Keith W. Cunningham v. The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium

Case Summary

Case ID 24F-H008-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2024-01-11
Administrative Law Judge Tammy L. Eigenheer
Outcome yes
Filing Fees Refunded $1,000.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Keith W. Cunningham Counsel
Respondent The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC Counsel Allison Preston

Alleged Violations

A.R.S. § 33-1258
CC&Rs Section 8.1.1

Outcome Summary

Petitioner's petition is granted. Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 by failing to provide requested records within 10 business days. Respondent violated CC&Rs Section 8.1.1 by failing to maintain insurance coverage equal to 100% of the replacement cost and failing to meet specific liability limits. Respondent is ordered to reimburse Petitioner's $1,000.00 filing fee and comply with the statute and CC&Rs going forward.

Key Issues & Findings

Records Request

Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to provide financial records and vendor contracts (Epic Valet, FirstService Residential, landscaping) within the statutory timeframe. The ALJ found Respondent failed to provide the documents within 10 business days of the July 10, 2023 request and subsequent July 24, 2023 request.

Orders: Respondent shall comply with A.R.S. § 33-1258 going forward.

Filing fee: $1,000.00, Fee refunded: Yes

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1258

Insurance Coverage

Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to maintain required insurance coverage. The ALJ found Respondent's property insurance coverage ($59M) was below the appraised replacement cost ($73M) and the general liability limits did not strictly comply with CC&Rs requirements despite an umbrella policy.

Orders: Respondent shall comply with Section 8.1.1 of the CC&Rs going forward.

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • CC&Rs Section 8.1.1

Analytics Highlights

Topics: Records Request, Insurance Coverage, Condominium, Contracts, Vendor Contracts, Replacement Cost
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1258
  • CC&Rs Section 8.1.1

Video Overview

Audio Overview

Decision Documents

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1099767.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:01 (46.1 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1101587.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:03 (49.0 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1119643.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:04 (47.5 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1121917.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:06 (39.3 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1132963.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:07 (188.5 KB)

24F-H008-REL Decision – 1149691.pdf

Uploaded 2026-02-12T19:18:08 (39.1 KB)





Briefing Doc – 24F-H008-REL


{
“case”: {
“docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”,
“case_title”: “In the Matter of Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”,
“decision_date”: “2024-01-11”,
“tribunal”: “OAH”,
“agency”: “ADRE”
},
“individuals”: [
{
“name”: “Keith W. Cunningham”,
“role”: “petitioner”,
“side”: “petitioner”,
“affiliation”: null,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “Allison Preston”,
“role”: “HOA attorney”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen LLP”,
“notes”: “Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”
},
{
“name”: “Kyle von Johnson”,
“role”: “HOA attorney”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: null,
“notes”: “Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”
},
{
“name”: “Mark Teman”,
“role”: “board member”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: null,
“notes”: “Association President, witness”
},
{
“name”: “Allison Renow”,
“role”: “property manager”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Residential”,
“notes”: “General Manager (GM) on site”
},
{
“name”: “Frank Durso”,
“role”: “regional manager”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Residential”,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “Jamie George”,
“role”: “VP of Insurance”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Financial”,
“notes”: “Assists with association insurance policies”
},
{
“name”: “Holly McNelte”,
“role”: “management staff”,
“side”: “respondent”,
“affiliation”: “First Service Residential”,
“notes”: “FSR team member who managed documents/files”
},
{
“name”: “Jonathan Henley”,
“role”: “insurance broker”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “Gallagher”,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “Brian Del Vecchio”,
“role”: “ALJ”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “OAH”,
“notes”: “Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearing (12/8/23)”
},
{
“name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer”,
“role”: “ALJ”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “OAH”,
“notes”: “Administrative Law Judge who wrote the decision”
},
{
“name”: “Susan Nicolson”,
“role”: “Commissioner”,
“side”: “neutral”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: null
},
{
“name”: “AHansen”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “vnunez”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “djones”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “labril”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “mneat”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “akowaleski”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
},
{
“name”: “gosborn”,
“role”: “ADRE staff”,
“side”: “unknown”,
“affiliation”: “Arizona Department of Real Estate”,
“notes”: “Transmission recipient”
}
]
}

