The current project to remove pine trees from Tanasbrook common areas is progressing slowly. The remaining stumps are an eyesore. It would have been prudent to create a longer term plan for removal and restoration of the diseased trees. Communicating with residents has never been a strong point here at Tanasbrook, so rumor and intrigue has become a way of life. The lack of trust is only growing, as the trees disappear...
While savings were realized by spreading the removal over a long time period. The lost opportunity to communicate a plan, beyond removing the trees, was lost. As a result there is growing negative sentiment about the program, and a lack of clear and defined understanding of the goals. The landscape company who both diagnosed the need to remove the trees and received the contract for removal seems to have a conflict of interest.
The board needs to address communication issues aggressively. Technology infrastructure is in place to support more effective communications. The clubhouse has wireless Internet. The association pays for the service every month. Why not use it? All board meetings could easily and cheaply be broadcast live over the Internet. The newsletter has not received the attention it deserves. Why even publish a newsletter with the tag.."no report submitted"..Directors have a duty to inform residents, and their job would be easier in the long run.
On another front, recent board action to hire a professional project manager for "Phase II" painting and siding repairs is an encouraging development. Contracts appear to be written and reviewed by counsel, and a standard format is being used. I for one support this approach. The complexities of contracts and legal obligations if work is substandard dictate involvement of professionals from the beginning of a project!
