CAI-NJ November 2025

“The open forum is often the most challenging part of a meeting.”

This should be done through two key documents. 1. The Board Member Code of Conduct: Every board should formally adopt a Code of Conduct that every mem ber signs at the start of their term and for all subsequent terms. This docu ment removes ambiguity and sets a clear, enforceable standard. It should include, at a minimum, commitments to: • Prepare for Meetings: Review the board packet in advance. • Practice Civil Discourse: Engage in respectful debate, focusing on issues, not personalities. Avoid inter rupting and listen actively. • Respect Confidentiality: Uphold the confidentiality of executive ses sion discussions and sensitive infor mation. • Avoid Conflicts of Interest: Dis close any potential conflicts and recuse oneself from voting where appropriate. 2. The Member Code of Conduct & Meeting Rules: Professionalism extends to everyone in the room. Associations have the authority to establish reasonable rules of conduct for all members attending meet ings. These should be formally adopted and published as part of the association’s Rules and Regulations. These rules pro vide the chair with the authority to control the meeting. Key provisions include: • Pre-Meeting Sign-in: Requiring residents to sign in if they wish to speak. • Strict Time Limits: Limiting each speaker to a set amount of time

(i.e., three minutes) during the open forum. • Prohibition on Interruptions: Stat ing clearly that only one person may speak at a time. • Mandatory Civility: Explicitly pro hibiting personal attacks, slanderous remarks, and disorderly/aggressive conduct. • Consequences for Violations: Out lining the procedure for addressing violations, which may include a warning from the chair, followed by a request to leave the meeting if the disruptive behavior continues, to and including fines if necessary. Managing the Homeowner Forum The open forum is often the most challenging part of a meeting. Armed

with a formally adopted set of meet ing rules, the chair can manage this segment effectively. It is critical that the chair begins every homeowner forum by clearly stating the rules. When a resident becomes disrup tive or violates the rules, the chair can then enforce a pre-established policy rather than appearing to act arbitrarily. The board’s role during this session is primarily to listen. It is not CONTINUES ON PAGE 18

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NOVEMBER 2025