This one page action plan assists the board in organizing and completing HOA business effectively. It also advises owners and residents in advance so they can plan accordingly.

1. Compile one in conjunction with the Annual Budget to list cyclical maintenance events like gutter cleaning and window washing.
2. Add time frames for major renovation like painting and roofing so residents can plan vacations around them.
3. Schedule meetings and other events a year in advance so owners know when they can petition the board.

This kind of long range planning gives the owners the feeling that someone is actually steering the ship rather than being keel hauled behind it. It also counteracts the notion that the Board is operating behind closed doors or in secret. Post the Event Calendar around the property, put it in your newsletters and on the association website. With an Event Calendar, there are fewer surprises, more gets done and there will be greater harmony in the community. Here's a sample:

JANUARY
8 Annual Homeowner Meeting
10 Get proposals: roof replacement, pool replaster, treework
11 Inspect decks
15 Forward Year End Financials to CPA
20 Sweep parking lots

FEBRUARY
13 Board of Directors Meeting
~ Review roof, pool replaster proposals Newsletter

MARCH
File tax return by the 15th
Annual fire extinguisher inspection

APRIL
1 Maintenance Committee Inspection
15 Pool replaster project begins
Dewinterize Buildings
Walkthrough with Landscape Contractor
Clean Clubhouse and stairwell carpets

MAY
5 Work Party - Plant spring flowers
12 Board of Directors Meeting
25 Pool Opens
Newsletter
Announce Summer Social
Clean gutters
Wash windows
Sweep parking lots

JUNE
Roof replacement project begins
Deck repair project begins

JULY
15 Summer Social
20 Treework begins

AUGUST
15 Board of Directors Meeting
Newsletter

SEPTEMBER
Order Reserve Study Update
10 Close Pool
12 Chimney Inspections & Cleaning
15 Budget Committee Meeting
25 Wash windows

OCTOBER
5 Work Party - Plant fall flowers
Winterize Buildings
15 Mail winterization notices
22 Walkthrough with Landscape Contractor

NOVEMBER
1 Grounds Committee Inspection
22 Board of Directors Meeting
~ Review & approve budget
Newsletter
~ Request Board Candidates
~ Announce Christmas Party

DECEMBER
5 Clubhouse Cleaning Party
12 Christmas Party at Clubhouse
15 Clean gutters

Published: December 21, 2011

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .