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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
October 14, 2004
President Derek Drummie called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Present were Board members Elizabeth VanderPutten and Dwight Clark; property manager Walter Krolman; and for a portion of the
meeting unit owners Eileen Collins (502) and Brian Larkin (1004).
READING, MODIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2004 MEETING
The Board approved the Minutes as a true record of the meeting.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Net cash available at the end of August was $744,473.95;
For year to date operations, through the end of August:
- total income was $561,887 which is under budget by $14,401;
- total operating expenses were $447,544, which is under budget by $25,551;
- capital expenditures were $21,984
Fund Balances
- operating fund balance as of the end of August 2004 is $106,298;
- reserve fund booked balance as of the end of August 2004 is $616,242
Certificates of deposit activity during July was as follows
- NONE
Status of Laundry Accounts Financial Institution Transition
- BB&T is now receiving the deposits from the laundry credit cards. The signatures on the Chevy Chase account where coins are deposited have also been recorded.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETINGS OF 23 AUGUST 2004 AND 9 SEPTEMBER 2004
Lead and Asbestos Testing: Promulgation of Findings to Owners & Residents and Feedback
The Board asked that a copy of the President's letter be sent to non-owners. Residents and owners are reminded that they can see the full copy of the report by contacting the manager, Walter Krolman.
Exterior Fencing: Status of Work
The fence is installed and functional.
Unit 212: Long Term Planning-Attorney Opinion
The Lauren attorney confirmed that the Board has the authority to sell unit 212 if it deems it in the financial interests of the condominium. The Board will now pursue the financial implications, including possible taxes. The current lease expires in August 2005. The Board will consider selling the unit at that time.
Vending Machine: Status of Removal & Replacement
The manager has found a company that will install and service a vending machine in the laundry room as soon as we can get the current one removed. He will continue efforts to contact someone in authority at Pepsi Cola, which owns but no longer services the existing machine.
Main Entrance Accessibility: Design Options
A plan is being developed for improving the main entrance accessibility and will be ready in time to consider during the budget process.
HVAC Consultant: Stage II Progress
Parts List
The consultant is still developing the list of items requested by the Board at the previous meeting.
“04” Tier Options
Work is still progressing on getting prices and specifications for alternative actions. Brian Larkin expressed his view that the optimal long-term solution is replacing the pipes. He also express skepticism about the workability of the alternative proposal to replace all windows in the 04 tier and/or add low emissive film to the windows plus installing duct work in each unit to divert air from the bedroom tier to the living room. The Board agreed to await Mr. McNabb's findings and to consider all the options and costings.
Exhaust Vents in Hallways
Before increasing pressure in the hallways, it will be necessary to install fire dampers in the supply system. They are required by the D.C. Housing Code but were omitted during the original construction of The Lauren. The Board approved the purchase and installation of these dampers, pending the final submission of a proposal. Fan speeds will also be adjusted. The Building will then test the various ways of increasing hallway pressure and therefore hallway cooling.
Owner Dr. Collins stated that it was a violation of the codes to shut off the vents (a possible way of regulating pressure). Even if this is not a violation, it can create problems for some units. The Board will check this urgently with the consultant. In the meantime, the Board did authorize the opening of the vents on the 5th floor. As the President pointed out, the Board is experimenting with various ways, in consultation with the engineering consultant, to enhance HVAC for all owners.
Heating System
The Board approved purchase of parts to fix existing problems and enable the system to respond to changes in outside temperature.
Audit: Distribution of 2003 Report to Owners
The manager reported that the Auditor's Report for 2003 is being printed and will be distributed to owners as soon as it is finished.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
-NONE-
NEW BUSINESS
Marketing/visibility of the Lauren.
The Board commented that the web page is excellent and useful to owners, tenants and potential residents and buyers. The Board asked Brian Larkin to work with a company to design a business card for the Lauren. Copies will be available as handouts at the front desk for drop-ins.
Building Engineer Contract
The Board approved renewal of the contract with Unitemp as the building engineer.
Sunderland Place Steps Loitering
The Board asked the manager to look into a way to close off the corner of the entrance. The Board also asked that our ANC representative Mike Silverstein speak with the Police
First Floor Carpet Condition
The Board noted that the carpet throughout the building is starting to look tired and that the carpet on the first floor, which gets the heaviest traffic, may soon need to be replaced. The manager noted all had been cleaned within the last two months and agreed to arrange for some spot cleaning of the first floor carpet.
HVAC Servicing
Bi-annual serving of the convector system will begin the week of October 19.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 11 at 7:00 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Followed the meeting the Board met in Executive Session.
RESPECTFULLY
SUBMITTED
Elizabeth A. VanderPutten, Secretary
TO SUBSCRIBE
To receive e-mail copies of Board Minutes, send a request to Property Manager Walter Krolman at manager@lauren.org
Minutes and other Lauren information may be found on The Lauren web site http://www.lauren.org/