{ “case”: { “agency”: “ADRE”, “tribunal”: “OAH”, “docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”, “case_title”: “In the Matter of Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “decision_date”: “2024-01-11”, “alj_name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer” }, “parties”: [ { “party_id”: “P1”, “role”: “petitioner”, “name”: “Keith W. Cunningham”, “party_type”: “homeowner”, “email”: “[email protected]”, “phone”: null, “attorney_name”: null, “attorney_firm”: null, “attorney_email”: null, “attorney_phone”: null }, { “party_id”: “R1”, “role”: “respondent”, “name”: “The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “party_type”: “HOA”, “email”: null, “phone”: null, “attorney_name”: “Allison Preston”, “attorney_firm”: “Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen LLP”, “attorney_email”: “[email protected]”, “attorney_phone”: null } ], “issues”: [ { “issue_id”: “ISS-001”, “type”: “statute”, “citation”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “caption”: “Records Request”, “violation(s)”: “Failure to provide requested financial records and contracts within 10 business days”, “summary”: “Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to provide financial records and vendor contracts (Epic Valet, FirstService Residential, landscaping) within the statutory timeframe. The ALJ found Respondent failed to provide the documents within 10 business days of the July 10, 2023 request and subsequent July 24, 2023 request.”, “outcome”: “petitioner_win”, “filing_fee_paid”: 1000.0, “filing_fee_refunded”: true, “civil_penalty_amount”: 0.0, “orders_summary”: “Respondent shall comply with A.R.S. § 33-1258 going forward.”, “why_the_loss”: null, “cited”: [“A.R.S. § 33-1258”] }, { “issue_id”: “ISS-002”, “type”: “governing_documents”, “citation”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “caption”: “Insurance Coverage”, “violation(s)”: “Failure to maintain property insurance equal to 100% of replacement cost and general liability insurance limits as required”, “summary”: “Petitioner alleged Respondent failed to maintain required insurance coverage. The ALJ found Respondent’s property insurance coverage (59M)wasbelowtheappraisedreplacementcost(73M) and the general liability limits did not strictly comply with CC&Rs requirements despite an umbrella policy.”, “outcome”: “petitioner_win”, “filing_fee_paid”: 0.0, “filing_fee_refunded”: false, “civil_penalty_amount”: 0.0, “orders_summary”: “Respondent shall comply with Section 8.1.1 of the CC&Rs going forward.”, “why_the_loss”: null, “cited”: [“CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”] } ], “money_summary”: { “issues_count”: 2, “total_filing_fees_paid”: 1000.0, “total_filing_fees_refunded”: 1000.0, “total_civil_penalties”: 0.0 }, “outcomes”: { “petitioner_is_hoa”: false, “petitioner_win”: “yes”, “summarize_judgement”: “Petitioner’s petition is granted. Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 by failing to provide requested records within 10 business days. Respondent violated CC&Rs Section 8.1.1 by failing to maintain insurance coverage equal to 100% of the replacement cost and failing to meet specific liability limits. Respondent is ordered to reimburse Petitioner’s $1,000.00 filing fee and comply with the statute and CC&Rs going forward.”, “why_the_loss”: null }, “analytics”: { “cited”: [“A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”], “tags”: [“Records Request”, “Insurance Coverage”, “Condominium”, “Contracts”, “Vendor Contracts”, “Replacement Cost”] } }






