Saving Money
Homeowners keep hearing that the Board of Directors is trying to save money as referenced in the Notice Regarding Election posted at the pool. But at what cost? Let’s look at a few examples where the decision-making of the Board has had the opposite effect.
Current April 2023 Annual Board of Directors Election:
How many times has the Board had to stop the Annual Election and make changes? If it was once, maybe there would be some compassion, but multiple times over a five-month period, there is frustration, confusion, and a lack of faith that the Board can conduct an election of any kind. In this election process, the HOA is incurring unnecessary costs due to the failure of the Board to understand HOA election rules and procedures as outlined in our governing documents and the California Civil and Corporations Codes. This lack of knowledge and oversight has led to poor decision-making and an increase in spending. The Board can’t scapegoat their mistakes on those who brought these errors to their attention. Utilization of three sets of Inspectors of Election already for an election that hasn’t been held yet! Although, the first set of Inspectors were volunteers at no cost, the Board then hired the company that was involved in the Recall Election that had to be postponed because of election errors that are similar to the ones in this election. And now, a new Inspector of Elections was hired by the Board for the Annual Election to be held on a new date in September. Extra costs include multiple contracts with Inspectors of Elections, multiple printings of ballot materials, multiple mailings, and undisclosed legal costs. How is this saving money?
Hiring multiple Attorneys and Law Firms:
As stated previously, the Board continues to sign contracts with attorneys and law firms. Why? First came Whitney Petchul, followed by The Tinnelly Law Group, Cane and Harkins, and now, Iger, Wankel, and Bonkowski. What are the reasons for these changes? Have any homeowners asked why? Since November 2022, the hiring of these law firms has been secretive. Only the Board knows the costs for utilizing these law firms. What is the Association or for that matter the Board of Directors doing to warrant the increase in attorney litigation and expenses?
Landscape Management:
Why did we continue with RGS when we had a chance to switch to the landscape company that serves the Association across the street? Look at the difference in landscape management on Lagier Way. We had a chance to hire that company at the same rate we were paying RGS last June. Instead the Board went in a different direction and hired Artistic at a higher monthly rate. Landscaping is at its all-time low. Hedges and bushes grow out of control. Again poor decision-making and management which has led to higher costs.
Asphalt Grinding:
Uneven sidewalks and driveways are a constant in any community. Before making decisions to conduct asphalt grinding and total asphalt or cement replacement, the Board hopefully would have addressed the underlying causes and mapped out the community to identify trip hazards, tree root issues, or just weathering cracks and chips that occur over time. It is unclear if the company that recently performed the asphalt grinding had a plan that was developed by the Board or if they performed their work in a random manner! Without a proper examination of all areas of Sevilla, there will be duplicative work to correct the damage that is already there, which will result in more costs.
