WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS

We believe Chardonnay Village can be a great community experience. We believe our Association Board Members should have a unified vision and plan to help us get there. We believe our Association Board Members should possess and demonstrate at all times well-rooted principles and values towards all Homeowners & Non-Homeowner Residents. Likewise, we believe all Homeowners & Non-Homeowner Residents should do the same. Further, we believe no Member OR third-party management company shall engage in Disorderly or Offensive conduct which Interferes with, or is abusive, toward any resident or resident's guest, or other persons' use or enjoyment of the facilities or is abusive to any such person. This applies to employees in the normal operation of the facility, too.

THE GOAL OF OUR PETITION

Our goal is to communicate honestly and truthfully the attitudes, and disturbing behaviors of the property management personnel and elected or appointed Association Board Members over the past several years.

Great Association Board Members possess and adhere to time honored core values of respect, honesty, an understanding of what is good and bad, knowing the difference between right and wrong, a sense of fairness etc.

The Sad Reality

But unfortunately, for the last eight years there has been a huge collapse in our Association Board Members ethical conduct toward Homeowners & Non-Homeowner Residents. We are aware that for the last eight years Ms. Bartlyn David, Chardonnay Village President, Ms. Abbie Fazande, Vice President, have been demonstrating a flagrant disregard for time honored core values of respect, honesty, an understanding of what is good and bad, a sense of fairness etc. In doing so, they have depreciated property values, alienated residents, turned neighbor against neighbor, corroded civil values and at a minimum, cultivated an atmosphere of fear by targeting and abusing Homeowners & Non-Homeowner Residents.

Additionally and apparently, the following cohorts i.e. other members of the Board, Mr. Brent Couture, Owner, of Certain Management Company (CPM) and Ms. Betty Lewis, current Business Office Manager, and employee of CPM have submitted whatever wholesomeness they possess and worked in partnership and aligned with Ms. Davids' values and her way of managing Chardonnay Village.

We take these maligning attitudes and behaviors very seriously. And so should you. There’s documented evidence that some Association Board Members including representatives of CPM have engaged in deceptive treatment or persecutory treatment of individuals in our community. They have been caught lying on more than one occasion. We believe each of them must be held accountable for their calumnious behavior.

It is alleged that during this time Abbie, Bartlyn, Brent, and Betty have willingly demonstrated their ability to punitively target and abuse residents. It is alleged each of them has acted dishonorably and dishonestly and unethically.

UNETHICAL AND IMPROPER CONDUCT: ONE PERSON ABUSED IS ONE TOO MANY

Abbie's Labor Day Weekend Rant

A word about the above photo. It is a still shot of Abbie from a thirteen-minute video made on Friday, September 4, 2020 (Labor Day weekend). From inside their home, the homeowner heard a commotion coming from behind their patio. They went outside to find out what was happening. She, Abbie, was already engaged in a loud public rant talking about the resident. At that time the owner of the unit opened their patio gate and started recording the video. There's no denying that she was there to draw them outside. It was a call out to the person. A Call Out is an act or instance of calling out or speaking in a loud voice to draw critical attention to someone's unacceptable actions or behavior.

This spectacle was another attempt of her trying to shame, control and blame the owner. We have a transcription of the video wherein she demonstrates common abusive tactics including humiliation, negation, destructive criticism, mockery, controlling, shaming, accusing, blaming, and denial.

The abused owner forwarded in an email contents of the transcription and still shots from the video to all members of the Board, Brent Couture, and to the CVCA lawyer. The owner did not get a response from anybody. Silence. No acknowledgement. Nada.

ARE ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS BLAMEWORTHY?

Yes, because in our modern technological world we are connected to one another by social media, and email, other types of electronic means.There is no standing on the sidelines any-more. It's difficult to understand how many present and past members of the board are aware of the atrocities and have chosen to remain silent. These people refuse to take a stand and buck the oppression financial and emotional trauma, and hardships caused by Abbie, Bartlyn, Brent, and Betty. We think this is especially bad when board members elect to stand on the sideline doing nothing. Therefore, we think Association Board Members are guilty of errors of omission; the failure to act in the best interest of the community.

NO ALLOWANCE FOR BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND OTHER FORMS OF IMPROPER CONDUCT IN CHARDONNAY VILLAGE

Bullying is a type of Abusive human behavior and it has a variety of forms. It is widely held that “Bullying is the systematic abuse of power and is defined as aggressive behavior or intentional harm-doing by peers that is carried out repeatedly and involve an imbalance of power. Bullying is a major risk factor for poor physical and mental health and reduced adaptation to adult roles including forming lasting relationships, integrating into work and being economically independent.” The following internet location is a good source to help you better understand the various terms associated with abuse.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=116357

WHAT IS UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT?

Harassing conduct is often defined within the workplace. The U.S. Federal government defines it as, “Unwelcome conduct, verbal or physical, including intimidation, ridicule, insult, comments, or physical conduct, that is based on an individual’s protected status or protected activities…” (https://www.doi.gov/employees/anti-harassment/definitions

The legal definition of harassment in Louisiana “(1) "Harassing" means the repeated pattern of verbal communications or nonverbal behavior without invitation which includes but is not limited to making telephone calls, transmitting electronic mail, sending messages via a third party, or sending letters or pictures.” (http://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78515

WHAT IS THE LITMUS TEST TO DETERMINE WHEN “HARASSMENT” IS NOT HARASSMENT?

