Common Area Decorating Policy

WOODSWORTH HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE, INC.

COMMON AREA DECORATING POLICY
Approved at the GMM on April 9, 1992

 

Preamble:

Our basic premise is that this process will be guided by committee involvement and democratic decision making. This recognizes that a “majority vote” is the basis for decision making and that as a result various individuals may not have their taste satisfied. Generally common areas should use a consistent colour scheme and where possible projects implemented inside members’ units should provide more than one final colour to choose from.

The Maintenance Committee would respond to the need for consultation on decorating issues and would implement the following process under the direction of the Board of Directors:

  1. The Maintenance Committee would set up a subcommittee to deal with a specific cycle of consultations. (i.e., specific project might be painting the townhouse garage doors, or re- finishing the medium rise lobby).
  2. Members of the subcommittee would seek out the options for implementing changes for the specific project. The options would be reported to the Maintenance Committee. Depending on the range of options, the Maintenance Committee and the subcommittee would agree on the time frame under which the project would proceed.Three basic stages make up the process: 
    1. (a)  Choosing: arriving at the aesthetic choice(s) within the co-op, would include but not be limited to the options of: 
      1. i)  retouching/refinishing;
      2. ii)  keeping current colour/material; and
      3. iii)  doing nothing;
    2. (b)  Ordering: negotiating with suppliers; and
    3. (c)  Implementing: installing and applying materials.
  3. The subcommittee would research the proposed options and include information on repeating the option originally used. The first step in the research process could include committee and member consultation to narrow the options to be pursued.

 

  1. A “cost-benefit” analysis would be prepared for the options available. Sample materials and colours would be put on display for members’ viewing. A trial site could receive a proposed treatment or a display could be set up to put the information in context (e.g., in or outside of the office).
  2. The Woodsworth Weekly would be the official method of communication with the membership. The names of the subcommittee members would be published to provide the membership with individuals to contact for clarification. The results of the consultation process will be reported to the membership in a format that indicates the ranking and proportions of support for each options as well as the numbers of members participating in the process. (It is suggested that the process allow for a two-week feedback period after the results are reported to facilitate reactions to the dominant choice).
  3. In the case of a “split decision” the committee reports back to a general meeting or at a special meeting on the topic.
  4. Unbiased expert(s) would be consulted in regard to colour and design, and include considerations of psychological effects and the quality of light.
  5. Uniformity of choice would be a guiding principle. Where possible, to be flexible, a limited choice of harmonious colours would be offered.
  6. The implementation schedule is announced and carried out.Points of Access to the Process
  1. Need for a project is flagged by the Board/Finance planning process, staff input and/or an interested member’s letter to the Maintenance Committee.
  2. Committees and the Board work with staff to clarify whether or not there are enough funds available to justify initiating the research and consultation process.
  3. If the project is deemed relevant in the near future a subcommittee will be formed. This will generally be co-ordinated by the Maintenance Committee. The subcommittee will need to provide a mix of perspectives and a degree of objectivity.
  4. Member input may be needed to narrow or limit the range of options to be considered.
  5. Members will be requested to respond to options offered for a vote to prioritize them.
  6. Members will have the right to question the report on the results of the voting. It must be acknowledged that a few individuals’ resistance will not void the process.

Consolidated up to April 2010 and adopted September 30, 2010.