Lack of Disclosure Creates Distrust

Prior to the vote on the landscaping project, the board had renderings showing how the front and rear flower beds would look after completion. They were presented at a board meeting, but were never sent to all owners. While we wonder why they didn’t send the renderings, the board has no answer. And one long-standing board member doesn’t understand the point. Whether this was an oversight or intentional, the lack of disclosure is leading to growing distrust.

Failure to Share

During the Board of Directors meeting on Monday, January 23, a board member stated that the homeowners had been asked about the hibiscus bushes planted along the seawall. The board member went on to say that the homeowners all wanted them. When asked if the board had conducted a survey of all the owners, the answer was no. Instead, board members “asked around”.

Later, in an email exchange, a board member disclosed that renderings of the front flower beds and seawall beds were presented at a board meeting last year.  These renderings showed how the beds would look once the project was completed. When asked if the renderings were shared with all Marina Del Rey owners, the answer was no. A letter was sent to all owners on September 8 describing the beds, but the renderings were not included.

The Point

During the email exchange, the board member questioned why we asked about sharing the renderings and said, “… the point escapes me”.

Sharing all information with all owners, not just the few who attend board meetings, is part of transparency and full disclosure. Renderings could help owners understand the full scope of the project and decide how to vote on the special assessment. Additionally, the renderings could serve as the basis for thoughtful conversation, constructive questions, and confidence that we are getting quality products at the best prices.

The Result

As the project got underway, many owners expressed concern over the quality of the plantings and the value we got for the price we paid. As questions arose, many owners became concerned about how the project was evaluated and executed. The failure to share the renderings with all owners is an example of something that leads to growing distrust of the board.  And ironically, the board did this to themselves. Their actions created the distrust.

Three of the current board members are well seasoned, having served multiple terms. So it’s hard to understand why the renderings were not shared with everyone. Did no one on the board see how important the renderings were and suggest they be sent to ALL owners? If the failure to share was unintentional, it shows a misunderstanding of what the term full disclosure means. And then we wonder what else the board unintentionally doesn’t share with the owners. If it was intentional, it shows a lack of respect for owners, regardless of whether they attend board meetings. Either way, it’s a bad look, and ALL owners deserve better.