The Governor signed House Bill 1040 into law last week, enshrining into law the obligation for community associations to provide notice to community members should it need to restrict access to common elements for more than seventy-two hours. While this is an appropriate, fair, and laudable goal, many other provisions of House Bill 1040 create
Lindsay S. Smith
House Bill 1137: Draft Amendments Still Impossible
By Lindsay S. Smith on
If you pay attention to this blog or are involved in Colorado community association activities, you’ve certainly seen recent news stories detailing the impacts of HOA foreclosures on residents. While most of the foreclosures in the stories arose when owners failed to pay fines after violating rules or covenants, other foreclosures occurred because the owners…
On the Retirement of Mark K. Payne
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in Community Association News
In December of 2009, I was unemployed, worried that my unemployment coverage was about to end, and interviewing with anyone who needed an associate with a few years’ experience who had no idea what she was doing. Mark Payne brought me in for an interview and after a couple of hours laughing about mutual acquaintances,…
Board Education – Legislative Update
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in From Capitol Hill/Legislation
With the legislative session in the rear view mirror, it’s time to discuss the changes and how they will impact you and your communities. All Board members of current clients are invited to attend our monthly education series at no cost. These classes occur every month on the third Thursday at 5:00 p.m., and are…
Tell Your Legislator: Vote “NO” on House Bill 1310!
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in From Capitol Hill/Legislation
I went to school at the University of Oklahoma, four hours south of the home of the Westboro Baptist Church. The Westboro Baptist Church has been, at times, infamous for the protests its members lodge at military funerals, colleges, and large public events. Members’ signs use offensive terms for LGBTQIA+ individuals, indicate that God hates…
A Childhood Dream Revived: Electronic Meeting Logistics
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in COVID-19, Governance
My most recent brush with the electoral process as a candidate occurred in 1989. I was primed and ready to be the Sergeant at Arms of my elementary school student council, and willing to campaign, press palms, kiss babies, and bribe the administration to make that dream a reality. Sure, I didn’t know what a…
Don’t Blame Me! I Didn’t Vote!
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in Governance
Many clients are facing difficult decisions related to COVID-19. Should we open the pool? Should we waive late fees? Should we tell that owner she needs to repaint her house? Service as a director on a community association Board is never easy, but the pandemic has created stark and binary decisions that are not easy…
Call Your Legislators! Senate Bill 20-211
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in COVID-19, From Capitol Hill/Legislation
In response to the economic destruction wrought by COVID-19, Senators Faith Winter and Julie Gonzales, and Representative Leslie Herod introduced Senate Bill 211 on June 1, 2020. SB 20-211 quickly made its way through the chamber and was referred to the Committee of the Whole today. It has not yet made its way to the…
Association Meetings During a Pandemic
By Marci Achenbach & Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in COVID-19, Governance
Federal, state, and local responses to COVID-19 are changing quickly. Our COVID-19 related communications are based on the facts and guidance available today. Always look for the most up-to-date information when making decisions for your communities.
Social distancing restrictions and recommendations are likely to continue for some time. In light of this new reality, what…
“The first thing we do, let’s call all the lawyers.”
By Lindsay S. Smith on
Posted in Off the Top
In Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Dick the Butcher suggests killing the lawyers in the context of a revolution. “Killing the lawyers” has been interpreted to either contemplate a nirvana in which annoying attorneys with their endless red tape are no longer around to stop normal people from living happy lives, or to lay the groundwork to…