Motions

Here are summaries of each motion to guide your vote, You can read each motion as written by scrolling down. There are also a couple of rebuttals in support of a couple motions. Some motions are not included due to not having the authors original motions.


Motion A: Surfside Bill of Rights


This motion ensures equal treatment for all members, requiring that any variance or
special consideration granted to one member must be available to all. It also mandates
financial transparency for expenses over $1,000 and establishes a presumption of
innocence for members facing compliance complaints, ensuring fair and open
governance.


Motion G: Return Tree Compliance to the Compliance Officer


This motion proposes returning tree compliance enforcement to the Compliance Officer,
removing the current control by the TBVN committee, which has led to conflicts of
interest. It aims to ensure that tree height rules are enforced impartially and that appeals
are handled fairly.


Motion H: Adoption of ElectionBuddy


This motion advocates for implementing ElectionBuddy, an online voting platform, to
enhance voter participation, security, and transparency. By offering both electronic and
paper ballots, the system aims to make voting more accessible and efficient, especially
for remote members.


Motion K: Increase Tree Height Limits to 24 Feet


This motion seeks to raise tree height limits in certain areas from 16 and 20 feet to a
uniform 24 feet to improve flood management and environmental sustainability.
Increasing the tree canopy will enhance climate resilience and protect against flooding,
while not impacting views.


Motion J: Cease Collection of Water Fees from Unmetered Lots


This motion calls for stopping the collection of water fees from Surfside lot owners
whose properties are not connected to the water system through meters. It argues that
charging fees for unmetered lots is unfair and possibly illegal, aligning Surfside’s water
billing practices with neighboring communities.


Motion L: Hire a DEI Firm for Surfside HOA


This motion proposes hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) firm to ensure that
the HOA operates fairly and inclusively for all members, particularly those from
marginalized groups. The firm would investigate potential biases and recommend steps
to foster a more inclusive environment for women, minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals,
seniors, and veterans.


Motion D: Assign an Independent Ombudsman for Surfside Seniors
This motion seeks to appoint an independent ombudsman to assist Surfside’s senior
residents in navigating HOA rules and resolving issues with the board. The
ombudsman would work with the Peninsula Senior Center to provide unbiased support
for seniors.


Take the time to read each motion and understand how they will impact you and the
community as a whole. Your vote is key to creating a more just, transparent, and
functional HOA

Motion A: Surfside HOA Equal Rights

Right to Equal treatment: Any variance, or HOA covenant or operations manual language interpretation, or special consideration that is granted or available to any HOA member by Surfside Board or recognized committee must be granted to every Surfside HOA member … Continue reading

Motion L: Diversity. Equity and Inclusion for Surfside HOA to establish normal business practices for inclusion and equal treatment of all members

Motion to Hire a DEI Firm, Diversity. Equity and Inclusion for Surfside HOA to establish normal business practices for inclusion and equal treatment of all members, including minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, seniors, veterans, and those of various religious backgrounds Purpose: … Continue reading

Motion G: Returning the tree compliance enforcement to the proper department of the Compliance Officer.

Justifications for this motion: 1. Historical Background: On August 17, 2019, the Board of Trustees unanimously passed a vote (8-0-0) to reverse a decision on tree complaint enforcement. I was present at that meeting, where the issue was discussed that … Continue reading

Motion H: Adoption of ElectionBuddy for Enhanced Voter Participation, Security, and Efficiency in Surfside HOA Election

To enhance voter participation, security, and efficiency in our election processes, Imove that Surfside HOA adopt ElectionBuddy, an advanced and secure online votingplatform, for implementing electronic voting, mirroring the successful process used byan HOA in Virginia. ElectionBuddy is a professional … Continue reading

Motion D: Appoint an independent ombudsman for senior residents in Surfside HOA to assist them with issues.

Senior residents in Surfside WA HOA face challenges in understanding and navigating HOA covenants and procedures. The ombudsman will provide guidance on HOA covenants, explain processes, and handle complaints. The Peninsula senior center will work with the HOA to assign … Continue reading

Motion J: Motion to Cease Water Fees for Lots without Water Meters

Purpose: To stop the collection of water fees from Surfside lot owners whose properties are not connected to the water system through water meters. Surfside charges lot owners an annual fee of $372 for water services, according to the HOA … Continue reading

Motion K: Increase Tree Height Limits to 24 Feet for Enhanced Environmental and Flood Management Benefits

Purpose: To address stormwater and flood management concerns by increasing current tree height restrictions in areas with 16-foot and 20-foot limits to a 24-foot limit across Surfside, WA. This motion aims to enhance the tree canopy, reduce flood risks, improve stormwater management, … Continue reading

Motion L: Diversity. Equity and Inclusion for Surfside HOA to establish normal business practices for inclusion and equal treatment of all members

Motion to Hire a DEI Firm, Diversity. Equity and Inclusion for Surfside HOA to establish normal business practices for inclusion and equal treatment of all members, including minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, seniors, veterans, and those of various religious backgrounds Purpose: … Continue reading

Truth: Trees help prevent flooding.

Here are some top articles and videos on stormwater management and the benefits of mature trees in preventing flooding by various government and university resources. Within these articles are further links of research on the benefits of trees for stormwater … Continue reading

Rebuttal to Opinion on Homeowners Bill of Rights Motion

Rebuttal to Opinion on Homeowners Bill of Rights Motion. The claim that Surfside’s governing documents already protect homeowners’ rights is an oversimplification that neglects the nuanced issues faced by members. The six-part motion addresses key gaps in transparency, fairness, and … Continue reading

Rebuttle to online argument against this author and the board slow response to adopting  electronic voting

Floor Motion H: Adoption of Election Buddy for Enhanced Voter Participation, Security and Efficiency in Surfside HOA Elections Opinion on Motion: The real question is why one member continues to push for a single source of electronic voting? The motion … Continue reading