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Welcome to The Dakota Condominium Association! Knowing
that you had several communities from which to choose, we
are delighted that you chose The Dakota as your home.
As a new homeowner in this association, please become familiar
with your association documents. These documents, which
include the Declaration of Condominium, By-Laws, and Rules
and Regulations, outline the responsibilities of both the
homeowner and the association.
Piedmont Management Associates, LLC is pleased to be selected
as the management company for your Community Association.
The management team is committed to delivering the best
possible community management service. The quality of your
experience as a homeowner of The Dakota Condominium
Association depends largely on your knowledge of what you can
expect from us, and what we can expect from you and your
participation as a resident.
Please take the time to review this manual thoroughly. This
Homeowner Manual has been designed as a reference tool to
assist you in using the building’s facilities, and explains such
things as move-in procedures, parking policies, amenities, and
other available services. Most of this information can be found
on the Dakota website at http://www.dakotamidtown.com.
If you need clarification or additional details about any issue,
please feel free to call the management office.
Welcome Home.
Sincerely,
Cumba Bass
Association Manager
404-873-1144
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Getting Started
Before any new owner may move into the building, the following
requirements must be met:
-Submit a copy of your condo purchase closing statement, and a copy
of your Declarations page of your homeowners insurance
-Complete and return a Homeowner/Resident Information Form, and
Vehicle Registration Form
-Schedule elevator/move-in time and submit $250.00 deposit
The deposit will be refunded unless the elevator or common areas sustain
Some monies may also be forfeited if move in/out rules are not followed.
damage.
Tenants must submit in lieu of closing statement/insurance, a copy of your lease.
Additionally, an administrative/transfer fee of $100 is charged.
Once your Homeowner/Resident Information Form is processed, you will have
access to the private/owners section of thedakota.org. If you do not receive a login
and password, go to http://www.dakotamidtown.com and click on Request Login.
Emails are sent by the Property Manager when information needs to be delivered in
a timely manner. All pertinent information is also posted on the bulletin boards.
However, if your email address changes, make sure the Management Office is
advised.
Or Saying Goodbye
If you intend to sell your unit, you must inform the Property Manager.
If you intend to lease your unit, you must make a request in writing to the Board of
Directors. In this community, a maximum of 25% of the units may be leased. If a
lease request, due to “hardship” is made after the maximum number has been
reached, this may be waived; however “hardship” is to be determined by the Board in
each instance.
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Your Dakota Community Home
Monthly Dues
As an owner, your monthly Homeowner Association (HOA) fees/dues fund the
operation and management of the property. That includes housekeeping,
landscaping, and common area property management. These dues also fund
anticipated projects, like replacing the roof, or hallway carpet; and also provide a
cushion in case of an unplanned expense.
Monthly dues are calculated per square foot; larger units have higher dues than
smaller units. Additionally, the buyer of every unit is charged the equivalent of 2
months of dues at move-in as a capital contribution.
All monies not paid on or before the first of each month shall be delinquent, and the
Owner shall be in default. A late charge of ten (10%) percent of the amount not
paid in full will be assessed on the tenth (10 ) day of the month. Delinquencies will
be forwarded to collections.
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There are 3 ways to pay. The preferred method, and the lowest processing cost for
the Dakota is electronically via your online banking. Use the Dakota mailing address
as the electronic payment recipient.
Web payment is available via Smartstreet. To sign up, go to
http://www.dakotamidtown.com and click on Management Desk/eBill Payees.
Payment can also be made using a traditional coupon and check. The coupon and
check can be mailed back to the Dakota, or left in the Management drop box
located in the mail area.
The postal mail address for coupon and check payment is:
The Dakota Condominium Association, Inc.
Payment Processing Center
P.O. BOX 105007
Atlanta, GA 30348-5007
Regardless of manner of payment, all unit owners will receive a coupon book for
payment of monthly dues. It is important to include a coupon with your mail or drop
box payment. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your payment and could
result in a late fee.
