Here are 5 quick tips to help board members navigate board meetings:
- The purpose of a board meeeting is for the board to conduct business. Board meetings do not need to become owner forums - create an agenda and stick to the items of business that require a board vote.
- Meetings should be scheduled according to what works for the majority of the board. The board is not required to schedule meetings around non-board owners' availability.
- Try aiming for a daytime hour if you want to have a productive meeting. People are burnt out by the end of the day and this affects their engagement.
- Conduct your meeting virtually to make it easy for board members to participate. You can use a free Zoom account which has the added bonus of limiting the meeting to 40 minutes.
- Ratify any emergency decisions made in between meetings at the next board meeeting. Section 18(a)(21) has been added to the IL Condo Act requiring notice to unit owners within 7 business days of an emergency decision made on behalf of the association, but the action must also be recorded at a board meeting.
Being intentional about your meetings can alleviate a lot of stress for the board.