Board Candidate FAQ’s
What does the Nominating Committee do?
The Nominating Committee’s primary function is to ensure that the community has qualified candidates nominated from the Desert Ridge community to serve as Members of the Community Master Association Board of Directors.
What does the Nominating Committee have planned for the upcoming board election year?
This issue contains both the board candidate interest announcement and the requirements and qualifications and email address for the application forms. Several “Meet the Candidate” events have been scheduled so that members of the community can meet prospective Board Members. There will be a Board Candidates “Meet and Greet” at the Farmers Market on High Street on Sunday, February 16th at 11:00 AM, a “Meet the Candidate” night at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 26th at the DRCA Board of Directors Meeting and another Board Candidates “Meet and Greet” at the Farmers Market on High Street on Sunday, March 15th at 11:00 AM.
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 three (3) seats on the Board of Directors that are available for election in 2020. Directors are elected to serve two year terms. In 2020, these three positions will be elected for a two year term since the two year term for these three seats will expire in April 2022. Therefore, all three positions will serve two year terms.
What is the process for running for a position on the Board?
Contact the Association office at: 480-551-4550 or email to: desertridge.az@fsresidential.com or stop by the Association’s office (5415 E. High Street, Suite 133, Phoenix 85054) to obtain the candidate application form.
Return all candidate application forms to the Association office no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, February 7th.
In addition, candidates are required to attend at least one of the three “Meet the Candidate” events. It is strongly recommended that all board candidates attend the Board Candidates Meet & Greet / Q&A to be held during the DRCA Board of Director Meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 6:00 PM. Candidates are also encouraged to attend the Farmers Market on High Street Board Candidates Meet & Greet / Q&A on Sunday, February 16th at 11:00 AM or Sunday, March 15th at 11:00 AM. Candidates must also attend the Desert Ridge Community Association Annual Membership Meeting & Election on Thursday, April 16th. Candidate attendance at this meeting is mandatory!
What are the Directors’ responsibilities?
The Desert Ridge Community Association is an Arizona-chartered, 501(c)(4) nonprofit social welfare 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 community subsidiary associations and subdivisions. Fortunately, 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 2-4 hours, combined. There are presently seven standing committees that each have varying meeting schedules determined by their respective committee charter. 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 is the Board of Directors Meetings?
The meeting schedule is actually determined by the Board of Directors. Our current meeting schedule is the 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. (except for the months of April, July, November and December), at Cambria Hotel & Suites, Conference Room, 4425 E. Irma Lane, Phoenix 85050.
Do you incur personal liability by serving on the Board?
Generally, as long as a Director act 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 and other governing documents can be found on FirstService Connect, the community information website, or via the CD.
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 3 candidates.
Do developers and commercial entities get to vote?
Yes, qualified developers and commercial entities are members and 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 40% of the total parceled land 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!