Study Guide – 24F-H008-REL


{ “case”: { “docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”, “case_title”: “Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “decision_date”: “2024-01-11”, “alj_name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer”, “tribunal”: “OAH”, “agency”: “ADRE” }, “questions”: [ { “question”: “How many days does my HOA have to provide records after I request them?”, “short_answer”: “The HOA has 10 business days to fulfill a request for examination of records.”, “detailed_answer”: “According to Arizona law cited in the decision, an association must make financial and other records reasonably available for examination within ten business days of a member’s request.”, “alj_quote”: “The association shall have ten business days to fulfill a request for examination.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258(A)”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “deadlines”, “A.R.S. § 33-1258” ] }, { “question”: “Can my HOA claim they don’t have to provide specific contracts if they are not uploaded to the web portal?”, “short_answer”: “No. If the records exist and aren’t privileged, the HOA must make them available for examination, regardless of whether they are on a portal.”, “detailed_answer”: “In this case, the HOA failed to provide signed vendor contracts that existed, claiming they provided what was on the portal. The ALJ found that failing to provide these specific requested documents constituted a violation.”, “alj_quote”: “Respondent did not assert or establish that any of the requested documents were subject to any of the exceptions provided for in statute. Accordingly, Petitioner was entitled to examine those documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “contracts”, “online portal” ] }, { “question”: “If my CC&Rs require specific insurance liability limits, does an umbrella policy count towards meeting them?”, “short_answer”: “Not necessarily. The ALJ ruled that a base policy lower than the CC&R requirement was non-compliant, even with a large umbrella policy.”, “detailed_answer”: “The CC&Rs required $3,000,000 per occurrence. The HOA had $1,000,000 coverage plus a $50,000,000 umbrella. The ALJ ruled the general liability insurance was not in compliance because the specific base limit was not met.”, “alj_quote”: “While Respondent had an umbrella policy in addition to the general liability insurance, Respondent’s general liability insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “compliance”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Must the HOA insure the building for its full replacement cost?”, “short_answer”: “Yes, if the CC&Rs state the insurance must equal 100% of the current replacement cost.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA obtained an appraisal showing a replacement cost of $73 million but maintained coverage of only $59 million. The ALJ found this violated the CC&Rs requirement for 100% replacement cost coverage.”, “alj_quote”: “Accordingly, Respondent’s property insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs at the time the petition was filed.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “property value”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Will I get my filing fee back if I win the hearing?”, “short_answer”: “The ALJ has the authority to order the HOA to reimburse the filing fee if the petition is granted.”, “detailed_answer”: “After granting the petition and finding the HOA in violation, the judge specifically ordered the respondent to pay back the petitioner’s filing fee.”, “alj_quote”: “IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent reimburse Petitioner his $1,000.00 filing fee.”, “legal_basis”: “Order”, “topic_tags”: [ “remedies”, “filing fees”, “costs” ] }, { “question”: “What happens if I accidentally cite the wrong statute number in my complaint?”, “short_answer”: “It may not be dismissed if the context of your complaint makes it clear what you are disputing.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA tried to dismiss the case because the homeowner cited the Planned Community statute instead of the Condominium statute. The judge denied this because the checkboxes and narrative provided sufficient notice of the claim.”, “alj_quote”: “While it may be true Petitioner hand wrote A.R.S. §33-1805… the context surrounding Petitioner’s hand written statute provides adequate notice.”, “legal_basis”: “Due Process / Notice”, “topic_tags”: [ “procedure”, “complaint forms”, “legal error” ] }, { “question”: “What is the standard of proof I need to meet to win against my HOA?”, “short_answer”: “You must prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence.””, “detailed_answer”: “The homeowner bears the burden of proof. This standard means showing that the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.”, “alj_quote”: “In this proceeding, Petitioner bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 and the Association’s governing documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.A.C. R2-19-119”, “topic_tags”: [ “burden of proof”, “legal standard”, “evidence” ] }, { “question”: “Will the HOA be fined a civil penalty if I prove they violated the law?”, “short_answer”: “Not automatically. The ALJ decides if a penalty is appropriate based on the facts.”, “detailed_answer”: “Even though the HOA was found to have violated record laws and insurance requirements, the judge decided not to assess a civil penalty in this specific instance.”, “alj_quote”: “Based on the facts presented, the Administrative Law Judge finds no civil penalty is appropriate in this matter.”, “legal_basis”: “Judicial Discretion”, “topic_tags”: [ “penalties”, “fines”, “enforcement” ] } ] }