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Your Dakota Community Home
As an owner, (not a renter) of a Dakota Condo unit, you
also share ownership of the common elements of our
property, and have partial ownership of the limited
common elements.
Common elements
-any portions of the property that are not included within the boundaries
of a Unit.
They include, but are not limited to, fences, entry features, paving, walls,
retaining walls, landscaped areas, parking garage, mail area, interior
corridors, storage areas, stairs, trash room, and pool area.
Limited Common elements
-any portion of Common Elements reserved for the exclusive use of one
or more units.
They include any balcony, deck or terrace area, individual unit A/C heat
systems, electric and water meters, parking spaces, storage unit, and
mail slot.
Condo Unit
-any portion of The Dakota intended for individual ownership and use.
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Dakota Common Elements Guidelines
Parking Garage
Vehicle Registration
All owners must complete and return the Vehicle Registration & Controlled
Access Form. This form can be found at thedakota.org.
Your Access Remote/Fob will allow you to use the 6th or 7th street
entrances/exits. To exit the gated area, pull up to the gate and wait for it to
open. Do not use the remote/fob to exit the parking garage as it may
inadvertently open both gates (6th and 7th) which creates a security concern.
Note the 6th street is not operational between 10pm and 6am.
Park only in your designated spots. Handicapped spots are assigned to
those vehicles appropriately tagged.
Electric Car Charging is available. Cost is $20 per month unless car is driven
over 12,000 miles per calendar year, in which case the cost is $40 per month.
Your access devices will also give you entry into your building, the fitness
center, & the catering kitchen. You may request access to the other buildings
as well.
Your initial and replacement Access Remote/Fob and/or Access Key Cards are
available from the Property Manager. Replacement access devices are $50.
Lost and stolen access devices should be reported to the Property Manger
immediately for deactivation.
TIP For your protection do not leave purses, GPS, CDs, cell phones, bags, boxes,
coins, or any other item that may appear to be valuable locked inside your vehicle.
Doing so will only promote a break-in and loss of your personal property.
If you park in a spot that is not assigned to you, your vehicle is subject to being
tagged, towed, or booted, and a fine may be levied.
Disabled vehicles, trailers, RVs, and boats may not be parked in the garage.
No items should be stored in the garage or parking spaces. The exception to
this is that the Board typically allows folding grocery pull carts to be placed in
the front of a parking space.
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Parking Garage (cont.)
Bicycle parking is available in the locked bicycle cage located on the 4th level of
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the parking deck. A key may be purchased through the management office, and an ID
tag must be placed on the bicycle. All bicycles are locked and stored at the owner’s risk.
Please be advised that the Dakota Condominium Association or Management will
NOT be responsible for any loss due to theft, collision, or any other damage
occurring to vehicles in the parking garage or on any other area of the property.
Visitor Parking
Each owner is provided with 2 visitor passes, passes must be hung from the visitor’s
rear view mirror. Guest parking is monitored daily for violations.
Your guest may only park in the spaces designated as VISITOR. Since visitor parking
is limited, there is a twelve (12) hour limit on all visitors parking. Any vehicle parked in
visitor parking for more than 12 hours is subject to being tagged, towed, or booted at the
owner’s expense. If there are extenuating circumstances which require an extension of
the 12 hour limit, you must contact the Management Office for approval.
TIP Occasionally, the Management Office has access to additional visitor parking
spaces for longer terms. Check with the Property Manager for availability.
Homeowners are prohibited from parking in the visitor
parking spaces.
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Landscaped Areas
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A great deal of effort, and a significant portion of your HOA dues maintain our
numerous courtyards. Each courtyard is unique and offers a pleasant
experience for you and your guests.
The private courtyards of building 100 and 200 are very dog friendly.
The Juniper Garden features a water feature, bistro tables, and benches. Also
available is a potting bench, grill, and an herb garden. Residents are
encouraged to help themselves to the assortment of herbs June thru October.
