The Voice of HMEW

WHO WE ARE...​

 

​The Voice HMEW ​is an independent, volunteer-run group of homeowners, founded on the rights of members to assemble, exchange ideas, stay informed, and make their voices heard, as recognized by Florida law—including, among others, Chapter 720.

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This coalition is entirely independent of the Homeowners Association (HOA) at Highland Meadows Estates West.

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WHO WE ARE NOT...

 

We are not, do not replace, and do not compete with the HOA’s official website. On the contrary, The Voice HMEW seeks to work in collaboration with the current HOA, regardless of the board in office.

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If you would like more information about Highland Meadows Estates West as a prospective resident, or if you would like any other information about the community, please visit the HOA's official website: hmew.org

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GOAL​ “Together, toward a compliant, transparent, and secure HOA”

 

​​​A strong community is built on a relationship of trust between homeowners and their association. This trust is based above all on the assurance...

 

- that for all projects and decisions, the current HOA operates in compliance with regulations,

- that all homeowners have transparent access to information,

and that the HOA remains open to any proposals aimed at improving the management and security of our financial and confidential data.​

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COMPLIANCE

 

Ensuring that the Homeowners’ Association’s (HOA) projects and decisions follow a compliant and legal process, as prescribed in Chapter 720—Section 720.303, which imposes strict rules on decision-making.In practical terms, this means:

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- Ensuring compliance with established process

- Protecting and upholding residents’ right​​​​​

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TRANSPARENCY

 

The Voice HMEW and its members are committed to improving communication between the community and the HOA. Its role is to help facilitate access to information, promote a better understanding of the issues at hand, and support the recognition of homeowners’ rights.

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In practical terms, this means:

- Facilitating requests for access to information

- Helping the community better understand issues, projects, and decisions

- Carefully monitoring expenses and ongoing projects​​​

 

“The goal is not to replace the existing governance structure, but to contribute to an environment where homeowners are better informed, better understood, and fully involved in the life of their community.”​​​

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C.A.M. (Company Association Management) – Toward Professional and Secure Management

 

​​​​The New Digital Reality - Versus - Our 100% Volunteer HOA Model

 

Today, a 100% volunteer HOA no longer manages only secure property sites. It also manages

 

- our personal data,

- applications and investigations,

- collection of parking fees,

- refunds of security deposits after 24 months

- etc.

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In the age of digital security, the 100% volunteer model is shifting toward a hybrid model because it often relies on well-meaning board members who lack specialized expertise in digital security, data management, and/or management in general.

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This disconnect creates a real risk.

 

Without a professional structure or oversight, the management of access, information, and systems can become vulnerable—exposing the community to errors, data breaches, or digital fraud.

 

Even more concerning are the changes in the board of directors from one year to the next, which create instability in management—a particularly unsettling situation in a community of people aged 55 and older.

 

“Today, in the digital age, it’s no longer just about managing a community.

It’s also about protecting its financial and confidential data.”

 

​​​HOA + CAM (Company Associations Management): the solution

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What is a CAM (Company Associations Management)?

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A CAM is a professional firm that helps the HOA manage the community on a day-to-day basis.

 

The board of directors continues to make decisions, but the CAM ensures that they are properly carried out in a structured and secure manner.​

Primary Role: Implement the board of directors’ (BOD) decisions and handle day-to-day management.

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Authority: ❌ Does not make decisions - ✔ Implements the BOD’s decisions

 

Who makes the decisions? The (volunteer) BOD remains fully responsible for decisions.

 

Typical Responsibilities:

- Financial management (e.g., collecting monthly payments), administration, vendor management, compliance (e.g., secure management of applications at HMEW), communication, refunding security deposits after 24 months, etc.

- Data Security: Secure portal; implementation of secure systems to protect financial and personal information

- Expertise: Professionals trained and often certified in HOA management (CAM License)

- Secure portal for residents/users

 

Key benefit: Provides stability, rigor, and continuity

 

Paid service: Affordable annual or monthly cost, often recouped by preventing improper and unprofessional management.

 

👉 A CAM does not replace the Board of Directors. It supports it.

The CAM does not take power away from residents

The CAM does not impose decisions

The CAM professionalizes management​

 

✔ The Board of Directors decides

✔ Residents vote

✔ The CAM executes

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CHARTER OF VALUES​

 

The Voice HMEW is committed to acting in accordance with the following principles:

• Respect and civility in all interactions.

• Transparency and verification of the information shared.

• Seeking constructive solutions for the good of the community.

• Active and responsible participation by property owners.

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INDEPENDENCE CLAUSE

 

The Voice HMEW is an independent initiative of homeowners and does not officially represent the Homeowners’ Association, unless explicitly authorized by the community members.

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Suzanne Ravenelle

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Spokesperson,

Homeowner and Web Designer of TheVoiceHMEW.org

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