Member Agreement FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Member's Agreement. If you find you still have questions, feel free to ask them here or in any of the more specific threads.

Q: Are there any consequences for members who don't pay the annual fee?

A: The annual fee is an obligation for all the members of the community. In a case in which people will choose not to respect it, we kindly and respectfully remind them of their obligation. Until now we have never had major issues with that, if we will we will have to deal with it as a community in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Q: Once the community is established, are we going to work more deeply on the ‘constitution’ of the community? It should be the basis of values and principles that guides the way and that everyone commits to. The stronger the constitution, the stronger the community. Will there be a voting system, ways to create and change regulations within the constitution, annual meetings and decision making processes, and so forth?

Q: Do we want to specify any reasons for termination of the contract? (eg. not following the community guidelines, or parts of the contract?)

A: If I understand correctly, all these questions are referring to the “members agreement”  (constitution in your words) constructing it, maintaining it and dealing with people who disregard it. (paying the annual fee is part of the agreement). So clearly we agree on the concept and have already invested a lot of time and effort in writing it.

As we state in the purchasing contract, this is a living document that we expect to improve constantly with the involvement and input of all the community members.

So using the existing doc as a base, we will more deeply develop the ‘constitution’  together. We will establish an annual meeting to discuss and make decisions, as well as more frequent forums to keep in touch and up to date.

Q: What happens in the case of a violation of the contract details? Does it lead to termination of the contract?

A: Until now we never had a case where an owner violated the guidelines in a way that even brought on the thought of ‘terminating the agreement’. All the people that have joined us so far get a very clear picture of what we do here and the values that guide us. Therefore, those who are interested not only agree to the guidelines but also actively choose to comply with them. If such a severe violation will occur that is beyond any measure of communication and agreement, we as a community will have to discuss it. We find it highly unlikely and always will try to communicate and include on a personal and communal level.

Q: As I understand it, each of us has one vote. So it doesn't matter if you have 1, 2 or 50 shares of the community, you would still hold only one vote, correct?

A: As we see it, any adult person (18+) who is part of the community, living on it or owning a lot, should always have a voice and be encouraged to speak their mind and share their opinion on matters of the community’s social life.

On matters that involve infrastructure, development and use of funds, only lot owners will have a vote, one vote per lot, regardless of shares owned.

Q: How does the contract or land get passed down to children or other beneficiaries in the case of death? That’s something I can state in a will, but then what’s the florestral process regarding ensuring the new beneficiary is the ‘right fit’? Or is that a different process than me selling the land to another?

A:It is mentioned in the purchase agreement contract that in case of death the rights to your lot will pass down to your kids (or other beneficiaries).