Emergencies can happen and it's obviously impractical for the Board to notice up the owners when there is one. These meetings sometimes need to take place by conference call to expedite decision making. There is nothing wrong with an occasional emergency meeting. On the other hand, some associations are in a constant state of emergency since the Board has no advance planning. This is definitely mushroom methodology.
Owners have a right to protest vigorously.
Executive sessions involve sensitive matters that should not be discussed in open forums, such as lawsuits, personnel matters and collection activity on owners. Again, the topics for executive session should be limited and the format not used just to keep owners out. Board meetings should be held in guest friendly locations to encourage participation. Even when no guests show up, it symbolically builds trust. The schedule should be given to owners so that they can plan to attend or present an issue to the Board.