July 16, 2024 Board Meeting Commentary
As the general session meeting was called to order, one notable absence was Board Director Sandra Ellis. It was not disclosed that Sandra Ellis was no longer a board director because she had sold her home and was no longer living in the community. Nor was it disclosed that there was an open-board seat and that the board was operating as a 4-member board.
This board of directors has given the responsibility of running and directing the General Sessions to the property manager, which can be problematic. It is also unclear who is developing the monthly agenda and why the Board President or Vice President is not directing the meetings.
As the board has moved its monthly meetings solely to ZOOM, there was a new law that went into effect on January 1, 2024, regarding how board directors must vote in virtual meetings. Board votes must be completed with roll call votes. Each member shall be called individually by name and then with a verbal vote so that other members who are listening will know how each director voted. The Sevilla HOA Board is not complying with the law which makes it impossible for our HOA members to know how each board director voted on a particular agenda item.
Motion to approve minutes: The Board should not be approving Executive Session Minutes in the General Session. That task is for the Executive Session. Passed 4-0.
It is also apparent that board directors have their cameras turned off except for Director Patrick Whitfield and Property Manager Fred DeLaRosa. Not sure why the other board directors feel compelled not to show their faces.
Homeowners Forum: Homeowner commented that the board didn’t take her advice and set the proper tone for the meeting.
Financials: Comment “Nothing different than prior month”; Question regarding parking revenue and workman’s comp payments” which was odd since there are no employees.
Vote to approve 4-0.
Board Positions: The board positions were reorganized by a vote of 3-0 with one abstention. Due to the lack of a roll-call vote, it was unclear which board director abstained.
The new officers are:
President: Edward Lee
Vice President: Thomas Werling
Secretary: Andre La Breche
Treasurer: Patrick Whitfield
Committees: Open to all members, but committees are disbanded as a new board must authorize new committees. Will decide at next board meeting.
- ARC – The Board would like all directors to be on ARC. Presents a problem if they meet with 3 or more directors, which would be considered a board meeting. Not good advice.
- Landscape Committee – Board Director Whitfield proposed that the landscape committee be authorized to spend $500 per month/$6000 per year. This would lead to no accountability or transparency.
Accounting:
- Monthly utilities approved by Diversified.
- Any other expenditures must be approved by 2 board directors for each invoice and that 2 board directors must sign each check.
Investment Policy:
- Whichever financial institution manages Sevilla’s money, there will be no fee to that institution.
- Morgan Stanley was mentioned as a financial institution that Sevilla HOA would be using.
- Short term investments such as CDs.
- Limit of $250,000 investment due to insurance backed limits on deposit holdings.
- No explanation for Morgan Stanley’s incentive for investing the HOA’s money.
Parking Patrol: Acting like police according to board directors.
Reserve Study: Due for an off-site reserve study.
- The board should get bids.
- $875 cost last year.
- Proposal already approved from May 20, 2024, that cost not exceed $800.
Appfolio Access: Board Director needs access.
Repairs: No vote in repairs
- Pool: Draining of pool and spa 3 to 4 times per year is excessive.
Aquatrends: Spa Controller $697.10
Aquatrends: Pool Heater $819.30, Heat Burners $752.54, Desooting $600-700
LC: Accurate Bid $1790
Advanced Bid $1500 Approved 4-0
LD: Work Performed, Not Board approved prior to work. Ceiling crack stemming from roof leak, drywall repair
LE: Work Performed, Not Board approved prior to work. Repair done by 1st Avenue Construction – ceiling crack stemming from roof leak, drywall repair
LF: Work Performed, Not Board approved prior to work.
Additional Address – Bathroom Shower being redone, no board approval needed.