All grills on the property are available 24/7, year round.
The open courtyards of building 300 offer beautiful foliage, seating, and a grill.
Pets and children on the property must be under control of the owner, and not
permitted to harm or damage the plants.
TIP
When exiting any building, make your dog’s first stop the mulched area. Do
not move on until his business is completed.
Any landscape damage caused by pets, children, and guests is the
responsibility of the owner, anyone damaging the property will be fined.
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Amenity/Pool Deck
Fitness Center, Grills are available 24/7, year round.
Pool hours are 7am until 11p.
No Glass Containers of any variety are permitted. This includes bottles, bowls,
dishes, drinking glasses, etc. A fine for this offense may also include a charge to
clean & refill the pool.
Pets are not permitted.
Smoking is not permitted.
No lifeguard is on duty. Swim at your own risk.
Those under 16 years old must be supervised by an adult.
Proper bathing attire is required.
Diapers are not allowed in the pool. Children wearing diapers must wear
plastic swim pants while in the pool, as per the Health Department.
There is a 4 guest limit per condo. Owners must be present, and are
responsible for the conduct of their guests.
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Amenity/Pool Deck (cont.)
Catering Kitchen can be reserved for Special Events through the Management
Office.
Special Events reservations require a $125 deposit. This includes a $25 nonrefundable usage fee.
Guest list cannot exceed 50; Or exceed 25 after 10p.
Kitchen furniture must not be removed from kitchen.
Kitchen must be cleaned at conclusion of event.
Audio from Special Events that can be heard in a residential unit is not permitted.
Loud music is not permitted after 8p.
The resident making the reservation, must be present for the duration of the event.
Non-compliance of these rules will result in a forfeited deposit, possible fine and the
loss of the option to host future Special Events and/or reserve the Catering Kitchen.
Fitness Center is exempt from parties/reservation.
__________________________
Homeowners will be fined for any violation of these rules, including violations of
rules committed by their guests. An expense incurred by the Dakota due to a rule
violation will be assessed back to the homeowner.
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Amenity/Pool Deck (cont.)
Grill Usage Guidelines
(also applies to grill in the Juniper Garden)
Do not move grills from their intended locations.
Do not smoke while grilling, or near the grill area.
Do not leave the lit grill unattended.
Keep children away from the grilling area.
Use long handled BBQ utensils to avoid burns and splatter.
The use of charcoal, wood briquettes, or flavoring chips is not permitted.
In case of flare-ups during cooking, close lid. Do not add water.
Turn tank off after each use, unless the next griller is present.
The side burner is not to be used.
Clean grilling area with provided wire brush after use.
If tank is empty, residents have the option of switching out the tanks. Full tanks
are stored in the 6th street visitor parking area, near the trash room. The
numerical code to unlock the rack is the same code as used elsewhere on the
property…
or… use the other grill and call the office to report the empty tank.
For questions about the operation of the grill, see the manual located inside the
grill cabinet.
Report problems to the management office.
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Amenity (Pool) Deck (cont.)
Grill Operation
(also applies to grill in the Juniper Garden)
NOTE: Verify the grease tray behind the left door is
not Full before cooking.
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Trash Disposal
The closest trash chutes for building 100 & 200 are located on NW and SW corners of
every floor near the parking garage stair wells. The closest trash chutes for building
300 are located on NE and SE corners.
All rubbish must be placed in the receptacles provided. In order to maintain a sanitary,
odor free environment, place all items in trash bags before depositing in chute (including
kitty litter).
Do not put any boxes down the trash chute as they may clog the chute. Place objects too
big to fit in the chutes directly in dumpsters on the ground level. Do not leave boxes in the
trash chute rooms. Renovation debris may not be placed in dumpsters.
The trash room door code can be obtained from the Property Manager.
Recyclables must be placed in the green receptacles on the ground
floor. Paper, cardboard, and items marked with the recycle (triangle) logo
may be deposited. Any recyclable item can be placed in any bin; there is no
need to sort by materials. Large and small boxes should be broken down
and placed behind these bins.
