The Lauren Condominium Association

 

Minutes of the Board of Directors - February 20, 2003

President Dwight Clark called meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. Present were Board members Joe Morris and Elizabeth VanderPutten, and property manager Walter Krolman. Also present for portions of the meeting were owners Brian Larkin, Sabina Djutovic-Alivodic and Carolyn Mano, and Bob Distin and Dennis Bean from G&L

TREASURER'S REPORT

Net cash available at the end of January was $574,983.50.

For year to date operations, through the end of January:

  • Total income was $64,383, which is under budget by $4,466;
  • Total operating expenses were $76,159, which is over budget by $20,952;
  • Capital expenditures were $76,854.

Certificates of deposit activity during January was as follows:

  • M&T Bank, N.A. 3-year CD renewed on 01/14/03 for the amount of $61,491.08 with an interest rate of 2.710% and a yield of 2.75%
  • New South Federal 3-month CD renewed on 01/17/03
  • New South Federal 6-month CD renewed on 01/18/03

Late Payments

The Board reiterated the Lauren policy that late fees will be incurred for all late payments of condo fees. Fees not received by the 10th of the month will be assessed $25. If payment is not received by the end of the month, an additional $25 will be assessed. The management firm, Koger, will levy these fees. After one month, overdue accounts will be referred to the Lauren attorney.

The Board also asked the manager to follow through on all non-payment of within unit service bills every 30 days.

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION 

Mechanical Overview by G&L staff - (Bob Distin and Dennis Bean)

Noise in the HVAC System

The Board expressed concern about the rushing sound in the heating/air conditioning system. Ms. Djutovic-Alivodic also raised this issue. The sound began to occur when G&L rebalanced the water flow in order to provide more normal distribution of heating and air conditioning. These repairs were needed since the system malfunctioning was causing some tiers to receive as much as 2/3 less heating/cooling than normal. G&L discussed possible solutions to the noise problem without causing additional difficulties. 

The Board authorized the replacement of the variable frequency drive that pushes water through the system. The drive has been burning out, perhaps due to changes in electricity voltage or perhaps to the configuration of the unit. If this does not appreciably reduce the noise, the Board will work with G&L on possible modifications including the loop temperature of the water and perhaps modifications of the setting of the valves. 

Laundry Room Fan

The Board also discussed the problem with the repeated failures of the fan in the laundry room. The Board asked G&L for an alternative design or fix. This might be a closed motor mount.

Hallway Air Handlers

The Board also discussed the fact that the hallway air handler is not working. The coils in the system appear to have frozen which may have caused leaks. Authorized replacement of coil at a total cost of about $5,000; install a thermostatic valve to turn off hot/cold water to provide better regulation of the temperature in the halls and a relay to shut down the motor and outside damper as a backup. 

Electrical Voltage

The Board asked for an estimate to test the electric voltage in the building. 

ACTION ITEMS 

Unit Renovation Requests

Three requests were submitted for installation of in-unit washers and dryers. The Board is concerned about the effects on the plumbing of the building and reiterated the policy that prior approval is required before installing in-unit washers and dryers.

The Board asked that the manager in cooperation with the Lauren attorney develop a policy before approving any requests. The policy will include criteria for equipment (water and electricity use and dryer venting), insurance liability release and possible security deposits. 

One owner left unit renovation plans with the Board for review.

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Security Committee

A draft of a security report has been circulated among the Security committee. The report will be presented at the next meeting. 

REVIEW STATUS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS

Front Door Locking Mechanism

Given the cost of upgrades and the cost of repairing the current system, the Board decided to postpone any decisions on upgrades

Vending Equipment

Although the Board recognizes that the current vendor does not replenish the machine regularly, they did not approve a change of vendors.

Pool Maintenance

The Board agreed to a new contract with Professional Pool for maintenance this summer.

Neighborhood Security

The board discussed the recent neighborhood meeting with MPD Lt. Frank Hill 202-996-5337 (pager) and Officer Chris Petz 410-533-3577 (cell phone), and ANC members Stuart Dwyer and Rob Halligan. The board reiterated its policy of cooperation with the police. The Board asked the Security Committee to represent the Lauren at the future meetings. The Board also asked the Security Committee to prepare a business card with important numbers that the Lauren will have duplicated and distributed to residents.

Status Report on Roof Garden Upgrades

Brian Larkin complimented the Board for the upgrades to the roof garden. The Board is still working with landscape architect to secure necessary lighting at a reasonable price. The manager reported he is waiting for a manual from BBQ manufacturer before proceeding with gas connections.

Accessibility 

The ADA lobby lift passed DC inspection on February 14th. The Board asked the manager to give instructions to the staff and to residents about the use and to make sure that the desk personnel help the residents who use the lift to exit and enter the building

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

New Board Member

The Board appointed Greg Kahn, owner of unit 903, to fill a vacancy on the Board created by the resignation of Ralph Dominick. 

Unit 212 Rented

The Lauren-owned unit (212) has been rented.

Insurance

The Board discussed recommendations of the insurance company. The Board asked the manager to get a bid for the installation of non-slip surfaces in the stairwell. 

Laundry

The Board approved the installation of non-burst water supply hoses to all washing machines on the property.

NEXT MEETING

Next meeting is scheduled for March 31 at 7:00 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED

Elizabeth VanderPutten Secretary

TO SUBSCRIBE

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

   

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