First SCPOA Board Meeting Update Creates Heightened Community Interest and Standing Room Only Turnout

Perspective and Opinion by Tom Harris

The purpose of this article is to publicly inform all dues-paying residents of the Swansboro Country Property Owners Association (SCPOA) of matters of interest to our community.

On March 21, the Swansboro Country Property Association (SCPOA) board of directors held its inaugural meeting, marking the beginning of a new era for the organization. With attendance ranging between 40-50 members, including a reporter from the Sentinel, the meeting provided an opportunity for members to meet their newly elected directors and get a glimpse of the board’s plans for the upcoming term. The attendees signed the attendance roster, a customary practice observed at previous meetings held at the fire station, with the intention of ensuring that only SCPOA members were present. The meeting was chaired by the newly elected board president, Karen Paul, who is expected to lead the board in making critical decisions that will impact the organization’s future.

The Sentinel also noted that the meeting was focused on community interests and issues rather than personal agendas.

Tom Harris Associate Editor

Highlights included the following:

• Agenda item #3. “Reorganization of Officers”.  Director Luz Brown introduced a motion to appoint director Meagan Lattaner as president. During the ensuing discussion of that motion, Director Luz argued that Ms. Lattaner should be appointed as president because she believed the sitting president, Karen Paul, lacked the necessary experience to chair the SCPOA board. Prompted by director and secretary Meredith Blain, Karen Paul then offered that her 40 years of experience in IT (Information Technology), her experience in corporate board rooms, and her education in project management was sufficient to chair the SCPOA board. Her explanation drew applause from the audience. The motion to remove Karen Paul and replace her with Meagan Lattaner was defeated by a five to two-vote. Only directors Luz and Lattaner voted yes.
• There was also a discussion about the Swansboro Airport inspection, which had previously been a source of controversy. It was explained to the members that the Swansboro Airport passed the California DOT (CALTRANS) inspection some time ago, and granted the Operating Certificate. On another matter, board member and treasurer Melissa Stever pointed out numerous anomalies in SCPOA’s insurance coverage.  This is an issue that she and another community member volunteer have been researching for some time.
• In the meeting, it was evident that board chair Karen Paul had a firm grasp on all the agenda issues.  It was arguably the talent of Ms. Paul’s explanation of some important issues that led to unanimous votes to reorganize all the existing committees, (item 12. D.) and then, to table the “Community Building” project until a more thorough examination can determine the entire cost of the project (item 12. F.)
• Director David Dudley raised questions about the proposed board resolutions and how they were developed. Management Trust (TMT) SCPOA manager, represented by Kelly Kozicki, explained that they were standard forms approved yearly. However, director Dudley’s questions highlighted the fact that there were likely many records that should have been available for transfer after the election.
• Board Secretary Meredith Blain and supported by Treasurer, Melissa Stever, explained that the new directors are motivated, and prepared to work, but couldn’t understand the foot-dragging by the Management Trust (TMT) representative to provide carry-over information.  
• Director Blain asked the TMT representative to add missing information to the TMT portal so all members can have access.  A check by the Sentinel revealed that the Management Trust received a business rating of 3.7 out of 5.0, indicating that while not the best in the business, it is likely not the worst.

The Sentinel praised the newly elected SCPOA board members for their impressive display of knowledge, confidence, and composure during their first meeting. They were observed to ask relevant questions and make statements that were free of innuendo and divisiveness, a refreshing change from previous board meetings. The Sentinel also noted that the meeting was focused on community interests and issues rather than personal agendas. The next open SCPOA board meeting will take place on April 18th at 6:00 PM at the Mosquito Fire Station.