June 5, 2024
The current Board of Directors is writing this urging those homeowners interested in contributing back to this wonderful neighborhood to consider joining the Board.
The HOA Board is charged with establishing the general policy of the HOA to further its mission statement, which is "...to protect the property values within and promote the general health, welfare and safety of the residents...". This means the Board of Directors is charged with making decisions which impact the health of your greatest investment, your home.
To be frank, most of the current Board members have served for well over a decade. Many are advancing in age and looking to pass the baton on to new blood. Other members have growing families which may necessitate looking for a home that may be outside of this neighborhood. Suffice it to say, as we are thinking and planning for 2025, we are facing several member retirements and position vacancies. We need YOU.
The importance of a strong Board in our neighborhood is vital given the critical role the Board plays in ensuring neighborhood beautification, maintaining our neighborhood roads, and of course, managing the unique Briarcliff water system.
What's at Risk: The risk of not getting new Board members may include the decision by the current Board of potentially transferring responsibilities to an HOA Management Company. This will lead to increased costs and certainly less personal relationships with the residents.
What's in it for you: Aside from playing a role in shaping the future of the Briarcliff neighborhood, you get an opportunity to work with like-minded, committed people who have the shared goal of making Briarcliff a wonderful place to live. You will have the opportunity to know neighbors whose paths you might not have ever crossed.
What's the time commitment: The Briarcliff HOA meets for two hours every month (typically the third Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30). Understanding everyone's busy schedules, we have made it a point to start and end promptly. Aside from the monthly meeting, there can be other volunteer opportunities that typically do not take up a meaningful amount of time. The typical term for a Board member is three years. And it's important to note that the Board positions are UNPAID, volunteer positions.
If this plea persuades you to seek a Board position, there is a process which you need to follow. Contact the HOA President (Phyllis Weeks, 7061 Merrybrook), ASAP and no later than November 1, 2024 at pweeks202@gmail.com and let us know the following:
- Your qualifications (leadership qualities you possess, experience in the neighborhood, a skill set you believe could be valuable)
- Why you'd like to join the Board and the contributions you think you can make
- Any vision for the neighborhood you may have
- What changes you'd like to see in the neighborhood and how you might address it
- The commitment to the time/energy required to conduct Board business
Once your email is received, the President will contact you for a short phone conversation/interview to further explain expectations. If you remain sincere, we will be delighted to place your name on the December ballot, to be voted on at the Annual Membership meeting.
In closing, we all recognize that being a board member of an HOA is a seemingly thankless job, but it is an important one, especially in a neighborhood which manages its own water utility.
Nobody on this Board wants to resort to an HOA Management Company, but if we can't find other residents who are willing to answer the call immediately, we will be left with limited options as the present situation is unsustainable. We hope you will consider joining!
Best regards,
-Briarcliff HOA Board of Directors
