ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rock Creek Gardens is incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland. As such, and as further defined in the Bylaws, the Board of Directors of the condominium is the organization responsible for governing the condominium. Each unit owner has a vote in the Association proportionate to the percentage interest assigned to the unit. Since a large unit will have a greater vote in the Association, the vote for each unit is equal to the percentage interest for the unit, as listed in the Declaration.

As “Trustees” of the unit owners’ interest, the common elements, the Board oversees the operations of the Association, including the staff, contractors and committees. The Board currently consists of seven directors who are elected by the community for three-year terms. The terms are staggered in order to ensure continuity of experience. The Board meets monthly in an open forum. The dates and times are posted prior to the meetings for the resident’s information.

The operation of the Unit Owners Association is governed by the Bylaws. The Bylaws were recorded on the Montgomery County land records along with the Declaration at the time that the condominium was created. In addition to the provisions for the Board of Directors, Managing Agent and officers, the Bylaws provide for annual and special meetings, common expense assessments and numerous other matters affecting the occupancy and operation of the condominium. You should have received a copy of the Bylaws when you get the “Resale Certificate” after signing your sales contract.

WORKING WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 
The Rock Creek Gardens meets each month for roughly two hours to conduct community business. What you may not know is that there is a set format for the meetings and certain protocols for dealing with community concerns that cam make the process seem slow. Below you will find tips for getting your concerns addressed by the Rock Creek Gardens.

Meeting Structure
Meetings generally convene at 7:00 P.M. and adjourn around 9:00 P.M., except for special meetings (annual, budget hearing, etc.), which are posted on the bulletin board.

The first part of the meeting is devoted to providing the residents an opportunity to voice their concerns or provide committee reports.

The second part of the meeting is dedicated to conducting board business, such as review of contracts, policies, written resident concerns, advice of legal counsel, and so forth. This portion of the meeting is open for observation, but not participation by the community members. Actions taken, results of votes, and other pertinent business decisions are summarized for residents in the minutes, which are posted approximately one month after the meeting date (to allow for approval of each month’s minutes at the subsequent Board meeting).

Finally, Board meetings often conclude with an executive session, which is not open to the community at large. Topics covered in an executive session include personnel issues, resident hearings, and discussion of legal proceedings and financial matters that must be kept confidential.

Board review of issues
There are several ways to present issues before the Board. First, for matters which are simple concerns and you have the time to attend the meeting, simply show up at 7:00 P.M. and ask to be recognized. If you can not attend the meeting, or your issue is more complex, write a letter or a memo to the Board, deliver it to the management office and ask to have it included in the next Board packet.

Board packets are prepared and distributed to the Board members for review approximately one week prior to each meeting. The Board will review your issue at the meeting and provide written feedback. Finally, you can call or email the on-site office, explain your issue, and ask for advice on the most effective way to bring the issue before the Board.

Why does it take so long?
Often-times, residents will present complex concerns that require additional research and/or advice of legal counsel. This means that if an issue is brought to the Board the third week in March, and is sent to counsel, the results will be available for a Board discussion at the best the third week of April, and action beyond that may take place in May.