How to Protect and Enhance Your Investment in 610 Clematis

Now you know the rules. But who makes them? How are they made? What can you as an individual do to help 610 Clematis achieve its full potential as a residence and investment?

Participation: By its very nature, condominium living is based upon and relies upon the active involvement of its owners. Each and every one of us is a share-holder in this condominium and a member of the Condominium Owners Association (COA). A condominium is analogous to a corporation; the better it is managed the more we all stand to gain financially as well as in the quality of life. The better we maintain the property, the nicer the building appears and the better we follow the rules, the more pleasant it is to live here and the higher the resale value and/or rental income can be realized. Whether your interests in ’610′ are as an investor, landlord, vacation home owner or primary resident, we all share a common interest in seeing ’610′ become a premier property in downtown West Palm Beach. Towards that end, owner residents are encouraged to actively participate in the day to day operation and the long term improvement in the quality of life we all enjoy here. There are a variety of ways you can do this:

The Board of Directors: The most significant and demanding way of participating is to serve on the Board. The Board is made up of five members and no less than three members of the Association. The Board is responsible for all corporate decisions, policies, rules and the monitoring of the building’s management. Each director is elected by a vote of the Association membership to serve for a one year term. Board elections are held annually, usually in April. Candidates should be sure they have the time and are willing to undertake the demands of this voluntary and unremunerated leadership role. Directors serve with the appreciation and respect of a grateful Association.

Committees: You can play a vital role in assisting the Board by joining one of the standing and/or ad hoc committees. These committees are formed by the Board when it is deemed necessary to perform important activities that cover the gamut of Association business and functions. The role and responsibilities of each committee are contained in their charter of origination. You may apply for the committee of your choice at the management office. The Board approves committee applications based upon need and suitability. There is no term limit on committee membership; members may resign at any time or when the Committee’s function is no longer required. The committee chairperson is elected by a majority of the committee members. The chairperson is required and responsible for reserving the meeting room through the management office 48 hours in advance and having all meetings of their committee posted on the bulletin board in the mailroom.

Standing Committees are committees that are formed with an expected ongoing and continuing need. They may be terminated if/when the Board no longer needs that assistance in carrying out their duties.

Ad Hoc Committees are committees established on an as needed basis from time to time to address a specific issue or task that warrants specialized expertise or attention. These committees expire upon completion of their assigned task and the Board’s concurrence.

You are encouraged to participate on a committee where your interests and strengths can contribute the most. Committees are the backbone of the Association and can be a rewarding and satisfying contribution.

Active Responsible Membership Participation: Not everyone can, nor is needed, to serve on the Board or join a committee. However, the success and vitality of our Association does require your active participation. Complacency is the bane of a healthy, prosperous condominium association. There are a number of ways you can fulfill your obligation and duties to the Association.

Meetings: Attend as many Board and Association meetings as you can. Members are entitled to attend any and all Board and committee meetings; hence the requirement they be announced 48 hours in advance. The extent of owner participation in meetings is at the discretion of the President or chairperson. Take these opportunities to see and hear what issues your Directors are dealing with and how they are being handled. Express your views, ask your questions, meet your fellow owners and get the sense of where we are and where we’re headed.

Official Correspondence: The Board or management sends out correspondence from time to time requiring owner response relative to an issue or question that can only be satisfied by you. Take the time and interest to respond in a timely manner.

Input: It is incumbent upon every owner to share their views and opinions for improving our management and quality of life. Your Board and building management cannot meet your needs and expectations unless you give them the opportunity. You are encouraged to write, e-mail or telephone the respective person(s) that can best respond to your questions and/or comments, be they positive or negative, so long as they are constructive and well intended.