Blog Post – 24F-H008-REL


{ “case”: { “docket_no”: “24F-H008-REL”, “case_title”: “Keith W. Cunningham v The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC”, “decision_date”: “2024-01-11”, “alj_name”: “Tammy L. Eigenheer”, “tribunal”: “OAH”, “agency”: “ADRE” }, “questions”: [ { “question”: “How many days does my HOA have to provide records after I request them?”, “short_answer”: “The HOA has 10 business days to fulfill a request for examination of records.”, “detailed_answer”: “According to Arizona law cited in the decision, an association must make financial and other records reasonably available for examination within ten business days of a member’s request.”, “alj_quote”: “The association shall have ten business days to fulfill a request for examination.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258(A)”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “deadlines”, “A.R.S. § 33-1258” ] }, { “question”: “Can my HOA claim they don’t have to provide specific contracts if they are not uploaded to the web portal?”, “short_answer”: “No. If the records exist and aren’t privileged, the HOA must make them available for examination, regardless of whether they are on a portal.”, “detailed_answer”: “In this case, the HOA failed to provide signed vendor contracts that existed, claiming they provided what was on the portal. The ALJ found that failing to provide these specific requested documents constituted a violation.”, “alj_quote”: “Respondent did not assert or establish that any of the requested documents were subject to any of the exceptions provided for in statute. Accordingly, Petitioner was entitled to examine those documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.R.S. § 33-1258”, “topic_tags”: [ “records request”, “contracts”, “online portal” ] }, { “question”: “If my CC&Rs require specific insurance liability limits, does an umbrella policy count towards meeting them?”, “short_answer”: “Not necessarily. The ALJ ruled that a base policy lower than the CC&R requirement was non-compliant, even with a large umbrella policy.”, “detailed_answer”: “The CC&Rs required $3,000,000 per occurrence. The HOA had $1,000,000 coverage plus a $50,000,000 umbrella. The ALJ ruled the general liability insurance was not in compliance because the specific base limit was not met.”, “alj_quote”: “While Respondent had an umbrella policy in addition to the general liability insurance, Respondent’s general liability insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “compliance”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Must the HOA insure the building for its full replacement cost?”, “short_answer”: “Yes, if the CC&Rs state the insurance must equal 100% of the current replacement cost.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA obtained an appraisal showing a replacement cost of $73 million but maintained coverage of only $59 million. The ALJ found this violated the CC&Rs requirement for 100% replacement cost coverage.”, “alj_quote”: “Accordingly, Respondent’s property insurance was not in compliance with the applicable CC&Rs at the time the petition was filed.”, “legal_basis”: “CC&Rs Section 8.1.1”, “topic_tags”: [ “insurance”, “property value”, “CC&Rs” ] }, { “question”: “Will I get my filing fee back if I win the hearing?”, “short_answer”: “The ALJ has the authority to order the HOA to reimburse the filing fee if the petition is granted.”, “detailed_answer”: “After granting the petition and finding the HOA in violation, the judge specifically ordered the respondent to pay back the petitioner’s filing fee.”, “alj_quote”: “IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Respondent reimburse Petitioner his $1,000.00 filing fee.”, “legal_basis”: “Order”, “topic_tags”: [ “remedies”, “filing fees”, “costs” ] }, { “question”: “What happens if I accidentally cite the wrong statute number in my complaint?”, “short_answer”: “It may not be dismissed if the context of your complaint makes it clear what you are disputing.”, “detailed_answer”: “The HOA tried to dismiss the case because the homeowner cited the Planned Community statute instead of the Condominium statute. The judge denied this because the checkboxes and narrative provided sufficient notice of the claim.”, “alj_quote”: “While it may be true Petitioner hand wrote A.R.S. §33-1805… the context surrounding Petitioner’s hand written statute provides adequate notice.”, “legal_basis”: “Due Process / Notice”, “topic_tags”: [ “procedure”, “complaint forms”, “legal error” ] }, { “question”: “What is the standard of proof I need to meet to win against my HOA?”, “short_answer”: “You must prove your case by a “preponderance of the evidence.””, “detailed_answer”: “The homeowner bears the burden of proof. This standard means showing that the fact sought to be proved is more probable than not.”, “alj_quote”: “In this proceeding, Petitioner bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1258 and the Association’s governing documents.”, “legal_basis”: “A.A.C. R2-19-119”, “topic_tags”: [ “burden of proof”, “legal standard”, “evidence” ] }, { “question”: “Will the HOA be fined a civil penalty if I prove they violated the law?”, “short_answer”: “Not automatically. The ALJ decides if a penalty is appropriate based on the facts.”, “detailed_answer”: “Even though the HOA was found to have violated record laws and insurance requirements, the judge decided not to assess a civil penalty in this specific instance.”, “alj_quote”: “Based on the facts presented, the Administrative Law Judge finds no civil penalty is appropriate in this matter.”, “legal_basis”: “Judicial Discretion”, “topic_tags”: [ “penalties”, “fines”, “enforcement” ] } ] }


