell Jones lawfirm again, that Sugar Land city council member that is supporting a lawsuit against TOMA/TPIA that keeps government open to the public?
ReplyDeleteLewis "Chip" Smith is an associate with the Holloway Jones firm. I make an assumption that the lawsuit you mention is the one to decriminalize violations of the Open Meetings Act. In what way is Attorney Jones supporting the lawsuit?
ReplyDeleteThe budget that was given at the meeting was a draft, in and of itself. It was not supposed to add up because it is given straight from the accountant so the board can go through and cut money in areas in order to balance the budget. That is the point of it being a draft.
ReplyDeleteIt was explained in the meeting that the person owning multiple townhomes owes the board money for fees and has legal matters between himself and the board. That matter is between that individual and the board and because it is a legal matter, it is not open to other individual home owners, not because it is a secret, but because legal matters are between only the individuals involved.
Sorry Candace. I personally think that anything, including legal matters that can have a negative impact on our Association are and should be open to any resident that desires more information.
ReplyDeleteThese matters are not, as you say, between the individual and the board..They are between the individual and the community as a whole. You need to read and understand the Texas Open Meetings Act and also the Public Information Act.
This secrecy is exactly what many are taking offense to. It's our community! It's our association...Not the Boards!
Regarding the draft of the budget. How can you balance something that doesn't add up in the first place? You just end up with a bigger mess.
All information can be requested but personal information regarding individuals and their specific properties are only for the board to see. I don't think any of us would appreciate our personal financial situations openly shared. As was stated at the meeting, attorney fees are shown on the monthly reports but home owners have a right to request specific information for those fees, which is included in the cd.
ReplyDeleteI think it's very important for us all to be informed and educated in these matters, so thank you for allowing this blog to be open to everyone.
I don't mean to come across argumentative, however, the Texas Open Meetings Act is simply the right for the public to be able to come to any board or committee meeting. The Public Information Act gives citizens a right to access government records, which is a very important act but has nothing to do with an HOA, since it is not a governmental body.
Candace,
ReplyDeleteI really wish you would take the time to research your comments. The Texas Government Code, Title 5, Chapter 552, Section 552.0036 clearly states that certain POA's are in fact subject to the Public Information Act.
It's OK to be argumentative as long as your argument is valid. If not, your comments simply become confusing to those seeking the facts.
You are welcome to read the statute by following this link:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm
Thank you for your comments. It's gratifying that someone is reading our blog.