The Do's and Don'ts of Association Committees with Becker’s Ken Direktor Artwork

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Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger

The Do's and Don'ts of Association Committees with Becker’s Ken Direktor

May 22, 2024 • Donna DiMaggio Berger

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Does your association have committees? Do you find them to be a helpful addition to association operations or a harmful "shadow board" with the potential to create liability for the association, its directors, and members? Host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Ken Direktor, Chair of Becker’s Community Association practice, to peel back the curtain on the inner workings of committees: the good, the bad and the ugly. The following committees are discussed in this episode: Fining/Grievance; Architectural Control; Landscaping; Social/Entertainment; Document Rewrites; Budget; Neighborhood Watches and more. Find out which of these committees are vital to your community and which may be more problematic than they're worth.

From the dynamics of issuing fines to planning social events, they break down the landscape of community governance, discussing the pivotal roles committees play and how to craft them for success. This episode doesn't just stop at the nuts and bolts of committee operation—Donna and Ken dive deep into the concerns that hold back potential volunteers, like the looming fear of litigation and the sacrifice of personal time. They look at protective measures such as insurance and a trustworthy attorney that can help mitigate risks in connection with these volunteer roles. They also dissect new Florida legislation, including changes to document inspections, to help associations navigate these murky waters with transparency and diligence.

Whether you're a seasoned board member or a curious resident, this episode promises an enlightening journey through the challenges and triumphs of committee service.

Conversation Highlights Include:

Best practices when creating any type of committee
Notice and transparency requirements for different types of committees
Standing committees vs. discretionary committees
Difficulties in getting volunteers for the Fining/Grievance Committee
Liabilities associated with committees
New Florida legislation and changes to document inspections
Bonus: Find out Ken’s hidden talent!