Info from the Condo Guru

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From time to time, I like to check out the website of Beth Grimm, the "California Condo Guru". There are many HOA law firms that put out newsletters on matters that might interest HOA board members and residents, but I think Beth is one of the better writers. She covers important topics in clear language that most of us can understand.

I just caught up on the past few months' worth of articles, and there are some good ones to share with you:

• Earthquake Country

• How Should an Architectural Review "Appeals" Process Work?

• Setting the Record Straight on Homeowner Forum"

• Parking in the Garage, What is So Misunderstood About That?

Clearly this is not one-stop shopping for all you need to know about community association living, and there are many different perspectives on the topics. But it's a good way to get familiar with some important topics, the associated issues, and how others have handled them.

I wasn't at the board meeting last week, but some of the reports I heard about open forum are prompting me to share my own understanding of the law with readers: Each member of the association has a right to address the board for a reasonable amount of time in each open meeting. The board is not under an obligation to engage in dialogue with you, especially if the topic you are speaking on is not covered by the agenda. But you have the right to speak on a topic whether or not it will be covered in a future meeting, and you have the right to do it, uninterrupted. I believe the general period the board has used is 3 minutes. An agenda is a tool for guiding the meeting but shouldn't provide hard stops if people wish to speak in a respectful manner.

As I've said before, I think a good way to communicate opinions is to inform the board in writing first so they are prepared, but sometimes the forum is the only opportunity residents have to speak up and hear the opinions of others. You and the board should understand what you as homeowners are entitled to - but also realize that the meeting does not provide a limitless soapbox for people to talk with the board throughout the meeting. Once open forum is over, members in the audience become spectators unless requested to speak by the board.