Depending on state laws, the definition and boundaries for what’s considered harassing behavior may slightly vary.

During a harassment suit, a lot of things come into consideration. While harassment laws differ between states, most states consider these two main factors when deciding the validity of an accusation:

• The perpetrator’s intention (or un-intention) to annoy, threaten, or demean the victim.
• Repetition and severity of the unwanted action.

Harassment covers a wide range of unwanted behavior, including physical contact and verbal abuse that causes emotional distress to the harassed.

HARASSMENT IN HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS

“As you can see defining harassment is difficult. Our American society as a whole has become less civil, and community associations are microcosms of the society in which they exist.

Black’s Law Dictionary provides a starting point, defining harassment as “words, gestures, or actions which tend to annoy, alarm, or abuse another person.” To annoy, Black’s suggests, is “to disturb, irritate” or “cause discomfort,” while abuse consists of “insulting, hurtful, or offensive wrongs or acts.” (https://www.meeb.com/marcus-errico-emmer-brooks-newsletter/annoyance-or-harassment-what-to-do-when-owners-cross-that-line

As a condominium resident in the Chardonnay community we suggest you know and have a working understanding of the above definitions to help you determine what is unlawful harassment. Residents make sure your communications and interactions with the property management company, the onsite property manager, the members of the board, and your neighbors don’t cross the line of what’s normal and reasonable in a condominium Home Owners Association. In other words, behave yourselves and act with civility.

KNOWING THE FACTS, THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

• Facts are pesky things aren't they? They often ruin a good story.
• People lie to bury the truth.
• “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” – Winston Churchill

During the eight years (2015-2023), multiple residents have witnessed the outlandish, abusive behaviors of Ms. Abbie Fazande. Additionally, several more residents are aware of Mr. Brent Couture's intimidation tactics and his failure to provide his services fairly and equally to all people in the complex. Also, too many residents are familiar with the snarky, alienating attitude and actions of office manager Ms. Betty Lewis. Regarding Ms. Bartlyn David, we know she had knowledge of abusive incidents involving the staff and decided to ignore the complaints, and further demonstrates her lackadaisical, uninterested attitude and behavior about the safety of all occupants of this large community.

Let us agree that the number of individuals who have faced any abuse by anyone here in Chardonnay Village is morally unacceptable. One person abused is one too many.

Documented incidents attributed to Ms. Bartlyn David, Ms. Abbie Fazande, Mr. Brent Couture, and Ms. Betty Lewis include:

1. Engaging in bullying and cyberbullying
2. Initiating abusive and threatening communications
3. Harassment of residents
4. Verbal and physical threats
5. Hate speech
6. Stalking
7. Obstruction of movement;
8. Intimidation
9. Slander
10. Libel
11. Disturbing the peace
12. Filing false police reports

We allege the ill will and harm Ms. Bartlyn, Ms. Abbie, Mr. Brent, and Ms. Betty have allowed to fester is this residential community. Their improper conduct and unethical behavior is both disturbing and wrong. Therefore, it is prudent and sound judgment that homeowners demand that these board members be removed.

We scoured the verbal and nonverbal records we had access to and have come to conclude that for a few exceptions, it’s difficult to imagine anyone else who is less qualified, or less ethically fit to run and sit on the Board, than Ms. Abbie Fazande. We think she should never be in a position to shape policy or rules for our Association. Also, if you consider Ms.Bartlyn David’s reluctance to bridle Ms. Fazande's  actions for so many years one can make a strong argument why neither is fit to be representing Chardonnay Village homeowners.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE GUILTY OF IGNORING OUR BYLAWS

Chardonnay Village Condominium Association, Inc. BYLAWS, Section 15. Liability of the Board of Directors, Officers, Unit Owners, and Unit Owners Association states: (a) The officers and members of the Board of Directors shall not be liable to the Unit Owners Association for any mistake of judgment, negligence or otherwise, except for their own individual willful misconduct or bad faith.

ARE OUR ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS UNTOUCHABLE?

Homeowner complaints against the association's directors and its members involving illegal or unethical behaviors that violate the Bylaws or the Rules and Regulations are difficult to prove. Board members know this and therefore see themselves as untouchable. 

In the ideal world, Board members responsibilities would be routinely performed without incident, or push-back to the owners. Yet, in the real world, Chardonnay Village Condominium's Board of Directors take delight and refuge in knowing there is no governing agency looming above them. They take a gamble that a majority of owners will not file a complaint in the courts. Remember suing your association is also a gamble for you. Also, the money they use to defend themselves is the same money you paid for the fees and assessments.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT - PROMOTING A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

They are Tyrants. Now more than ever Chardonnay Village residents must stand up united against this kind of cruel and oppressive governing from the Board's Directors. We firmly believe this affects the whole community. Let us renounce their stronghold and make them accountable for their egregious actions.  Let us be united; one purpose, one voice. 

Please voice your concern and support and sign this important petition’s effort to expose and rid these harmful, apparent unethical individuals from CV leadership. And in doing so we can make our neighborhood a safer, more productive, more harmonious, and healthier community. This is so very important to everyone’s well-being. Together we can make a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this document and for your support. Concerned