Ashford Three Owners Association

President’s Message... By Rhonda Buckman

Jun 10, 2003

A big ?“Thank you?” to all who showed up for the special homeowners?’ meeting last month. It was really thrilling to see so many of you turn out for the meeting, though I must apologize for the outdoor setting. We were scheduled to have the indoor meeting room but the park changed this at the last minute due to overtime costs. We will look to scheduling our meetings at other facilities so that we don?’t have this last-minute glitch again.
One of the hottest topics at the meeting was our hiring a professional management company to represent the association?’s interests. One homeowner said we should have announced this earlier and we agree but the circumstances just didn?’t allow for us to give you an advanced heads-up. Our decision to hire a professional management company came about because of the perception of personal agendas in the running of the association.
This Board felt it was in the best interests of the association to eliminate this perception and to hire a professional company to manage the day-to-day business of the association. We also had a tremendous problem with overdue accounts that required immediate action to correct. Federal fair credit and collection policies mandated specific procedures be followed in the association?’s effort to collect on late accounts. We, as your board, did not feel we had sufficient knowledge of all these procedures nor did we feel we had the time needed to spend consulting with the association's attorney.
This Board also felt hiring a professional company would help eliminate the perception of personal agendas when it came to covenant enforcement. We knew an outside inspector would judge violations without personal prejudice and would judge violations based on our covenants. We have already seen an improvement in this area.
From the very first letter the management company produced, they addressed damage to lawns over the winter and they solicited everyone to submit restoration plans. On their first inspection, I went along with the inspector to see first-hand how they conducted an inspection. I can say they were fair and thorough. Though many of you didn?’t like getting a violation letter, I can honestly say that I was there and saw the violation.
Finally, hiring a professional company does not hand over control of the association. We, your Board of Directors, are still in control. The management company works for us and they respond to our directions. We set the agenda for them and we monitor their performance. So you should not think we just turned over all control to some outside agency.
In the end this Board knows having a professional management company will benefit every homeowner in Ashford Unit Three. Covenants will be fairly enforced and our resources will be managed and independently audited. There will also be someone who can respond to your inquiries in a timely.
Florida Property & Association Management, Inc. address and phone number is: Post Office Box 350210, Jacksonville, FL 32235-0210 (904) 564-9194.