OMCA Board and CA Board Election Information
Who are we and why do we hold elections?
The Oakland Mills Community Association (OMCA) is a non-profit civic organization whose purpose is to promote the health, safety, common good, and social welfare of all its village members (owners of property within Oakland Mills’ (OM) three neighborhoods–Steven’s Forest, Talbott Springs, and Thunder Hill–and tenants who reside on property within Oakland Mills under a written lease). OMCA’s Board of Directors and its representative to the Columbia Council are elected ANNUALLY by the members to manage the business and affairs of OMCA.
So what are the OMCA elections anyway?
Members of the Oakland Mills Community Association (owners and renters of property in the village–that’s you!) will elect individuals to serve one-year terms on the OMCA Board of Directors. The OMCA Board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Members of the Board serve on the Architectural Committee and on various Board committees, advocate for village needs, and create opportunities for residents to become active in the life of the community.
Each year members will also elect one person to serve a one-year term as Oakland Mills’ representative to the Columbia Council/Columbia Association (CA) Board. The CA Board meets the fourth Thursday of the month and determines Columbia Association policies and spending priorities for your assessment dollars. There are many meetings and obligations for the CA Board, and detailed information on that position can be obtained from the Columbia Association (Office of the President/CEO).
Roles and Responsibilities – In a Nutshell!
Whether you choose to run for a village board seat or for the Columbia Council seat (CA Board), you become part of a grassroots process to make a difference in your community. With this comes an obligation to uphold the village’s legal and fiduciary responsibilities as a board member. Each role also comes with a commitment of time to be involved in Oakland Mills, Columbia, and Howard County meetings, events, and programs. Along with all of the obligations and responsibilities are the rewards of serving your community.
Covenant Compliance ~ What does this mean?
(Amendment to the Oakland Mills Community Association By-Laws, Article II, Board of Directors, Section 2.03 Election of Directors. Approved April 17, 1999)
2.03A. In order to serve on the Village Board, candidates owning property in Oakland Mills must, upon election, obtain a Certificate of Compliance within 60 days.
“Covenant compliance” pertains to properties in Oakland Mills being in compliance with Village Architectural Covenants. (Candidate packets include village legal documents for your reference.)
Who is “in charge” of the Elections? Who can I call/email/meet with?
The Village elections are administered by the Oakland Mills Election Monitor Committee (EMC). The committee is comprised of OM residents. We are fortunate in Oakland Mills to have dedicated committee members, many of whom have volunteered for the EMC for 40+ years. We always welcome newcomers!
In closing…
Please feel free to contact me with any election-related questions or for additional information. I also recommend that those considering candidacy attend upcoming village board meetings. If you are considering running for the Council Rep (CA Board) I encourage you to attend CA Board meetings. There is much to be said for seeing how the boards operate and become aware of the current issues facing the village.
Sandy Cederbaum, Village Manager