MEETINGS ARE CLOSED!!!
WOW!! Another of MR. President’s shills is heard from and this one CLOSED ALL MEETINGS.
Isn’t it interesting that after establishing over a 2 year precedent setting procedure of REQUIRING OPEN meetings, via the By-Laws Article XI , H. “The Sunshine Laws”, that NOW, UCO can now choose to totally disregard this item and completely close all meeting!! Without your voice whatsoever, again!! Remember the Failed Rent strike, Failed Registry, Failed attempt to mediate BEFORE the Failed Arbitration? What’s next, punishment for not agreeing with their obstinate declarations?
This Administration continues to CLAIM that they are transparent - while closing meetings?? The only reasons anyone could possibly attribute to this action is either they want closed-door dictatorship style meetings or are just unprepared or unwilling to act with transparency, which does require more skill and perhaps….training.
Either way, we the residents LOOSE! Even the District court in Florida decided that the Transportation System in this Village constituted a “common element expense” and it matters not who issued such a perverse legal “opinion”, the court might consider that opinion in CONFLICT with their ruling and OVERTURN UCO’s new “current” decision.
I believe UCO should, in the best interest of this Village, reconsider such dire direction. Frankly if they are unable to abide with the well-intentioned motivation behind this part of the By-Laws, perhaps we need a new TEAM. If you are not up to performing your duties with-in the guidelines of the mandate of the “people”, then resign so others may be elected or appointed.
I, for one, object to their incorrect interpretation of the By-laws in a manner that suits them, especially when this is a change that should require a By-law change PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTATION! When you have come to expect a practice to continue, such as open meeting, surely the BOARD OF DIRECTORS should have the right to make that decision. A by-law change is an imperative! I would not support such change for the following reasons: 1. Open meetings encourage more residents to participate, closed only discourages. 2. As newer participants begin to take part, we may actually see more of their involvement, including their willingness to volunteer, the reverse only excludes such encouragement. 3. UCO constantly berates those Associations that do not attend and sign-in to Delegate Assemblies. What do you expect when suggestions or recommendations are summarily discouraged as this Administration has done repeatedly. Example: Our own blogger Elaine Brown went to UCO to offer suggestions only to have them rejected. 4. Closing meetings restricts the wealth of talent from showing interest and precludes Committee Chairs from finding possible new members that might rekindle interest and activity among the Committee. 5. Sometimes new views offer perspectives that the current make-up of the Committee might never have developed on their own.
I can’t imagine why any “body” of governance would ever want to limit their constituent’s participation, ever. The more you have participation, the larger the response to “CERTS”, and every other function of UCO. We should be pulling together, not restricting access, just because……Just what are they afraid of…US
I am truly disappointed in the Executive Board's “lack of disagreement” and thus allowing this self-serving announcement to be put forward to the Delegate Assembly and believe each should be held accountable when election time draws near. VOTE for CHANGE
Just as with the National political picture…….people… it is time for CHANGE….and only YOU CAN DO IT!! Vote for Change Insist on Change!
Stand up for what is right…….not for what is easy or secret or done without your consent…. Remember they did not propose a By-law change for you’re approval….they just ignored your opinion and substitute THEIR self-serving views. WRONG AGAIN! Failed Registry ……..Failed Arbitration and now this?? This just isn’t DEMOCRACY in action and it certainly isn’t transparency in action!
Perhaps a petition to amend the By-laws would eliminate this theft of power!
That’s my view, now, please,.......... share yours!
