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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
May 9, 2005
READING, MODIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF THE MARCH 31, 2005 MEETING
The Board approved the Minutes as a true record of the meeting.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Net cash available at the end of MARCH was $753,832.04
For year to date operations, through the end of MARCH
- total income was $216,343 which is under budget by $9,410;
- total operating expenses were $180,924, which is under budget by $8,875
- capital expenditures were $32,840.
Certificates of deposit activity during MARCH was as follows:
- -NONE-
Fund Balances
- operating fund balance as of the end of MARCH 2005 is $80,134
- reserve fund booked balance as of the end of MARCH 2005 is $656,185.
Related Matters
- Audit Status: additional information is still needed from Koger, but the goal is still to get the report completed in time for the annual meeting.
- The new account will be set up this month that will ensure that all funds are in institutions with balances less then $100,000.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETINGS OF MARCH 31, 2005
HVAC Consultant: Stage II Progress
The President summarized the meeting held May 2, 2005 with the 04 tier owners. There are two issues. The Whalen units themselves are past their expected life. In addition, the pipes and the Whalen units in the 04 unit are smaller than in other units and do not provide adequate cooling to the units. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the 04 tier also has the most sun. To install the larger Whalen units would require a build out of about 2 square feet.
One suggestion from the previous meeting was the possibility of installing an entirely different heating and cooling system, such as heat pumps or individual air conditioning units. The Board has asked its consultant to look into this. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, including having something extruding from the building.
- Owner of 204 reported that while the temperature in the unit is often at 85 degrees during the summer, he did not feel this was uncomfortable. At first he said it was not worth $6,000 to fix this, but after learning more about the project said he was "totally in favor of what the Board was doing" and only wanted to know the details.
- Owner of 904 said that all unit owners should share the cost and not assess individuals either for 04 or for the other units when they need to be replaced.
- Owner of 1004 pointed out that the cooling is so poor that the normal living room highs are regularly 85-87 degree and that it is often hotter inside the unit at night than it is outside on the street.
The Board reported that it is seeking to appoint a further independent consultant to review the data and conclusions reached so far. The names provided by an owner at the previous meeting were not expert in the area. The Board asked the manager to try to get "swag" estimates of construction costs and perhaps operating costs for the differences.
- Eileen Collins pointed out that the latest capital reserve study did not include the discussion of the replacement of the Whalen units. The manager explained that previous reserve studies through 2001 had included it, but latest one did not mention this because it assumed this was the owners' responsibility.
If all Whalen units have to be replaced, are there other options. An alternative would be to replace all units with a four pipe unit or heat pumps. These would probably be more expensive to install might provide greater flexibility to owners in terms of setting their own settings.
The Board discussed the idea of the President appointing a HVAC committee and the pro and cons of the committee structure. Joe Morris pointed out that the Board has been very much involved in this process, having hired consultant, identified options etc. All members of the board would want to continue to be involved in this action. The Board noted with appreciation the work done by Dr. Collins.
Legal opinion is that the Board has the authority to do what it deems as is necessary and to determine how things would be paid.
Hallway Ventilation
One bid has been received for about $6,500 plus the cost of the dampers. The project will replace the size of the louver in the pool house; replace the louvers in each hallway where needed, provide appropriate fire dampers. It will also place an exhaust fan on the roof for the trash chute. The Board approved the bid.
Stairway Ventilation
The consulting engineer will look into the possibility of venting the south stairway.
Sunderland Place Exit Security
The Board discussed the use of a motion sensitive light but needed more information.
Mold
The board approved a contract with Mecx to inspect reported mold.
In-Unit Air Conditioning Advice on Request
Mr. McNabb will be available for a 20 minute consultation with owners. Costs of changes to the units will be the responsibility of the owners. Dates will be announced soon and will be around June 1.
Annual Meeting
The Annual meeting is scheduled for June 2 at the Washington Marriott Hotel, 1221 22nd St., NW
COMMITTEE REPORT
Wi-Fi Committee
The Board discussed the possibility of installing wireless. Two options are available. One would be where an individual owner/resident would agree. If 5% or 7 owners signed up, the cost would be about $20 - 30 a month per user. If more sign up, the cost could be lower. The other would be to have the whole building given wireless access. Cost would be covered by condo fees. This might not be appropriate since some owners might not want wireless.
Neighborhood trash pickup
Board member Erin Erlenborn reported that the owners of the Front Page were contacted and said this was the first time anyone had officially complained.
Erlenborn will continue to be in contact with the managers of the buildings that are picking up trash very early in the morning.
Window Replacement
Representative of Starline came in last week. They will work up a bid. The committee will also try to get another bid. The cost might be somewhat higher due to new city regulations requiring side-walk protection. As the last time, owners will decide whether to install the windows at their own expense.
Decorating Colors
John Filice raised concerns about how the Board decides on paint colors. The Board agreed that this was a Board decision and would consider appointing a committee for future projects.ACTION ITEMS - IN ADDITION TO THOSE FOUND IN 3.0
HVAC Maintenance Contract/DC Regulations.
The Board is investigating whether the Lauren needs to have daily inspection. It is clear that we need this in the winter; but it is somewhat unclear if we need it on a daily basis during other seasons. The insurance company has been asked to give an opinion about necessity.
Roof Garden Cushion Replacement and stain removal.
The President appointed John Filice to the cushion committee.
Garage door painting
The board had previously approved this. They asked that two weeks notice be given - since no one would be able to enter or leave during a 12 hour period. The Board strongly recommended that the work be done on a weekend.
Garage Bike Storage Area
Clean Up
The bike room has been cleaned up. Eight bikes were removed.
Bringing Bikes into Lauren
Bicycle owners are reminded that bicycles cannot be brought in through the front door and should be careful if they are brought on to the elevators. Owners are encouraged to put their bikes in the bike room.
Bike Storage Area Fee
The Board discussed the possibility of charging for the bike storage but made no decision.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
-NONE-
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting 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/minutes.htm