HOA dues cover the cost of trash removal, recycling, and weekly cleaning/sanitizing of
the trash rooms.
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Miscellaneous
Non-vehicular property, abandoned for more than 24 hours will be removed
after 2 days notice. The Property Manager will contact the owner, if
determinable, or place a notice on the abandoned property.
Firearms or fireworks may not be displayed or discharged.
Furniture Moving or Deliveries requiring elevator usage must be scheduled
through the Management Office. Reservations require a deposit of $250.00.
The deposit will be refunded unless the elevator or common areas sustain
damage during the reservation. Provided protective padding for the elevator walls
is required.
Garage sales are not allowed.
Smoking is prohibited in storage units, corridors, stairwells, kitchen, fitness
center, on the pool deck, and within the immediate vicinity of the grills
Smoking is permitted within your unit, in the landscaped courtyards, and the
pool deck. Extinguish and dispose of cigarette butts properly. DO NOT
extinguish cigarettes on the pool deck surface, pool deck walls, or toss
cigarettes over balconies.
Storage Unit owners are prohibited from storing hazardous, flammable
materials-- including such items as paint, turpentine, gasoline, or oil.
Dakota Limited Common Elements Guidelines
-Note that Boards and Committees change, and the exceptions granted one year
may not be sustained the next year. Owners should stay clearly within the intent of
the condo documents to avoid disappointment.
Patios/Balconies
Objects less than 42” tall are permitted. However, no objects can be permitted to
fall, or be thrown off a balcony/patio.
Grilling is only permitted using the grills provided on the pool deck, or in the
Juniper Garden. Space heaters of any fuel type are not permitted on balconies.
Not permitted: additional permanent lighting; tile; flags, signage, non-patio furniture,
household items (eg. brooms).
Satellite dishes are allowed upon request to the ACC.
-You may install a dish (no greater than one meter in size) on your balcony/patio so
long as the dish and all mounting hardware and related assembly is within your
balcony.
-The dish and all related parts may not break the plane of the building/patio.
-A satellite dish cover may be required, if dish does not sufficiently blend into the
background and/or the dish is in direct line-of-sight of other units.
-You may not install the dish on any outside wall, outside windowsill, roof, or other
building structure, or any common area
-You may not drill any holes of any type through any exterior wall.
-You may not splice the satelliteʼs signal into the unitʼs existing wiring
or video cable system. Your satellite system must be a standalone system.
-If your dish is installed in violation of any of these provisions, you may be fined and
required to remove your dish.
-Your dish installation will be verified by the Property Manager.
Corridors
Nothing may be placed in the hallways, including the immediate notched doorway
entrance areas. An exception is granted between Thanksgiving and Jan. 10, for
seasonal decoration within the notched area.
Door mats are not permitted in the corridors.
No signage. No Smoking.
One security sticker, approximately 4" in size is allowed on the door and should be
cleanly adhered without tape or residue exposed.
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Your Dakota Condo Guidelines
Buzzing In Visitors
In order to remotely unlock doors adjacent to visitor call boxes, you must register your
local phone number (cell or landline) with the Management Office. When your guests
arrive and use the call box, you have the option of granting access by pressing “9” on your
telephone.
Window Treatments
Any window coverings must appear white or off white from the exterior; shades of
beiges, yellows, etc., are not considered “off-white.”
Additionally, no objects may be placed in windows.
Maintenance Responsibility
You are responsible for the care and maintenance of your unit from the “studs in”.
This includes the unitʼs HVAC unit, (including the compressor on the roof) the
plumbing, and utilities. This also would include windows, window frames, casings,
locks, doors & doorways.
Keep in mind that a problem occurring in your unit could be negatively
impacting another unit, or Common Element. You may be responsible for all
damage caused by the problem originating in your unit.
