Condo Committees can lend a hand to directors

A well-run condominium enterprise takes more than an efficient boardof directors. Committees or overseer experts also are required.

In condo buildings with many units, there is bound to be a mixof families, young marrieds, singles and retirees.

It is wise to select members from each representative group whencommittees are formed to aid the board of directors. In this manner,all the important issues and viewpoints will be conveyed to theboard.

By completing various tasks and bringing final decision-makingto the board, and by broadening the base of associates directlyparticipating in the community operations, committees encourageinteraction and camaraderie.

In complexes where all tasks are left to the board and/or hiredmanager, there usually is too much of an us-against-them attitude,and other forms of negative feedback.

Committee formation and action resolves much of this unneededill-will.

Committees may have three to five members, depending on theamount of work and the size of the complex, and available volunteers.

In small condo buildings of 30 units or less, the same type ofspecialized areas of control may be looked after by one "overseerexpert."

This is one person who will do preliminary-stage work in hisfield and report back to the board. In the committee setup, only thechairman of each group needs to at tend board meetings to report.

Categories of committee or overseer expertise usually will fallinto six basic divisions: Finance. Helps treasurer prepare yearly budget and financialreports, reviews monthly financial statements and makesrecommendations on repair expenditures and payment of maintenancefees. Membership committee. Members may interview prospectiveowners and renters, informing them of bylaws and house rules,parking, common element usage. Maintenance and Grounds. Inspects exterior surroundings, may makerecommendations regarding repair and improvements, may solicit bidsfor work, may actually perform some basic tasks. Rules & Policy. Reviews existing documents and bylaws for areas ofconflict; offers suggestions for changes or additions to the board. Communications. Keeps homeowners and renters informed of pertinentinformation of the complex, notifies association members of timetableof repair and prepares regular newsletter on all communitydevelopments. Social or Activities committee. Encourages interactions, welcomesnew members, promotes recreational experiences and events.