I am an owner occupier in a self managed NSW strata scheme of three lots. A central stairwell and its landings provide the only fire escape route for all lots. There is no lift. The building dates from the 1960s, and the stairwell and landings are larger than those in many modern buildings.
Our building has a small number of commercial shops and a larger number of residential lots. Our council of owners members are all residential lot owners, and use this power to harass the commercial shops.
There is continual conflict about common areas between the residents and the shops.
If a poll vote is called for by an owner for motions and for the election of the strata council, can the chair request a show of hands first to see if a poll vote is necessary?
The majority of our council agreed to appoint new strata management via discussion in an online thread and then a vote. One of our members is very traditional, therefore, unhappy with the online voting process and has called a meeting. He believes we should stop the discussion and the voting already in progress.
We have to work within the strata regs but does this override an already agreed process? Can we continue with the online discussion and vote?
When the council of owners (CoO) are trying to come to a consensus on an issue, it is my understanding that consensus should be achieved via a majority vote by the CoO members.
How should this vote be conducted if communication between the CoO members is via email:
What decisions must be voted on by the strata company, and what decisions can be taken by the council of owners? I understand the strata company must approve the annual budget, the items in the budget, and the contribution amounts. Also, do we need a vote of the strata company if we want to add, amend or withdraw by-laws?