Projects and outdoor work coming to a close

Well, it's that time of the year. We're nearly into October and so there is some time pressure to complete all of the outdoor tasks before freezing weather becomes the normal here.

The final phase of the roofing project which began in 2003 is moving forward. We are dealing with one of the remaining standing water areas on the property. All I can say is, this property is nearly 40 years old. Are some things really worth the wait?

We're also replacing several driveways. The very large landscaping renovation project to deal with the consequences of the removal of more than 100 trees is scheduled to move forward this fall.

I did give a unique presentation of the finances of the association at the annual meeting. It included a video I prepared and took about 20 minutes. Each of the board members also gave a very good presentation. It is too bad that so few owners attended the meeting. But never fear, when their personal agenda buttons are pressed they will band together and come to a meeting.

I've pointed out to others at the association that low attendance is the consequence of several factors. Many owners view their condo as an apartment, the board is expected to make things work for them and because most things seem adequate, there is really no reason to get of their duffs and come to an annual meeting, much less vote for a board.

The same people probably expect our Federal Government to take care of them. Frankly, if I were Obama I wouldn't be here for the meetings; I'd be politicking and taking care of myself. After all. that's what politicians do at the State and National level.  However, down here with the little people, and we are all little people compared to the likes of the Obamas and the Clintons, we do have to do our work. No stupid servers to be hacked in our association. Duh!

Returning to our HOA, is there cause for concern? Yes, there is. As I expressed to the motivated few who attended the annual meeting we should be concerned about the loss of expert knowledge and continuity. When owners turn their back on their association that vacuum creates an opportunity for the opportunistic. In any association there are those who promote their personal agenda to the detriment of all others. The only thing that keeps these selfish individuals from running amok in an association is the board. What happens when the self serving become the board? Look out!