August 2025

MADNESS... from page 24.

it in an annual meeting folder so you can refer to it each year. You may even want to keep the pages of your governing docs with the specific sections highlighted that show the requirements in this folder. Your list should include the number of homes, quorum requirement, how many ballots are required for quorum, how many direc tors are elected each year and the length of the terms, etc. Be sure to include the location of the meeting and your contact person at the location if off-site. 4. Create a timeline of when each item needs to be com pleted. Advance planning of the timing will keep you on track to have a successful annual meeting and board election. Be sure to list all the dates: when to send the call for candidates, when the candidate’s intentions must be received by, when the notice must go out, when the ballots must go out, when the ballots must be returned by, etc. The goal in creating an annual meeting folder and timeline for each association is to ensure all requirements are met and the process is followed correctly each year. Failing to follow the process could result in an election being deemed invalid CONTINUES ON PAGE 28

✔ Parameters for an electronic vote (e.g., proxy is not needed, all votes count toward quorum, etc.). 2. Check your association’s governing documents. Check both your covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) and bylaws. Look for meeting date and timing require ments, the terms of the positions, ballot secrecy, quorum requirements, if votes can be changed after submitted, is there an owner date of record of those that are eligible to vote, and if past due owners can vote, etc. 3. Make a list of all the election details. Once you know your requirements, make a list of all the details and keep

“Once you know your requirements, make a list of all the details and keep it in an annual meeting folder...”

Serving Community Associations for Over 35 Years

Community Associations Attorneys:

A. Christopher Florio, Esq. cflorio@stark-stark.com

Mary W. Barrett, Esq. mbarrett@stark-stark.com

Melissa A. Volet, Esq. mvolet@stark-stark.com

Edward Berman, Esq. eberman@stark-stark.com

Transition & Construction Litigation Attorneys:

Andrew J. Podolski, Esq. apodolski@stark-stark.com

J. Randy Sawyer, Esq. rsawyer@stark-stark.com

We understand your association is comprised of individual unit owners seeking to protect the value of their homes. For that reason, we offer fee structures for your community including hourly, retainer, or hybrid arrangements. In appropriate cases, we offer representation on a full or partial contingent fee basis. Our complement of services includes the following:

• Collect Delinquent Assessments • Draft and Negotiate Service Contracts • Municipal Services Act Reimbursement • Fair Housing Compliance

• Create and Enforce Community Rules and Policies • Tax Appeals • Guidance on Board Governance • Developer/Sponsor Transition • Construction Defect Litigation • Rent Receivership

• Pursuit of Creditor Claims in Bankruptcy • Foreclosure of Assessment Liens • Land Use and Zoning Representation • Insurance Coverage Claims

www.Stark-Stark.com • 1-800-53-LEGAL • 100 American Metro Blvd., Hamilton, NJ 08619

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. Because every case is different, the descriptions of awards and cases previously handled are not meant to be a guarantee of success.

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