Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Distribution of information by members

The Southampton section of the CMS website has a blank page titled "News & Views". Apparently few are aware of this feature, and even the site manager has no answer on its use.

The Virginia Condominium Act § 55-79.75:1 states:

"A. The executive organ shall establish a reasonable, effective, and free method, appropriate to the size and nature of the condominium, for unit owners to communicate among themselves and with the executive organ regarding any matter concerning the unit owners' association.

"B. Except as otherwise provided in the condominium instruments, the executive organ shall not require prior approval of the dissemination or content of any material regarding any matter concerning the unit owners' association."


On July 2, 2007 we asked Tom Patti, CMS Services, the following:
- Who is permitted to contribute "News & Views"?
- Are the "News & Views" censored or otherwise approved before appearing on the website?
- How long does it take for "News & Views" submitted by residents to appear on the website?

Tom Patti replied: "Thank you for your questions. I will forward your questions to the Board of Directors for their review and response."

Shouldn't Tom Patti have an answer to questions about a website managed by his company without having to refer the issue to the Board? Isn't that a responsibility of the Management Agent?

This seems to confirm that no one has been using "News & Views", there are no procedures in place for its use, and the Board of Directors have yet to implement § 55-79.75:1 of the Virginia Condominium Act .

1 comment:

Moderator said...

Subject: Distribution of information by members
Date: 8/3/01 1:09 PM
To: Barbara Labitska, blabitska@hotmail.com
Julie Handley, jchandley@erols.com
Mike Plehn, airplehn@hotmail.com
Maria-ines Pariente, maria-enes.pariente@gsa.gov
Randy LeCocq, rrlecocq@aol.com
Tom Patti, tsp@cmsserv.com

Board of Directors
Southampton Condominium

Section § 55-79.75:1. Distribution of information by members, requires:

"The executive organ shall establish a reasonable, effective, and free
method, appropriate to the size and nature of the condominium, for unit owners
to communicate among themselves and with the executive organ regarding any
matter concerning the unit owners' association. (2001, c. 715.)"

Pursuant to this section of Virginia law, please provide the specification,
rules, procedures, etc., so that I may communicate with other members of our
condominium association. A timely response would be appreciated.

Enver Masud