Case Participants

Petitioner Side

  • Keith W. Cunningham (petitioner)

Respondent Side

  • Allison Preston (HOA attorney)
    Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen LLP
    Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC
  • Kyle von Johnson (HOA attorney)
    Represented The Residences at 2211 Camelback Condominium Association, INC
  • Mark Teman (board member)
    Association President, witness
  • Allison Renow (property manager)
    First Service Residential
    General Manager (GM) on site
  • Frank Durso (regional manager)
    First Service Residential
  • Jamie George (VP of Insurance)
    First Service Financial
    Assists with association insurance policies
  • Holly McNelte (management staff)
    First Service Residential
    FSR team member who managed documents/files

Neutral Parties

  • Jonathan Henley (insurance broker)
    Gallagher
  • Brian Del Vecchio (ALJ)
    OAH
    Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearing (12/8/23)
  • Tammy L. Eigenheer (ALJ)
    OAH
    Administrative Law Judge who wrote the decision
  • Susan Nicolson (Commissioner)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate

Other Participants

  • AHansen (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • vnunez (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • djones (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • labril (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • mneat (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • akowaleski (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient
  • gosborn (ADRE staff)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Transmission recipient

Kristi Hillebrand vs. Camelback Garden Farms Homeowners Association

Case Summary

Case ID 16F-H1616009-BFS/REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2016-09-30
Administrative Law Judge Diane Mihalsky
Outcome no
Filing Fees Refunded $0.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Kristi Hillebrand Counsel Mark J. Bainbridge
Respondent Camelback Garden Farms Homeowners Association Counsel Mark E. Lines

Alleged Violations

A.R.S. § 33-1812
A.R.S. § 33-1804
A.R.S. § 33-1805
CC&Rs

Outcome Summary

The Administrative Law Judge dismissed the petition, finding that the Petitioner failed to prove the Association violated statutes or governing documents regarding election procedures, open meeting notices, or records requests. The ALJ accepted the Association's interpretation of election notice requirements as reasonable and found evidence of proper meeting notices and records production.

Why this result: Petitioner failed to meet the burden of proof to establish violations by a preponderance of the evidence.

Key Issues & Findings

Election Procedures (Write-in Candidates and Quorum)

Petitioner alleged the HOA violated election procedures by refusing floor nominations/write-ins and failing to have a quorum. The ALJ found the HOA's interpretation of notice statutes to preclude floor nominations was reasonable and that Petitioner failed to prove the election was improper.

Orders: Dismissed

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: respondent_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1812

Open Meeting Law (Notice)

Petitioner alleged the Board held meetings without proper notice. The ALJ found that the Board had adopted reasonable procedures for noticing meetings and credited testimony/evidence that notices were sent.

Orders: Dismissed

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: respondent_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1804

Records Request

Petitioner alleged the HOA withheld documents including emails and payment ledgers. The ALJ found Respondent provided all responsive records in its possession and that requested personal financial info of members was exempt.

Orders: Dismissed

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: respondent_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1805

Enforcement of RV Parking Restrictions

Petitioner alleged the HOA failed to enforce RV parking rules. This claim was dismissed prior to hearing based on a previous settlement agreement between the parties.

