It looks like there is a good chance of rain tomorrow afternoon, starting around 5:00. The event we are playing for runs from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Our playing time is scheduled for 3:30 to 5:00, then backing the choir for a song. Their awards presentation (they'll be using our PA) will follow that. Even though we will be wrapped up playing shortly after 5:00, we can't start our tear-down and load out until they are done. It is likely we'll be loading out in the rain.
We were told that the band has been moved indoors and the vendors will be cancelled; I am sorry to hear that, for the vendors' sake. For the band, it means we can load-in lighter, since we won't need PA gear to project as far.
I loaded the set list for this gig last night; we are flexible and can change things around on the fly, but it gives us an idea of timing and order for any gear changes. This afternoon, I'll run through the set list to make sure I'm comfortable with all the arrangements.
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The other "event" for tomorrow is the "Meet the President" question and answer get-together in our community, 9 to 10am. This isn't anything formal, the plan is to meet in the park. I have no idea how many people will be there, and if it will be angry homeowners because the HOA dues increase $20 starting in January, or if there will be friendly supporters. I'm OK with however it plays out.
I scheduled this because there is a lot of mis-information, unfounded rumors, and general ugliness on Facebook between a couple different "community" groups. My hope is to clear up the fact that "the HOA board does NOT do business on Facebook." There is a Homeowners' Portal run by the management company that is the official conduit for information or issues with the HOA.
I expected some homeowner concern about the dues increase - people want to know how their money is being spent and on what. I've stated this before (at every board meeting, but those are not well-attended), that every dime is accounted for. There are expenditures we have to do, and some that homeowners have asked for. With a budget over a half million dollars, opinions differ on how those funds are allocated. Some have never looked at the financial reports on the Portal, but they call for "get rid of this board that is wasting our money!!" It goes with the job.
Some people don't understand the purpose of a board for the HOA. Some don't understand that they are a part of the HOA (it's right there in the name: Home Owners Association). We are not some entity that sits around thinking up ways to tell people what they can't do - the Association exists to protect the home values for each member, preserve our common-owned property, and run the business of our community.
This will be the opportunity for homeowners to look at someone (little ol' me) and ask their question. Face to face. Hopefully, instead of making an angry post on Facebook, where they don't have all the facts.
"Why would you put yourself out like this, Jim?" Good question. I care about this community; this on-line bickering isn't good for the community. We are better when we work together. Truly, I have nothing to lose: if I can't get the truth across, or if there is general lack of interest in knowing how the board works and the money is spent, I will have a clear understanding of the direction the community wants to go. The "bullying" that gets done on Facebook, offers no solutions and shows no interest in looking at the financial facts on the Homeowners' Portal. I believe that is a small minority. There is also a minority who show up for board meetings, Block Watch meetings, community meetings with our City Council members, and understand how the Portal works. (Joan has offered to show people how to get on and use the Portal while I answer questions.) I think the majority of people just want to live their lives, come home from work, spend time with their family, and not have to be concerned about the HOA; they expect the people they elected to the board to do their job and keep the community running.
If asked, I will explain the bidding process. And the fact that the landscaping bids varied by over $60,000 from the highest to the lowest. I have all the bids, and have the numbers broken down. For most people, that stuff is boring; and why they don't want to be bothered with sitting in on a board meeting, where these decisions get made. In front of the homeowners. Because the financial matters of the board ARE completely transparent. That word gets tossed around a lot. The numbers are all there, right on the Portal. The financial reports are presented at every board meeting. The board meetings are open to homeowners, so they can see the process. Yet, someone who has never attended a board meeting or looked at the Homeowners' Portal, can get on Facebook and state, as though it is fact, that "the board isn't being transparent."
We'll see how this Q&A goes.
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