October 5, 2024

State of the HOA Report 2024

Executive Summary

This report reveals a deeply concerning pattern of behavior by the Roseville Greens HOA board, marked by a lack of transparency and a disregard for governing documents. The board's actions undermine homeowner rights and participation, raising serious questions about their commitment to serving the best interests of our community.

Key issues include a dramatic 400% increase in insurance costs over the past four years, with no clear mitigation plan from the board despite repeated inquiries and the provision of a potential solution. This inaction threatens to lead to further increases in HOA fees and a reduction in community services. Additionally, the board has consistently manipulated notification times, providing the shortest possible notice for meetings and important announcements, effectively suppressing homeowner input and hindering transparency.

Further demonstrating their disregard for homeowner participation, the board has repeatedly attempted to modify meeting agendas on the day of the meetings, limiting homeowner ability to prepare and engage in discussions. Most concerning, the board bypassed the mandated election process to appoint a member of their choosing to a board seat, consolidating their power and potentially creating a biased decision-making body. This action directly contradicts our community bylaws and disenfranchises homeowners.

These actions, coupled with discriminatory conduct towards a homeowner during an HOA meeting, paint a troubling picture of the current board's leadership. This report calls on all Roseville Greens homeowners to get involved, stay informed, and vote in the upcoming election to restore transparency, accountability, and homeowner representation within our HOA.

Introduction

As a concerned homeowner in Roseville Greens, I believe it's crucial to have open communication and transparency regarding the actions of our HOA board. This report aims to provide an objective assessment of the board's performance in 2024, highlighting key issues and concerns that have arisen throughout the year.

Key Issues and Concerns


a. Over the past four years, our community has experienced an alarming 400% increase in insurance costs. I realize insurance is going up everywhere, but the average increase has been 200%, while our HOA insurance has increased by double that amount.


b. Despite repeated inquiries, requests for information, and even the provision of a mitigation plan, the board has failed to adequately address this crisis or provide a clear plan to mitigate its impact on homeowners.

 

c. This inaction raises serious concerns about the board's financial management and its commitment to protecting homeowners' interests. The potential consequences of this inaction include significant increases in HOA fees, reduced community services, or both. In fact, this ongoing insurance crisis could lead to another 20% HOA dues increase in the first quarter of 2025, placing a further financial burden on homeowners.



a. While the board technically adheres to the minimum notification requirements outlined in the Davis-Stirling Act (4 days), they consistently provide notice at the last possible moment. This practice, while technically legal, creates the impression that the board is deliberately trying to limit homeowner participation and discourage input on important community matters.


b. By providing the shortest possible notice, the board effectively discourages homeowner involvement and creates an environment where decisions are made without adequate input from the community. This runs counter to the spirit of open communication and transparency that should be central to HOA governance.



a. In both the February and September 2024 HOA Board Meetings, the board attempted to modify the meeting agenda on the same day. This repeated behavior raises serious questions about the board's commitment to transparency and homeowner participation.


b. Allowing last-minute agenda changes can prevent homeowners from adequately preparing to discuss important issues and limits their ability to participate meaningfully in the decision-making process. It also creates an environment where the board can introduce and pass measures without giving homeowners sufficient time to understand and respond to them.


c. To ensure transparency and fairness, the board should be required to submit agenda changes in advance with sufficient notice to homeowners, as mandated by the Davis-Stirling Act.



a. In an attempt to bypass the mandated election process outlined in our community bylaws, the board recently appointed a member of their choosing to fill a board seat and bypass the election process. This action was taken despite the fact that the seat was not vacant, simply the end of term for the existing board member. However, the current board member wanted to retain their seat and bypass the election process. This directly contradicts Section 7.03 of our bylaws, which requires that three board members be elected in even-numbered years, allowing all homeowners of the association to decide who fills those positions


b. This appointment created a potential 3-person coalition on the board, giving them significant control over HOA funds and decision-making. This raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and decisions being made that may not reflect the best interests of the entire community.


c. Bypassing elections disenfranchises homeowners and undermines the democratic principles that should guide our HOA's governance.



a. During a recent HOA meeting, a disabled homeowner was unfairly singled out and subjected to discriminatory treatment. Despite a stated 3-minute speaking limit for all participants, the disabled person was the only individual whose time was strictly enforced.


b. This incident created a hostile and unwelcoming environment, violating the principles of inclusivity and respect that should be upheld in our community


c. The board's actions are also in direct violation of California laws, including the Davis-Stirling Act, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibit discrimination based on disability.



a. HOA President Ralph Jones, who resides in Texas, resigned from the board around August 2024. However, homeowners were not officially notified of his resignation. 


b. The lack of clear communication about this significant change in board leadership raises concerns about transparency and the board's commitment to keeping homeowners informed about important HOA matters.

Call to Action

The issues highlighted in this report demonstrate a concerning pattern of behavior by the current HOA board. I urge all Roseville Greens homeowners to:

Conclusion

The state of our HOA is at a critical juncture. We need a board that is committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the governing documents that protect our community. By working together and actively participating in HOA matters, we can ensure a positive future for Roseville Greens.