This is another in our series of articles looking into the workings of VCA committees. This article is on the Covenants Committee. Mary Basile serves as the VCA Board Liaison.
The elusive, yet all important VCA Covenants Committee is responsible for ensuring that the proper processes are being followed before any fines or other penalties are enforced on any Verandah residents.
“We have a robust process that must be followed before the issuance of a fine or penalty,” explained Mary Basile, Board Liaison to Covenants Committee. “These include a friendly reminder, a formal notice, and a final notice with a notification of a hearing with the Covenants Committee.”
When a resident receives these notices, they may appeal the fine to the Board. If the Board upholds the penalty or fine, a hearing with the Covenants Committee is scheduled. If a homeowner cures the violation prior to the meeting, the hearing on the fine is cancelled. If the violation is not cured, the Covenants Committee meets to review whether or not the proper processes were followed in the issuance of the fine or penalty.
“It is not our job to determine whether the penalty or fine is justified, just whether the correct process was followed,” added Mary. “We will either uphold or deny the penalty or fine. If the fine is upheld the resident still has the right to a final appeal to the Board.”
The Covenants Committee consists of three members. They must be non-Board members and not related to the Board. The Committee meets only when there is a fine being contemplated and a hearing is required. The resident has a choice of attending the hearing or not. In either situation the Committee meets, hears the case, and offers a forum for discussion. It then makes a determination as to the validity of the violation and the process followed and their findings are presented to VCA management and the resident.
Mary has been on the VCA Board for over two years and has served as a liaison to both the Design Review and Covenants Committees. A resident for 7 years, Mary enjoys contributing to the community and her service with the VCA.
“I believe our main goal is to ensure we are treating our residents fairly and equitably in all matters related to the governing documents,” said Mary. “I think there is a misconception among residents that the Committee decides whether to impose a fine. This is not our job. Our job is to ensure all protocols have been followed and that we are statutorily correct in our dealing with residents.”
For more information about the Covenants Committee visit VCALife.com Additionally, if you have any questions or are interested in serving on the Committee you can reach out to Mary at [email protected].
