VISTA VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION: Not Your Typical HOA
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to unite the community through social connections, mutual support, education, and advocacy for our homeowners’ rights.
OUR GOALS AND PURPOSES
- To create a safe environment by actively working together to build a sense of community, cooperation and respect through mutual support. A commitment to inclusivity and diversity shall be a guiding principle of this organization.
- To provide education, resources, and community advocacy which assist Vista Village homeowners in handling pertinent and relevant issues.
- To develop a supportive network for Vista Village homeowners.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board Members
- Care about Vista Village residents.
- Meet regularly to discuss issues and projects that benefit the Vista Village community.
- Work with others on action committees and task forces.
- May be contacted by writing to VistaVillageCommunityAssoc@gmail.com
Current Board Members
Renée Hummel, President
Renée became a homeowner in Vista Village in 2005. Ten years later she got involved in the advocacy to city council that led to the formation of the HOA, and was elected to the Board in 2016. She served as our first president. After taking a long break, was chosen by the current board to fill a vacancy in September 2018. She has served on the communications team since 2016. While Renée supports all aspects of our mission, “advocacy for our homeowners’ rights” is the part she is most passionate about.
Raymond Farber, Treasurer
Raymond is not quite the longest-term homeowner among our board members, but at 22 years in Vista Village, he’s seen a thing or two. He was elected to the Board in 2016 and 2018. His past experience as Treasurer for AFGE naturally led to his selection as Treasurer for VV HOA from the start, where he continues to handle finances and membership processing. Advocacy is a key issue for him. As our grill-master extraordinaire, you may have seen him valiantly flipping burgers at last summer’s BBQ Bash.
Tanya Petty, Secretary
Tanya has lived here for 28 years. She has always been passionate about protecting residents and their rights. Whether at the state capitol, at city council, or elsewhere, Tanya is a staunch advocate for legislation that protects mobile home owners and our right to create and maintain a homeowners’ association. She was elected in 2016 and 2018, serves on Events Committee, and does much more, especially as Secretary of the HOA!
Matthew Jensen, Board Member
Matt is a 18 year resident of Vista Village. A member of VVHOA since its beginning, he was elected to the Board in 2018 and is now president. He designed our website and is also interested in community outreach with the city of Boulder. Truly affordable housing in Boulder is at the core of what he is working towards. He has also volunteered with Red Cross, Native American Rights Fund, Boulder Public Library and others.
Past Board Members
Cynthia Holappa, President, Aug 2016 – May 2018
Jean Gehring, Vice-President, Jan 2016 – Summer 2018
Kevin Cook, Member at Large, Jan – Mar 2016
Renée Hummel, President, Jan – Jul 2016 (Returned to Board 2018)
Sunny Brown, Member at Large, Jun 2016 – Jan 2018
Transitions
This is a young, all-volunteer organization, and bylaws were written to allow for the changes that happen in people’s lives. Resignations are allowed. When this happens between regular elections, vacancies are filled by a vote of the remaining board members. HOA members are encouraged to attend board meetings, and perhaps be inspired to join the board when future vacancies occur.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How much is it going to cost me to be a member?
Answer: We have set a very affordable membership fee of only $10/year. If you can afford more than that, we are certainly happy to accept!
2. How is the money used?
Answer While no one is paid for their time, the HOA must cover various expenses: copying, mailing, office supplies, meeting and social event expenses, website hosting, and more. Currently, some of our most dedicated volunteers make special donations or pay out of their own pockets for necessary expenses and helpful items. For example, our sandwich sign near the mail boxes was purchased and donated by a member.
3. What is the connection of the HOA with management?
Answer: We are autonomous and have no direct connection with management. We are a homeowners’ community organization, whereas, the management is in charge of managing Vista Village, maintaining the grounds and infrastructures, and setting and enforcing the Park rules and regulations. However, we would like to eventually find a way to increase friendly communication with management and do some work together to enhance the quality of life at Vista Village.
4. Are you going to give us more rules and regulations?
Answer: No, there are none. That is the task of the owner and management.
5. How do I qualify for membership?
Answer: To qualify a household for membership, there needs to be at least one resident who is listed on the lease as the primary owner of the home, is over 18 years old, and who must live in Vista Village. Members cannot be in the employ of the park owner, even if they own a home and reside in the community.
6. Are the Bylaws and other important documents and announcements of the HOA available in Spanish?
Answer: Yes. Also a Spanish language translator should be available for our annual membership meeting, and can be available at other times as well. If other language translations are needed, please email us at VistaVillageCommunityAssoc@gmail.com to let us know or to sign up for our Translation and Multicultural Outreach Action Team.
7. Do you have meetings for members?
Answer: We have a general membership meeting annually in January, and may have other meetings from time to time. Our board meetings are announced in advance and are open for HOA members to attend, Interested members are welcome to get involved with and attend meetings of one or more of the various Action Teams (committees) that work to accomplish our goals. The more community involvement the better for everyone.