Recruiting and Retaining Board Members
Recruitment and retention of board members is an issue every association must face. A question I am often asked is "Is there any legal way to compel members to serve on the board?" There is no way to force anyone to serve on the board of a condominium in which he/she owns. If, because of apathy, complete satisfaction or otherwise, only one owner volunteers to serve on a condominium's board, then that board becomes a board of one (1) and that one (1) trustee will, in effect, make all decisions. This is generally why even in small condominiums, more than one person is ready, willing and able to serve in this capacity.
Most people living in a condominium would be uncomfortable by having every resident's property, money, and general investment determined, in a large part, on the decision of one person. This usually motivates more than one person to serve as a board member. Ultimately, someone has to pay the insurance, collect the trash, fix the leaks, shampoo the hall carpets, etc. If only one person is willing to volunteer and serve, so be it.
It is worth noting that should there be a board of only one person, that person as the board is still obligated to comply with the condominium act, etc. with respect to accounting records, open meetings, ADR, etc. His or her engagement of a management company would help, in which the actual day-to-day operations (collection of funds, disbursement of funds, etc.) would be handled by an outside professional. This would provide for some desired financial oversight.