Ed Black
39 comments:
Closed meetings are for a society that is run by a dictator. Open meetings are fair and informative. Many people here in the village do not understand budgets and how they are prepared. Open meetings would help more people understand. It is one thing to stand around in the pool and say (I don't think they should spend money on ********.) It is another to go to a budget meeting and find out that the above expenditure is mandated by state law. It is one thing to say that our fees MUST NOT go up but another to find out that we are not properly funding some of our reserve accounts. Democracy is not a spectator sport. If we do not get involved, we deserve what we get. If we are not allowed because of closed meetings to get involved we should fight tooth and nail to keep our by-law rights. Our State mandated rights. Bringing the budget to the Sept or October meeting and allowing 15 minutes for presentation and questions is not enough. As a former New Englander I went to many town meetings over the last 40 years. The finance committe met for months before the meeting in OPEN meetings to develop the budget. Then when brought before the floor at the town meeting. The budget was opened for questions. People first said they wanted to talk about line item ***. Maybe 20 line items had questions. Then one by one they would be explained. The important groundwork was done at the previous meetings but the general population was still able to get clarification on any issues that they wanted. This is what we need more of here. NOT closed meetings but OPEN POSTED meetings encouraging participation. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES THAT WE HAVE EVER FACED. WE ARE IN GRAVE DANGER OF LOSING WHAT LITTLE VOICE WE HAVE LEFT.
Not Happy with how things are run? Go get elected to some office and try to change things. This forum will not change anything due to the few numbers of people who use it. Perhaps MOST of the people living in the village like the way things are or do not care WHO EVER is in office.
Stop complaining and start doing.
Do you think Geroge will allow that?
Anyone can run for office with or without the nominating committee consent. Just run from the floor. The big question is will you get elected? Unfortunately the vast majority of village residents do not care who is elected or who is in power as long as the buses run and there are shows in the clubhouse.
Perhaps your bloggers suggestions were not very good. Just because someone blogs here does not make their suggestions valid.
It is my understanding that there is an OPEN UCO budget Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Wednesday September 17, 2008. It is also my understanding that the delegate meeting to approve or reject the budget is an open meeting. Why has that not been mentioned on this blog?
On October 1st, new State condo laws become effective. It appears that the new laws are very favorable to the unit owners.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO CONDO ACTCONDO BILL H 995(FS 468 + FS 718)
To view this, under useful links, click on Consumer Alliance for HOA's and Condos.Hopefully, some of the self-appointed gurus will fall by the wayside.
Anonymous said...
It is my understanding that there is an OPEN UCO budget Town Hall Meeting scheduled for Wednesday September 17, 2008. It is also my understanding that the delegate meeting to approve or reject the budget is an open meeting. Why has that not been mentioned on this blog?
TRUE the meeting goes..."Are there any questions on the budget?' and so goes the required effort to justify the PROPOSED EXPENDITURES
Only after the budget was approved (without any discussion of committee requested budget amounts) did we learn that Beautification had put into their budget “BIRD-HOUSES AND PARK BENCHES”. This may seem fair until you know what wasn’t fully or even adequately funded was the “soil erosion problem”. Why do we want to be permitted to participate….because frills should wait, and would probably have if the MANDATORY EXPENSES had been properly funded. WE need a voice inside these meetings not during a one hour briefing or the normal 1 ½ hour Delegate Assembly Meetings……there is just not sufficient time, unless we take part in the formulation discussions...You will see 9-17-2008, just what I mean!
That's my view, PLEASE share yours...
Ed
Some people like the new benches.
Some people are not very happy living here.
Some people think that only their agenda is the one.
Some people are not going to like the changes in condo laws.
Some people are not going to like the changes in insurance regulations.
Some people do not like the present officers.
Some people did not like the past officers.
Some people will not like the next set of officers no matter who they are.
Some people want to change things but do not want to do the work necessary to do it.
Some people want to get back in power but will not.
Some people will not like the next UCO budget no matter how many meetings are held.
Some people are not cut out to live in a condo set up.
Anonymouse posters should get some balls and express their opinions using their real names but then again,they might not know their names anymore. If thats the case , I apologize
Anon-y-mous said some like this, some do not like that.
.
When rules are in place – play by them. Follow them or make necessary change.
No one like the changes occurring when UCO's current Administration says it is a transparent Administration, while continuing to talk out of both sides of their mouth. They continue to make decisions without the BOARD of Directors participation. They even blamed the past Administration for this failing and yet they continue to practice what the complain about.
