Council Meetings - Commonly asked questions
Background
The Council of the Strata Company are elected at the AGM and they represent all owners in the scheme. Owners can contact their Council members via the Strata Company mailbox or electronically via their Strata Company email address. Owners may request that topics be placed on the agenda for discussion and decisions at the next Council meeting.
How often should we meet?
There is no requirement in the legislation to have a Council meeting at set intervals, so this is up to the Councillors to decide. Most Councils meet monthly or quarterly. It is important to schedule a meeting as soon as practicable after the AGM though, as this will give the Councillors a chance to meet their fellow Council members and to decide who will hold the office-bearer positions (Chairperson, Treasurer & Secretary). It is also necessary that one person be nominated as the liaison person. This person will be the main point of contact between the Council and your Strata Manager at Abode Strata. Once decided, the liaison person can email us to let us know who holds which position, and we will update our records.
Should our Strata Manager attend Council meetings?
No, not usually. The Strata Council should have their meeting and the liaison person can then email the Strata Manager to inform us of any actions which we need to carry out on behalf of the Council. E.g. "Memo sent to all owners to advise that they must regularly prune their front part lot gardens to keep foliage below gutter height". Some Councils send us their meeting minutes to put on the portal so all owners can view them.
Can other owners attend a Strata Council meeting?
No, not usually. However, there are no rules stating that they can't, so it is up to the Councillors to decide if they approve the attendance of another person at their meeting.
Can we have a sample agenda to use as a guide?
Yes, Click here
Info from Landgate about Strata Council Meetings
The council members determine when to meet and procedures for meetings. However, a strata council must meet when a council member gives to the other members of the council at least 7 days’ notice of a proposed meeting and the reason for it. At meetings of the strata council, all matters are required to be determined by a simple majority vote. A strata council can vote on a motion in writing, without a meeting, if they follow the correct procedure set out in their by-laws and the requirements of the STA. The strata council may also resolve to adopt voting by electronic means. Decisions by the strata council are treated as the decision of the strata company. However, if the strata company makes a different decision, that decision would take precedence. The strata company can choose to limit the powers of the strata council by imposing restrictions or giving directions by ordinary resolution.
Need more resources?
If you are new to your Council position, we can email you an Information Pack. It has heaps of useful info and clickable links to help get you started. Just email us to request a copy. admin@abodestrata.com.au