 Committees
Committees
Committees
Every
association has committees. Committees are established
as a requirement of the Covenants (ie, the Architectural
Control Committee or the Nomination Committee). In
addition, the Board of Directors is empowered by the governing
documents to created ad-hoc committees, such as Finance
or Landscape. The purpose of each committee is to
address specific issues of the association and to provide
recommendations to the Board of Directors. Committees,
unless permitted otherwise in the governing documents,
are recommending bodies only. The Board of Directors
oversees the operations of committees and makes the final
decision from the recommendation received from the committee. Membership
in a committee is a great training ground for first time
involvement with the association. In larger associations,
the Board of Directors will rely heavily upon committee
members to assist in the operation of the association. Members
at large are more accepting of Board action when it involves
committee participation. Once a committee is developed,
it is important to establish operating guidelines, which
include meeting schedule, tasks and responsibilities,
goals and objectives, reporting function, and leadership
role. Architectural
Control
To
preserve, enhance, and assure uniformity in the architectural
aesthetics of the community by consistently applying
the Covenants and Design Standards. The Architectural
Control Committee develops and implements guidelines,
reviews architectural submittals, and maintains records
of architectural recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Building/Clubhouse/Pool
To
repair, maintain, and upgrade the structures on the Association's
land. The building/clubhouse/pool committee establishes
policies and procedures for the use and operation of
the pool and recreational facility. The committee is
responsible for developing and implementing a maintenance
schedule for the facilities, as well as making recommendations
to the Board of Directors.
Community
Relations
To
monitor governmental activities and report to the Board
of Directors on issues, events, and projects occurring
in the surrounding community that impact the general
welfare of community. The Community Relations committee
works as a liaison with local government.
Communications
To
provide information to the members regarding the actions
of the Board of the Directors and other committees. The
Communication Committee coordinates the development of
the newsletter, flyers, websites, or other general publications.
Finance
To
ensure the Association's financial transactions are handled
in a timely and accurate manner consistent with generally
accepted accounting principles. The Finance Committee
develops and monitors the operating budget, maintains
a schedule for reserve funding, and assists in the annual
audit review process.
Hospitality
and Welcome
To
welcome each new homeowner within the first few months
of the new member moving into the community. The Hospitality
and Welcome Committee should be the first contact the
new homeowner has with the association.
Landscape
To
maintain and improve, when needed, the grass, trees,
plants, flowers, and grounds located in the common properties
(open space, trails, lakes, streets, entrances). The
Landscape Committee develops the maintenance contract,
oversees the seasonal maintenance activities.
Neighborhood
Events
To
promote community wide activities of the community such
as Garage Sale, Halloween Party, Fourth of July Pool
Party, Holiday Caroling Party, Community Decorating,
and Social Clubs.
Security/Neighborhood
Watch
To
establish procedures protecting the common property and
develop a program that provides a visible presence in the
community to reduce vandalism. The Committee recommends
security measures and services to the Board of Directors
during certain peak times of the year when additional protection
is needed, such as at holiday times, summer season, or
during community events.
Nomination
Committee
To
present a slate of candidates to the membership for the
election of the Board of Directors. Generally, this
committee is mandated by the Covenants to be established
for the specific purpose of ensuring the board elections
are held in compliance with the state laws and association
governing documents.
These
are only a handful of committees that can be established
by the Board of Directors. It is important for
each association to address the needs of the membership
by creating committees that focus on important aspects
of the community. Committee work promotes member
involvement and greatly improves the communication channels
needed for a smooth operating association. Never
overlook the value of volunteers and what they can accomplish
for your community.
Association Times' Staff Writer
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