• • create a framework for managing the community and
duties with due diligence and care for the reputation of the
association by acting within procedures, and ensuring that
funding its operations.
they act in the best interest of the community.
Primary documents are the recorded plan or map of the
development, the declaration, covenants, conditions and
restrictions, or master deed, the Articles of Association, and
Community building
documents pertaining to bylaws and resolutions.
Other documents include the rules, regulations and levies. It is Common areas do not automatically create a sense of
imperative that prospective owners obtain information on the community. Nurturing the community spirit is probably the
community levies as well as its rules and regulations, and ensure greatest challenge facing community associations today.
that they agree with the standards set, as once they have bought Clifford Treese, CPCU, ARM, CIRMS
the property they are obligated to conform to the rules and
regulations as they have been set out.
In managing a community association it is essential
to focus on building a sense of community among
residents. An integral part of creating this sense of
Community governance and management
community is to have members who are involved, and
provide their unique viewpoint and suggestions on
In order for a community association to be effective, it is issues. Residents who feel that their viewpoints are
essential to recognise that it is made up of people with taken into account are usually more motivated to be
different backgrounds. The community is made up of four involved in the community.
distinct groups: the owners, the board members, committees
and association management. Each group has different goals. Some activities that can be undertaken in order to
In order for a community leader to manage these goals, they build this sense of community are:
have to understand the different roles of each group, and its • • community activities that assist local charities
respective scope of responsibility. • • community assistance programmes, e.g. a
Every community association is unique and will adopt the • • recognising achievements by members
style of management that best suits it. Options include self- • • organising safety and basic first-aid training
management, being managed by a management company, or • • blood donation drives
the employment of a community manager. • • annual events such as sponsored Easter egg hunts
The parties involved: rights and responsibilities • • including fun photos from the various events in
supportive networks of lift clubs
or tree planting on Arbour Day
the newsletters to encourage participation.
Effective methods of involving members include:
Members of the homeowners association have two
• • undertaking regular surveys to determine
responsibilities – one to themselves and to their individually
community satisfaction and ask for suggestions for
owned property, and one to the association and the community
future activities or programmes
concept. Apathy by an individual member can render the
• • communicating all current programmes and
association ineffective, and can destroy the community
upcoming events in the monthly newsletter
concept. To maintain the quality of life that accompanies a well-
• • starting a welcome committee for new residents
maintained residential community, each individual member must
• • ensuring that anyone who contributes to the
do his or her part. The success of the homeowners association
will depend on how well each member meets and keeps the community is appreciated and acknowledged
responsibilities that are established by the covenants creating the • • encouraging sponsorships from service providers
overall community concept. - Sean Wolfe-Coote, Chairperson of • • ensuring that the board or manager is accessible
to the residents, and organising quarterly member
Eagle Canyon Golf Estate
meetings
• • arranging any community events in areas where
Community associations are an excellent example of democracy
residents traditionally congregate
at work. Ownership of the community rests with the owners,
but the authority for the daily operation of the community is • • establishing committees with specific functions
delegated to the elected representatives – the board of directors. (security, landscaping, social, etc.) and clear
responsibilities.
• • Involve specialist team Estate Living to help build
• • Owners have the right to a well-run, efficient community
community pride and unity.
association that they can participate in, have access to, and
have a say in.
• • The board has the right to respect, and to expect all residents Ultimately, the goal is to encourage a mind-set of being
in the community (both owners and tenants) to comply with part of the community, as opposed to merely living
the community rules, and pay their levies as required. within a community.
• • Board members have the responsibility to perform their
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