What does the Nominating Committee do?
The Nominating Committee’s primary function is to ensure that the community has well qualified candidates nominated from the Desert Ridge community to serve as Members of the Community Association Board of Directors.
What does the Nominating Committee have planned for this year?
Board candidate announcement was included in the Holiday 2011 issue of this Magazine. This issue contains the board candidate qualifications and email address for the application forms. A “Meet the Candidate” event at the CityNorth Market on High Street is scheduled for Sunday, March 18th so that members of the community can meet prospective Board Members.
How many positions are available this year and how long will my term be?
Out of the seven member seats on the Board of Directors, there are four seats on the Board of Directors that are available for election in 2012. Directors are elected to serve two year terms. This year, one of the available seats is a result of a Director resignation in 2011; this position will be elected for a one year term to complete the original unexpired two year term. The remaining three positions will serve two year terms.
What is the process for running for a position on the Board?
Contact the Association office at: 480-551-4553 or email to: desertridge@rossmar.com or stop by the Association office (20860 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite 360, Phoenix 85050) to pick up the application.
Return all application forms to the Association office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 9th.
In addition, candidates are strongly encouraged to attend the “Meet the Candidate” event on Sunday, March 18th. Candidates must attend the Desert Ridge Community Association Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, April 19th. It is recommended to attend a Board meeting; Wednedays, February 22nd and March 28th.
What are the Directors’ responsibilities?
The Desert Ridge Community Association is an Arizona-chartered, nonprofit organization. Directors are responsible for operating and maintaining the “common area” property of the community, reviewing and approving all site plans and improvements within the community, and providing coordination and oversight of the Subsidiary Associations. Luckily, we have a management company that handles most of the day-to-day operations.
What is the time commitment needed while serving on the Board?
The Board typically holds one Open Session and one Executive Session per month, which takes approximately 3 hours, combined. Sometimes there are ad-hoc meetings called, but that is more the exception than the rule. Depending on which committee you would like to be involved with, an additional 1-2 hours per week may be required. Typically, the time commitment averages about 8 hours a month.
When and where are the Board of Directors Meetings?
The meeting schedule is actually created by the Board of Directors. Our current meeting schedule is the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., at CityCenter of CityNorth, 5350 E. High Street, Suite 109, Phoenix 85054.
Do you incur personal liability by serving on the Board?
Generally, as long as a Director acts in good faith with the best interests of the community first, doesn’t break any laws, or have any personal benefit, the Association indemnifies the Directors. The Association’s Articles of Incorporation provide the most comprehensive explanation of liability. Please read and understand them fully for yourself. The Articles of Incorporation can be found on RossmarConnect, the community information website, or the CD mailed to all Owners in August 2011.
How does the election actually work?
There is a one vote per lot for each available position on the board. A qualified Owner will be able to cast one vote for up to 4 candidates.
Do developers and commercial entities get to vote?
Yes, qualified developers and commercial entities get to vote. The Desert Ridge Board is not a Homeowners Association, it is a Community Association. One of the great things about Desert Ridge is that it is still a relatively young development, and only about 30% of the total lots have homes built on them. Since the voting is determined per lot, there is still significant involvement by private and commercial developers and the Master Developer. The Master Developer actually casts votes for all land held by the Arizona State Land Dept.
Tips for people who are running:
Get out there and talk to your neighbors – ask them what their concerns are for the community. Let them know you’re running. Candidates may speak with developers as well as the commercial interests. And thank you for getting involved!
