A new Opportunity for Transparency

3/16/2021 37 Comments

A new Opportunity for Transparency

Director Hal Katkov is resigning from the Desert Princess Palm Springs Board Effective March 27th, one day after the BOD meeting on the 26th. As Homeowner's we wish Hal the best of luck. This new board seat gives the homeowners the opportunity to have someone on the board who reflects their views and supports transparency. The board will be selecting this replacement.

Will the new board member be selected based on the relationship/views of the current board members? For example a candidate endorsed by the current board president in the election or one of the committee members chosen year after year by the board.

This would be an excellent opportunity for the board to be transparent, support the diversity of the homeowners, and respect the will of the electoral process by selecting the first runner-up, Char Bland for the open board position.

What are your thoughts?

37 Comments

Karen Dulin

3/16/2021 12:34:38 pm

Yes, Char should get the option to fill the board position that Hal is vacating. This is a cost effective and fair way to fill the seat since the election was for board seats.

Ray Renaud

3/18/2021 08:17:02 am

Char Bland possesses considerable knowledge, experience and enthusiasm and many other voters recognized these strengths as she is the first runner up for a board position during our last election. It makes perfect sense that she be selected to fill Mr. Katkoff’s vacancy. We hope those who are charged with making this decision see this as an opportunity to do the right thing and show transparency in our election process while adding an excellent candidate to our board.

Marianne Thomas

3/18/2021 06:32:01 pm

Yes......I support Char Bland.

Hank

3/16/2021 12:40:59 pm

What is the insurance coverage for a board member?

Dave Grant

3/16/2021 12:49:22 pm

I support the selection of the first runner up Char Bland to fill the upcoming vacant Board seat, it being the democratic solution to the selection process.

Pattie Evans

3/16/2021 01:12:15 pm

I will miss Hal and hope he will come back for bingo. I think the runner up is the perfect choice!

Gerry P

3/16/2021 01:15:29 pm

What about CHAR BLAND. She has volunteered herself and strong experience. If you really want to be true to transparency, and take a crack opening the Board to diversity and gender bias - Consider appointing Char Bland.

Colleen Wilson

3/16/2021 01:17:55 pm

Electing the first runner up seems a fair and cost effective option.

Tony Procaccini

3/16/2021 01:18:36 pm

Char Bland is not only the most logical addition to the HOA Board of Directors, but a strong choice given her solid background. As the first runner-up in the most recent election, she deserves a position on the Board.

John Grisdale

3/16/2021 01:40:09 pm

I would like to see Char Bland appointed to the Board. She strikes me as someone who will be dedicated To doing what is right for our community.

Donna Mead link

3/16/2021 01:47:12 pm

We have two other condo properties, both employ the runner up rule. Seems fair and cost effective.

Valorie Farber

3/16/2021 02:42:23 pm

I support the selection of Char Bland to the board to fill the vacant seat.

Peggy Daniels

3/16/2021 02:48:26 pm

I fully support Char Bland. She is a proponent for transparency AND a runner up in the recent board election.

Rob Rakochey

3/16/2021 03:36:09 pm

I read what you plan to do, but I would suspect that the CCR's or bylaws would tell us what is to happen when a Board member resigns. Shouldn't we follow the set procedure? Or is the procedure stipulate that the next runner up form the most recent election is appointed?

Toni Novogradac

3/16/2021 03:37:57 pm

I Support runner up Char filling the position.

Ian & Maxine Sarjeant

3/16/2021 04:03:45 pm

I fully support appointing Char Bland to the board. As first runner up it is the right thing to do. What other choice could be justified?

Jim Blondheim

3/16/2021 04:16:09 pm

I support the selection of the first runner up, Char Bland for the open board position.

Tim Gaffney

3/16/2021 04:45:41 pm

That would be the logical, and fair thing to do.
That or hold another costly election.

Hal didn't have the presence of mind to resign before the election so that could be settled by the voters?
Or was this an emergency?

Either way, we will see how the new Board reacts.
Self interest?
Or best interests of the voters?

I will not hold my breath.

Bob

3/16/2021 05:35:01 pm

I would like to think that the newest Deseret Princess board member, Bob Mangold, would vote for a "Fresh New Voice" as Char Bland's campaign slogan said, to fill the seat being vacated by Hal Katkov but somehow I know that isn't the case especially since he was sponsored and supported by outgoing board member Hank Kras. Mr. Mangold sold his soul for his board seat. He is just going to be Peter Webb's rubber stamp on that board now.

There's something fishy going on here when you stop to think about it. Hal Katkov chooses to suddenly resign at the beginning of his last year of his term and he makes it effective the day after the first board meeting of the newly seated board. He claims to be moving to Indian Ridge but by his own admission isn't in escrow on a property there. It seems like this was planned to put someone like Harold Cipin, who came in last during this past election on the board in order to make him an incumbent in next year's election. That seat should be given to Char Bland who was first runner up. Wouldn't it be a good thing to have another female on the board too? Make some noise, people. Let them know that you want Charlotte Bland in that open seat.

jim shelby

3/16/2021 05:44:54 pm

the board should follow the bylaws , thats why we have them.

Michelle Simson

3/16/2021 06:26:36 pm

The bylaws state the Board members can appoint to fill the vacancy, an issue that they vote on. In this case, Hal will be permitted to vote on his own replacement as his resignation takes effect the day after the vote.

All that said, a vacancy within a month of the election provides the Board with the opportunity to appoint an extremely qualified resident that has a community mandate to fill the vacancy. For the Board to appoint a candidate several board members publicly endorsed but finished dead last in the race 30 days ago would be an insult to the residents. I'm certain that will not be the case. Just as a matter of interest, I was appointed to fill a vacancy under the same circumstances. I ran in the election, came third and the Board at that time a few years ago, deemed it respectful to the community to ensure their clear intention was followed. Char deserves the appointment.

Leslie Dodson

3/16/2021 09:03:31 pm

The right and honorable thing to do would be to appoint Char Bland to fill the vacancy on the Board.She had the third most votes and deserves the appointment. Clearly the Homeowners’
votes indicate who they want on the Board and it is Char Bland.

Amanda Stott

3/16/2021 09:18:34 pm

I fully support Charlotte Bland being appointed to this position. Like some others have stated - I’m not holding my breath that this board will do the right thing, but doing otherwise would sure cause a righteous uproar. Maybe we need that regardless.

Denise Mourges

3/16/2021 11:53:38 pm

Considering the strange timing of Hal Katkov’ resignation and runner-up Char Bland ‘s very strong showing in the just last election, it would be totally fair and make sense to appoint Char Bland to the open Board seat. The Board should recognize and respect owners’ democratic wishes which would have won Char Bland a seat had Mr. Katkov resigned in a manner more appropriate to democratic process.

David Guerra

3/16/2021 11:57:51 pm

I support Char Bland being appointed to the board of directors.

Gilbert Caldwell

3/17/2021 05:29:52 am

I support the selection of the first runner up which was \Char Bland

Diane

3/17/2021 02:58:04 pm

A few points to consider.
Two board seats were up for election.
Whether the resignation of Hal Katkov took place before or after the election, a third vacancy would not have been on the ballot. The board, by law, is required to appoint someone to fill the resigned seat.

There is not, and would not have been, and may not be, any cost associated with appointing a board member to fill a resigned seat.

Regarding “third runner up” status:
If there HAD been three “votable” seats, ANY combination of the two victors plus either of the two coming in third and fourth could have occurred.
Example: ALL of the voters for Bill and Bob could hypothetically have also voted for EITHER Char or Harold, had there been a third seat to fill on the ballot.

This is math.
My point is, it cannot be determined who the majority of voters would like to fill the resigned seat, based on who came in third, since there were TWO ‘extra’ choices. If there were ONLY one candidate, there’d be an imperative.

I trust six elected board members to contemplate all available choices, and appoint, (as dictated by law), the best choice to complete a full panel of directors.

Why do I trust six directors to do this?
The vast majority of DPPS homeowners are overjoyed with the condition of our Princess, the golf course, our finances, our management team, our landscaping, our security, the constant and open communication derived from our monthly board summaries, our Owner-Board Chats, our Weekly Herald, our monthly Royal Page, our numerous dedicated volunteer committees, and our overall governance.

