Post by Veritas on Jan 7, 2024 19:16:23 GMT -7
Efforts to Fill Vacant GLA Director Seats Defeated
Treasurer Resigns - The Secretary's Seat is also Open.
Treasurer Resigns - The Secretary's Seat is also Open.
On December 18th, 2023, just 4 days after being seated as a new GLA Director, Claudette Dirkers created a postcard inviting landowners to apply for the two empty directors’ seats on the GLA Board. The GLA Bylaws require that landowners be notified of empty seats and provided with the opportunity to apply for board appointments. Article VI Section E in the restated Bylaws states:
Surprisingly there was resistance to Dirkers' motion to approve a community-wide mailing. President Dearing offered her novel interpretation of the GLA Bylaws and proclaimed that the empty seats did not need to be filled and voted no. Dearing reasoned that the vacancies happened because of the election results, and thus, did not occur "between elections.” The 2023 Annual Election filled every vacant director's seat. But, because the 20-vote Edict was in effect, it appeared that several seats remained empty. Once the Edict was rescinded, every seat was filled. Several candidates declined to serve and that created the current two vacant seats.
Notice of vacancies in the Board of Directors between Annual Elections shall be mailed, delivered personally, or e-mailed by the Secretary, or other person designated by
the President, to each Member within the affected area (Glastonbury North or Glastonbury South) within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Thereafter, the Members in the affected area will have thirty (30) days to contact the Board to express interest in filling the vacancy and to provide qualifications.
the President, to each Member within the affected area (Glastonbury North or Glastonbury South) within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the vacancy. Thereafter, the Members in the affected area will have thirty (30) days to contact the Board to express interest in filling the vacancy and to provide qualifications.
Surprisingly there was resistance to Dirkers' motion to approve a community-wide mailing. President Dearing offered her novel interpretation of the GLA Bylaws and proclaimed that the empty seats did not need to be filled and voted no. Dearing reasoned that the vacancies happened because of the election results, and thus, did not occur "between elections.” The 2023 Annual Election filled every vacant director's seat. But, because the 20-vote Edict was in effect, it appeared that several seats remained empty. Once the Edict was rescinded, every seat was filled. Several candidates declined to serve and that created the current two vacant seats.
President Dearing also spoke of the need for more committee members and someone to fill the vacant secretary's seat. The President set the tone and others followed. Directors Jewel Wieczorek, Jaylyn Jensen, Scott Stomierowski, and Leslie Everett also voted no. John Carp, Doug Gill, Tim Brockett, and Jack Sutton voted yes. Dirkers' yes vote made 5 yes to the 5 no votes. The vote was tied, and the motion was defeated.
Director Brockett then volunteered to be the GLA Board Secretary, but his offer was rejected by President Dearing and Vice President Jensen. Dearing did not "feel comfortable" with Brockett, and Jensen stated that “she did not trust him.” Neither provided any reasons for their judgments. That seat remains open.
Another director noted that the current board is unwilling to bring on new directors because the balance of power may shift.
A second attempt at sending a postcard initiated by Director Everett, also failed. That postcard omitted any reference to the two open directors’ seats.
More resignations were tendered by GLA Board members. Director Jewel Wieczorek resigned from her position as GLA Treasurer for the second time. Her abrupt resignation was effective immediately. Wieczorek resigned before the first meeting of the Finance Committee where the 2024 Draft Budget will be created. The Assistant Treasurer, new Director Doug Gill had that responsibility thrust upon him. Vice President Jaylyn Jensen resigned from the Road and the Project Review Committees, after serving less than 3 weeks. She reasoned that other members could take up the slack.
Director Brockett also offered to serve as GLA Treasurer, but his request was ignored. He made a campaign promise of 100% financial transparency. The position of treasurer would allow him to fulfill that promise to landowners.
On January 6th, 2024, Director Leslie Everett resurrected her failed postcard and added that the GLA was "gauging for landowners interested in serving on an Ad-Hoc committee to help source and vet a HOA/LOA management company." President Dearing and Vice President Jensen are in favor of hiring an HOA management company. Although the 2023 GLA Board discussed the subject, the new 2024 Board has not had an opportunity to analyze the matter. Everett wishes to hold the GLA Secretary and Treasurer positions open, pending a detailed study of how those jobs can be streamlined and made more efficient.
About 10 years, ago the GLA contracted with Minnick Management to run the association. The cost was just under $30,000.00 per year. When the GLA lost its legal liability insurance because of excessive lawsuits, Minnick suddenly quit. In 2022, the GLA attempted to get Legal Liability Insurance but was rejected again. HOA management fees have increased substantially in the last few years. It is also doubtful any company would take on an HOA/LOA that does not have Legal Liability Insurance.
For now, it appears the GLA Board will not be filling vacant directors’ seats. The officer positions of GLA Secretary and Treasurer, also remain open indefinitely.
Director Brockett then volunteered to be the GLA Board Secretary, but his offer was rejected by President Dearing and Vice President Jensen. Dearing did not "feel comfortable" with Brockett, and Jensen stated that “she did not trust him.” Neither provided any reasons for their judgments. That seat remains open.
Another director noted that the current board is unwilling to bring on new directors because the balance of power may shift.
A second attempt at sending a postcard initiated by Director Everett, also failed. That postcard omitted any reference to the two open directors’ seats.
More resignations were tendered by GLA Board members. Director Jewel Wieczorek resigned from her position as GLA Treasurer for the second time. Her abrupt resignation was effective immediately. Wieczorek resigned before the first meeting of the Finance Committee where the 2024 Draft Budget will be created. The Assistant Treasurer, new Director Doug Gill had that responsibility thrust upon him. Vice President Jaylyn Jensen resigned from the Road and the Project Review Committees, after serving less than 3 weeks. She reasoned that other members could take up the slack.
Director Brockett also offered to serve as GLA Treasurer, but his request was ignored. He made a campaign promise of 100% financial transparency. The position of treasurer would allow him to fulfill that promise to landowners.
On January 6th, 2024, Director Leslie Everett resurrected her failed postcard and added that the GLA was "gauging for landowners interested in serving on an Ad-Hoc committee to help source and vet a HOA/LOA management company." President Dearing and Vice President Jensen are in favor of hiring an HOA management company. Although the 2023 GLA Board discussed the subject, the new 2024 Board has not had an opportunity to analyze the matter. Everett wishes to hold the GLA Secretary and Treasurer positions open, pending a detailed study of how those jobs can be streamlined and made more efficient.
About 10 years, ago the GLA contracted with Minnick Management to run the association. The cost was just under $30,000.00 per year. When the GLA lost its legal liability insurance because of excessive lawsuits, Minnick suddenly quit. In 2022, the GLA attempted to get Legal Liability Insurance but was rejected again. HOA management fees have increased substantially in the last few years. It is also doubtful any company would take on an HOA/LOA that does not have Legal Liability Insurance.
For now, it appears the GLA Board will not be filling vacant directors’ seats. The officer positions of GLA Secretary and Treasurer, also remain open indefinitely.