Page 24 - Boca ViewPointe - April '24

Page 24, Viewpointe April 2024
Facilitating Community Participation

By Karyan San Martano, One way that is particularly effective to address be considered must be mailed, delivered, or electronically
Attorney participation issues is to amend the governing documents to transmitted to the unit owners and posted conspicuously on
lower the voting threshold required for approvals. In other the condominium property or association property at least
In a lot of communities, words, changing the threshold required from a percentage 14 days before the meeting. Evidence of compliance with
voter apathy is a real issue of the entire membership of the community to a percentage the 14-day notice requirement must be made by an affidavit
with members not turning of those who vote. Otherwise, all members who do not vote executed by the person providing the notice and filed with
in proxies and not attending are essentially casting a “no” vote, making voter apathy a the official records of the association.
meetings. And this does significant obstacle in approving matters. Lowering the The statute dictates several requirements for the
not only impact elections, quorum requirement can also be effective. Association association to set up online voting. The association must
but also other membership counsel can review your current requirements and discuss provide each unit owner for a method to authenticate the unit
votes, such as amending the where improvements might be made that would make owner’s identity to the online voting system and a method
governing documents and membership approvals easier to obtain. to confirm that the unit owner’s electronic device can
voting on material alterations. Simplifying the voting Another way to simplify the voting process for members successfully communicate with the online voting system.
process for owners can go a long way. is for the community to authorize and set up electronic The method to confirm that the unit owner’s device will be
voting, and acquire member consent for electronic notices. able to communicate with the system must be available at
Vehicle Information This is especially true for communities with a lot of seasonal least fourteen days before the voting deadline. The online
or part-time residents. Many communities, however,
system must also be able to authenticate the unit owner’s
have not taken advantage of this option even though identity and to authenticate the validity of each electronic
If you have purchased a new vehicle within the past these electronic options are beneficial tools to facilitate vote to ensure that the vote is not altered in transit. The
6 months, please make sure the Boca Pointe Community participation by members. system needs to also be able to transmit a receipt to each
Association management office has a copy of your current In authorizing electronic voting, the Legislature set unit owner who casts his or her electronic vote.
vehicle registration on file. Your gate transponder is linked forth several statutory requirements for setting up such a In addition to the above, for elections of the board
to your vehicle so it is important that we have accurate system, which are discussed below. As always with statutory of directors of the association, the association must also
information in our system. Please fax it to (561) 395-5936 requirements, it is important to discuss with association provide a method to transmit the electronic ballot to the
or email it to admin@bocapointe.com. counsel to ensure that your community correctly implements online voting system that ensures the secrecy and integrity
Thank you for your cooperation! its online voting system. First, a unit owner must consent of the ballot. They system must also be able to permanently
in writing to online voting. This consent is distinct from separate any authentication or identifying information from
BPCA Management team  a unit owner’s consent to receiving certain notices by the electronic election ballot. This is so that it is impossible
electronic transmission. However, for administrative ease to tie an election ballot to a specific unit owner. The system
and efficiency, association counsel can prepare a form for needs to be able to store and keep electronic votes as
your community on which owners have the option to consent accessible to election officials in the event that a recount,
to either or to both receiving notices by e-mail and to online inspection, and/or review is required.
voting together. An owner whose consent to electronic Prior to any membership vote taken at a meeting, except
voting may also opt out later. for the election of board directors, a specific quorum must
In addition to the consent form, the association should be reached. The statute provides that a unit owner voting
have association counsel prepare the board resolution electronically is counted as being in attendance at the
authorizing the online voting system as the statute contains meeting for purposes of determining a quorum. Thus, setting
several requirements for this resolution. The board up electronic voting and having owners consent to using
resolution must provide that unit owners receive notice of electronic voting helps the association achieve quorum and
the opportunity to vote through an online voting system, required approvals by making it easier for owners to be
must establish reasonable procedures and deadlines for “present” and to vote.
unit owners to consent, in writing, to online voting, and Because of the number of requirements in properly
April 22 must establish reasonable procedures and deadlines for setting up electronic voting and acquiring consent for
unit owners to opt out of online voting after giving consent.
electronic notices, talk to association counsel in setting
Written notice of a meeting at which the resolution will these up properly for your community. 

West Boca Medical Center Introduces Innovative Fast

Track Emergency Department for Expedited Care

West Boca Medical Center announces the launch of
its Fast Track Emergency Department, revolutionizing
the delivery of care for patients with less severe medical
needs. This addition aligns with the hospital’s commitment
to enhancing patient experience, streamlining care, and
ensuring rapid access to high-quality medical services.
Traditionally, emergency departments have catered
to patients by providing care in horizontal settings, like
in beds and stretchers, often leading to extended wait
times and inefficiencies in treatment. Recognizing the
need for a more patient-centered approach, West Boca
Medical Center introduces the Fast Track Emergency
Department, where patients relax in comfortable recliners
for the duration of their visit, optimizing efficiency and
minimizing unnecessary delays.
“We understand that time is of the essence when it
comes to medical emergencies, and our new Fast Track
Emergency Department is designed to prioritize swift and
effective care for patients with less acute needs,” said Dr.
Cory Harow, Chief of the Emergency Department. “By
keeping patients vertical, we can provide a more focused
and streamlined approach, ensuring that they receive the
attention they need in a timely manner.”
The Fast Track Emergency Department features
seven treatment bays equipped with privacy curtains,
individual TVs, and call bells for patient convenience. It appropriate level of care, with access to specialized Broward counties for over 37 years. WBMC offers general
is staffed with dedicated nurses and medical technicians, medical professionals and resources.” medical and surgical care, orthopedics, a robotic surgery
trained to provide personalized care tailored to the The Fast Track Emergency Department at West Boca program, a state-of-the art breast imaging center, women’s
specific needs of each patient. This approach aims for Medical Center represents a significant milestone in the and children’s services and the only level III NICU in
quicker assessments, diagnostic workups, and treatment evolution of emergency medicine, offering a more efficient southern Palm Beach County. Its two emergency centers,
interventions, enhancing the overall patient experience. and patient-centric model of care. With its focus on rapid one at the main hospital and the other in Coconut Creek,
“We are excited to unveil this brand new, bright, assessment, expedited treatment, and seamless transitions are open 24-hours a day.
and highly functional addition to our care area, which to higher levels of care, this innovative facility sets a new For more information about West Boca Medical Center,
combines the advantages of speedy care with the full standard for emergency medical services in the Boca Raton its many Quality Awards or for a physician referral, call
resources of a hospital adjacent,” added Dr. Harow. community. (866) 904-WBMC (9262) or visit the website at www.
“In the event of a change in clinical status or the need About West Boca Medical Center (WBMC) westbocamedctr.com.
for additional interventions, our Fast Track Emergency The hospital is part of the Palm Beach Health Network
Department seamlessly transitions patients to the and has been serving southern Palm Beach and northern
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