Orders: Dismissed prior to hearing

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: respondent_win

Decision Documents

16F-H1616009-BFS Decision – 520854.pdf

Uploaded 2026-01-28T11:12:56 (188.6 KB)

16F-H1616009-BFS Decision – 528135.pdf

Uploaded 2026-01-28T11:12:56 (63.2 KB)

**Case Summary: 16F-H1616009-BFS**
**Kristi Hillebrand v. Camelback Garden Farms Homeowners Association**

**Overview**
This administrative hearing addressed a petition filed by homeowner Kristi Hillebrand (Petitioner) against the Camelback Garden Farms Homeowners Association (Respondent). The case was heard by Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Diane Mihalsky on July 29 and September 26, 2016. The Petitioner alleged violations of the Association’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, and Arizona statutes regarding election irregularities, open meeting laws, and records requests.

**Key Facts and Proceedings**
The Petitioner filed her complaint on March 21, 2016. Prior to the hearing, the ALJ dismissed a claim regarding RV parking enforcement because the issue had been resolved in a previous Superior Court settlement. The hearing proceeded on three remaining claims:
1. **Election Procedures:** The Petitioner attempted to run for the Board as a write-in candidate/floor nominee during the February 20, 2016, annual meeting but was denied,. She also argued the election lacked a quorum because the HOA counted votes from members who were delinquent in their dues,.
2. **Open Meeting Law:** The Petitioner alleged the Board held meetings without proper notice to the membership,.
3. **Records Requests:** The Petitioner claimed the Respondent failed to provide all responsive documents, specifically seeking a ledger showing which members had paid assessments,.

**Arguments and Legal Analysis**
The ALJ ruled in favor of the Respondent on all counts, finding the Petitioner failed to prove violations by a preponderance of the evidence,.

* **Election Validity:** The Respondent argued that Arizona law requires candidate names to be listed on ballots before mailing, prohibiting floor nominations. The ALJ found this interpretation reasonable, noting that no statute, CC&R, or bylaw explicitly authorized write-ins or floor nominations. regarding the quorum, the ALJ determined that no governing document prohibited members with delinquent assessments from voting; therefore, the Petitioner did not prove the election results were invalid,.

* **Open Meetings:** The Petitioner and witnesses testified they did not receive notice of specific Board meetings. The ALJ found that the January 9 meeting was properly held as an executive session to discuss candidate qualifications. regarding open sessions, the Respondent provided affidavits proving notices were emailed and posted,. The ALJ cited A.R.S. § 33-1804(B), which states that a member's failure to receive actual notice does not invalidate actions taken at a meeting.

* **Records Access:** The Respondent testified that it produced all existing responsive records, including ballots and bank information,. The ALJ accepted testimony that the specific "QuickBooks spreadsheet" requested by the Petitioner did not exist

Case Participants

Petitioner Side

  • Kristi Hillebrand (petitioner)
    Camelback Garden Farms HOA member
    Homeowner and member
  • Mark J. Bainbridge (attorney)
    The Bainbridge Law Firm, LLC
  • Louise Vaccaro (witness)
    Former Board Member
    Called by Petitioner; resigned from board Jan 7, 2016
  • Greg Josey (witness)
    Camelback Garden Farms HOA member
    Called by Petitioner
  • Mary Ellen Kunz (witness)
    Camelback Garden Farms HOA member
    Called by Petitioner

Respondent Side

  • Mark E. Lines (attorney)
    Shaw & Lines, LLC
  • Neil Stafford (witness)
    Board Member
    Referred to as Dr. Stafford; called by Respondent
  • Kathy Loscheider (witness)
    Former Board Member
    Served as secretary until Feb 20, 2016; called by Respondent
  • Aaron Chournos (board member)
    Former Board President
    Did not testify; resigned prior to hearing
  • Daniel Shuler (board member)
    Mentioned in minutes
  • Alice Thomas (board member)
    Elected Feb 2016
  • Becky Bernal (board member)
    Elected Feb 2016
  • Melissa Cruz (board member)
    Appointed to fill vacancy Feb 2016

Neutral Parties

  • Diane Mihalsky (ALJ)
    Office of Administrative Hearings
  • Judy Lowe (agency official)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Commissioner
  • Louis Dettorre (agency official)
    Arizona Department of Real Estate
    Deputy Commissioner
  • Greg Hanchett (agency official)
    Office of Administrative Hearings
    Interim Director; signed Certification of Decision
  • Rosella J. Rodriguez (staff)
    Office of Administrative Hearings
    Mailed/processed the certification