|
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JANUARY 11, 2006
READING, MODIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF THE
MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 27, NOVEMBER 28 AND
The Board approved the Minutes as a true record of the meetings..
TREASURER'S REPORT
Net cash available at the end of NOVEMBER was $827,806.77.
For year to date operations through the end of NOVEMBER:
- total income was $811,280, which is under budget by $16,459:
- total operating expenses were $642,703, which is under budget by
$37,622; - capital expenditures were $49,969.
Certificates of deposit activity during NOVEMBER was as follows:
- Eagle Bank- A 12 month CD was opened. Opening value is $87,899.48 (with $47,899.48 coming from New South Federal account closed in October and $40,000 from BB&T). Interest rate on Eagle account is 3.92%
Fund balances were:
- operating fund balance as of the end of NOVEMBER 2005 is $118,003
- reserve fund balance as of the end of NOVEMBER 2005 is $734,636.
Comment
The under-budget in operating expenses was mainly due to a lag in receiving bills for the heating and gas.
Auditor meeting
The Treasurer and President met with the firm that did the 2004 audit to discuss how to improve reporting from the management firm to ensure a smoother audit process in 2006. The President and treasurer will meet with Koger to discuss the recommendations.
New Audit Company
The Board received five bids for the 2006 audit. The Board selected Goldklang, Cavanaugh and Associates, one of the largest DC-area firms doing condominium audits.
3.0 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 27, NOVEMBER 28 AND DECEMBER 5, 2005
Hallway and Exhaust Ventilation
The Hallway and Exhaust Ventilation project is expected to be finished by the end of January.
In-unit HVAC consultations reports
Reports from in-unit consultations by the Lauren's consulting engineer were distributed to owners for comment. No responses have been received to date.
Invasive study of Unit Convector
The owner of unit 711 hired Noyes to examine the Whelan unit and Cacho to do a deep cleaning of the clogged coils. This required cutting into the drywall and metal casing of the Whalen Unit. There was almost an inch of sludge on the coils. The 711 owner had reported that there was almost no airflow from the Whalen unit. The cost of the work was approximately $1,000, which was paid for by the unit owner. However, this was in a unit where the procedure did not require access through bathroom tiles. The owner reported that there was a perceived increase in airflow, although there have been no measured tests yet of the flow.
HVAC Committee
The HVAC Committee met to discuss the Moore proposal to give a second opinion about recommendations to fix HVAC problems. The committee asked John Filice to contact Moore. Moore will visit the building on or about January 24th and talk with HVAC committee members, manager, and some members of the Board and “walk the building.”
The committee sent Moore copies of relevant documents on the HVAC at the Lauren. Based on this he will give a report that either confirms recommendations from the professional engineer J. McNabb or suggest alternative approaches. The Board approved expenses for the initial meeting and meeting with the Board.
Mold/Mildew Investigation
An owner asked the Board to cover the expenses of dismantling and cleaning mold from around the housing of Whalen air-conditioning unit. The Board referred the matter to legal counsel to find out if this is an appropriate condominium expense or an expense for the unit owner.
ACTION ITEMS
Requests for Renovation of a Unit
John Filice discussed construction plans. The Board approved the plan in principle. The board pointed out that the contractor will have to be aware of any piping or cabling in the walls. The owner will hire licensed contractors and get necessary permits. Washer/dryers must meet the boards specifications. Filice abstained from voting.
Air conditioning for Elevator Room
The Board had requested bids for installing air-conditioning in the elevator room. This should reduce the possibility of elevator malfunctioning during hot days. The Board approved the bid from Noyes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Dumpster noise from neighboring building
The Board reviewed a letter from a Lauren unit owner to a neighboring building about the noise made by early collection of trash. The Board asked that the letter be reviewed by the condo lawyer. The President re-appointed Jeffrey Wertkin to continue heading the Noise Abatement Committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Dying and Dead Trees
Don Benedick pointed out that the trees on the parking lot patio are dying or dead and might be a fire hazard. The Board asked that the Manager speak to the owners about removing these trees.
Sidewalk Graffiti
The Board also discussed the fact that there is some graffiti on the sidewalks near the Lauren and asked that the Manager try to remove the markings.
South Stairwell Ventilation
The board requested that the manager ensure that a vent is installed.
Do-Not-Enter Sign on 20th Street and Sunderland Place
Roger Hirschland noted that the DC government reinstalled the “Do Not Enter Sign” and reflector signs on the traffic island in front of the Lauren. The Board thanked Roger for his efforts.
NEXT MEETING
The date for the next meeting will be announced.
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/minutes.htm