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November 18, 2007
Board Meeting Disruptions - What Can You Do?
Board meeting disruptions are a problem in some associations. Here is a recent question sent to me: "Isn't there a law which protects homeowner meetings from being disrupted? Something that allows members to phone the police?"
Unfortunately, there are few laws that protect the association from troublemakers. Most laws that have been passed in the last few years are for the benefit of homeowners, and provide them specific rights, but there are no laws that protect board members or other owners from those meeting attendees who disrupt the proceedings. There are many things the board can try, to get past a problem like this. Adoption and circulation of a policy outlining the discipline that may be imposed for meeting disruptions is one. Use of a Sergeant of Arms may help. Threatening to adjourn the meeting and recommence behind closed and locked doors is one. Video taping meetings sometimes helps. In any case, to find out what your documents allow, and speak with a knowledgeable HOA attorney to get good advice for your association. The methods I suggest are just some of the things associtions that have consulted me have tried. Some worked for one situation, but not for another. When I advise an association, I ask for a lot of details about the "disrupters".
And in any case, you don't need a policy or law to give you permission to call the police. If someone is out of control and unwilling to listen to reason, and you or the Board feels they are a threat or danger, or a trespasser, or unwilling to leave when asked, it is appropriate to call the police.Sometimes the police are responsive and helpful, and other times they are not.
Posted by Beth Grimm at November 18, 2007 10:07 PM