The people orchestrating this success story—despite a gobsmackin’ pandemic – –are current and outgoing Directors.

THEY MADE IT HAPPEN FOR US.

They should be able to exercise their right to select Mr Katkov’s replacement.

THAT is the fair, legal, and time-honored process. Whoever they choose, I hope it’s the person that you want!

Incidentally, I do not happen share any views casting the directors as sinister, evil, pursuing malevolent private agendas. They have all sacrificed plenty, and devote their time, energy, and brain power, to improving and enhancing, within a budget, our lifestyle—for free!

When it comes to electing Directors, WE get to choose.
It’s the law!

When it comes to appointing Board vacancies, THEY get to choose.
It’s the law!
Happy Saint Patty’s day!

Michelle Simson

3/18/2021 11:22:12 am

Extremely well articulated, Diane, in addition to the accuracy of its content. There's no question the Board has the right to appoint whomever they choose, but thanks to this community blog, homeowners have the opportunity to share ideas about considerations that should be important to this Board selection process.

I know I've always been guided by the principal U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stewart defined when he said "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what the right thing to do is".

I'm sure we're just all hopeful our BOD will be guided by this principal.

James Clattenburg link

3/17/2021 06:52:01 pm

I think Char would be a great addition to the board. She is one of the first people I have met since moving here. Smart, full of energy, and heck, she was the "Runner Up" in the election. Go Char!

Daniel M Gonzalez

3/18/2021 11:14:54 am

Replacement of resigning board member Hal Katkov from the DPCC HOA should be prioritized to ensure the impact of a complete and effective board, particularly in an emerging "post Covid" environment.
It is the boards duty to recognize and implement homeowners selections through the previously held democratic election process. And as such professional Char Bland, is the logical choice to be appointed to the recently seated HOA Board of Directors.
Char, also apparently received the second most votes in the recent election, and thereby should be entitled to the position. This is likely directed per board election guidelines as well.

I concur with Chars supporters to urge the board to consider and expedite filling the board seat with qualified candidate Char Bland, forthwith.

Doug Schmidt

3/18/2021 12:16:16 pm

Important board decisions, and the way in which the board makes it decisions, induce (1) respect, admiration, harmony, or (2) disrespect, suspicion, disharmony. The potential for either reaction is a factor for the community and the board to keep in mind as the board fills the Katkov vacancy.

Daniel M Gonzalez

3/18/2021 01:32:16 pm

*Char may or may not be entitled to the position pending BOD interpretation of the laws governing this type of procedure and protocol. Chars placement in the recent election was apparently third position and not second.

Christina Adams

3/21/2021 06:35:19 pm

I know Char is very interested in becoming a part of the board. I think it would be a great idea to allow her to do so.

Vivian Wilson

3/22/2021 11:43:37 am

I fully support appointing Char Bland to resume the vacant Board seat.

Bill

3/22/2021 03:26:01 pm

I concur with the vast majority here on this post and also people in the neighborhood that I speak to about it. Char is an easy and logical choice to be on the BOD.

Bill Green

3/23/2021 05:02:55 pm

As I read through the many responses it is great to see the passion for our community. The opinions as to the process no matter how popular, are only suggestions. There is an existing approved policy in place that preceded current events that guides the Board through the process. No matter how we may feel as individuals, it would not be prudent to stray from the policy. I personally would find it troubling if the BOD changed the process based on homeowner’s opinions. As this is not the first time this scenario has arisen, the policy/process has worked in the past we should trust it will work again.

Bill

4/2/2021 02:57:37 pm

I would say the HOA board, who are representatives of the people that live in the community, should weigh heavily the opinions of the passionate people that are part of the HOA. Instead it feels like, without any reasoning provided, we were simply ignored, to put it lightly.

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Charter

This blog is designed as a means to provide transparency and informative access to the policies and protocols of the Desert Princess Palm Springs Homeowners Association, the governance of the HOA Board of Directors and the management of the community’s assets by The Management Trust. The expressed intent is to establish a neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods, and services; it is hoped that homeowners will use it to build a stronger and safer Desert Princess Palm Springs.

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