The Lauren Condominium Association

Minutes of the Board of Directors - August 22, 2000

President Elizabeth VanderPutten called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM in the Manager's Office. Present were other Board members Joe Morris, Mason Essif, and Matt Eisenberg. Also present for portions of the meeting were owners Roger Hirschland and Don Benedick.

Treasurer’s Report

The Lauren Condominium finances remain stable. Expenses were within budget through the first seven months of the year and no unanticipated expenses have arisen.

As of July 31, The Lauren had $691,633 net cash available, of which $173,177 was in operating accounts and $518,456 was in capital and maintenance reserves.

Income through July was $416,892 compared with expenses of $385,330. The small surplus reflects in large measure lower than expected energy costs resulting from an unusually mild winter and cool summer.

Capital expenditures for the year total $79,127.

During July, two CD were rolled over, one CD was opened, and one CD was redeemed with the proceeds temporarily transferred to a money market account.

In discussing the budget, the Board asked Mr. Krolman to arrange with Washington Gas to lock in the price for heating gas for next winter.

The Board set September 13 as the date for the Board's Annual Roof Garden Party, with September 14 as a rain date.

The Board authorized Mr. Krolman to purchase a standing light fixture for the dark northwest corner of the lower lobby. The estimated cost is $500-600.

Mr. Krolman is still working with Starpower on appropriate and esthetic ways to install the cable line. Of recent concern is the choice of molding to cover the cable lines that will run through the hallway. Negotiations are on going. Mr. Krolman did advise the Board that Starpower would have to X-ray the trash chute area in order to take proper measurements for cable installation from floor to floor. In a change from last reports, Mr. Krolman said Starpower would not need access to owner/tenant apartment s during the installation process. Access will only be necessary once an owner/tenant orders the service.

The Board reviewed the policies governing Roof Garden functions and decided to let the existing policies remain unchanged. Of note, functions must observe quiet rules after 11PM although the pool and Roof Garden will remain open until 1AM.

During the past few weeks, sample testing of air conditioning water temperatures was done on the first and tenth floors. A first review of the date indicates that there may be a systematic problem with the current piping throughout The Lauren.

A second and follow up review was recommended and approved.

Other interim actions may help ameliorate the problem of sufficient cooling throughout the building. The Board suggested that Mr. Krolman research the idea of balancing and cleaning. Mr. Krolman will also investigate the cost of having the review repeated.

The board accepted research conducted by Dr. Brian Larkin and thanked him for his work. The Board had several questions and asked Dr. Larkin to further investigate the three proposals he received. The Board would like from each firm a sample of their studies, the backgrounds and details of the personnel to be involved, references, and an explanation of what The Lauren could expect from onsite inspections.

The Board approved a request from the owner of unit 111 to allow the application of the window film. The Board reiterated that all changes to windows and other exterior elements need to be approved.

Roger Hirschland brought to the Board a concern regarding the deposit of condo fees. His concerns were eased when he was told that Mr. Krolman is now supervising the deposits so that they will be made in an expeditious manner.

Mr. Hirschland's second concern had to do with the renovation of the upper lobby floor. He expressed to the Board that in his opinion he did not see the need for renovation and hoped the Board would not go through with it. Board President VanderPutten explained that she regretted to inform him that the process was underway and it was too late to reconsider. After some discussion of how different members of the Board participated in the discussion of the renovation, both Mr. Hirschland and the Board agreed that his input would have been valuable when the proposal for renovation was first being considered.

Don Benedick informed the Board that he and his tenants were highly disturbed by the current lighting situation on the east side of the building. Mr. Krolman reported that he has received several complaints and that the manager of 1300 19th St where the light is coming from has contacted him in regards to complaints he has been getting. He assured Mr. Krolman that the light was being fixed and will no longer be a nuisance, but the remedy may take a week. Mr. Benedick then asked if something could be done in the meantime. The Board authorized Mr. Krolman to work with the other manager to arrive at a possible solution.

Mr. Benedick also asked if the Board has considered replacing the windows throughout the building. Board President VanderPutten said that this was an issue of discussion in past meetings and is an on-going topic for the Board's determination. The Board continues to be interested in owners concerns in this matter but no specific action will be taken at the current time.

On a positive reflection President VanderPutten did want board members and owners to note that the value of The Lauren continues to rise. Current unofficial statistics reflect higher rents for some units and increased sales prices for others.

The Board accepted the resignation of Mason Essif from the board. Mr. Essif said he regrets having to leave the Board due to a temporary relocation to Chicago. He indicated he hopes to return to The Lauren in one year's time but in the interim will miss the quality of life that the Board, the manager, and the staff bring to its residents each and every day.

The Board set Wednesday, September 27 for their next meeting. Possible agenda item will be the first draft of the 2001 budget.

The meeting adjourned at 9 PM with the Executive Session to follow. An Executive Session followed.

To receive a copy of this and future Minutes via e-mail, send a request to Property Manager Walter Krolman at info@lauren.org.