There are nicely written statements of missions and goals and policies. Importantly, the board doesn't even control what problems or issues come up for decision. Decisions concerning priorities among, for example, kids vs. adults vs. seniors, summer vs. winter, free vs. fee. Often maybe even most often those decisions are made as a reaction to which group of residents hit on the board last. There is precious little time devoted to a think-tank type operation in which the board members discuss their philosophy and the reasons they are making those ad hoc decisions that set priorities.
Priorities are policies.
Occasionally, a problem comes up that allows the board to think in basic terms. We had one in Elmhurst a couple of years ago when the new safety rules were promulgated about three-meter diving boards at the swimming pools. Our old pools didn't quite adhere to a strict reading of the rules. Our diving hoppers were a few inches too shallow or too short or something, but we could be grandfathered in if we chose. As we debated, we realized the choice represented a relatively simple difference.