She moved through each item with practice efficiency, occasionally pausing to smile at residents who nodded along. This was her stage. 18 years of controlling every detail of this community. I waited until she asked for questions from residents before raising my hand. Yes, Mr. Robinson, she said my name with a slight edge.
What can I help you with this evening? I stood up slowly. 40 pairs of eyes turned toward me. I have some questions about HOA enforcement procedures, I said. Specifically regarding vehicle towing. Christine’s smile tightened. That matter has been addressed.
If you have concerns, you’re welcome to submit them in writing. I stayed standing. I’d prefer to discuss it here on the record in front of the community. The room went quiet. Christine glanced at the other board members, but none of them moved. After a moment, she straightened her blazer.
Fine. Ask your questions. We have nothing to hide. I started simple. Did you authorize the towing of my vehicle from my property on September 14th? Christine nodded. I did. The vehicle violated community standards. I asked if there had been a board vote.
She waved her hand. The board grants the president discretionary authority over aesthetic violations. I don’t need a vote for every minor decision. I asked what happened to the vehicle. Her smile returned confident. Destroyed of properly crushed scrapped recycled. That’s what happens to junk vehicles, Mr. Robinson.
It’s actually quite environmentally responsible. 40 people heard her say that. I let the words settle before continuing. Arizona law requires written notice 72 hours before towing. Postto notification within 24 hours, 10 days for the owner to reclaim before disposal. I paused. Can you show me documentation that any of those steps were followed?
Christine’s confidence flickered. I’m sure proper procedures were followed. The HOA maintains records of all enforcement actions. I pulled out the authorization form she had signed. This is the only record. It describes my vehicle as abandoned and inoperable. States that proper notification was sent with no owner response. I held it up so the room could see.
The vehicle was in my garage. I drove it 2 days before you had it towed. I received no notification. Every word on this form is false. The murmuring started. Residents looking at each other, looking at Christine, looking at the document in my hand. Christine stood up from her chair.
This is completely inappropriate. I’m ending this meeting. I spoke before she could move. You should know the vehicle you crushed was a 1967 Shelby GT500, restored over 10 years. I pulled out Mason Torres’s appraisal certificate. Certified valuation, $2.1 million. The murmuring stopped.