The Dakota maintains an insurance policy covering the entire property, as mandated
by the State of Georgia. The current policy, and what it covers, is found at
http://www.dakotamidtown.com.
The Dakota requires you maintain an (HO6) insurance policy covering your
specific unit. You may also consider additional insurance to cover your personal
items. Proof of insurance must be provided to the Property Manager annually.
Pest Control
The Dakota has contracted with a professional pest control service to treat all the
common areas on a regular basis. If you are having a problem with insects in your
unit, please call the Management Office.
Noise Levels
Any audio must be kept at a level so as not to not disturb any other resident. Sound
does not necessarily travel to your adjacent neighbors, but may travel across the
hallways. Quiet Hours, when all sound must be kept to a minimum, is between 11p
and 7a, daily.
Construction, remodeling work is permitted during 9a-6p during the week, and
10a-5p on Saturday. Any type of work causing noise is not permitted on Sundays, or
holidays.
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Your Dakota Condo Guidelines (cont.)
Remodeling
The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) must approve in-unit alterations and
remodeling which may involve carpentry, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and walls.
If you are not sure your project needs approval, contact the Property Manager.
The ACC will review your project to verify that load bearing walls will not be
affected, utilities will not be effected, and the integrity of the building will not be
harmed.
Owners who are contemplating any remodeling or alterations must complete the
ACC Change Request form, and provide the insurance certificate of the company
proposed to do the work.
The Change Request form is available at http://www.dakotamidtown.com.
The ACC has 45 days to approve or decline your request. However, Change
Requests are reviewed at each monthly meeting, so you will most likely get an
answer sooner. Routine requests can often be expedited.
If the work is done without the approval of the ACC, you may be required to remove
and undo any alteration at your expense.
The Property Manager can answer any questions and guide you through this
process.
Most common request
Replacing carpet with tile, or hardwood flooring requires ACC approval. Floors
above ground will require sound-insulation. Ventilation will also be required in
situations where hardwood floors require staining or when tile is removed.
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Your Dakota Pet
Pets must be registered with the Management Office. This list will also be shared
with fire and emergency personnel should an emergency situation arise.
Dogs must be under your or your dog walkerʼs control, on a leash, when outside
of your unit. Also, be mindful of excessive pet noise and your neighbors.
There are no dog runs within the Dakota Community. Anyone allowing their pet to
freely run and roam through the landscaped area is really allowing their dog to
carelessly damage the property.
HOA dues/fees cover thousands of dollars spent every year on landscaping. Many of
those dollars are needed to replace plants and shrubs killed by pet urine, or torn apart
by out-of-control dogs.
Non-pet owners rightfully expect our landscaping plan to be more than mulch and
decorative rocks.
All pet owners must clean up after their dogs. Doggie bags are available in every
courtyard.
Dogs, cats, and pets of any type are not allowed to wander the corridors or common
areas.
If you witness a situation involving an uncontrolled dog, especially damaging the
landscaping, call the Property Manager. Using the security cameras, and electronic
access reports, the owner will be identified and fined.
Owners are also responsible for the actions of their dog walkers/pet sitters.
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Your Dakota Condominium Association
A Condominium is a system of ownership of individual units in a multi-unit structure,
combined with joint ownership of commonly used property such as the hallways, the
stairs, the pool, the fitness center, and the kitchen.
A Condominium Association consists of all unit owners in the Condominium; when
you purchase a unit in The Dakota, you automatically become a member of the
Condominium Association. Renters are not association members. The Dakota
Condominium has a total of 167 units: 160 residential units; 6 commercial units; and 1
non-voting management office.
The Association is governed by a Board of Directors, which is elected by the unit
owners. Each residential unit has 1 vote; the 6 commercial units have 1 vote apiece
(the 6 units are owned by two commercial owners who have 3 votes each). The dayto-day operations are conducted by the Property Manager.
