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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
March 1, 2004
President Dwight Clark called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
Present were Board members Derek Drummie, Rebecca Kane and
Elizabeth VanderPutten; property manager Walter Krolman; and for portions of the
meeting residents Roger Hirschland, John Filice and John Adamovich.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Net cash available at the end of January was $610,023.45;
For year to date operations, through the end of January:
- total income was $68,342 which is under budget by $3,695;
- total operating expenses were $68,645, which is over budget by $10,530;
- capital expenditures were $0.
Certificates of deposit activity during
- New South Federal Savings Bank. A 3 month CD was rolled over on January 20, 2004. Renewal balance was $46,210.34. Maturity date is April 21, 2004. Interest/yield rates are 1.44/1.45% respectively.
- New South Federal Savings Bank. A 6 month CD was rolled over on January 21, 2004. Renewal balance was $58,454.48. Maturity date is July 23, 2004. Interest/yield rates are 1.49/1.50% respectively.
Treasurer's comments
Actual expenditures exceeded the pro-rated budget in January largely because there were three paychecks in the month. The pro-rated monthly budget is simply one-twelfth the annual budget.
Related Matters
The Board noted with approval the new line item on the budget that summarizes total operating expenses.ACTION ITEMS
Pool Maintenance
The Board approved the contract with the Professional Pool Construction and Services company, the same as last year.
Air Conditioning
The Board asked that the air-conditioning be ready to be turned on by April 7th, although the final decision as to the exact date the system will be turned on will be based on the weather.
Testing for lead in the water
The Board had asked WASA (District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority) to test the water in the Lauren. According to the Property Manager WASA declined, stating that buildings of the size of the Lauren are serviced by larger diameter pipes that are made out of materials other than lead.
Nevertheless, the Board agreed to have a private contractor test the water so those owners can make informed decisions. The Board asked that this be expedited and that the results should be available by the end of this month.
Testing for asbestos
At the request of an owner, the board agreed to test whether there is any asbestos in the convectors. The Board has tested the area around the hot water holding tank and found no asbestos. Since the building was constructed after asbestos was used, it is unlikely that there is any in the building.
However, the Board agreed to have a private testing. The president will provide a list of potential bidders to the manager for his follow-up.
Emergency numbers of electricians/plumbers
The Board asked that the manager to prepare a list of plumbers, electricians and locksmiths for residents to use in case of emergencies. The Board asked that at least a temporary list be available at the front desk by March 12 and that a more complete list be done as soon as possible.
Garage Storage Policy
The Board approved the following garage storage policy, as developed by owner Wayne Rhee.
Policy for personal storage in garage parking spaces.
All storage of personal items in the garage must comply with fire department regulations and be approved by The Lauren Board of Directors for safety and aesthetic acceptability. Personal property must be neatly stored against a wall in rigid, permanent containers (e.g. metal or plastic storage boxes). Open shelving, cardboard boxes, duffel bags, plastic bags, etc. are not allowed.
Storage containers must not exceed 36" in height and 24" in depth. Containers must not prevent proper parking of a vehicle fully within the parking space. The garage is periodically washed with a pressure hose, therefore containers must allow water to flow underneath. Storage containers and contents must be non-hazardous. Highly flammable contents are not allowed (e.g. gasoline, paint thinner, etc.).
A copy of the policy will be distribute to each owner of a parking space and will be posted on the Lauren web site and on bulletin board in the basement.
Policy Brochure
Over the last year the Manager has distributed summaries of Lauren quality of life policies covering such areas as security, roof garden usage, hallway and laundry etiquette and others. These have been distributed and copies posted on the residents' bulletin board and The Lauren web site.
The Manager recommended that the Lauren develop a brochure that summarizes the policies. The intent of this brochure is that it would cover the most common questions about policy, and is meant to be easily referenced and readable. The Board approved this and asked that he circulate a preliminary list of items that would be included.
Snow Removal
The board requested that snow clearance be expanded so as to include additional treatments to the parking lot, provision of a sand barrel if feasible, and assurance of snow removal from the entrance to the 20th street curb at all times.
Annual Meeting
The Board tentatively set May 5th at 7:30 as the date for the annual meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
Fencing
Two estimates were received for a fence around the back parking lot and for a low fence to protect some of the plants on 20th street. Both companies noted that the price of steel has risen considerably in the past two month, but is approximately the same cost as aluminum. Based on recommendations of the various companies, the Board agreed on steel. The Board had questions that needed answers before making a final decision.
HVAC Discussion of Heating and Adjustment Capabilities
In response to the RFP for a new HVAC contractor, the Lauren has received about ten responses with an indication that about five will submit bids.
The Manager noted that DC law requires that a licensed engineer visit the building once a day.
The Board expects that it will identify an HVAC consultant by the end of March.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
An executive session followed the regular Board meeting.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting date TBA.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Followed the meeting the Board met in Executive Session.
RESPECTFULLY
SUBMITTED
Elizabeth A. VanderPutten, Secretary
TO SUBSCRIBE
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Minutes and other Lauren information may be found on The Lauren web site http://www.lauren.org/