By-law change is for the 2/3rds of the Delegate Assembly to decide. Contracts are also for the DA to decide, and here again Mr. President ignored them and just EXTENDED THE BUS CONTRACT FOR 6 MONTHS. Of course he offered a lame excuse that he had the best interests of Residents at heart. While that is commendable, he continues to disregard the real power in the village business, not UCO, but the Representatives of the 309 Associations, who are responsible for the budget and all of UCO's functions.
Now, his interpretation that we wanted open meeting must end, this change is again being made without his constituents voice or agreement. A BY-LAW REVISION IS AMNDATORY!! These decisions are not for Officers, even presidents, to make. Why not let the people decide.......Who are you afraid of?
Or perhaps he is one who is” not cut out to live in a condo set up”.
I continue to sign in using my name and encourage your participation on all matters....as it should be.
Ed Black
let it be known and effective immediately, phyllis richland resigned as vice president of uco due to philisophycal differences with the administration. a letter of resignation was hand delivered to pres. loewenstien on june 11, 2008. i want to thank everyone i've dealt with in the 10 years i was with uco in different capacities. it was one hell of a ride.thank you and god bless!
I do not always agree with what Ed Black may say and I am sure that he would not always with what I might say. The same thing is true for anonymous or the plural anonymous as I believe there are several. However I do feel that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This blog voted to allow anonymous posting and as such can continue to allow such posting or stop them.
It appears that some people are not happy with this rule and express this in their postings which is their right.
In any case Century Village West Palm Beach is a great place to live.Not everything is perfect here but darn close to it.
I wonder what Phyllis's philosophical differences are?
Mike
HONESTRY, INTEGRITY, MORAL FIBERS, ETC
Ed Black, why do you refer to anonymous as "he". One of your own female bloggers has said that she sometimes bolgs as anonymous.
To Bill Clinton-How come YOU are not using your real name?
My wife won't let me, she is afraid of UCO and I don't want to lose my sex partner.
To Bill Clinton,
AT LAST A SENSIBLE REASON.
SEX IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN SOME OF THE JUNK POSTED HERE.
KEEP UP WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
SOMEWHERE IN THE BIBLE DOES IT NOT SAY "GO FORTH A MULTIPLY".
Bill Clinton, that was a terrific answer. Keep up the good work. Hello to your wife.
The people that I know in our community do not seem like the type of people that would make the nasty comments that I see here under the name of anonymous.
lb
Some of the nasty comments are by "names"
To Bill Clinton
As a member of the UCO Executive Board I am somewhat concerned about your statement that your wife (is it Hillary)
"is afraid of UCO." What is she afraid of"?
Bill,
If you and your wife ever break up, give me a call. You're my type of guy.
Monica L.
Larry, My wife has heard all these rumors about unit owners and assocs. that disagree and speak out against UCO being harassed.
Monica, my wife is to good in bed to ever break up with. Thank you for the offer though.
To Bill Clinton,
There is a big difference between rumor and fact. I hear a lot of rumors in the village that have little fact behind them. Century Village is a great rumor mill starting with the pools.Rumors seem to take on a life of their own.
Larry
I enjoy your participation on this blog, along with many others, as well. Why has the basic issue of this string been overlooked in your participation.
As an Executive Board member…..where do you stand on UCO’s recently announced 'about face' on permitting Owners access to attend Committee meetings?
The question remains unanswered by you and others on the Executive Board, and officers as well.
WHY change the status quo? Is the change in our Owners best interest or is it self-serving?
Did you agree or disagree with the announced change in procedure? What are you views, and other elected officials of UCO, on this subject?
We do disagree on items from time to time, as we have an unalienable right to so do, but your eloquence at avoiding this and other important issues is startling. You were elected to be an active member of this governing ‘body’ UCO and WE WANT YOUR VIEWS! Surely you may have been surprised at the Executive Board meeting, but by now you must have formed an opinion! Please share you views….here.