Role of the Board of Directors
The Dakota has a 7-member Board of Directors: 6 seats are held by residential unit
owners, or a co-habitant of a residential unit owner; 1 seat is held by a commercial
unit owner. The six (6) Director seats held by residential unit owners are elected to
two-year terms by residential unit owners at the Annual Meeting (held each
December).
Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) are elected annually by
the Board at the first Board meeting following the Annual Meeting. If a seat is
vacated mid-term, the Board appoints another homeowner to fill the remainder of that
term. The Board is required to have a minimum of two regular meetings annually.
However, the Board typically meets monthly. Board members are not paid for their
services.
The Boardʼs main purpose is to ensure that the Association: 1) enforces the bylaws;
and 2) stays financially stable. The Boardʼs responsibilities include: Approving the
Annual Budget; Planning for short-and long-term capital projects; Preparing
amendments to the bylaws; Addressing violations of the bylaws;
The Board also is responsible for addressing issues that affect The Dakota and all its
Association members, including, but not limited to: safety, community upgrades,
landscaping, and maintenance. Many of these projects are delegated to committees.
Contact the Property Manager if you have a question about the current yearʼs plans
for the Dakota.
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Role of Committees
The Dakota has four Committees: Architectural Control; Communications;
Finance; Operations and Management. Committees are typically chaired by a
Board member. Committee members are Dakota residents. The Board delegates
certain tasks/projects to each Committee. Each Committee also can take the
initiative to investigate new services or products that might benefit The Dakota, and
present the idea to the Board for approval.
Architectural Control Committee (ACC)
The ACC has a number of roles as established in the Bylaws (Section 13). Its
primary role involves design issues that affect the entire community. A secondary
function is to establish guidelines for and provide direction to homeowners whose
renovations will affect the common area walls or systems.
The ACCʼs specific responsibilities include:
1. Common-Area Design Projects
The ACC develops plans for new design projects as well as those items scheduled to
be replaced. The ACC is responsible for landscaping, the look and furnishings of the
common interiors and exteriors.
If the project is included in the budget for that year, the Board can approve the work
directly; otherwise, the project is reviewed for inclusion in the next yearʼs budget.
2. Homeowner Renovation Guidelines
The Architectural Control Committee must approve in-unit alterations and remodeling.
Owners who are contemplating any remodeling or alterations must contact the
Management Office prior to scheduling any work.
Failure to obtain ACC approval can result in homeowners being required to restore
their units to the pre-altered state at their own expense.
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Communications Committee
The Communications Committeeʼs main purpose is to ensure that residents have
easy access to information regarding the activities and decisions of the Board and
each Committee, and to provide a forum for communication among residents.
The Communications Committeeʼs responsibilities principally involve maintaining the
website (http://www.dakotamidtown.com). This website includes news from the
Property Manager, Board Minutes, ACC Change Forms, and other forms.
The official Condo Docs of the property are also available as a downloadable, and
searchable pdf. The Committee also is working on further developing other aspects
of the site. Your feedback is welcomed.
The Communications Committee is also responsible for distributing emails and other
communications to residents about important news and events of concern to Dakota
residents and creating and distributing homeownerʼs surveys.
The Communications Committee also organizes various social events throughout the
year.
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Finance Committee
The Finance Committeeʼs primary objective is the preparation of the Associationʼs
annual operating and capital budgets. The Finance Committee also reviews the
Associationʼs monthly financial statements and ensures Board actions are adequately
and properly funded and accounted.
The Finance Committeeʼs specific responsibilities include: Coordinating preparation
of the Associationʼs annual tax return and financial review by an independent financial
professional; supporting the cost component of any committeeʼs project or
recommendation; ensuring the Association dues are properly tracked and
documented; preparing monthly financial comparisons of actual vs. budget expense
and communicates this to the Board.
