A Recipe for Disaster?

At the GLA Board meeting on December 5, 2016, one subject noteworthy of mention was the appointment of the new GLA treasurer. This is a one-year position and part of the executive arm of the board. Treasurer Rudy Parker decided not to seek re-election. The responsibilities of the office far exceeded his abilities.



As audience members observed the nomination process, something quite interesting occurred. The first nominee flatly refused the nomination. The second nominee also immediately declined, followed by a rapid succession of refusals from the rest of the board members. No attending director wanted the job. The newly-elected GLA president, Mr. Dennis Riley, chuckled and exclaimed, “We have a dilemma!”



In a last-ditch attempt, the name, “Mark Seaver” was heard. As is routine, Mr. Seaver was physically absent, but he had called in “attending” via cellphone. So, with an audible air of reluctance, he finally volunteered to fill the position. Both board members and attendees were quite surprised, if not shocked, at this unanticipated development. Except for an annual vacation to his home in South Glastonbury, Mr. Seaver resides in Maryland year-round. How could he realistically manage the day-to-day business of the GLA finances from afar?



While all present stopped to consider what had just happened, there was another surprise! Former GLA Vice-President and full-time South Glastonbury resident, Tim Brockett graciously offered to become the new GLA Treasurer. He stated that, “For the sake of the community, I am willing to take on the responsibilities of the treasurer. I have the abilities to do that.” Continuing, he voiced,” I am willing to do all the work that needs to be done and put in the time. That’s a serious issue.”



Of course, the office of treasurer has to go to a board member. It was also suggested that one of the two South Glastonbury directors step aside, and then, Mr. Brockett could be appointed to the GLA Board. No discussion followed. High-pitched laughter was heard reverberating from Mr. Parker.



When it came time to vote, newly-elected GLA President Dennis Riley, largely ignored Brockett’s offer saying, “Well, we only have one person nominated for treasurer. Let’s take a vote.” Seaver’s appointment was hastily confirmed. Right away, Secretary Charlene Murphy intervened with the notion of having a “treasurer’s team” to handle the ongoing workload.



Mr. Parker was appointed treasurer about 1 ½ years ago. Mr. Parker was clueless regarding basic accounting practices, evidenced by his repeatedly inaccurate monthly financial reports and other failures. There is a vast collection of documentation to this effect posted on this forum (if you’d like to learn more, search “Parker” in green bar above).



How can the newly appointed treasurer, Mr. Seaver, who lives out-of-state, handle all of the day to day responsibilities required of the GLA treasurer? Some of the duties include, but are not limited to:



• Picking up the mail at the post office

• Signing and depositing checks

• Paying bills and salaries

• Dealing with ongoing collection efforts

• Conferring with the accounting service in Livingston

• Managing additional aspects of the GLA finances/accounting

• Giving, live detailed financial reports at monthly board meetings

• Chairing/running the many Finance Committee meetings



This is not plausible. Will the accuracy of our financial records be further compromised? How can the complicated finances of this homeowner’s association be managed from clear across the country? It has been very difficult to hear all of what Mr. Seaver says each and every time he has participated in meetings long distance. Cell phone reception is at best, intermittent and scratchy. It is would be nigh impossible for him to deliver the financial reports via cellphone each month. With an already overloaded board, how can anyone reasonably and practically give Mr. Seaver the help he needs to manage the daily and ever-changing complexities of the GLA Finances? Is this another recipe for disaster?



The GLA is in dire need of someone who is qualified to manage the finances and manage them professionally. Mr. Parker has proven to be unfit for the position, and Mr. Seaver faces many uphill challenges in fulfilling his fiduciary responsibilities as an absentee treasurer. Mr. Brockett has the time, the presence, the commitment and the expertise to be an exceptional treasurer for the community of Glastonbury. Why not select the one who is best qualified for the position?