April Showers
There’s an adage that claims April showers bring May flowers, and I can say that it was indeed a dark and stormy April in Celebration (even though we haven’t had any much-needed rain!) Much of the clouds this month came around ethics and professionalism on the board. Unfortunately, I don’t have many positive action items to point out. And yes, I do indeed try to provide a balanced view. Also, I do wish I was providing a list of accomplishments and benefits to the community. Right now that is aspirational, but still possible.
In an effort of continuity and transparency, here are some highlights of my time in April 2023 on the board of directors for CROA:
Throughout the month of April, I received many emails from residents expressing their thoughts and opinions on the Lot D Project. Via the general board e-mail, I received 129 emails in support of the project, and 231 in opposition to the project. There were other email that were neutral, and only providing perspective, and other emails sent to other email addresses not included in these numbers. [It is possible these numbers vary by +/- 5% based on duplicates and follow-up emails.]
The CROA Board of Directors had a successful meeting with the CCDD Board of Supervisors. The meeting covered a variety of topics concerning a working relationship between the two organizations. CCDD also presented a discussion of a bond for the Lot D Project. (More on all of this is available in the meeting recording.)
Ms. Swisher forgot Mr. Wise’s (myself) name at both the CCDD Joint Meeting and the board meeting. She also forgot Mr. Hays name at the CCDD Joint Meeting.
Ms. Swisher stated to the board that she would not vote for specific committee candidates based on their opposition to the Lot D Project.
At the April 27 Board of Appeals meeting, Ms. McFadden made a motion to waive all fees and fines for a homeowner, stating magnanimously “I’d like to make a motion to wave everything, because I feel generous.” [47:47]
During the board meeting, Ms. McFadden attacked a resident and their freedom of speech openly and to the public. [1:51:29]
During the board meeting, Mr. Anderson chastised the collective community for assuming a general expectation of his affirming vote for the Lot D Project action item, while simultaneously reiterating his involvement in the Lot D Project longer than any other board member, and consistently voting to advance the project over that timeframe.
Ms. Swisher made an ethnically insensitive comment during the board meeting, stating “I could tell by his accent that he probably learned it someplace else.” [2:46:40]
During the board meeting, Mr. Grindl stated confidently in formally recorded official proceedings that he “can’t say I would never take a bribe.” [2:22:12]
Mr. Grindl attacked Mr. Richards personally during the board meeting, claiming “I wish there wasn’t such anger coming off the [Facebook page] Back Porch. Which I would say you helped create, Charles, and which you’re feeding continuously as you’re doing this.”
According to Roberts Rules of Order (which CROA is required to adhere to) these statements directly violated the General Rules of Debate clause that “no one is permitted to make personal attacks or question the motives of other speakers.”
The Lot D Project was approved by Ms. Swisher, Ms. McFadden, Mr. Grindl, and Mr. Anderson, who modified the action items to spend more money than two of the three options listed in the agenda.
With regard to committee selection voting at the board meeting, there was a demand by Ms. Swisher to vote with code names to make sure “residents don’t feel less qualified than another person.” Ms. Swisher felt it had nothing to do with transparency and more to do with people’s feelings.
I challenged this, stating I won’t use codes to speak about residents secretly right in front of them.
Mr. Anderson pointed out it is legal to use names. Ms. Swisher motioned to vote that we must use code names. It was seconded by Ms. McFadden. Mr. Wise (myself) stated that this isn’t something to be voted on, and all could vote how they wish, but I would not be participating, regardless of the vote, as it is not an enforceable action.
A resident in the audience voiced commentary regarding the legality of anonymized voting, including reference to state law requiring public comment and disclosure of the names to the public.
The issue was put aside by Mr. Wise recommending the board proceed with the first committee nomination, and the meeting continued, using committee applicant names.
Prior to the board meeting, there was full consensus amongst all seven board members that no individual with a conflict of interest should serve on a committee.
During the board meeting, Mr. Wise (myself) made an objection to Mr. Mike Jackson to serve on the Finance Committee for two reasons:
Mr. Jackson serves as the Vice President of the Celebration Foundation, and institutional partner of CROA, and I felt it would be inappropriate for someone to be involved on the financial side of our organization, just as it would be inappropriate for the head of a sports league to serve on the Parks and Recreation Committee
Mr. Jackson also was on the Pickleball Advisory Group and serves as a co-manager of the Pickleball Club, and it would not be appropriate for him to serve on this committee during a time when the Lot D Project is proceeding and the Finance Committee would be advising the board of directors on expenditures and cash flow management, particularly with this project
Additionally, Mr. Hays objected to the modification on the grounds that it would not be possible for a majority vote to occur with six members. He stated we had five committee members we were in consensus to appoint, and adding a sixth member was unnecessary and made things more problematic. He also added that Mr. Jackson had said publicly in a Finance Committee meeting that he would likely not serve a full term if he was re-elected to the finance committee.
The nomination of six members passed with a vote of 5-2.
The board has been noticed that a formal referendum has been started by residents, and Mr. Wise (myself) requested an executive session with the board and our attorney to discuss the legal implications and understanding of the referendum. Mr. Hays seconded the request. Ms. McFadden is against meeting to discuss the legal implications of this and taking advice from our attorney on what to expect in the process for CROA.
With all of that said, I think the most significant thing that happened this month came from Brian Causey at Exquisite Lawn Care. Mr. Causey attended the April board meeting as a contractor, and approached the board during owner comment section to discuss some irrigation concerns he had. While this is in his purview and scope of work to be involved in, the fact that he came to a public board meeting and waited for his time to speak to bring his concerns for the lawn health in our community is commendable. I just wanted to mention this, because I feel his thoughtful action was notable, and absolutely representative of a quality contractor we want to have on our team here in Celebration.
That’s all for April. I’m looking forward to more positive May flowers!