Problem Surfaces

The problem surfaces with this series of emails through an innocent statement about having the landscaper mow during our drought...

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Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:47 AM
Subject: Grass cutting

Hi Board - we haven't had a cut since July 14th. Obviously not all areas need to be cut this week, but some definitely do. So I'll have Main Line Turf be here on Friday.

Mary (office administrator)

__________

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:51 AM
Subject: RE: Grass cutting

I vote for a cut, looking kind of shabby.

Steve (member of the Board)

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Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:16 AM
Subject: Re: Grass cutting

I do not see where it looks shabby on Springfield - where are you (Steve) referring. I did not know Mary had the authority to say yes and the board have to defend a no. This is not the first time - why does this happen?

Jim (myself, a member of the board)

This started a blizzard of emails as the problem surfaces then continued to develop.


Problem Now Develops

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:29 AM
Subject: RE: Grass cutting

Chester Court looks overgrown front and back. Silence is assent. If the Board members do not respond to a request for vote on a grass cut, then Mary should go ahead and schedule same.

Steve

__________

The problem surfaces with ...

__________

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:10 AM
Subject: RE: Grass cutting

Jim,

Since there is no Landscaping director, Mary has assumed the responsibility and is the primary contact with Main Line Turf. She operates with interest of the community and usually is right on with her recommendations.

She puts it out to the board so that if we disagree we can comment accordingly. The plan is to have a cut every week for the summer. Usually it slows down around now due to the typical summer drought.

If she is recommending a cut it is because of what she has seen during her travels around the community.

I agree with her that we need them to come out and cut back the weeks and trim around the sidewalks as they are always the ones that start looking bad during this time of year. Since they seems to be the areas that the weeds take root. AND during this time of year the weeds are the only things that seem to grow.

If you feel it should happen differently, please recommend the change.

Mike (member of the Board)

__________

Problem surfaces and develops...

__________

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:13 AM
Subject: RE: Grass cutting

I agree with Mike.

Steve

__________

Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 12:21 PM
Subject: Re: RE: Grass cutting

Since we do not have a Landscape Director as pointed out in the previous email. Mary, indeed is the contact with Main Line Turf. Mary makes it a point to drive through the community to check for problems and well as checking emails from homeowners that see problems. If anyone knows anyone who will be willing to fill that position, please let the board know. We are constantly trying to recruit homeowners for the board, please keep trying. We need them badly.

LaVerne (member of Board - President)

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Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 12:48 PM
Subject: Re: Grass cutting

Mike and all board,

The only one in the past to direct Mary was the President of the board. Since the board has deferred the RESPONSIBILITY for the operation of the association to the hired help, instead of having the president lead by making the suggestions for operation, have the board vote, and THEN have a board member follow through is a shirking of responsibility and accountability of the board. In the past a volunteer, the Pres or the VP, would assume responsibility for the duties of a vacant position.

Easing into allowing Mary (hired help) to make decisions, as shown here - no matter the excuse is irresponsible on the part of the board. Mary's email July 29, 2011 shows that additional responsibility has been ASSUMED by her and now she holds the board accountable for an increase in her wage. The board did not hire Mary as management but as hourly help. HOW DID THIS CHANGE? How are you going to correct this travesty?

Jim


 

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