Question:
Our association was incorporated as a special taxing district. We are a small private lake community. We have Board meetings monthly. The question has been raised if only homeowners (Association members) can attend and speak during their allotted time, or should this meeting be open to the public to attend and speak?
– Victoria
Answer:
Hi Victoria,
According to the Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act Sec. 47-250(4), “Unit owners shall be given a reasonable opportunity at any meeting to comment regarding any matter affecting the common interest community or the association.”
The same section also states: “Meetings shall be open to the unit owners and to a representative designated by any unit owner except during executive sessions. The executive board and those committees may hold an executive session only during a regular or special meeting of the board or a committee. No final vote or action may be taken during an executive session. An executive session may be held only to: (A) Consult with the association’s attorney concerning legal matters; (B) discuss existing or potential litigation or mediation, arbitration or administrative proceedings; (C) discuss labor or personnel matters; (D) discuss contracts, leases and other commercial transactions to purchase or provide goods or services currently being negotiated, including the review of bids or proposals, if premature general knowledge of those matters would place the association at a disadvantage; or (E) prevent public knowledge of the matter to be discussed if the executive board or committee determines that public knowledge would violate the privacy of any person.”
However, it is also worth checking your association’s governing documents to see if they allow members of the public to attend and speak during board meetings.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers. The information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice.
