ADDRESSING RAMPANT SVCA MISINFORMATION
It is with sadness that I am compelled to issue this message. But as General Manager, I feel it is the right thing to do. I have an obligation to ensure that Members of this community receive accurate information about important issues affecting the community. Unfortunately, perhaps due to upcoming votes facing the Association or otherwise, I have become aware that there is an extensive amount of misinformation being circulated online. I take no position on the political issues affecting SVCA, as those are for the members to decide.
But, I am concerned when misinformation erodes the trust between SVCA residents and the SVCA Administration and Board of Directors. Trust is something that is not easily earned. It takes a lot of effort. Sadly, it can be destroyed quickly, and misinformation along the lines of what I have seen recently is doing just that. Such misinformation is bad for Sudden Valley. And, while I cannot stop it from occurring, I can at least set the record straight. Hence, this message.
Frankly, I’m incredulous and disappointed at the sheer number of falsehoods and misrepresentations I’ve had brought to my attention in recent days. There are too many to address fully, but I am sharing the most egregious and am providing factual responses below.
Sudden Valley Community Association – Request for Disclosure of Records:
The first, and most disturbing, involves an attorney’s “demand letter” sent to me and the Sudden Valley Board of Directors, on behalf of SVCA Board Director Taimi Van De Polder. Almost all of the information Director Van De Polder had requested had been previously provided to her. However, staff elected to obtain guidance from legal counsel on an issue before completing the request. Before such guidance was received, SVCA received a “Demand Letter” from Director Van De Polder’s attorney.
I wouldn’t ordinarily address such a matter publicly, except for the fact that the “Demand Letter” was intentionally made public, and it casts a false light on the good faith actions of my staff who are trying to do the right thing. Inexplicably, within an hour of receiving the Demand Letter, it was posted on various Sudden Valley social media groups by Director Van De Polder’s husband. To make matters worse, the Demand Letter contains factual inaccuracies that make it appear that SVCA is intentionally denying Director Van De Polder access to information to which she is entitled to review. With one exception where staff was waiting for legal guidance, all of the records requested in the Demand Letter were previously provided to Director Van De Polder. These include:
- On February 18, 2022, Director Van De Polder received the complete 2021 GL as part of a Board Orientation Binder.
- On May 15, 2022, the SunMark property was inspected. On May 18, 2022, SVCA President Tischleder provided the Inspection Report to the entire board, prior to the discussion and vote to purchase.
- On July 12, 2022, SVCA Finance Director Joel Heverling provided the 1850 Lake Whatcom Blvd Purchase and Sale Agreement to the whole Board, prior to the discussion and vote on the CIT Loan Corporate Resolution.
The only document Director Van de Polder had not received when the Demand Letter was sent is the 2022 General Ledger because staff were awaiting guidance from the Association’s legal counsel concerning confidential information contained in the General Ledger. SVCA’s legal counsel is currently working with our Finance Director to ensure confidentiality concerns are addressed appropriately. Please keep in mind that simply because information was released in the past, doesn’t mean it should have been. We will continue to protect staff and members’ privacy, while ensuring our membership and Board receive information appropriately.
Other False Accusations and Claims:
This situation we are currently witnessing, where truth is twisted and out-right lies against sitting Board Directors are posted daily, can have catastrophic consequences when decisions by the Board and Management – made in consultation with legal counsel – are repeatedly questioned. This is a long-running, cynical, and ultimately corrosive approach to politics undermining the members’ trust.
The fact that many in the Recall Group are even discussing ignoring the Association’s legal counsel highlights a much, much greater concern. This is beyond neighborhood politicking, and we should all demand it end – now! Before the fabric of this Association is damaged beyond repair.
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