The phrase, “It’s complicated,” is typically used to best describe a person’s dating status on Facebook.
But it’s also the best term I can think of to describe the dysfunctional relationships between the executive of the board of the Riley Park/ Hillcrest Community Centre Association and its directors.
Last week four of those directors, Ken Charko, Jennifer Palma, Jaimini Thakore and Eli Zbar, were in B.C. Supreme Court with a litany of complaints against the Riley Park/Hillcrest Community Association and its president Jesse Johl.
Charko told the Courier taking legal action was the last thing he wanted but he felt he had no choice. Charko says it was so important to pursue the case he’s funding the challenge for the four of them on his own.
He says he attempted to meet with Johl on numerous occasions to speak about their concerns but was refused.
“Then we got a lawyer to send a letter and he still refused,” said Charko. “Even after we filed the documents we said, come, sit down and talk, but got no response.”
Affidavits filed in court include accusations of everything from financial mismanagement to wrongful dismissal from the board to sexual harassment. Charko says the real concern is the fact Johl was redirecting membership funds from the association to a charity called Way to Give Foundation, of which he’s listed as director. Zbar told the Courier after he purchased a membership to the community centre, his credit card statement showed the $10 was billed to the foundation.
But last week Johl told me the problem stemmed from a computer glitch that took place when the centre’s website was recently redesigned. He said the glitch has been fixed. He noted the problem affected about 60 people and $800 and the money was redirected back to Hillcrest.
Charko says a technical problem could be the case.
“But we can’t take his word for it that it was a mistake and even if it was that shows poor management. On that alone he should be turfed,” said Charko. “But he’s got to explain that to us.”
Johl also told the Courier Zbar was removed from the board because he missed three consecutive meetings, which is sanctioned under the association’s bylaw.
But Zbar says he had no opportunity to address the board to explain those absences, which is also allowed under the bylaw.
“If you miss three meetings in a row then can resign you, but they also have to give you an opportunity to speak your piece,” said Zbar.
Vision Vancouver commissioner Niki Sharma says park board general manager Malcolm Bromley sent a letter to the Riley/Hillcrest board last week demanding to see its financial records.
“They’re effectively running with a $1 million budget,” said Sharma. “And that money is supposed to go to the public and that centre. We’re hearing a lot of concerns from the community and members.”
Sharma says the infighting has gotten so bad the park board had to step in to save the popular annual Easter egg hunt. While not sure of the final cost, Sharma says it’s an event paid for annually by the Hillcrest association.
“So for now we’re telling the public don’t take out a membership until we know what’s going on,” said Sharma.
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