Vistana Courts Ballot is a Farce!

jjlovecub · Nov 18, 2008

Frustration was not even the word when I saw the ballot for the Courts association. I completed an application and submitted my resume to be considered for a Board position. When my name wasn’t on the ballot I called Star Central to find out why. The next day an attorney who works with Starwood and the Associations returned my call. I was informed that the CURRENT Board screens the applicants and then does phone interviews with those they deem worthy. Then those same Board members decide who goes on the ballot for voting. If you look at your ballot 4 of the 5 names are the CURRENT Board members!!! So, as I posed to the attorney – of course the current Board members are going to select themselves!! Why wouldn’t they??? Then to really add insult to injury – there are 5 names on the ballot and 5 positions!!! So our vote is pointless. They are giving us no say in the matter. The attorney told me I could go the meeting and nominate myself; however 95% of the ballots are returned by proxy so there is no way I would stand a chance. He said that is the way FL law is written!!??? This just confirms my sentiment that this Board is a dictatorship seeking NO input from the 1,000s of owners out there. We are not given the Board member’s phone numbers, emails, nothing. The only time in the last 5 years they have contacted us was to TELL us a special assessment had been levied. I have made no secret that I am pro renovation of the Courts BUT all members should have been able to have a say on the issue. Is that process of electing a Board really what the law says??? I have no idea where to go from here but I need to go somewhere.

CeeWoo · Nov 18, 2008

jjlovecub said:
I have made no secret that I am pro renovation of the Courts BUT all members should have been able to have a say on the issue. Is that process of electing a Board really what the law says??? I have no idea where to go from here but I need to go somewhere.

That's much how I feel about this. When they want to spend that type of $ they really should solicite members input (don't get me wrong, I also feel that at least some of the sections of Vistana were in need of renovation)

BTW-I've been wondering what to do with my proxy (it came in the mail a few days ago). I know it's a meaningless idea, but I'm considering returning it unsigned with a note saying I cannot support the board as I feel they are not acting in a manner that elicits confidence when they dictate to the owners instead of gathering info and ideas from the owners. :ignore:

From the response you got, I think that so long as they feel they're within the law, they feel justified into doing whatever they wish.

I own in Fountains

timeos2 · Nov 18, 2008

Nope., doesn't smell right at all

jjlovecub said:
Is that process of electing a Board really what the law says??? I have no idea where to go from here but I need to go somewhere.

Unless the law was rewritten (and anything is possible) that doesn't sound right to me. I've always understood - and the latest modifications seem to state - that any owner in good standing can run for the Board. There is no "selection process" or other such nonsense allowed. You should contact the State and show them that response and get a ruling. Sounds very suspicious to me and a true power play in action.

tomandrobin · Nov 18, 2008

We just had a similar experience with another condo we own. There was a vote for a special assement for a major pool renovation/construction. No response from an owner is interperted a "Yes" vote. Between the non-responders and the owners units (about half are still unsold) the measure was over whelmingly passed. Now we have to pay an extra assesment for the next three years. Oh, did I mentioned the board is made up of the developer and his friends too?

LisaRex · Nov 19, 2008

Wow, that's awful. I'd definitely pursue this. I can't believe that the law, or even the Owner's Agreement, would allow present Board Members to restrict who is listed on the ballot.

nodge · Nov 19, 2008

jjlovecub said:
Frustration was not even the word when I saw the ballot for the Courts association. I completed an application and submitted my resume to be considered for a Board position. When my name wasn’t on the ballot I called Star Central to find out why. The next day an attorney who works with Starwood and the Associations returned my call. I was informed that the CURRENT Board screens the applicants and then does phone interviews with those they deem worthy. Then those same Board members decide who goes on the ballot for voting. If you look at your ballot 4 of the 5 names are the CURRENT Board members!!! So, as I posed to the attorney – of course the current Board members are going to select themselves!! Why wouldn’t they??? Then to really add insult to injury – there are 5 names on the ballot and 5 positions!!! So our vote is pointless. They are giving us no say in the matter. The attorney told me I could go the meeting and nominate myself; however 95% of the ballots are returned by proxy so there is no way I would stand a chance. He said that is the way FL law is written!!??? This just confirms my sentiment that this Board is a dictatorship seeking NO input from the 1,000s of owners out there. We are not given the Board member’s phone numbers, emails, nothing. The only time in the last 5 years they have contacted us was to TELL us a special assessment had been levied. I have made no secret that I am pro renovation of the Courts BUT all members should have been able to have a say on the issue. Is that process of electing a Board really what the law says??? I have no idea where to go from here but I need to go somewhere.

I suggest that you print out and attach your original post (above) to this form, fill out the rest of it, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the first page of that form.

If nothing else, you submitting it to the Florida Bureau of Compliance will force your VR BOD to respond, in writing no less, which, given your BOD’s current “don’t ask / don’t tell” owner communication policy, would be an improvement.

Good Luck,

-nodge

jjlovecub · Nov 19, 2008

nodge said:
I suggest that you print out and attach your original post (above) to this form, fill out the rest of it, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the first page of that form.

If nothing else, you submitting it to the Florida Bureau of Compliance will force your VR BOD to respond, in writing no less, which, given your BOD’s current “don’t ask / don’t tell” owner communication policy, would be an improvement.

Good Luck,

-nodge

Thanks! Will do

gumbert 2 · Dec 1, 2008

nodge you are definitely a knowledgeable guy. thanks for all your help gumbert2

Vistana Courts Ballot is a Farce!

jjlovecub

CeeWoo

timeos2

Tug Review Crew: Rookie

tomandrobin

LisaRex

TUG Review Crew

nodge

jjlovecub

gumbert 2