Are you able to justify such abhorrent judgment to close “common element expense” committee meeting to Condominium Owners? If so please explain. But at least respond to the subject, all who read this blog (some 1900 unique visitors) want to know. Please! I encourage all to share their view on this issue.
Ed Black
My wife is mad at me because I didn't say she was a great cook. I can't win and whoever said man was the stronger sex is an absolute fool.
Ed
To say the least I was somewhat surprised at what I heard. Like perhaps others on the Executive Board I would need some time to access what this all means. In the interim I do understand that the Chair of any committee is the person to ask to attend a committee meeting.
As you know from experience in the day to day work of committee chairs, officers and executive board members there are many issues and problems to deal with and this is another one to contend with. Can we solve every issue immediately? No. Do I personally have any problem with open meetings? The answer is no.
Larry,
With a very graceful avoidance of the key question, you answer questions you ask of yourself rather, than the questions asked of you.
Restated: WHY change the status quo?
Is the change in our Owners best interest or is it self-serving?
Did you agree or disagree with the announced change in procedure?
Are you able to justify such abhorrent judgment to close “common element expense” committee meetings to Condominium Owners?
Kindly respond to the more important issue…..surely, by now, you know even when a chair permits someone to attend, it will not be DURING the meeting, only permitting comments before the meeting, after which, attendees must leave. A review of the replay of the taped Delegate Assembly meeting of June 6, 2008 should clear up any misunderstanding. I am concerned at your sense we have time to consider such ghastly abhorrent judgment, that could lead to a legal action to overturn that which is not permitted by any entity against Condominium Owners and their rights to take part in the formulation of all “common element expenses”. You do understand the term “common element expense”? The Florida District court decreed that the Transportation system in the Village is just that.
I’m certain all eyes are on you to address the above questions.
Please Larry….answer those questions!
Ed Black
I do not plan to "shoot from the hip" on this matter but instead review details of Florida Corporate 617 law which I understand governs not for profit corporations.
When I feel that I have the proper knowledge and facts about open meeting I will respond. Whether it will be on this forum or some other forum I do not know at this time. Until that time I can only say again that I personally have no problem with open meetings.
If all eyes are on me because of this matter they will have to wait until I know more as I feel that I do need to know more. I do know about the court decision regarding transportation.
Dear EdThe free service that UCO and it's volunteers are providing for the village is getting much too expensive: consider; the unit owners are paying for security, trsnsportation etc.,well meaning volunteers are giving freely of their talent and time for the good of all. But there is a but. We are giving up our right to speak freely and have to post under anonymous. Constant turmoil seems to be the decision making process they employ. How is that conducive to serene retirement living ? UCO was formed to defend and benefit unit owners. And it has become what it was supposed to defend against.To the 1900 visitors to this blog, my question is; Are you visiting this blog for entertainment or are you concerned about your freedom. Please speak up.
Well said and I agree.
The time to supports our rights is upon us.
Our By-laws clearly dictate open meetings, as was the practice for some time now. Why then would anyone need to read 617?
Our by-laws govern as they have been interpreted and should so continue until an amendment passes the Delegate Assembly, CHANGING that interpretation. To do otherwise is anarchy, and we should stand against such outrageous behavior by our elected officials.
Does anyone have any TEA?
Ed Black
We should elect Ed Black, President, Vice President,Treasurer and Secretary of UCO as he is such an expert on everything.
Why bother with anyone else.
YES as on of the 1900 visitors of this site I come here for entertainment.
Why do you come here?
To anonymous of 1:26 pm,
I'm an eternal optimist. or maybe stupid. I post because serious participation in preserving our freedoms is essential if you want to remain free. Thank you for your honesty.
Please advise where the UCO By Laws call for open meetings. I cannot find such an item. I did however find reference to using the Sunshine Laws as a guide.
I do not know what it takes to keep the meetings open, but whatever it is, it needs to be implemented.
Many new ideas and suggestions come from the open meeting attendees. As I state, I do not know where we are headed but we need a Democratic and not a closed Administration.
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