curramore – To add to SH’s response …
If you are not happy with the owner’s proposal then you may obtain a quote from an independent contractor and have a Motion, along with the quote, placed on the agenda of the next general meeting. The Explanatory Material that must accompany the Motion that you submit should outline why it would be best to have a contract with an independent outside contractor.
As you alluded to, having owners take on the responsibility of mowing seems to be a fraught with complications.
The concerns with owners taking on this role could be:
1. Will there be a Contract with the owners?
2. What will be the terms of the Contract?
3. Will these owners take out their own public liability insurance?
4. Will the owners provide and service their own equipment e.g. what happens if a new mower needs to be purchased?
5. Will the Contract and its Terms need to be ratified at a general meeting?
6. Will this garden service provided by the owners involve fertilising, weeding, edging of the lawns, and trimming of other vegetation?
7. How will the contract or the agreement be terminated if the owners do not perform their functions satisfactorily?
You are wise to be concerned. Being a volunteer in strata is very different from being a paid worker in strata.