According to Strata Community Association (NSW), here is the definition of: Proxy Voting: An owner who is unable to attend a meeting may authorise (give their proxy) to another person to exercise their vote. This is achieved via proper completion of the prescribed form. Quorum: The minimum number of owners required for a meeting to proceed….
Question: Our Strata is in NSW. Is a member of an Executive Committee eligible to vote on a motion they put forward? I understand the Committee members have a responsibility to make decisions on behalf of all lot owners, not for personal gain. Answer: You are correct. Sch 1 Cl 18 of the Strata Schemes Management Act,…
Question: Does the Strata Manager circulate an EGM notice and voting papers without consulting with the Committee, or is the SC meant to vote on what is included in the EGM agenda? I have a question about who determines what is included in an EGM agenda? Can the Strata Manager simply circulate an EGM notice…
Question: I have a question about who determines what is included in an EGM agenda? Can the Strata Manager simply circulate an EGM notice and voting papers without consulting with the entire Strata Committee, or is the SC meant to vote on what is included in the EGM agenda? Answer: Both the delegated secretary (Strata Manager…
Question: Do sub-committees have the same legal responsibilities as Strata Committees under By-Laws and NSW Legislation in terms of issuing agendas and recording (and distributing to lot owners) minutes of meetings. Lot owners here suspect the committee is avoiding discussions with residents and committing to expenditure by declaring that they are meeting as a “sub-committee”….
Question: How can you add to a meeting agenda, either a committee meeting or Annual general meeting when the date, time, and agendas are already sent out? Answer: Theoretically, you could adjourn the meeting and incorporate additional items giving the full statutory notice period. The secretary of the owners corporation does not need to include requisitioned…
Question: Our secretary only records the Strata committee minutes, including what she wants our owners corporation to hear. What can we do to get our processes back on track? Our NSW strata committee members are frustrated and concerned that our secretary only records (in Strata committee minutes), what she wants our owners corporation to hear….
Question: Can an EGM be called to reverse the decision of a majority at an AGM? The owners corporation by a majority vote accepted the proposed strata levies at our AGM. Levies supported by appropriate budgets, explanations and Capital Works Funding Plan. A group of dissatisfied owners (just enough to make the 25% required for…
Question: I suspect my committee is meeting secretly and calling themselves a sub-committee, for the purpose of keeping proceedings of a significant matter away from residents. For a Community Scheme in NSW, does the legislation state that an agenda must be sent to all lot owners prior to a committee meeting being held, and that…
Lot owners from NSW have questions about dealing with proxy votes and the quorum requirements for annual general meetings. Leanne Habib, Premium Strata provides the following responses. According to Strata Community Association (NSW), here is the definition of: Proxy Voting: An owner who is unable to attend a meeting may authorise (give their proxy) to another person…
Question: Is it ok to defer an AGM because of Covid-19? Many residents do not have internet so electronic voting will be difficult. If so, how long can it be deferred for? Answer: If the Owners Corporation holds an annual general meeting once in every financial year, it will comply with the strata legislation. Many…
Question: I believe you wrote the following article which I read in Strata News @ 215: Q&A Proxy Vote Requirements for Annual General Meeting I have a similar issue arising with proxies in my own 5-Lot 2-storey townhouse Strata Plan 35133 in Tweed Heads NSW. Can you tell me the date your article was written…
Question: Our building is 38 lots. Is our strata committee required to post an agenda for ordinary general committee meetings to the notice board of the owners corporation? Answer: While the notice is routinely sent out by post to owners, tenants must be given notice either by post OR by displaying it on the…
Question: What are the protocol and procedures for dealing with requests from a Lot owner for an EGM and a motion on the agenda? Answer: Instead of convening a meeting specifically for the requirement, you may place the motion on an agenda for the next general meeting No. Schedule 1 Clause 4 (3) requires the Secretary…
Inactive Body Corporate Member Could you please advise if a member of our Executive Committee – ‘Community Title’ – who has not attended any meetings since election but has proxied other members can be removed due to non participation. He also doesn’t answer emails sent out by the committee. Thanks for your help! Answer: The legislation contemplates…
Faulty Waterproofing I live in a unit complex in Sydney and there are 76 units. My strata contracted (& paid for) a company to come fix my faulty waterproofing on my balcony. In order to access the faulty waterproofing, the company had to remove/lift the wooden deck on the balcony. During the process of repairing the faulty…
Question: Can I appoint an agent to receive all correspondence including owners corporation meetings information and levy notices? My strata manager insists this must go to the registered owner. Answer: You are correct. You are entitled to appoint an agent to receive notices. You are correct. Under Section 155 below (emphasis added), you are entitled to…
Question: I have to write a motion for our upcoming general meeting. I was wondering if I could get a sample motion as I have never written a motion before. Answer: You could start with the below template. THAT The Owners – Strata Plan No. XXXX *RESOLVE/*SPECIALLY RESOLVE to *Delete which does not apply A…
Question: Water has been leaking from our front yard into the car park below for a few years without resolution. Must I use the strata’s expensive contractor for the basement waterproofing? How do I get the committee to act? Answer: You may get another quote from another contractor, however, make sure that the quote…
Question: Are there rules concerning the actual time of day when an AGM is held? Answer: The timing should not “intentionally” be selected to prevent certain owners from attending. Though the strata legislation is silent on the point, some general rules do apply. While the timing of the AGM is at the discretion of…