Annual Budget
Each year, the Finance Committee prepares an Operating Budget and a Capital
Budget that are approved by the Board of Directors. The Operating Budget covers
monthly operating expenses, and monthly reserve payments. The Capital Budget
covers planned capital projects, and the expected life of replacement assets. In
addition, the Capital Budget includes the required capital contribution sufficient to
meet the projected capital needs for The Dakota. The Bylaws dictate that the Board
of Directors cannot re-direct money from the Reserves to cover operating expenses
without notifying the homeowners.
The homeowners must receive the Capital and the Operating Budgets at least 30
days prior to the December Annual Meeting. The homeowners can reject the budget
at the Annual Meeting with a majority vote (84 votes in favor of rejecting the budget).
If the homeowners vote to reject the budget, the current yearʼs budget remains in
effect until a new budget is presented and approved by the Residents in a specially
called meeting. The Board must present the new budget at lease 30 days in advance
of the special meeting.
Audits
The Dakotaʼs finances are audited annually by a Certified Public Accountant with a
focus and experience in homeowner associations.
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Operations & Management Committee (O&M)
The primary objective of the Operations & Management Committee is to ensure that
the general operations of The Dakota are effective and efficient, which also includes
oversight in the maintenance of the property.
O&M committee members consist of Dakota residents who are delegated to perform
various functions (i.e., investigate, research, report actions) as requested by the
Board and deliberate in the monthly committee meetings. The chair of the committee
reports its actions in the form of recommendations to the Board.
Property Manager
The Dakota obtains property management services through a third-party property
management service. The service then assigns an on-site Property Manager to The
Dakota to work exclusively for our Association.
The Property Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the property
which include: overseeing contracted services performed for The Dakota; scheduling
and coordinating common area maintenance and repair; managing The Dakotaʼs
payables and receivables; and providing administrative support.
Maintenance items should be immediately reported to the Property Manager, e.g.
broken light bulbs, overflowing trash, leaks, etc.
In addition, you should report any violations of The Dakotaʼs bylaws to the Property
Manager. If you witness any residents violating any of the rules of this property,
please report the incident in writing to the Property Manager.
The Manager will work with the Board to resolve the matter with the offender. A
specific list of violations can be found in Section 14 of the Bylaws.
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Election of Board of Directors
As noted above the 7 member Board consists of 6 residential seats and 1 commercial
seat. Every year, 3 of the 6 residential seats on the Board of Directors are up for reelection with each elected residential Director serving for a term of 2 years. The
representation of the Commercial seat is agreed upon between the owners of the six
commercial units and typically alternates every 2 years.
Residents interested in running for a board position are encouraged to announce their
candidacy approximately a month before the December Annual Meeting. Floor
nominations for Director seats at the Annual Meeting are also allowed.
Candidates with the most votes are elected as Directors. There is no minimum vote
total required.
Unit owners vote in person at the Annual Meeting, or via a Proxy Vote. A Proxy Vote
means that you contact a unit owner or a Board member who will attend the Annual
Meeting, and provide him/her with a signed statement asking that s/he vote as your
proxy. A Proxy Vote is not like an absentee ballot; i.e., you do not fill out the ballot
yourself ahead of time. Instead, you entrust the Proxy to vote on your behalf.
Amending Bylaws
Occasionally the Board will present an option to the Community to amend the Bylaws.
Voting procedures for amendments to the Bylaws is more stringent and requires
approval of 2/3 of all unit owners or 112 units, not just 2/3 of those present at the
meeting.
Special Assessments
Special guidelines also apply to Special Assessments that would average over $200
per year, per unit. In this case, a simple majority of all unit owners must vote for
passage.
A Special Assessment is a specific amount of money paid by each unit owner to fund
a specific, one-time project, e.g., for an emergency repair item for which the Reserves
have insufficient funds. Special Assessments are over and above the standard
monthly dues. Special Assessments of less than $200 per year do not require a vote
from the membership.
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The
Dakota Guidebook
Presented by the 2010 Communications Committee
Chris Burnett, Cynthia Borneman, Steven Crofut,
Ray Gallimore
Doug Farmer, chairman
Layout & Design,
Steven Crofut
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