Page 16 - New York Cooperator January 2019

BOARD OPERATIONS A n individual’s interest in their community association is rarely solely financial. In most cases, a building or HOA is also that individual’s home. And as such, they’re motivated to contribute positively to its quality of life, neighborhood congeniality, and aesthet- ics – just to name a few factors that make a place somewhere people love to live. For that reason, most of the people who vol- unteer to serve on their association board are full-time residents of said association. This is not always the case, however. Occasionally those who do not reside in an association pursue board member- ship – usually due to some combination of free time and personal and/or financial interests. While there’s nothing inherent- ly problematic with having non-residents on a co-op or condo board, it does pres- ent certain considerations. Here, associa- tion experts delve into what may motivate these non-resident members; whether or not they pose a conflict with the members who do call the community home; and how potentially differing interests can coexist harmoniously and productively. Motivating Factors When a person who does not live in an association year-round runs for a board position, voters should evaluate that can- didate with much the same criteria they would a full-time resident: what is moti- vating this individual to seek a board po- sition, and will that person put the inter- ests of the greater association above his or her own? “Over the years, we have represented some boards with non-resident mem- bers,” says James A. Slowikowski, a part- ner at law firm Dickler, Kahn, Slowikows- ki, & Zavell Ltd., which has offices in Chicago and Arlington Heights, Illinois. “Sometimes the member lives locally, but is not a resident in the association. In oth- er instances, the members are snowbirds, and as such they are ‘absent’ for several months at a time, but otherwise live at the property. “I think there is only a slight difference between those two types of non-resident board members,” he continues. “The snowbirds generally think like resident board members. The main difference I often see is that the snowbirds often will want to put off projects or certain business until the spring, when they will be back on site – and that’s usually in proportion to the number of snowbirds serving on the board. When one or more are away, board business tends to be conducted only as needed. On the other hand, some things may be addressed sooner than they Non-Resident Board Members Managing Absentee Decision Makers BY MIKE ODENTHAL 16 THE COOPERATOR — JANUARY 2019 COOPERATOR.COM 250 Park Avenue South New York, New York 10003 212-557-3600 www.TudorRealty.com To learn more about our property management services, please contact Andrew S. Lazarus, Senior Vice President 212-813-3054 or ALazarus@TudorRealty.com Since 1990, Tudor Realty Services Corp. has been providing hands- on, proactive property management services to cooperative and condominium buildings throughout New York City. Life was simpler in 1990. New rules and regulations as well as changing technology have certainly made managing your building more challenging. Let us tell you how our extensive experience, team approach, strong financial reporting, and advanced use of technology will help you meet the challenge. 37966_Cooperator_5x6.25.indd 1 12/8/17 11:24 AM ISTOCKPHOTO.COM