No due diligence: 1,000 Jonathan homeowners delinquent

The Jonathan Association isn't alone when it comes to having trouble collecting dues. According to this story from USA Today: Skipped dues crunch home associations, many of the nation's homeowner's associations are facing increasing delinquencies.

(Mollee Francisco is a staff writer for the Chaska Herald. She can be reached at mfrancisco@swpub.com.)

Thank you, Mollee for posting the link regarding the nationwide issue of unpaid homeowner assessments. The information is interesting and goes to refuting most all of "JS's" assumptions. Although "JS" would have us believe the unpaid dues are an indication that homeowners do not support the removal of board members in February, it's obvious to most the matter is much more complex then this simple conclusion. Apparently "JS" must not have attended or watched the February 12, 2008 Jonathan Board Meeting. It was at this meeting the association's auditor stated that at the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2007 (before the removal of board members and the elections), the Accounts Receivable were critically high; the highest she had ever seen. The auditor, an objective opinion hired by the prior board surmised that much of the past due amounts could be attributed to the past boards actions. She also cited very poor record keeping practices by the Association which as you know "JS", is the responsibility of the Association's Secretary and those the board hires.

"JS" also seems to imply that Jonathan residents are not paying their dues because of "dissatisfaction with the current board" and calls this a "fact". Please enlighten us with the source of your "facts" "JS". Some residents have said that a previous board member told them not to pay their dues. In fact, within the last year one of the now removed board member wrote a letter to this paper saying he didn't think he should have to pay his dues. What example does this set for the Membership? In fact, this board member had NEVER paid any dues at the time of his letter. Yet, he was hand picked by the malcontents on the board to sit with them whenever a vote about dissolution or the lawsuit was held. What champions for the community!

"JS" must also be a mind reader. He or she states the legal and proper removal of the malcontents on the board was made by a "small group of individuals who are blinded by visions of recapturing the past dream of Jonathan" yet has made no attempt to discuss the matter with the person who put forth the motion, or the person who seconded the motion to know their "vision". I wonder if he/she has discussed the "visions" of the 97% of the homeowners and apartment owners who voted to remove the malcontents. Most would consider this virtually unanimous. As the person who put forth the motion, I can say I am NOT blinded by the past dream of Jonathan. I see many assets and opportunity within our community and only wish to preserve and improve them for everyone to enjoy. Not to use other people's money to attempt to destroy the community.

"JS" also seems to want to ignore the true facts about those who made up the previous board. Several were seated "improperly" by vote tabulation errors due to incorrect instructions being given to the Women's League of Voters; one board member was seated "improperly" and once this was challenged some on the board worked to conceal the associations attorney's opinion from the other board members. Other board seats were held open, even past announced dates to fill the positions, until some on the board could locate others that wanted to dissolve the Association. Illegal? No. But many might agree that it's improper and unethical. "JS" also wants to ignore the fact that the recently elected board members won their seats in a landslide over the three other candidates who supported dissolving the Association or pursuing the legal maneuvering the previous board attempted to shove down the shareholders throats.

The fact is that the board's over the last four to five years have done very little to add value to our community. In fact, they have recklessly and needlessly increased the Associations risk to litigation. Due to their lack of fiduciary responsibility such as lowering dues, spending everyone's money to see how Autumn Woods could secede, etc., it will take at least several years for any well intended board to get the Association financially back on track. As long as we have diligent stewards like Ms. Tierney objecting to foolish suggestions by at least one board member and apparently favored by at least one other to build new mail and bus stations in Oak Valley where the Association is not responsible to build or maintain these types of amenities, I'm confident the Members are being represented by a more responsible board of directors who are not serving their self-interests.

Unfortunately "JS" YOU took the opportunity to show very little to no respect for someone who is volunteering her time to make YOUR community better. Ms. Tierney took no "shots". She stated a reality. Is that a "shot"? Some think respect is being pleasant, nice or "politically correct" to someone publicly or to their face, but then criticize the person behind their back. Is that respect? Isn't it more respectful if we are accountable for our actions, acknowledge our mistakes and failures and work together to resolve them? Isn't it MORE respectful to honor our word and govern, act or play by the rules?

You were actually correct about one issue, "JS". The real estate market is indeed very soft. However, most Realtors will tell you that given the current inventory of homes for sale, street appeal is critical. Often a polite request from an Association to a homeowner to mow their lawn can address the problem versus unnecessarily utilizing more costly government resources. I'm confident the very nice people at the City you reference have more pressing matters to attend. Don't you?

Respectfully,
Michael Sibley

JIAPOS - Please remember that 5 of the current 9 Board Members were elected by the residents of Jonathan by some pretty overwhelming margins.

2008 - Bensman, Tierney, & Rossoll.

2007 - Awes & Liebe

By the way - I would love it if, in the spirit of civil discourse, you'd be willing to share your names and stand behind your opinions publicly.

-Katie Tierney